Our Instructors

Owner & Experienced Personal Trainer

Josh Bjornstad has over 20 years of experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor in top gyms across California and Oregon. He holds a degree in exercise physiology from Portland State, where he also ran track. A certified personal trainer through NSCA, TRX certified, and a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Josh specializes in weight loss, sports training, strength development, and injury recovery. Passionate about sports like triathlons and cycling, he’s excited to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Email Josh

Certifications:
NSCA, TRX Certified, Crossfit Certified, WECK Method Certified

Owner & Nutrition & Fitness Coach

Robyn Bjornstad grew up in Friday Harbor and is happy to be living back on the island with her family. She's passionate about health and fitness and has worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years. She's a certified group exercise instructor, health and nutrition coach, and menopause coaching specialist. 

​If you're struggling to meet your goals, need help dialing in your nutrition, or want to lose 10-15 pounds Robyn can help! For more information check out her 6 Week FASTer Way page.

Email Robyn

Certifications:
IIN Certified Health & Nutrition Coach, FASTer Way Fitness & Nutrition Coach, Advanced Macro Specialist, ISSA Group Exercise Instructor, Menopause Coaching Specialist

Personal Trainer & Group Exercise Instructor

Michelle Waldron is passionate about strength training and empowering others to find their own strength through exercise. She's a NASM-certified personal trainer and has additional certifications in step aerobics, group fitness, active aging, integrated flexibility training, and integrated speed, agility & and quickness training. She loves working with clients of all ages and abilities and will customize her training plan based on the goals of her clients. 

Email Michelle

Certifications:
NASM CPT, Step Aerobics, Group Fitness Classes, Active Aging, Integrated Flexibility Training, Integrated Speed, Agility & Quickness Training

Personal Trainer & Group Exercise Instructor 

Kiara McLaughlin, an elite ISSA-certified trainer, specializes in nutrition, indoor cycling, and group fitness. Passionate about fitness, she enjoys hiking, jogging, and weight training. Kiara has completed two full marathons, multiple half marathons, and the SJI Olympic triathlon. She thrives on an active lifestyle and loves helping clients of all ages improve strength and mobility.

Email Kiara

Certifications:
Elite Personal Trainer, Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor, Nutritionist Endorsement, Corrective Exercise Specialist

Personal Trainer & Group Exercise Instructor

Max Mattox is a hybrid athlete who enjoys the progressive overload of traditional powerlifting and the advanced strength and body control of calisthenics. With a certification from American Council on Exercise, Max has gathered the requisite scientific knowledge to complement his practical experience acquired through training and coaching in Los Angeles, California. Max is actively striving to build a robust fitness community on the island.

Email Max

Certifications:
American Council on Exercise

Personal Trainer, Group Fitness + Yoga Instructor

Mandy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and played collegiate Lacrosse at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She’s a certified personal trainer with nearly 20 years of experience through NASM and ACE. Her fitness background spans running, biking, yoga, and team sports. Specializing in corrective and orthopedic exercise, sports conditioning, nutrition, and flexibility, Mandy has worked extensively at the YMCA in Minnesota, particularly with older adults. She continues her education in Senior Fitness and is excited to teach yoga and guide others on their fitness journeys.

Email Mandy

Certifications:
NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Performance Enhancement Specialist, Stretching & Flexibility Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Orthopedic Exercise Specialist, Sports & Conditioning Specialist, CorePower 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher

Yoga Instructor

Cynthia Burke has acquired over 35 years of yoga training, teaching, and private practice! Former owner of XYC Movement Arts, Cynthia is happy to be back in the teaching mode after a break the past few years.

Certifications:
Extensive training in Viniyoga - Gary & Mirka Kraftsow - Maui, HI
Senior Yoga Certification, Kid's Yoga Certification, Zumba Certification, Spinning Certification

Yoga Instructor

Stephanie Kisse is a passionate yoga instructor with over 24 years of experience. Her classes focus on mindful movement, breath awareness, and meditation, aiming to cultivate inner peace, strength, and balance. Stephanie believes yoga fosters self-awareness and resilience, benefiting both physical and emotional well-being. Join her for a transformative yoga journey!

Certifications:
Yoga Alliance

Studio Manager / Nutrition Coach

Kevin Saarie is an active World Natural Bodybuilding Federation competitor and passionate advocate for whole body well-being through movement and diet. Kevin received his BA and MA at Ohio University with a focus on quantitative analytical research methods. He is veteran and graduate of the Tri-Service Academy for radiologic technologists. When he’s not at the gym or spending time with his family, or in the kitchen trying new recipes, he’s one of your local imaging specialists.

Kevin is excited to bring his experience to the Island Strength team by offering InBody scans and analysis, as well as nutrition coaching, as certified by the NASM. Starting in early 2025 Kevin is looking forward to offering a variety of classes and personal training.

Email Kevin

Certifications:
Certified NASM Nutrition Coach, InBody Certified