Dr. Sheldon Levy co-founder
Over the last 25 years, Dr. Sheldon Levy has built an impressive career as a physician and serial entrepreneur. His work as a physician has included experience in cardiovascular surgery, emergency/trauma and addiction medicine. Sheldon’s past experience in business include being the owner of an export company specializing in the provision of medical equipment and technology to developing countries, President and Medical Director of Canada’s largest privately owned independent medical assessment firm and Director of a finance organization that provided both used vehicle financing and legal disbursement funding. Currently, Sheldon is the Managing Director of a boutique Toronto-based private equity firm, which specializes in various venture capital/private equity investments. Sheldon is a dedicated CrossFitter and has competed in both the CrossFit Open and local competitions, as well as being an avid spinner. CrossFit YKV is a reflection of Sheldon’s passion for fitness and his desire to share his enthusiasm towards CrossFit with all. Sheldon is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer.
Blair Lyon Co-founder + Head coach
Blair Lyon has been involved in the fitness industry for over 20 years, including experience as both a powerlifter and a career as an amateur boxer. Blair has been a CrossFit Instructor since 2011 and has competed in the CrossFit Open as well as local competitions. With business, as well as fitness and lifestyle diplomas, Blair has managed the most prestigious health clubs in Toronto and established an extensive clientele. Blair is both partner and lead Instructor of the elite coaching staff of Crossfit YKV.
Blair's CrossFit and Extended Certifications are as follows:
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
- CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting
- CrossFit Mobility
- CrossFit Strongman
- Olympic Lifting-Darby Training Systems
- Medical Exercise Specialist-American Academy of Health, Fitness, & Rehabilitation
- RTS 1 & 2-Resistance Training Specialist
- Personal Trainer - Canadian Personal Training Network
- CrossFit Gymnastic
Alexandra Wright Coach
Alexandra has built her personal and professional life around the improvement of other’s health. Having been involved in competitive sports from an early age, Alexandra easily took to CrossFit’s hardworking, team environment. She has been teaching group fitness and aerobic classes since 2013, excelling in the ability to breakdown complex movements in a class environment. Alexandra aims for all participants to set and exceed personal goals. Her current work in health services research brings a different view to the world of CrossFit and YKV.
Alexandra’s certifications include:
- CrossFit Level 1
Anthony De Giorgio coach
Anthony De Giorgio has been working with adults and youth athletes for over 10 years in both a sport and strength and conditioning setting. A Physical and Health Education teacher by profession, Anthony has taught internationally in Kuwait and the Bahamas and will be returning to teaching in Toronto in August 2019. He has worked in a variety of different settings including personal training services, fitness facilities and schools, where he has also coached soccer, basketball and youth athletic training. Now, his work focuses on developing the physical literacy of children and youth through meaningful experiences in sport and physical activity.
As a former Varsity Basketball player at the University of Toronto, Anthony has trained at a high level and continues to do so while helping the next generation learn the tools of the trade to become active for life. He will graduate from the Masters of Professional Kinesiology program from the University of Toronto in December 2019.
Certifications include:
- NCCP Level 1 Multisport and Basketball (Technical)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- CrossFit Kids Trainer
- Standard First Aid and CPR-C (Canadian Red Cross)
- Ontario College of Teachers Professional Member
Courtney Jonker coach
Courtney fell in love and became immersed in the CrossFit methodology since the day she walked through the doors of YKV. Originally chasing a career in Law Enforcement Courtney found her passions lied within the health and fitness industry. Courtney is always interested in trying anything new, so you can be sure to count on her to participate in any new challenge, event or race you may need a team member for. As a Coach, Courtney will be the first person to celebrate your personal bests and hard work. She will also be the one singing and dancing in-between intervals leaving you to wonder how much coffee she has had before class.
Certifications include:
- CF-L1 trainer
- NASM CPT
- Crossfit programming
- Crossfit Anatomy
Saja coach
Saja found her passion for health and fitness through CrossFit at the age of 14. Ever since, She dedicated her journey to share that passion, through being an athlete, student and coach. She is currently a full-time Kinesiology student at UofT, as well as a strength & conditioning assistant coach with the university. She emphasizes quality and efficient movement and to achieve that she prioritizes being an athlete-centred coach. Saja will encourage and motivate you to get a step closer to your goals. She is very excited to work with all of you!
JONATHAN EZER coach
Jonathan has always had a love for fitness and competition. After finishing his time as a varsity athlete with the Queen’s University rugby team, he started his Crossfit journey at the local affiliate in Kingston, ON. After graduating, he traveled internationally stopping in at local affiliates along the way, even spending 2 months in Bali training for the Crossfit Open. Jonathan has a love for physical challenges, from running 10k’s to local competitions, he’s always game for the next test. As a coach, Jonathan looks forward to helping others achieve their goals by bringing energy, expertise and making his classes the best hour of your day.
BRENNAN CLARK coach
Brennan's CrossFit journey started with a membership gift from a friend "you're gonna love this!”, and he did! With 6 siblings Brennan’s life has always been filled with competition, and that initially drew him in. His passion for CrossFit started with the great, competitive workouts, but it quickly became as much about the amazing community of people. For the last 6 years Brennan has embraced all the challenges CrossFit has provided. He is looking forward to the new challenge of being a coach, and sharing his passion with everyone at YKV.
Malik El Jihl coach
Coach Malik was a competitive rugby player and discovered CrossFit when he moved to Canada from France in 2019. Since then, he’s developed a passion for Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, and conditioning, and loves to share his passion with athletes of all background and abilities. On any day at the gym you will see Malik snatching, working on his 1 mile run, or trying to achieve the perfect muscle up (and he is always up for a good Grace-off)!