Coaching Team

Meet The Kettlebell Wellness Crew

This is a supportive, welcoming space where you’ll be coached, encouraged, and celebrated — every step of the way. You’ll train with real women, led by expert coaches who care.

What we do

We teach women how to lift heavy things in the comfort of their own homes. It’s intimidating, but women are learning that they need to actually lift heavy things to combat estrogren and progesterone loss in peri and postmenopause. It’s a big deal. And kettlebell training could change their lives. Kettlebell Wellness is working hard to shift the narrative our mothers passed onto us, and build a stronger generation of women and girls! 

It’s time for us to undo the damage the fitness and food industry caused and build stronger, smarter, move savvy women who know how to lift heavy things with power and grace.

Meet Karen, Founder of Kettlebell Wellness

Meet Karen – Founder of Kettlebell Wellness
StrongFirst Kettlebell (SFG I)
Egoscue Postural Alignment Specialist (PAS I)
Master of Music (MMus)

With well over two decades as a professional Classical Violist and 1000+ hours of yoga teacher training, my path to kettlebell coaching is rooted in a deep respect for mindful movement. Kettlebells became my preferred strength tool because they seamlessly combine awareness, efficiency, and power—something I’ve sought across all my movement practices.

Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of individuals—including musicians, artists, and yogis—build strength, improve posture, increase cardiovascular health, and develop confidence in movement. Whether you're brand new to strength or rekindling a relationship with your body, my goal is to take the intimidation out of fitness and invite you into a sustainable, intelligent practice.

Meet Your KBW Coaches

All of our coaches are StrongFirst Certified and bring a diverse background in the fitness industry!

Kumie Nakane

StrongFirst Coach | Kettlebell & Strength Training Specialist

Kumie is a dedicated coach based in Montreal, Canada, with over 15 years of experience in coaching and personal training. Since 2018, kettlebell training and the Hardstyle methodology have become integral parts of her daily practice and teaching. She is currently feeling stronger than ever, thanks to her consistent training and commitment to her craft.

In collaboration with Karen, Kumie has been instrumental in developing the Intro to Kettlebell classes for Kettlebell Wellness, ensuring that newcomers receive a solid foundation in technique and safety.

Kumie's approach to coaching is rooted in inclusivity, empowerment, and a deep respect for the body's capabilities. She is excited to bring her expertise and passion to the Kettlebell Wellness community, supporting individuals on their journey to strength and well-being.

Avril Shepherd

StrongFirst Coach| PT, SFGII, SFL, SFB, HC, PN-I

I’m an SFG II and SFB StrongFirst-certified instructor, as well as a certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach through the American Council on Exercise, and a Level 1 Nutrition Coach through Precision Nutrition.

Kettlebells are a simple—but challenging—way to reach your health and strength goals. You don’t need much equipment or even a gym—they’re portable and versatile.

I believe everyone, at any age, has the potential to improve their health. As a health and nutrition coach, I help you set goals, create strategies, and overcome obstacles. As a kettlebell instructor, I teach the skills you need to build strength safely and effectively.

Avril Shepherd @mobellityfitness

Lauren Taylor

StrongFirst Coach

Based in Saskatoon, Lauren Taylor is a highly accomplished strength coach and Canada’s first-ever StrongFirst Iron Maiden—an elite title earned by pressing, pistol squatting, and performing a tactical pull-up with a 24kg kettlebell.

Lauren brings her deep expertise in kettlebell training to Kettlebell Wellness as a Live Zoom class coach, where she helps women build strength, mobility, and confidence through smart, supportive training. With StrongFirst SFG I and II certifications and a decade of coaching experience, she offers clear, precise instruction in a virtual setting that feels personal, motivating, and accessible—no matter where you're tuning in from.

Lauren believes that strength is a practice for life, and her coaching is designed to meet you where you are, while helping you get where you want to go.

@conscious.rewire.coach

Taranee Ponjani

Mobility Instructor for Kettlebell Wellness

Taranee Herrera Ponjani (she/her) is a Tamil and Filipina movement artist based in Toronto. Her love for movement began in childhood and evolved into a powerful tool for self-expression, empowerment, and connection. With a degree in Health Studies and certifications in Acro, Handbalancing, Yoga, Pilates, and Strength, Taranee creates inclusive, mindful spaces where people can safely explore their edges and reconnect with their bodies. She’s passionate about the ways movement supports mental health and builds community—and she’s so excited to meet and move with the Kettlebell Wellness Community!

Sophie Volokhov

Athletic Therapist | StrongFirst Certified Kettlebell Instructor (SFG1) | Women’s Coaching Specialist

Based in the Kootenay mountains of British Columbia, Sophie is a Athletic Therapist, StrongFirst SFG1 instructor, and lifelong movement enthusiast. She discovered kettlebells in 2013 and immediately connected with their simplicity, power, and versatility — especially while living off-grid and balancing life as a new mom.

