Coaches Who Care

Owner/Coach Paul Dyck 

Paul Dyck is the owner and head coach at Starke Strength & Conditioning, bringing over two decades of experience in health, fitness, and performance training. With a background that spans from personal training and wellness coaching to operating his own successful fitness business, Paul’s passion lies in helping people unlock their full potential—both physically and mentally. Known for his direct yet supportive coaching style, Paul believes that strength built in the gym carries over into every part of life. Whether you’re chasing performance goals, improving health, or building resilience, Paul’s mission is to help you get stronger, move better, and live better.

Coach/Admin Micaela Zagozewski

Micaela Zagozewski is one of Starke’s most motivating and energetic coaches, as well as our dedicated Client Success Manager. With over three years of coaching experience, Micaela believes that training in the gym is about far more than lifting weights—it’s about building the strength, confidence, and endurance to live fully outside of it. Her approach is all about helping people step out of their comfort zones and realize what they’re capable of, whether that’s crushing a new workout, finishing their first race, or completing their longest hike yet. Micaela’s passion for fitness stems from how it enhances every part of her active lifestyle—cycling, running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are just a few of the ways she puts her gym work into practice. She’s living proof that consistency and effort in the gym translate into freedom, strength, and joy in life. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: train in the gym so you can excel and have fun outside of it.

Coach Nicholas Klassen

Nicholas Klassen has been training at Starke Strength & Conditioning for over eight years and brings a deep passion for movement, health, and performance to his coaching. Currently pursuing his Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Manitoba, Nicholas combines his academic foundation with years of hands-on experience in CrossFit, Olympic lifting, and competitive volleyball. Known for his dry humour and relentless work ethic, Nicholas loves seeing people push past their limits—especially when they surprise themselves by achieving what once seemed impossible. His coaching style emphasizes perseverance, technical precision, and an understanding of the “why” behind training. When he’s not lifting heavy weights, Nicholas can be found studying fitness and human health with future plans to pursue a career in medicine. His favourite quote, “Victory belongs to the most persevering” by Napoleon Bonaparte, perfectly sums up his philosophy both in and out of the gym.

Coach Natalie (Nat) Forest

Natalie “Nat” Forest has been part of the Starke community for five years and has spent the past four sharing her energy, grit, and passion as a coach. Her fitness journey began nearly eight years ago when she discovered CrossFit and instantly fell in love with the challenge, the community, and the feeling of accomplishment after every workout. Nat specializes in group strength and conditioning, one-on-one foundations, and personal training—helping members move better, get stronger, and build confidence inside and outside the gym. She believes that pushing through hard workouts not only builds physical strength but also mental resilience, proving that we’re all capable of more than we think. Known for her no-nonsense approach and positive energy, Nat inspires members to stay disciplined, put in the work, and celebrate every win along the way. When she’s not coaching or lifting heavy weights, you’ll find her soaking up the sun—on her balcony, at the beach, or with the gym doors open, barbell in hand. 

Coach Matt Parker 

Matt Parker is a dedicated Personal Trainer and Strength Coach with a CF-L1 certification, bringing five years of CrossFit experience and six months of coaching to his athletes. Specializing in Olympic Weightlifting, Powerlifting, and Gymnastics, Matt combines a strength-based, flexible, and supportive coaching style with high standards to help clients reach their full potential. Inspired by a desire to give others opportunities to experience physical growth—whether they once had it or never did—he meets each athlete at their level, providing tailored programs through 1-on-1 sessions, group classes, and online coaching. With a background in soccer, football, and basketball, Matt fosters a healthy relationship with physical activity, emphasizing skill acquisition, high performance, and personal development. Outside the gym, he enjoys bartending, crafting cocktails, working on his supercharged Honda Civic Si, gaming, and spending time with his family, girlfriend, and their two French Bulldogs. Guided by Socrates’ philosophy—“It is a shame for a person to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which their body is capable”—Matt brings empathy, passion, and a 100% commitment to every client he trains.

Coach Irene Wasilewski

Irene Wasilewski is a coach who leads with empathy, experience, and a genuine desire to help others discover their strength—both inside and outside the gym. After starting her own fitness journey from a place of being overweight and inactive, Irene knows firsthand how intimidating getting started can feel. That’s exactly why she became a coach: to show the “average” person that fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, consistency, and finding joy in movement. With nine years of CrossFit experience and nearly a year of coaching, Irene’s approach is centered on meeting people where they’re at, helping them define realistic goals, and celebrating every win—big or small. Her philosophy is simple: do your best each day, stay consistent, and surround yourself with a supportive community. When she’s not coaching or chasing her next goal—like running a half marathon or mastering a strict pull-up—you’ll likely find her knitting or encouraging others with her favorite quote: “You cannot plow a field by turning it over in your mind. To begin, begin.”

Coach Corry King

Corry King has been part of the Starke Strength community since 2020, bringing with her a deep background in endurance sports and a lifelong passion for adventure. A former triathlete, marathoner, and fitness competitor, Corry’s athletic pursuits have taken her around the world — from mountain treks to challenging adventure races — each experience shaping her understanding of resilience, mindset, and self-mastery. She lives by the philosophy of the Five Mountains of Self Mastery: physical, mental, emotional, intuitive, and spiritual growth.

