Bellingham Athletic Club

Staff Bios

Cathy Buckley
Cathy Buckley
Owner/General Manager

Cathy began working in the health and fitness industry as a lifeguard in college. After graduation from the University of Washington, she accepted the Assistant Aquatic Director position at the newly-formed Bellevue Athletic Club. Cathy was instrumental in developing a complete Aquatic program for the new facility. Working for Bellevue Athletic Club the next ten years provided Cathy the basics in facility management, and taught her the importance of customer service. Moving to Bellingham in 1990 with husband, Stu, and children, Shannon, Todd, and John, found Cathy without a pool! While teaching CPR and First Aid for Bellingham Technical College, she was introduced to Bellingham Athletic Club. She was hired in 1991 as Aquatics Director and she used her expertise to implement new programs and firmly establish BAC as the premier Aquatic program in Whatcom County. Cathy’s strong communication skills and attention to detail led to her being hired as BAC’s Operations Manager in 1993. She bought BAC in 1997, doubling membership over the next five years. Cathy has served as president an board member of FitLife, an organization of Northwest Quality Clubs.  She is an avid Rotarian and has served on numerous philanthropic boards throughout the Northwest.

B.A., Certified Pool Operator, Certified Pool Manager, Community CPR and First Aid Instructor – American Red Cross
Brian Porter
Brian Porter
Operations Manager

Brian, a lifetime resident of Bellingham, has been with BAC since February of 1993. He is currently in charge of Operations. He has really done it all…from coaching basketball at the Boys and Girls Club to triathlons, Ski to Sea, and marathons. He also owns a screen printing business and is responsible for printing most of BAC’s uniforms and pro shop items as well as the towels. He is married to Regis. He has two kids, Amy and Andrew, and two stepkids. He also likes hiking, biking, S.C.U.B.A. diving, fishing, and most other outdoor activities.

Mike Locke
Mike Locke
Director of Fitness and Sports Performance

As a trainer, Mike’s greatest satisfaction is derived from helping you meet “Life’s” many challenges and succeeding. Beginning in the Fitness Industry in 1981 and a BAC employee since 1985 Mike has garnered over four decades worth of experience in Fitness, Rehabilitation, and Sports Performance. His clientele range from individuals new to exercise to older adults, from post-therapy patients to athletes elementary age through high school as well as collegiate to professional.

“An athlete resides within each one of us,” states Mike. “No matter our age or gender, we compete each and every day in the biggest race of all…the Human Race”.

He is the recipient of the Northwest Athletic Club Association (NACA) Fitness Director of the Year Award in 1992 and the National Volunteer Service Citation from the Arthritis Foundation 2000.

When not coaching and training athletes and clients, Mike enjoys golf, walking, weight training, watching sports, reading, music, movies, and working around his property. But most importantly spending time with his wife, their dog, and their two adult children.

“With deeper understanding comes greater benefit.”
Coach Locke 2009

Western Washington University (B.A. Exercise Science and M.Ed. Exercise Physiology) and is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), Circular Strength Training (Head Coach), SPARQ (Coach), and the American Kettlebell Club (AKC Coach), and AmPRO Racquetball Instructor.
Lindsay Williams
Lindsay Williams
Aquatics Director

Lindsay was born and raised in Whatcom County. She is a graduate of Western Washington University where she earned a BA in Communication. She started working during the summers at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club as a lifeguard and swim instructor when she was in high school…and started at BAC in 2019. She has over 20 years of aquatics experience and over 10 years of management experience. Her passion is to help kids learn to enjoy the water and become competent swimmers while having fun and being safe.

When she is not at the BAC, her life is spent with her husband, Brett, and their 3 kids: Jack, Maelle, and Carys. They love to do things together as a family, whether it be walking to Starbucks, playing games or watching movies. All 3 of her children have spent their whole lives in and around the water and have no idea water can be dangerous, much to the lifeguard’s chagrin—although Lindsay believes bringing her children to the pool is a great way to train her staff, especially her youngest, who is very good at pushing boundaries.

Mike Locke
Mike Locke
Director of Fitness and Sports Performance

As a trainer, Mike’s greatest satisfaction is derived from helping you meet “Life’s” many challenges and succeeding. Beginning in the Fitness Industry in 1981 and a BAC employee since 1985 Mike has garnered over four decades worth of experience in Fitness, Rehabilitation, and Sports Performance. His clientele range from individuals new to exercise to older adults, from post-therapy patients to athletes elementary age through high school as well as collegiate to professional.

“An athlete resides within each one of us,” states Mike. “No matter our age or gender, we compete each and every day in the biggest race of all…the Human Race”.