Sophie believes in training smart, with purpose, and always with the whole person in mind. She works primarily with women and athletes, helping them build real strength, resilience, and confidence through foundational movement and kettlebell training. Whether you’re brand new to kettlebells or returning from injury, Sophie blends science-based rehab with efficient, no-nonsense strength work to meet you where you’re at.

Her coaching is rooted in the belief that strength is for everyone — and that kettlebells are one of the most effective tools to build it.

Kristy Park

StrongFirst Kettlebell Coach

Kristy has been training with kettlebells since 2016 and is a certified StrongFirst instructor. Her approach blends technical skill, functional strength, and supportive coaching to help women feel strong, capable, and empowered in their everyday lives. She believes kettlebells are one of the most versatile training tools—portable, practical, and powerful—and uses them to create classes that are approachable, effective, and designed to build lasting confidence. Kristy is especially passionate about guiding women to discover their inner strength, proving that strength training isn’t just for athletes—it’s for every woman who wants to move well, feel confident, and live strong.

Hear it from Our Members

  • Karen teaches kettlebells the way you’d teach a musical instrument.

    “Karen and her coaches are the best! I’ve taken both group classes and private sessions with her over the past few years, and in every setting, she brings patience, enthusiasm, and positivity. She takes the time to understand each person’s needs and helps them work toward their goals with care and precision. Karen teaches kettlebells the way you’d teach a musical instrument — clearly, intentionally, and with great attention to detail. I highly recommend the Kettlebell Wellness Virtual Strength Studio to anyone starting — or continuing — their kettlebell journey.”

    — Elin Soderstrom

  • I highly recommend learning from her in whatever way you can.

    “I'm on the other side of the world from Karen — but thanks to her Virtual Strength Studio, that doesn't matter! I’ve been using her excellent video library for a couple of years, and more recently, I’ve been able to join her live Zoom classes as the time zones aligned.

    Karen is a fantastic teacher — clear, patient, encouraging, and deeply knowledgeable. Her classes often include elements from the Egoscue method, which I didn’t expect to enjoy at first, but have come to really appreciate for how much they’ve improved my movement quality. I highly recommend learning from her in whatever way you can.”

    — Donna Richards

  • I’m so much stronger and confident in my fitness.

    “The virtual strength studio has helped me achieve my fitness goals by focusing on strength with cardio. I’m so much stronger and confident in my fitness. And the live zoom classes make it so easy and convenient to stick with it. She ensures proper form by monitoring us closely, giving amazing feedback throughout the class. Highly recommend this as an addition to anyone’s fitness regime who is seeking real and achievable strength goals.”

    — Megan Hodge

  • I feel stronger than I have in years.

    “As a woman in my late 40s, I wanted an online strength class I could do at home with minimal equipment. I’d used kettlebells at the gym but was nervous about injuring myself on my own. In Kettlebell Wellness Foundations, we focused on posture, mindset, and the skill of building strength. Karen and her coaches have helped me find the right cues and approach that worked for my body and mind. Now, I feel stronger than I have in years and confident doing simple, effective workouts at home.”

    — Krista Martens

  • I'm so passionate about my kettlebell practice.

    “I’m so passionate about my kettlebell practice. It’s my favourite strength and conditioning tool—versatile and can be done anywhere. After changes in my programming left me without expert guidance, discovering the virtual strength studio was a thrill. The workouts challenge all levels with strong, safe, and clear direction. Plus, they makes it fun! I would recommend this to anyone wanting to stay fit and enjoy life with strength at any age.”

    — Pauline Tutkaluke

  • Gives me the freedom to train anywhere.

    “I discovered Kettlebell Wellness years ago, facing adult-onset type 1 diabetes and insulin resistance. The intuitive coaching tailored kettlebell training to my changing needs, creating a strong foundation of movement. The move to online live classes and an easy-to-use video library gives me the freedom to train anywhere, with motivating sessions—especially the short and sweet Pure Strength sessions under 30 minutes.”

    — Cheryl Steponchev

Ready to

Get Strong With Us?

  • Join the Virtual Strength Studio

    Receive 50% off your first month!

    $108 CAD/month* for full access to all live Zoom kettlebell classes and on-demand videos — designed for women 45+ in menopause and beyond. No experience needed — just bring your commitment, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
    *For 1 month commitment. $216 regular/month. 1, 3 & 12-month memberships available.

    Learn More

  • 1:1 Training

    There is no better way to get more comfortable with using kettlebells, than 1:1 coaching! Just 1 session will match you with a coach who will be your class instructor in the future, so that you feel even more comfortable coming to classes, knowing exactly what you need and what modifications you'll need for your own history of injuries, experience, and current capacity.

    Learn More

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