MEET OUR STAFF
MEET OUR DEDICATED TEAM
Welcome to our “Staff” page, where we introduce you to the passionate and experienced individuals who make REPS thrive. Our team is the backbone of our success, and we take immense pride in the knowledge, expertise, and commitment each member brings.
Our Commitment is to Community, and we believe exceptional service begins with exceptional people. Get to know the faces behind our mission to serve you better:
Each member of our team brings a unique skillset and a genuine passion for what they do. We are united by a common goal: to provide you with the highest level of service, support, and expertise. We look forward to serving you and exceeding your expectations with the help of our dedicated team.
Kate Ivashkiv
Assistant General Manager
About Kate
Originally coming from a small town in Ukraine, Kate embarked on an incredible journey to the city of Chicago in 2017. Her life has always been deeply intertwined with her passion for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. This passion has been her guiding light since an early age, motivating her to inspire and help others on their fitness journeys.
Kate’s introduction to REPS Fitness was a pivotal moment in her life. Discovering that this fitness haven was conveniently located in her new home city, she eagerly became a member in 2018. It didn’t take long for her to fall head over heels for the gym’s sense of community and the unwavering support of its members. This warm and welcoming community became an integral part of her life, inspiring her to go above and beyond to contribute.
In 2022, Kate took her commitment to the next level and joined the REPS team as a staff member. In a little over a year, she transitioned into her current role as the Assistant General Manager.
Beyond her passion for fitness, Kate thrives on embracing new experiences, learning, and personal growth. Whether it’s diving into the pages of a book, writing, exploring new places, or engaging in sports like tennis, volleyball, and skiing.
Kate’s journey at Arizona State University, where she is a full-time online student, is another testament to her dedication. She is about to graduate with a degree in Psychology, a field that deepens her understanding of human behavior and motivation. Alongside numerous Psychology courses, her academic journey has encompassed several Organizational Behavior courses, equipping her with the insights and skills essential for excelling in her role at REPS.
In her role as Assistant General Manager, Kate is committed to working with Christi to ensure that REPS remains a place where the community, support, and passion for fitness intersect.
Meet Our Team
Gabe Jones
LEVEL 3 MASTER TRAINER, GROUP EX INSTRUCTOR (STRENGTH)
About Gabe
Level 3 – Master Trainer (strength/recovery/sports specific)
Gabe is a NASM certified Personal Trainer building a business with a focus on personal training and sport specific (basketball) training. Gabe graduated from Lewis University with a degree in Health and Human Performance. As a collegiate basketball player, he had an injury prone career because he didn’t understand the importance of strength and conditioning. His goal is to share knowledge of how important it is to train physically and mentally especially in younger athletes.
“Health is Wealth”
JOHN SOSANYA
LEVEL 3 MASTER TRAINER, PHYSICAL THERAPIST, GROUP EX INSTRUCTOR (STRENGTH)
About John
Level 3 – Master Trainer/Physical Therapist
John graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2017 from Washington University in St. Louis, while also earning a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialty from the NSCA. He carries an emphasis on correcting movement impairments and adapts both his therapy and training to accommodate orthopedic issues specific to every client.
John played division one football at the University of Oklahoma and incorporates the training style he learned while in that program while adapting it to the clients training level.
He has received a level one certification in Dry Needling and is in pursuit of Advanced Certification in Dry Needling. His services at REPS will include Personal Training, Physical Therapy and Dry Needling.
Erin Courtney
LEVEL 3 MASTER TRAINER, GROUP EX INSTRUCTOR (STRENGTH)
About Erin
WILL BLYTHE
LEVEL 1 PERSONAL TRAINER
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About WILL
Williams’s fitness knowledge is also influenced by years of active participation in sports, including soccer and rowing crew. Playing soccer taught him the value of agility, endurance, and joy in exercising, while rowing crew gave him a deep appreciation for strength, coordination, and resilience. These experiences have shaped his holistic approach to training, blending athletic conditioning with functional movements that optimize performance and prevent injury.
With Willim’s blend of practical experience in sports, a deep understanding of fitness, and the discipline of a busy professional life, he’s here to help you become stronger, healthier, and more energized. He will craft a workout plan that suits your unique goals, whether you want to improve athletic performance, lose weight, or boost your overall well-being
NATE BELL
LEVEL 3 MASTER TRAINER, GROUP EX INSTRUCTOR, CHIROPRACTOR, REHAB AND PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST
About Nate
Dr. Nathaniel “Nate” Bell, DC, MS, CPT brings over 10 years of experience helping people bridge the gap from rehab to performance, combining evidence-based manual therapy (cupping, IASTM, myofascial/ART, spinal & extremity adjusting) with biomechanics-driven training to keep members moving strong and pain-free.