For Corry, coaching is an extension of who she is. From guiding her kids through sports to inspiring friends to take on new adventures, she’s always found joy in helping others step beyond their comfort zone. At Starke, she channels that same energy into mentoring members — celebrating their courage to try new skills, push limits, and continuously evolve.

Corry believes every athlete can improve with consistent effort and the right support, no matter where they start. Her greatest reward comes from seeing members empowered not just in their fitness, but in every part of their lives. As one of her favorite quotes reminds her: “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.” – John Wooden

Coach Maddi Minarik 

Maddi Minarik has been part of the Starke community for over five years, bringing her background in kinesiology and a lifelong passion for coaching and movement to every class she leads. With five years of CrossFit experience and a long history of coaching volleyball since 2012, Maddi is driven by helping everyday people discover the joy of movement and realize that exercise is a privilege—not a punishment. She loves seeing members connect, laugh, and push themselves to achieve things they once thought impossible. Whether it’s celebrating small wins or sharing post-workout smiles, Maddi values the relationships and positivity that come from shared effort. Outside the gym, she spends her time coaching volleyball, hanging out with her family, and enjoying the lake life. A competitor at heart, she and her partner Markus proudly won the 2025 Outland Games. Maddi lives by the quote, “You get out of life what you tolerate,” and is deeply grateful for the Starke community that continues to inspire her every day.

Coach Maria Toone

Maria Toone brings a lifetime of athletic experience and a deep passion for coaching to the Starke community. A competitive gymnast turned multi-sport athlete, Maria has spent over 30 years playing competitive soccer — including varsity and Canadian Armed Forces teams — and has competed in volleyball and powerlifting. She holds a Level 2 Gymnastics Coaching certification, multiple National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) credentials, and is currently pursuing an Undergraduate Degree in Physical Education at the University of Winnipeg. Maria specializes in powerlifting and strength and conditioning for youth, combining her extensive coaching background with a genuine love for helping athletes of all ages build confidence, strength, and discipline. Recognized as the Royal Canadian Air Force Female Coach of the Year (2014), she believes sports are about far more than competition — they’re a lifelong source of balance, growth, and connection. What Maria loves most about coaching is the energy and relationships that come from working alongside motivated athletes (with a great playlist, of course). Outside the gym, she’s a proud mom, student, and lifelong learner who lives by the words on her fern tattoo: Kia Kaha — “Stay Strong.”

Coach Eric Shillberg

Eric Shillberg has been training at Starke for three years and officially joined the coaching team in 2025. With a background that includes 15 years of soccer, national-level waterski competition, and a passion for CrossFit, Eric brings a blend of athletic precision and high-energy coaching to every class. Known for his mastery of bodyweight movements and lightning-fast burpee box jump overs, he thrives on helping members discover just how strong and capable they truly are. Eric’s coaching style focuses on building confidence, discipline, and community—making sure everyone who walks into class feels supported and challenged in the right ways. When he’s not in the gym, you’ll find him running, spending time at the cottage, or diving into his next endurance goal, whether it’s marathon training or HYROX. Guided by his favorite quote, “As long as you live, keep learning how to live” (Seneca), Eric embodies the spirit of continuous growth—both as a coach and as an athlete.

Coach Magda Bodnik

Magda Bodnik has been part of the Starke family for nearly two decades, first as a dedicated member and now as a developing coach. Her fitness journey began with a goal to become a police officer, a challenge that sparked a complete transformation. Starting at 220 pounds and new to exercise, Magda’s determination led her to lose 60 pounds, rehabilitate a torn ACL, and successfully complete the POPAT fitness test. Though her path didn’t lead to policing, it ignited a lifelong passion for movement, strength, and personal growth.

Since 2006, Magda has trained in functional fitness, endurance running, and strength development — completing two half marathons, including the Hyperthermic Half and the Police Half Marathon. Today, she finds the greatest reward in helping others achieve their own goals, especially when she sees members overcome challenges, refine their movement, and gain confidence in their abilities.

Magda believes that coaching isn’t just about fitness — it’s about empowering people to realize how capable they truly are, both inside and outside the gym. Her approach reflects the same resilience, empathy, and dedication that have defined her own journey from client to coach.

Coach Nolan Collado

Nolan Collado brings over a decade of experience in CrossFit weightlifting and gymnastics to the Starke coaching team. A graduate of Physical Therapy, Nolan’s journey began helping people move better and regain function — a foundation that evolved into a passion for coaching and performance. Over the years, he’s earned multiple CrossFit certifications, including CrossFit Weightlifting and CrossFit Gymnastics, and has competed extensively across the Philippines, earning podium finishes at events like the Affiliate Alliance’s The Fittest and the Metro Weightlifting Championships.

Specializing in the fundamentals of both CrossFit weightlifting and gymnastics, Nolan believes that great coaching is about more than teaching skills — it’s about connecting with people and helping them realize their potential. His philosophy centers on growth through consistency, effort, and heart. As he says, “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation; we are what we repeatedly do.”

When he’s not coaching or training, you’ll likely find Nolan relaxing at a local coffee shop or bagel place. Though he’s only been at Starke a short time, his passion, expertise, and positive energy have already made him feel like part of the family.