Team
Andres Palomino, MSc
Reg. Kinesiologist & Wellness Coach
From my early years I’ve been involved with sports and physical activity. At 8 years old I started to compete as an Inline Speed Skater in my hometown. The passion for sports led me to choose Kinesiology and exercise sciences as my professional career.
During more than 10 years of experience in the personal training and health promotion field, I have had the opportunity to work with 50+ people. This interaction allowed me to understand their fitness and health needs.
Today, I work for Fit After 50, a kinesiology and wellness organization specialized in prevention and management of recurring pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure and any other special physical condition. My main objective is to optimize client’s health and help them to improve their quality of life.
Professional Highlights
- Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria in British Columbia
- Post Graduate Diploma in Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion from Centennial College
- Bachelor’s degree in Sports and Exercise Sciences from National School of Sports, Cali, Colombia
- Senior’s Fitness Instructor Course, The Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging
- Soft Tissue Release Training, Provided by Jim Bilotta M.Ed, B.Phed, Dip SIM. CAT(C)
- Provider member of “Exercise is Medicine Canada” (EIMC) Professional Network
- Registered to the College of Kinesiologist of Ontario
- Former Board Member of OKA, Ontario Kinesiology Association
- Member of Canadian Obesity Network
- Former President of ARKO "Association of Registered Kinesiologists of Ontario"
Teresa Paredes
Group Fitness Instructor & Personal Trainer
I’ve been a Health and Fitness Specialist for more than seven years. My experience includes training boomers through therapeutic exercises and recreational activities such as: Aqua Fit, Gravity, Aerobics, Muscle Work, Step and Boadanza Classes.
Professional Highlights
Rachel Lau
Blogger & Podcaster
After moving away from Toronto, I decided to continue to work with Fit After 50 as a blogger. Why? Because I love to share what I have learnt and experienced via writing! As a blogger, my goal is to promote self-care, such as how to manage stress via physical activity, such that everyone can live a healthier and happier life.
I have been physically active from a very young age. Growing up in Hong Kong, I have learnt to swim, play badminton, basketball and tennis. In high school, I was in the school team for swimming, cross-country and indoor rowing. My passion for sports and exercise have led me to study kinesiology at the University of Toronto (UofT), in which I have graduated with a Bachelor of Kinesiology with High Honours.
While studying at UofT, I was a Varsity Rower at UofT for two years, in which I received the Most Improved Athlete Award. I had also been the Secretary of Exercise is Medicine Canada on campus since sophomore year, in which I was nominated for the Student Life Campus Organizations Award for Executive Leader of the Year 2019.
In addition to my degree, my roles and responsibilities from various positions at UofT have enriched my knowledge and expertise on how physical activity can improve physical and mental well-being. Want to know what I have to offer? Stay tuned for more of my blogs!
Jessica Palazzo
Wellness Coach
I have been an active individual from a very young age. My parents wanted me to gain exposure in multiple different activities to develop fundamental physical, mental, and social skills in a fun and safe environment.
My favourite sports are soccer, volleyball and gymnastics, where I trained and competed as a gymnast for 10 years.
With support of my family, friends, coaches, and teachers, I have learned how to hone in my strengths and grow in my self-confidence. My love for sports and the science of human movement led me to choose to study Kinesiology.
Through my studies, I have gained valuable knowledge and experience working with various populations, including athletes, children and youth, adults with chronic health conditions, and individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. I apply this information with the experiences I have gained as a former athlete and now coach to guide, teach and empower individuals to move well, prevent injuries, and mange chronic conditions within sport, work, and life. Ultimately, I strive to help others learn how to believe in their abilities and become more confident and competent.
Professional Highlights
- Master’s degree in Professional Kinesiology [MPK(c)] from the University of Toronto
- Honours Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology [BKin(Hon.)] from the University of Toronto
- NCCP Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Competition 1 (Level 2) trained
- NCCP Multi-Sport Competition Part A: Fundamental Movement Skills
- Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness Training Certificate
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Certificate
- Standard First Aid Level C – CPR/AED
Ramzia Rahmani
Wellness Coach
While growing up in my household, the idea of being active and living a healthy lifestyle was always an essential goal. I would accredit my passion for helping people with their fitness and wellbeing to my early years, as a caring daughter, devoted sister, and loving friend. I spent time encouraging my siblings to stick to their devoted sports by helping them train, attending every practice and constantly motivating them to excel. This love for sport and passion led me to the professional field of Kinesiology. I am currently a third-year undergraduate student attending the University of Toronto studying Kinesiology and Physical Education.
While attending university I have had several opportunities working with a variety of individuals, leading Equity workshops, hosting various athletic tournaments for individuals with disabilities and being an active member in the movement of promoting both mental and physical fitness. As an intern for Fit After 50, my main goal is to be the catalyst for change and motivate others to living healthier. I am excited to gain hands-on experience and further broaden my network during my time here.
