Our Team
Melissa White
Certified Strength Coach, Certified Pre/postnatal fitness specialist, Certified Sports Nutrition Consultant, Recreation Therapist
Proud owner of Melissa White Fitness Studio- also proudly voted Reader’s Choice Best Fitness Facility, Best overall service, and Best Personal Training & Bootcamps over the last several years .
Melissa believes in a holistic approach to wellness, meaning the whole person. Creating long term change around health isn’t just about movement, but also building sustainable habits around nutrition, mindset, and finding true enjoyment through the process.
Growing up in Orillia, Melissa was heavily involved in athletics, volunteering, coaching, and has always had a vision to build community around inclusivity. Suffering from an eating disorder for years, body dysmorphia, and other battles young people endure- she made it her mission to build community where these things are acknowledged, accepted and worked on. As she entered motherhood, she grew her community for mamas to feel seen during their pregnant & postpartum journeys, not just the physical body but mentally also.
Having grown her business over the last 8+ years, she also participates in public speaking events for local and remote schools, postpartum groups, guest speaking for local fitness classes, has taught self confidence workshops for young female athletes, and continues to search out opportunity in the Orillia and surrounding areas.
Kassie Nelson
Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Yoga Teacher
Kassie is a passionate and enthusiastic certified personal trainer, who takes a holistic approach to wellness. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their fitness goals and prioritize their overall wellbeing. With a focus on proper form, Kassie's training philosophy emphasizes sustainable, long-term success. As a certified yoga instructor, she also understands the importance of mobility, and works with her clients to improve their range of motion. Kassie has a broad knowledge that allows her to offer versatile training, including pre-natal and post-natal fitness. She enjoys working with clients of all fitness levels, and is an intuitive trainer who knows how to tailor her approach to meet her clients' needs on any given day. In her yoga classes, Kassie strives to create a safe and comfortable environment for students of all levels. She emphasizes the importance of relaxation and self-connection, while also helping her students build strength and flexibility. Kassie is passionate about helping people on their wellness journey, and looks forward to the possibility of working with you.
Jacqueline Burlock-Bowes
Certified CANFITPRO Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer & Healthy Eating Coach
“Fitness has been in my life since my early teens and now here I am in my mid-fifties, still reaping the benefits of physical activity. I have had the pleasure of teaching and sharing my passion for movement for about 18 years and have met many wonderful people along the way. Not only is movement great for your body but great for your mind too. Exercise has kept me physically and mentally strong, centred and sane while raising five children and handling life’s many ups and downs. With experience in many different types of class formats I am able to add variety, creativity and fun all with a smile to keep you coming back for more. Maybe you will come out and enjoy my favourite workout approach; a good head to toe, front to back workout with moves for your heart and core too.”
Rebecca Bolden
BFA in dance from York University, a 300h YTT in Moksha AKA Modo Yoga and a 500h YTT in the Ashaya method
Rebecca Bolden has dedicated the last 15 years teaching yoga in and around Orillia. She owned and operated The Holding Space: a yoga studio for the whole family from 2019 - 2024. Rebecca specializes in prenatal yoga, Mom and Baby, and Kids yoga. Rebecca is also a birth doula. She co-founded and helps run the Orillia Postpartum Support group alongside friend and colleague Kayla Kent-Jarvis. Rebecca looks forward to continuing to offer her passion for perinatal health in yoga at Melissa White Fitness Studio.
Nicole Damery
MSW, RSW With over 12 years of dedication to the field of social work
Nicole has been a compassionate guide and advocate for individuals navigating life’s challenges. After earning her Bachelor of Social Work in 2013, Nicole worked extensively in social services, helping clients discover their unique paths to success and designing impactful programs to support their goals. In 2023, Nicole completed her Master of Social Work, further enhancing her expertise and deepening her ability to empower others. Her commitment to fostering growth, resilience, and positive change shines through in everything she does.