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Trainers

 
 

Owner | Trainer

Dori Johnson

Dori, owner at NOKO STRENGTH started her fitness journey with athletics in high school that transferred to collegiate rowing. Her passion for rowing after college and desire to work with others inspired her to get her personal training certifications in rowing, stand up paddle boarding, kettlebells, weightlifting and CrossFit. She views her primary role as a coach is to encourage members to embrace strength training and movement while enjoy the process. With her amazing staff of coaches, owning the gym has been one of the most gratifying experiences and a joys in her life. Other equally important parts of her life include spending time with her family, getting outdoors, being adventurous, traveling, dancing in class:) and just overall finding time to enjoy life.

 
 

 
 

Trainer

Kristina Casper

Kristina’s biggest passion is rowing/fitness!  She started training athletes at Paddlesculpt 7 years ago. Fitness is the thing that keeps her grounded and able to tackle the day to day challenges we all face. If you want to be motivated and supported, NOKO STRENGTH is the place to be and Kristina wants to help everyone get the most of out of their workouts.

 

 

Trainer

Sonja Krasean

Sonja is passionate about helping others build strength through barbell and kettlebell work. She’s an energetic extrovert and loves group fitness because it’s motivating and it pushes athletes to the next level.  She has a special interest in working with teens in this area and started the teen weightlifting program at NOKO STRENGTH. She believes everyone should be moving each day in some type of capacity and her goal is to support and encourage others as they embrace their own fitness journey.


 

Trainer

Rachel Tressel

Rachel has been on the move her whole life and loves a good challenge. As an experienced physical therapist and athletic trainer, Rachel has had the pleasure of working with people in all ages and stages of life, and is a firm believer in the power of movement. Rachel loves empowering others to keep moving, and enjoys using her knowledge and experience to help people customize workouts to best meet their individual goals and abilities. In addition to strength and conditioning, Rachel has also enjoyed teaching yoga in the twin cities for the past 15 years. A passionate runner and outdoor enthusiast, you can catch her out on the trails, or in the gymnastics gym where she also coaches gymnastics and cheers on her daughters as they train.


 

Trainer

Breanna Tivy

Breanna has been a lifelong athlete in sports ranging from alpine ski racing to collegiate rugby. In her adult life she discovered a love for strength training and believes that strength builds confidence. Kettlebells have become a specific area of passion, as it focuses on strength, functional movement, and brain engagement. She loves seeing the growth and satisfaction in people discovering capabilities in their bodies they never knew they had.


 

Trainer

Andrea Nelson

Andrea has been a proud member of the Noko Strength community since 2017. She loves this gym for being committed to helping others "find their day" while challenging them to become even stronger people, in and out of the gym! Running, rowing, and strength are her jam. She’s excited to share her "get centered and sweaty" energy with all of you!

 

 

Trainer

Andy Lamont Kreienkamp

Contrary to popular opinion, Andy is NOT a lifelong athlete! He started his fitness journey in earnest about 10 years ago, and has explored a variety of disciplines in that time—including bodyweight training, powerlifting, and cross training. He sees his "late" start as proof that anyone of ANY age can improve their health by moving more and moving better, and he hopes to encourage you of the same! Andy recently earned his Level 1 certification from USAW and is excited to join the incredible team of NOKO STRENGTH trainers! When Andy's not coaching, he's probably riding his bike around the city lakes, playing Gameboy in a hammock, or building electric guitars in his South Minneapolis garage!


 

Trainer

Amy Hoey

Amy is a personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, and group exercise instructor. She loves helping people discover a well-rounded approach to fitness so they can move better and feel better. Amy combines techniques to build strength, improve mobility, increase flexibility, reduce soreness, and release tension. Outside of class, you'll find Amy kayaking, gardening, running the trails, walking her dog, and spending time with her family.


 

Trainer

Jessica Thompson

Jessica (she/her) began fitness with 12 years of martial arts and after moving from NY to CA started at a crossfit gym in 2012. Since then, Jessica has coached crossfit under a level 2 certification and olympic weightlifting as a USAW level 1 performance coach. Jessica enjoys outdoor activities and lives in Stillwater with her family.


 

Trainer

Marsha Dittemore

Marcia refers to herself as an ‘adult-onset athlete’ who found her way to fitness and nutrition through her own transformation. Having gained 70 lbsthrough long hours at a stressful job, and after several failed diets, she set out to learn everything she could about proper nutrition and holistic wellness. That was over 10 years ago and since that time hasenjoyed nothing more than mentoring others into healthier lifestyles. Marcia made the switch from her corporate role to full-time coaching in 2023. She is a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Group Fitness Instructor (NASM) and Certified Nutrition Coach (Precision Nutrition PN-1).   

Outside of the gym and her nutrition coaching business, Marcia can be found someplace outdoors with her dog enjoying her favorite things about South Minneapolis: Lake Nokomis, Minnehaha Falls Parkand any restaurant with outdoor seating.  


 

Trainer

Matt Diaz

Matt has enjoyed a variety of athletic endeavors since childhood. For years, his go-to sport was running, but time, wisdom, and injury brought him to seek balance between that and practicing with kettlebells. In January of 2024, he earned a teaching certificate with DV8 Fitness and is eager to share his knowledge. He admires advanced techniques, but prefers to keep classes accessible by focusing on the meat and potatoes.


 

Trainer

Lauren Peterson

Lauren Peterson is a dedicated fitness trainer and special education teacher, bringing her passion for helping others to her role at NOKO STRENGTH. With her NASM certification and background in weightlifting and HIIT workouts, she is well-equipped to guide individuals on their fitness journeys. As a mother of two, she understands the importance of instilling healthy habits in children and fosters a positive and empowering environment for all. With her warm demeanor and dedication to creating a supportive community, Lauren is committed to helping members embrace strength training and movement. Her love for the outdoors and active lifestyle further inspire her commitment to guiding others in their fitness journey.


 

Trainer

Genevieve Kalland (she/her)

Health teacher, CPT and coach, Genevieve loves exercise because of all it allows her to do - physically, socially, emotionally and mentally. Helping people of all ages experience the benefits of a strong mind-body connection in a supportive, educated and person-first manner, drives her love for coaching! Outside the gym Genevieve enjoys running, chilling on the couch with her dog and adventuring with her wonder spouse.


 
Amazing place to work out in. Great trainers, wonderful classes. Awesome feeling of community!
— Hellen Ferguson