Fighting Koalas Team Burlington/Oakville
Coaching Staff
Joanne Shields – Head Coach
Joanne Shields is a Can-Fit-Pro certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. She has been motivating groups and training individuals in the area of fitness and nutrition since 1994. She is an accomplished and passionate runner, having completed over 22 marathons, numerous half marathons and shorter distance races since the mid 90’s when she lost over 150 lbs and began her personal fitness journey. She is also a long distance triathlete and has completed seven Ironman distance races and counting! She continues to participate in and coach others in triathlon, running, strength training, spinning, core and various other fitness related activities. Joanne is our head coach and will work with our more experienced triathlon/duathlon team members.
Mari Spano – Triathlon Coach
Mari Spano has been involved in fitness and health for over 15 years. An enthusiastic and passionate runner, Mari has completed over 10 marathons and many shorter distance races over the years. Mari also has a keen interest in short and long distance triathlon having completed many races including Ironman. Mari is a member of Can-Fit-Pro and is in the process of completing her Personal Training Certification. She is looking forward to working with all of our new triathletes and duathletes in the club.
Shelley Thornton – Swim Coach
Not only is Shelley Thornton a superb swimmer, runner and triathlete she is arguably the most positive, pleasant coach we know! Shelley has been involved in sport all of her life. In her youth, she swam competitively and was a member of the Hamilton Synchronized Swim Team where she qualified at Provincials and competed at the National Championships. Shelley has coached swimmers of all ages and capabilities since 1977. She has a Diploma in Recreation Leadership specializing in Fitness and Conditioning, and Recreation for Special Populations. Shelley is also a member of Can-Fit-Pro. She has completed many marathons, and has been involved in numerous shorter distance races . She has also completed many triathlons from Sprint distance to Ironman distance.
Shelley will run all group swim practices and will be delighted to help everyone meet and exceed their swim goals!
Melanie Shields – Cycle Coach
Prior to running and triathlon, Melanie Shields was an accomplished figure skater who competed across the Province where she was on the podium many times. In the sports of running and triathlon, Melanie has continued to be a podium finisher! She has been running since 1995 and has completed every run distance race from 5 km races to the marathon. In triathlon, she has completed all distances from the tri-a-try to Ironman Florida where she was the youngest competitor in the race at age 19.
Melanie is a Canadian National Triathlon team member who competed in Hamburg Germany at the World Championships in 2007 with a tenth place finish. She also competed in the World Championships in 2008 in Vancouver with a ninth place finish. Melanie is an energetic and intense runner, triathlete and coach. Her real passion is the bike and she loves to work with anyone who wishes to learn and improve their cycling skills. Melanie is delighted to coach all outdoor group cycle practices. She will also assist and ride with the group at the indoor compu-trainer classes.