A.J. Stephen

A.J. has been actively working in the health and fitness industry since January 2011 and founded Stephen Fitness & Rehabilitation in May 2016. While he initially worked with individuals looking to improve strength, fitness, and weight management, he began noticing that clients with more complex physical and cognitive needs were increasingly drawn to his educational background, professionalism, and calm, supportive approach. Recognizing a growing need for specialized exercise support, A.J. shifted his focus toward helping individuals living with physical and/or cognitive impairments maintain strength, mobility, function, and independence. Currently completing his PhD in Health & Aging at Western University, A.J.’s research focuses on increasing physical activity for older adults via engaging family/care partners. Through both his academic and professional work, he has helped hundreds of clients and families navigate unique health and mobility challenges through individualized exercise programming and support. In addition to his clinical work, A.J. has served as a professor at Fanshawe College since 2016, teaching courses related to wellness, human anatomy, and physical fitness. He also mentors Kinesiology students from Fanshawe College and Western University, helping support the next generation of health and exercise professionals. A.J. currently services London, Ontario.

ACCREDITATIONS

  • PhD. (in progress) - Western University
  • MSc. - Western University
  • HBSc. - University of Guelph
  • Registered Kinesiologist in Ontario
  • University of Guelph Certified Personal Trainer
  • Director: Ontario Kinesiology Association
  • Advisor to Fanshawe College's Fitness & Health Promotion Program
  • Professor - Fanshawe College

Malak El-Saleh

Mal has been playing sports since the age of 10 and has been passionate about fitness and health ever since. She always wanted to pursue a career where she could motivate and help others with their fitness goals and improve their quality of life. After high school, she completed the Fitness and Health Promotion program at Fanshawe College where did her work placement with Stephen Fitness & Rehab. Mal then went on to complete the PTA/OTA program at Trios College after her grandmother suffered a stroke. She is a regulated Senior Exercise Specialist and has extensive experience working with geriatrics, stroke patients, post-op patients and amputees. Mal loves challenging her in-home clients and ensuring that they are progressing with their exercise program safely. Mal currently services London, and St. Thomas, Ontario.

ACCREDITATIONS

  • Fitness & Health Promotion Diploma - Fanshawe College
  • OTA/PTA Certification - Trios College
  • Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Certified Personal Trainer
  • Recipient of Business London’s Twenty in Their 20's Contest for 2022

Ammar Azzawi

Ammar has been passionate about health, movement, and helping others feel their best for many years. He has always been drawn to a career where he could help people improve their strength, mobility, confidence, and overall quality of life through exercise. With a background in exercise science and human health, Ammar provides safe, personalized support that helps clients move better, feel stronger, and live more confidently. He works closely with each individual to create exercise programs tailored to their unique needs, abilities, and goals. Ammar has a special passion for working with older adults and clinical populations, helping them enhance balance, mobility, independence, and everyday function. He believes exercise should feel empowering, not intimidating, and is committed to creating a positive environment where every person feels heard, respected, and encouraged. He enjoys challenging clients in a safe, supportive way while helping them make progress, build confidence, and celebrate every step forward. Ammar services the London, St. Thomas, Dorchester, and Komoka, Ontario areas.

ACCREDITATIONS

  • HBSc - Western University

Emma Strain

Emma has been passionate about exercise and movement from a young age. She was involved in competitive cheerleading, which helped develop her discipline, strength, and appreciation for fitness early on. She continued to pursue this passion academically at Western University, where she completed her degree in Kinesiology. Throughout her studies, Emma developed a strong foundation in exercise science, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. She also gained hands-on experience working with a wide range of clients through her practicum placement at Stephen Fitness & Rehabilitation. Emma is committed to creating a positive and uplifting environment where clients feel supported, challenged, and confident in their progress. She is passionate about helping individuals move better, feel stronger, and achieve meaningful results safely and effectively. Emma services the London and Dorchester areas.

ACCREDITATIONS

  • HBA Kinesiology - Western University

Aron Brant

Since becoming registered as a physiotherapist, Aron has become certified in contemporary medical acupuncture and has received post-graduate training in various soft tissue and manual therapy techniques. He is focused on treating patients holistically and combines a variety of treatment approaches to maximize patient recovery.

ACCREDITATIONS

  • MPT - McMaster University
  • BSc. Kinesiology - McMaster University