He is the recipient of the Northwest Athletic Club Association (NACA) Fitness Director of the Year Award in 1992 and the National Volunteer Service Citation from the Arthritis Foundation 2000.

When not coaching and training athletes and clients, Mike enjoys golf, walking, weight training, watching sports, reading, music, movies, and working around his property. But most importantly spending time with his wife, their dog, and their two adult children.

“With deeper understanding comes greater benefit.”
Coach Locke 2009

Western Washington University (B.A. Exercise Science and M.Ed. Exercise Physiology) and is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), Circular Strength Training (Head Coach), SPARQ (Coach), and the American Kettlebell Club (AKC Coach), and AmPRO Racquetball Instructor.
Danaelle Mason
Personal Trainer

Danaelle Mason is a certified National Academy of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer and wellness coach, bringing her expertise to the Bellingham Athletic Club. With a passion for fitness, health, and wellness, Danaelle is dedicated to sharing her knowledge to help others achieve their goals. Beyond the gym, she enjoys the outdoors, indulging in activities like swimming, hiking, and paddle boarding. Committed to personal growth, Danaelle actively works on her own fitness goals, ensuring a holistic approach to inspire and guide her clients toward success in their fitness journey. Let Danaelle be your partner in achieving and surpassing your fitness goals.

Danaelle is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
Krystal Gillette
Personal Trainer

Krystal began at BAC in 2018 as a Fitness Intern. After completing her internship, she found that she enjoyed the atmosphere and the interaction with the people so much she decided to stay. Krystal has over 20 years of experience with strength and conditioning due to her time as an internationally ranked artistic roller-skater. Krystal’s precision dance team competed as part of Team USA from 2004-2008.

Krystal’s experience as a competitive athlete and a 6-year veteran of the US Air Force gave her an appreciation and love for movement of all kinds. It was this appreciation that lead her to coaching and training. Her specialties include individual and group personal training, injury prevention, and roller-skating instruction and coaching.

“Fitness is not a race, states Krystal, it’s a journey that you should enjoy”.

When not at BAC working with clients Krystal time is filled with her own training, skating with the Roller Betties Roller Derby League, coaching skating, reading, doing various art projects, and participating in outdoor adventures with her husband Nick and their dog Tater.

BS Movement Studies Western Washington University 2019
ACE Personal Trainer 2017
US Amateur Roller-Skating Elite Artistic Coach 2021
Society of Roller-Skating Teachers of America 2021
Association of Amateur Roller-Skating Coach 2021
Lesley Jones
Personal Trainer

Lesley is both an experienced Personal trainer and Fitness/Pilates Instructor. Her philosophy is helping clients to achieve healthy living through balancing work and family. Lesley firmly believes that making time for Fitness is essential for healthy living. She has also run weight loss clinics teaching clients the importance of sound nutrition and exercise. Lesley works with a wide variety of people of all ages and fitness levels. In her spare time, Lesley spends time with her sons, Luke and Matthew. Lesley also loves to run, bike, read, garden, and work on additional Fitness related certifications.

Rich Nodarse
Rich Nodarse
Certified Personal Trainer

Rich is thrilled to be a personal trainer at BAC. He started working Front Desk in December 2021, and nine months later he became a certified personal trainer for the club. A fitness enthusiast for over a decade, Rich competed in cross country and track & field at the high school level, then served in the military for 5 years, and is now a collegiate athlete. He is currently majoring in psychology with a minor in sport psychology at Western Washington University. He plans on acquiring a master’s degree in sport & performance psychology following graduation.

Rich is a varsity collegiate rower on the WWU Men’s Crew team. Last year, Rich and four other teammates beat 25+ collegiate rowing clubs to win gold at the national championship in Oakridge, Tennessee. As a competitive rower, Rich trains religiously in cardiovascular conditioning, strength development, and power. He wants to share his appreciation and expertise in physical training with anyone interested in improving their physical fitness and overall well-being.

As a personal trainer, Rich strives to apply his knowledge of physical development, sport psychology, and kinesiology to help achieve the goals of his clients. He works with a wide range of clientele, from adults with little to zero exercise experience to long-time athletes. He also enjoys working with adolescents. Rich has been a middle-school Track & Field and Cross Country Coach for Bellingham Public Schools for three sport seasons. No matter what your fitness background may be, Rich will be excited to meet with you to discuss a program that best suits your needs and experience.

When not in school, doing homework, or working, Rich will usually be hanging out with friends, cooking, exercising, or reading. Although he loves reading many different genres of books, these days he primarily reads books related to psychology, science, or coaching to further his career development. He also finds a lot of joy being in the outdoors and seeing new places. Occasionally you’ll find him watching a good T.V. show or movie.