Nate holds a Doctor of Chiropractic and an M.S. in Exercise Science (Sports Chiropractic concentration). He’s a NASM-CPT with advanced strength credentials (Certified Conditioning Coach; Pre-Script L1 & L2) and uses clear progressions to bridge rehab to performance. With a B.A. in Psychology and Empowered Relief® certification, he also teaches practical CBT-style tools that calm the nervous system and create lasting change.
A former multi-sport athlete and coach, Nate has worked with lifters and competitors across soccer, tennis, boxing, CrossFit, volleyball, jiu-jitsu, track & field, and weightlifting. He’s the founder of Innate Performance, host of the daily newsletter Innate Insights, and creator of the Back2Function program, which combines mindset and movement to turn flare-ups into a plan. Chicago newcomer, therapy nerd, performance coach—above all, Nate’s mission is simple: help you train smarter, feel better, and get results.
JULIA SANTIAGO
CERTIFIED GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
About Julia
With a coaching style that blends upbeat motivation with intentional movement, Julia creates an environment where everyone feels welcome and encouraged to push themselves. After just one class, you’ll leave feeling stronger, more empowered, and proud of what your body can do.
Though new to teaching, Julia brings fresh enthusiasm and a deep commitment to helping others move with confidence. Whether you’re looking to build endurance, improve strength, or move with purpose, Julia is committed to guiding you every step of the way.
LORI MADL
YOGA INSTRUCTOR – MASTER LEVEL 3
About Lori
Level 3 – Master Trainer (yoga)
After playing soccer and running for most of her life, Lori decided to explore something different which led her to yoga. After 6 months of dedication to the practice, she never turned back. She initially decided to go into teacher training in 2018 to explore and deepen her practice but eventually graduated and knew she was meant to go out and change lives like her instructors did for her. Lori aims to create a safe space to explore your practice through constant moving meditation.
RACHEL PARKER
YOGA INSTRUCTOR – MASTER LEVEL 3
About Rachel
Level 3 – Master Trainer (yoga)
Rachel s yoga training includes 200 hours in Hatha Vinyasa, 100 hours in Breath-Centered Yoga, and 500 hours studying with Dharma Mittra (Restorative through Level IV) – all certifications earned in NYC. In Los Angeles, Rachel studied for five years under senior Iyengar teacher Anna Delury at The Iyengar Yoga Institute.
In mid-September 2022, Rachel relocated to Chicago and is excited to find her people and build community. She believes yoga is for ALL bodies, and that movement is the medicine. She looks forward to cultivating both curiosity and equanimity with you on the mat. Namasté !
Jenny Butler
Yoga Instructor Master Level 3
About Jenny
ABBY MOORE
YOGA INSTRUCTOR MASTER LEVEL 3
About Abby
Abby’s yoga journey began in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2017 as a way to find grounding and has been a constant form of healing and growth ever since. She has also studied and practiced in Southern India and Chicago. Her classes focus on the union between breath and movement. She creates a safe space for you to show up as you are, and encourages you to develop your own relationship to the practice while guiding you along the way.
JULES RICKNER
YOGA INSTRUCTOR MASTER LEVEL 3
About Jules
Julia has been practicing yoga for over a decade, but a traumatic car accident made her fully embrace the practice, discovering its deep mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual benefits. She completed her first Ashtanga yoga training then deepened her path with a 200-hour Hatha training. Julia also has training in Kundalini, and began fully integrating Eastern and Western approaches to healing. She teaches resilience-based flows, power yoga, and restorative yin.
PRAGATI PATEL
YOGA INSTRUCTOR MASTER LEVEL 3
About Pragati
I teach mindful Vinyasa flow classes that focus on intentional sequencing and safe, progressive movement. My goal is to create a space where students can connect with themselves and the universe, build strength and awareness over time, and share in the positive energy that yoga brings.
GRACE KILCOMMONS
YOGA INSTRUCTOR MASTER LEVEL 3
About Grace
NICOLE ENG
CERTIFIED SOUND HEALER AND REIKI PRACTIONER
About Nicole
Nicole Chandler Eng is a Chicago-based holistic practioner, owner of Westerly Wellbeing, and long time REPS FNC member. As a certified sound healer and Reiki practitioner, Nicole is dedicated to fostering community, promoting inclusivity, and empowering people to embark on a journey of finding balance and harmony through mindful practices. She believes that we are Nature—constantly growing, changing, and finding balance—and her work focuses on honoring that connection through sound healing, sacred ceremonies, workshops, and mindful rituals creating spaces where people can slow down, reflect, and tap into their inner wisdom. Nicole co-teaches a once a month specialty yoga class with Lori, the last Monday of every month.