About
Our Gym

Derek stands out as a Coach and Personal Trainer at Fortis, bringing a wealth of knowledge with his CrossFit Level 2 Trainer certification, expertise in Weightlifting, and extensive experience in Powerlifting. Known for being the hardest worker in any room, Derek’s dedication to the success of Fortis members and his clients is unmatched. His willingness to go the extra mile for everyone’s fitness journey makes him a pivotal figure in the Fortis family, constantly pushing boundaries and setting new standards for excellence.

With a CrossFit Level 2 certification, a degree in Kinesiology, and extensive experience in rehab and proper movement patterns, D’arcy is not just a coach; he’s a dynamo of energy and expertise. His classes are more than workouts; they’re fun-filled experiences where every member is engaged and motivated. D’arcy’s passion for fitness and his ability to manage a class make him a beloved figure at CrossFit Fortis.

Despite being one of our youngest coaches, Eve commands the room with her attention to detail and strategic coaching methods. Her commitment to helping members achieve greatness is evident in her enthusiastic participation in all things Fortis. Practicing what she preaches, Eve incorporates everything she knows into her own training, making her a true embodiment of the Fortis spirit.

Patrick, affectionately known as Patty, is a dedicated CrossFit Level 1 Trainer with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics. He is set to begin his Master’s in Human Kinetics this fall. Though new to CrossFit, Patty brings a wealth of experience from various fitness and coaching roles. He has notably served as a strength coach for both the men’s and women’s hockey teams at the University of Ottawa.

Patty’s passion lies in helping individuals surpass their own expectations and achieve their fitness goals. His commitment to excellence and personal growth makes him a valued member of the CrossFit Fortis team, where he inspires and motivates clients of all ages to push their limits and reach new heights.

Credentials & Certifications

• CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2)
• Registered Social Worker (RSW)
• Girls Gone Strong Menopause Coaching Specialist
• Nutrition Coach

Steph is a CrossFit Level 2 Coach who leads by example—not just for the kids and teen athletes at CrossFit Fortis, but for her own daughters as well. With a calm, compassionate, and encouraging coaching style, she creates a positive environment where young athletes can build confidence, develop healthy habits, and foster a lifelong love of movement.

As our Nutrition Coach, Steph is passionate about helping members create sustainable habits that support long-term health and success. She believes that meaningful change happens through consistency, education, and support, and she works closely with members to develop realistic strategies that fit their lifestyle and goals.

Steph is also a certified Girls Gone Strong Menopause Coaching Specialist, giving her specialized expertise in supporting women through perimenopause and menopause. Through our StrongHER program, she helps women navigate the physical and hormonal changes of midlife with evidence-based coaching focused on strength, confidence, energy, body composition, and long-term health.

In addition to her coaching credentials, Steph is a Registered Social Worker with extensive experience supporting individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. Her professional background gives her a unique understanding of behavior change, resilience, stress management, and the obstacles that can stand in the way of lasting health habits. She brings this perspective into her coaching by creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where members feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Steph also plays a key role in our Diapers & Dumbbells and MomStrong programs, where she helps new moms and seasoned parents prioritize their health, rebuild strength, and thrive through every stage of parenthood.

From inspiring youth and guiding families to supporting women through menopause and helping members build sustainable healthy habits, Steph’s dedication to creating a stronger, healthier community is at the heart of everything she does at Fortis.

As a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer with additional certifications in Weightlifting, Jerome brings his long-standing athletic drive to his coaching. His determination to see members improve and succeed is palpable in every session, making him a pivotal figure in the Fortis coaching team.

Level 1 Coach at CrossFit Fortis, is deeply committed to making sure every member experiences the best hour of their day during his sessions. His dedication extends to the Silver Strong program, where he delivers exceptional coaching tailored to the seniors’ group, ensuring their fitness journey is both impactful and enjoyable. Jon’s unique background as a massage therapist enriches his coaching, allowing him to apply his extensive knowledge of human physiology towards helping members develop proper movement patterns. His approach ensures that exercise remains pain-free and enjoyable for everyone.

Chantal brings a lifetime of athletic experience to CrossFit Fortis, with a background in ballet, figure skating, and synchronized figure skating at both national and international levels. Since joining Fortis in 2015, she’s embraced the constant challenge and variety that CrossFit offers, finding it the perfect outlet for her competitive spirit and commitment to movement excellence.

As a CrossFit Level 2 Coach, Chantal combines technical precision with genuine enthusiasm, creating an environment where members are encouraged to push their limits and celebrate progress. Her professional background in surgical sales gives her a daily reminder of how vital health and fitness are to overall well-being—a message she brings to every class.

With a passion for teaching and a sharp eye for form and technique, Chantal empowers athletes of all levels to move better, train smarter, and grow stronger—together.