The #NSSfamily uses fitness as a catalyst to positively impact lives.
TEAM NSS
NSS employs 8 certified fitness professionals, with 78 years of combined training experience. Amassing 11 collegiate degrees and 20 top-level certifications, the team at NSS has made it their goal to stay on the cutting edge of the fitness industry through education and continued professional development. Learn more about each member of our fitness professional team below.
Mike Hawes, BS, CSCS
As a former trail ultra runner Mike understands and appreciates the process of setting a goal and then building a bridge back to where clients are currently at; in essence, reverse engineering the pathway for clients to find success towards whatever their aspirations may be!
Away from the gym, Mike enjoys hunting, attempting to keep his lawn green, and the lake.
Mike and his wife Jennah live in Alexandria with their sons Sawyer, Lincoln, and Everett.
Dustin Schlichting, BS, CSCS *D, Z-Health, RPR 2
As a lifelong learner, working with the #NSSfamily members to achieve their wildly diverse goals allows Dustin to continue to fill his bucket as he shares his knowledge and learns new skills to facilitate that process.
Outside of the gym Dustin enjoys hunting, reading, and taking naps.
Dustin and his wife Becky live in Alexandria with their daughters Lila and Ava.
Kait Leary, BS, CF-L1
Kait holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Concordia University, St. Paul, and is a proud alumni of Alexandria High School. With a strong background in Crossfit, Kait began coaching in 2019 and has continued to build a successful career in the field.
Outside of work, she stays active with her fiance and their energetic son, Jameson. Together they enjoy time out on the lake, attending classic car shows and spending time with friends and family.
Dawn Coauette, BS, CSCS, NASM CPT, FAS, TRX FTC, RPR 2
With her love of teaching and passion for health and fitness Dawn, provides a supportive training environment where the unique and individual needs of all clients are valued and met. Dawn specializes in the 50+ population and enjoys helping the inactive become active again.
In her free time Dawn enjoys being active outside and snuggling up with a good book inside.
Dawn and her husband Chad live in Alexandria with their daughter Kamryn and son Cyler.
Sabrina Marthaler, BA, CMA, NETA-PT, GGS-1+
Sabrina is a personal coach AND our administrative specialist, managing everything from client billings to payroll to website updates to supply orders to fundraisers.
She credits NSS with changing her own life for the better in every possible way, and loves that she can use her specific talents to help us change more lives.
Her favorite thing about coaching is helping people to change fitness from a chore, to an enjoyable habit that they look forward to.
She spends her spare time running trails with her dog, reading, and planning her next visit to Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore.
Connor Koebernick, BS, NSCA-CPT
As a graduate from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in Exercise Science, Connor has a passion for the fitness industry. Connor was a defensive assistant for the MSUM football team and has experience working with people from all kinds of fitness backgrounds.
In his free time Connor enjoys biking and watching sports with his friends and family.
Troy Tiesenga, NASM CPT (in progress), NASM Nutrition Certification (in progress)
Troy's passion for health and wellness naturally led him into personal training. He's always been driven to understand how to feel stronger, move better, and live a healthier life. That commitment inspires him to help others build confidence, strength, and habits that support long-term well-being.
Troy lives in Alexandria with his wife Eliana and their two daughters. Outside of training, he values quality time with his family and also enjoys card games, watching sports, reading, and cooking.
Apryl Putnam, AAS, Action CPT, MCI Nutrition Certification, CPR/First Aid
Apryl is passionate about helping people feel stronger, healthier, and more confident through movement and balanced nutrition. She especially enjoys working with middle-aged and older adults, creating programs that build strength, improve mobility, and make everyday life more enjoyable.
She also loves coaching people of all ages to find a healthy routine that fits their lifestyle and goals. Seeing clients gain confidence and realize what their bodies are capable of is what inspires her every day.
Outside of work, Apryl enjoys spending time with her husband, Troy, their 16-year-old twin boys, Reid and Rylan, and their two Boston Terriers, Zoey and Harley. In her free time, she can usually be found reading, listening to music, baking, relaxing by the lake, or keeping their yard and flowers looking their best.