Rich is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
Tiffany Morton
Personal Trainer

Tiffany Morton has been working as a personal trainer at the Bellingham Athletic Club since 1998. During that time she has started several programs that you will still see at the club today such as Weights for Women, Biggest Winner, and Dino Muscles. She managed Kids Club for several years and is still passionate about working with children and helping them lead an active and nutritious life. She has also worked with and directed several clients and small groups through the journey of weight loss.

Tiffany graduated from Western Washington University in 1998 and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. Shortly after, she got her CSCS certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Since then she has attended local and international fitness conventions. She is also a certified trainer in Gravity (GTS), American Kettlebell club (AKC), and circular strength training (CTS). She has an in-depth understanding of the Omega Wave System. Tiffany knows that people change as well as our knowledge of the body and credits the BAC in helping her constantly stay updated with the most current knowledge of training the body. She has also learned a lot just from working with so many different clients.

“I enjoy working with clients of all ages and fitness levels, my job is to challenge each person to find their own greatest potential.” Tiffany loves her job and loves being active herself. Some of her favorite activities include snowboarding, running, yoga, “playing” with kettlebells and clubbells, and, of course, spending time with her family.

“Being active will always be and important part of my life, it has helped me to endure sickness as well as childbirth- I understand it’s importance and am lucky enough to enjoy it.”

B.A.

Cindy Whitney
Cindy Whitney
Group Fitness Instructor

I love BAC and have been a member for 16-ish years. I found this gym when my kids were little and knew I needed to take care of myself, get out of the house, and shower uninterrupted, lol! 

I love group classes: the comradery, the accountability, the challenge, the competitiveness, the support, and taking the guesswork out of trying to figure out your own workout. 

I fell into teaching by instructors telling me I should be teaching (and they needed subs). I subbed here and there for Zumba & Dance Jam as well, then got a little push with extra cash for subbing from a dear Zumba instructor to take my Zumba training. I also did a beach body training, got my Group Exercise/Bootcamp Certification from ASFA, and did a bunch of extra Zumba trainings that help with CECs and keeping things fresh.

Adriane Rodrigues
Adriane Rodrigues
Group Fitness Instructor

Born and raised in Brazil, Adriane has spent the past 20+ years developing her energetic teaching and dance techniques. For her, dance is a way of life and represents the ultimate form of expression and fitness. She is passionate about combining music, fitness, breathing, and rhythm to connect and give people a healthy channel for self-expression. Every class is a unique experience aimed at celebrating life.

Degrees & Certificates
• Group Fitness Instructor, AFAA
• Certified Zumba Instructor (Zumba Fitness, Zumba Gold, Kids, Zumba Toning, Strong Nation)
• MixxedFit Certified
• BollyX Certified
• Pop Pilates Certified
• Afro Brazilian dance and technique
• Samba Rio style
• Cuban Rumba and Salsa
• CIRCL MOBILITY

Heather Calloway
Group Fitness Instructor

Heather has been a certified group fitness instructor at BAC since 1998. She is currently teaching Total Body Conditioning and Power Pump classes. When not teaching, Heather is full-time paralegal and her and her husband Lance try their best to keep up with their very busy 9-year-old son, Hunter.  She also enjoys running, hiking, working in her yard and spending time with friends and family.  Come and check out one of Heather’s early morning classes at the Cordata club!

Jarrod Mohr
Group Fitness Instructor

J’s path to yoga started out as a passionate interest into consciousness. After questioning the meaning of life yoga unexpectedly fell right into his lap during a backpacking trip through Asia. After finding himself studying yoga in an ashram in Rishikesh India, he found a deep resonance with yoga philosophy and teachings. This paved way for a direct path to discover the answers he was looking for. After spending over 2 years of practicing yoga and meditation he wants to help others connect with themselves so they can express freely from their true spirit within.

Jovanny Hincapie Betancur
Jovanny Hincapie Betancur
Group Fitness Instructor

As a former National Latin Dance champion in Colombia, Jovanny brings energy, expertise, and over seventeen years of professional experience ranging from group exercise, personal training, and dance to Bellingham. His background includes a specialization in dance technique, a BA in Sports Science and Recreation, and he is currently completing a Master’s degree in Sports Training and Management. His passions include Danzika, Bachata, HIIT training, Zumba, and Kickboxing.

