       |
Certified, knowledgeable, patient… we pick our J-fitness trainers carefully. We make sure they like to ask questions, to get to know you, your limits, and your health. Our trainers work with you to create attainable goals and expectations — making for a successful training experience.
Carlene Barth
Assistant Health & Fitness Director in Charge
Carlene Barth has held various positions in the fitness department at the JCC since 2003; starting as an instructor and then to Group Exercise Director; a position she still oversees as part of her role as Assistant Health & Fitness Director. Carlene also oversees personal training, the fitness center and assists with other programming for physical education and health & wellness programs.
With over 20 years of professional experience in the field of fitness, Carlene got her Group Fitness certificaion through AFAA in 1986. Since then she has obtained certifications as a Personal Trainer, a Pilates mat instructor and a Hatha Yoga teacher. Carlene holds certifications in kickboxing (and ranks brown belt in TaeKownDo and spent 2 years studying Kung Fu). Carlene is a Mad Dogg certified Star 2 Spinning Instructor.
Patty Gold
Aquatics Director
Patty Gold, JCCRI's Aquatic Director, is a seasoned professional in the health and fitness field. She is an American Red Cross swim instructor and is certified to teach exercise on land and in the water. She offers JCC participants a wide range of aquatic programs that appeal to the novice as well as the tri-athlete. Patty has seen a tremendous boom in the popularity of water exercise because of publicity confirming the health advantages. She offers different paced fitness classes that are inviting, challenging and fun. Patty is welcoming, motivated and enthusiastic and encourages swimming for all ages. Come and submerge yourself in any JCC pool program where you can expect fun and fitness all in one!
Tom Marchand
Coach & Development Coordinator
Tom has over 40 years of weight training experience, first as an athlete, then as a coach. In 1984 he was the RI State 148 pound champion in both Powerlifting and Olympic Lifting, eventually deadlifting nearly triple his bodyweight. From 1985-1991 he was co-owner of the Phoenix Weight Training Center in Wickford, RI. During this period he also coached the New England Power Team, which won the 1989 ADFPA Womens’ National Powerlifting Championship, as well as an eventual 3 time World Powerlifting Champion. His athletes set numerous New England Weightlifting records the 80’s and 90’s, when he also assisted in the training of the woman who briefly held the RI Junior record in the 10 mile run.
Tom is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the internationally recognized National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). In 1991 he earned the USWF Level II Coaching Certification at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. A USATF Level I track coach, Tom is also the coach of J Fit’s Running Club.
Andrew Mattera
Fitness Professional
Meet our Certified Personal Trainer and boxing instructor Andrew Mattera. Andrew has trained with professional boxer Rich Gingras of the TV show "The Contender" and professional kickboxer Louis Carulo. He was training to fight in both the Golden Gloves and Rocky Marciano tournaments when a knee injury prevented him from participating in either event. Andrew is currently attending URI, where he majors in Nutrition. Understanding how important nutrition is to overall health, Andrew is no stranger to overcoming challanges; he lost 70 pounds through boxing workouts and improved nutrition habits. He is now eager to help others improve their overall wellbeing.
