OUR COACHES
A meaningful relationship between coach and client is the key to success.
We believe our personal and professional experience are equally important when it comes to who we are as your coaches.
Read below to get to know us!
SAM: OWNER, HEAD COACH
I've been training amateur to professional high performance athletes and the general public as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for several years in Ottawa, Ontario.
I've been fortunate to work alongside leading professionals in the field of strength and conditioning, as well as collaborate with health care specialists such as physiotherapists, sports medicine doctors, athletic therapists, and massage therapists in a sports medicine clinic.
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My university education and certifications include:
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BSc. HK - Bachelor of Science with specialization in Human Kinetics - University of Ottawa
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CSCS - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist - National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
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PN1-NC - Precision Nutrition Level 1 - Certificate in Exercise Nutrition
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Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED Certified
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My personal experience with sport performance, injuries and physical rehabilitation lead me to my degree in Human Kinetics. I chose to specialize in strength and conditioning training because I wanted to learn how to best care for my body, and live a healthful life. I believe everyone, at any experience level, has the potential to improve their health and performance. It is my passion to help others realize their potential too.
JASON: COACH
Hi everyone, I’m Jason!
I’m very excited to be with Adaptive State Performance for the spring and summer months while I'm home from my professional hockey seasons overseas.
I’ve been playing hockey since I was 3 years old, growing up in the AA/AAA hockey league in Ottawa; then onto a 4-year career in the QMJHL with the Gatineau Olympiques and Saint John Sea Dogs, winning a Memorial Cup in 2011 with the Sea Dogs. After Junior, I came back home to Ottawa and played for the Carleton University Ravens while completing my Bachelor’s degree in Communications.
Following that, I immediately jumped on the opportunity to begin a professional hockey career overseas- playing in France, Poland, and most recently Italy.
Holding dual-citizenship in Canada and Italy, I was able to compete for Team Italy in the World Championships Tournament for the past two seasons.
I was a volunteer coach for the Carleton Jr. Ravens AAA spring hockey team for 5 years from 2014-2019.
I’ve been a head hockey instructor at both the Carleton Ravens summer hockey camps for 10 years and also with the SSHD (Senators Spring Hockey Development) AAA program at the Bell Sensplex.
I’m excited to meet you all and work with you!
SYD: COACH
Hi everyone, I’m Sydney!
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I’ve been a competitive athlete my entire life. I grew up in Ottawa playing through the Kanata Girls Hockey Association (KGHA) before joining the U22 Lady Sens. I went on to play university hockey (USPORT) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), where I had the opportunity to compete in two U SPORTS National Championships.
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My passion lies in working with others, especially in the development of young athletes. I’ve had the privilege of being coached and mentored by Sam since I was 15, and her guidance has had a lasting impact on both my playing career and my growth as a coach.
I’ve worked as an on-ice instructor with the Ottawa Senators Hockey Camps and Amped Sports, and while living in PEI, I ran a girls’ hockey school focused on skill development, confidence, and fun.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from UPEI and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa.
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As an adult, I continue to play the sports I love while embracing new challenges and opportunities for growth.
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I look forward to seeing everyone in the gym!
MARLO: COACH
Hi everyone, I’m Marlo!
I’m excited to be joining Adaptive State Performance as a coach and as a former athlete who has trained under Sam.
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I grew up playing competitive hockey, soccer, and basketball in the Ottawa area from a young age, eventually focusing on basketball with Capital Courts Academy from 2017–2019 before continuing at the varsity level with Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS from 2019–2025.
With the Huskies, I was fortunate to win three AUS Championships in a row, and compete at three USPORTS National Championships between 2022–2025.
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I completed my Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2023 and my MBA in 2025 at SMU.
I discovered my passion for strength and conditioning through my own training, rehab, and recovery; and by coaching youth athletes across Halifax in both 1-on-1 and group camp settings.
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I’m working towards becoming a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA, and I am First Aid CPR-C & AED certified.
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I’m looking forward to helping athletes and individuals here at Adaptive State reach their full potential!
SAMUEL: COACH
Hi everyone, I’m Sam!
I’m super pumped to be joining Samantha and the team at Adaptive State Performance as a coach and get the chance to work with athletes throughout the year!
I’ve played baseball for as long as I can remember. I grew up competing at a high level, and eventually continued my career in college, playing both Division 1 and 2 as a catcher. I spent two years playing in Missouri at St. Louis College, and one year in New York at Monroe College, playing against some of the top competition in college while studying towards my Business degree . Baseball has always been a huge part of my life, and those college years gave me the chance to compete, lead, and learn what it takes to perform at the next level.
Alongside baseball, I also played hockey for most of my life, another sport that shaped my competitiveness, discipline, and passion for athletics. My experience in both sports has given me a deep understanding of training, teamwork, and mental toughness.
Now, I’m excited to bring that same energy and experience into coaching- to help athletes get stronger, move better, and perform with confidence both on and off the field, court, or ice.
I'm super excited to meet everyone!
WHAT IS ADAPTIVE STATE?
The concept behind Adaptive State is simple: to be adaptive.
To be in a state of readiness for anything life throws at you. Whether it's more easily bouncing back from an injury; being able to sign up for a new sport or activity without fear of injury or feeling limited by your conditioning; being ready to perform if you get invited to a development camp in your sport; or simply being able to play with your kids and grandkids without limitation, even when they want you to climb a complex play structure.
We are all capable and adaptable- but only if we're proactive with our health and well-being, not just reactive when a situation arises.
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When we work with our clients, we approach their training from a holistic standpoint. We're passionate about helping you in every way we possibly can with our experience and knowledge, combining education on nutrition and sleep; developing mobility and improving functionality; and utilizing strength and conditioning training to ensure the best possible health and performance outcomes.