Lesley Jones
Personal Trainer

Lesley is both an experienced Personal trainer and Fitness/Pilates Instructor. Her philosophy is helping clients to achieve healthy living through balancing work and family. Lesley firmly believes that making time for Fitness is essential for healthy living. She has also run weight loss clinics teaching clients the importance of sound nutrition and exercise. Lesley works with a wide variety of people of all ages and fitness levels. In her spare time, Lesley spends time with her sons, Luke and Matthew. Lesley also loves to run, bike, read, garden, and work on additional Fitness related certifications.

Melissa Lemcke - Bellingham Athletic Club
Melissa Lemcke
Group Fitness Instructor

Melissa Lemcke has been teaching at BAC for two years. Melissa keeps her fitness interesting and ever-changing. She’s a certified spin, boot camp and TRX instructor with a new addition to her arsenal with Beachbody’s PiYo. Currently, Melissa is teaching Spin classes.

This journey in fitness has been a wonderful and exciting experience which shows in her classes. Melissa prides herself on the variety of content and the modifications in difficulty in her classes. Her education is always ongoing to keep her current and fresh.

Outside the gym, Melissa stays active with friends and family through running, triathlons and various races. Melissa is married to fellow group fitness instructor Jeremy Lemcke. Her daughters, Michaela (12) and Zoey (5), keep her busy. Michaela is currently swimming on Bellingham Bay Swim Team and loves it! Zoey is a ball of fire and spunk and ready for kindergarten in the fall.

Spin, Boot Camp and TRX Certified
Michal Retter
Michal Retter
Group Fitness Instructor

Michal feels a very strong spiritual connection to Yoga, which has guided her journey in life and naturally led her to the path of teaching.  She is a highly skilled professional, registered with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT 500, YACEP) and draws on 20 years of experience in teaching Yoga and a background in relaxation techniques, energy healing, and body psychotherapy.

Michal has a passion for creating a non-judgmental and open space for body-awareness, wellness, and acceptance of our multi-faceted nature – mind, body and soul.  Every class she offers has a different focus and includes breath awareness, stretching, core-strengthening, and modifications for different levels and injuries. Her intention in teaching is to help practitioners to see themselves with compassion and patience, and to leave class feeling revived, relaxed, freer and at ease.

In addition to teaching Yoga at BAC for many years, Michal instructs Yoga for academic credits at Whatcom Community College as adjunct faculty, and at the FireHouse Arts & Events Center in Fairhaven. She is also a mom and a caregiver.

Michal has completed the following certification programs: a 200 Hr Teacher Training Worldwide with YogaFit, a 500 Hr Teacher Training through 8 Limbs Yoga in Seattle which included Prenatal Yoga as well as Trauma Informed Yoga, a 50 Hr Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Bernie Clark in Vancouver, B.C. and most recently, 40Hr Healing Yoga for Cancer Training with Cheryl Fenner Brown, C-IAYT.
Patti Douglas
Group Fitness Instructor

Patti has been teaching group fitness classes for over 15 years and has been at BAC for 10 years. Her formats include dance, step, strength and balance, kick boxing, circuit training, chair yoga, core and more, and FloMotion. She is certified by ACE and AFAA. Her strength is custom choreography unique to dance and step and her ability to format her class to all abilities from beginner to advanced. She enjoys teaching with a sense of humor to make the time pass quickly.

Tina Schumacher
Tina Schumacher
Group Fitness Instructor

Tina has been teaching with BAC for 14 years and firmly believes that fitness and better health are for everyone.  A mom to two teenage athletes and having overcome her own health issues and sports-related injuries, she understands the importance of fitness and how to approach and develop training for your everyday activities and long term health.   Also a certified nutrition coach, she works to take a holistic approach with all of the BAC members she works with. Tina enjoys traveling, hiking with her husband and spending time with friends.

Jessie Scott
Jessie Scott
Court Sports Director

Jessie has been employed at BAC since 2006. She is not a full-time employee any longer as she accepted a job at Mount Baker Imaging in August of 2016, but she is still running racquetball and basketball programs. She grew up in Indiana and graduated from Ball State University in 2006. Jessie enjoys water skiing, playing racquetball and anything else close to the water, and of course, spending time with Jasper.

B.S.
Wanda Collins
Wanda Collins
AM Pro Certified Wilson, Pro Kennex Reginal Staff member

Wanda began playing racquetball competitively in 1980 and has been a top-ranked open player since 1985. She is a long-time Washington’s Women’s Open champion and has served on the Washington Racquetball Association board. She is the Club Pro and is available for racquetball lessons and advanced clinics. Wanda spends her “spare” time with her husband, Mike. Her offseason is filled with golfing, hiking, camping, and traveling as much as possible.