Ranil Sonnadara - Head Coach and President: Ranil started his fencing career 25 years ago and competed as a foilist and sabreur for many years. Ranil has been coaching for over 15 years, and he has led several fencers to national and international success. Now a researcher specializing in the development of expertise and motor control at the University of Toronto, Ranil offers instruction in all weapons, and supervises the coaching staff. For more information about Ranil's research, please visit his personal website. Trained and certified in Europe as a coach in all weapons, Ranil is also registered as a Coach, Referee, Learning Facilitator, Master Evaluator and Master Course Conductor with the Canadian Association of Coaches (NCCP), the Canadian Fencing Federation and the Ontario Fencing Association. Ranil also sits on the Canadian Fencing Federation's Coaching Education and LTADM Committees, is President of the Board of Directors for the Ontario Fencing Association, and is a consultant for Sport Canada's Expert Group in his 'spare time'!
Sandra Dulac - Club Coach and Vice-President (Youth): Certified by the NCCP as an Aide-Moniteur in foil and sabre, Sandra runs our children's programmes, and assists with our intro and competitive senior programs. She also fences foil in her spare time.
Rob Smith - Assistant Coach: A sabre fencer by choice (some might argue genetics), Rob is the Head Coach of Westdale Fencing Buffalo, and offers group and individual lessons in sabre and foil. Rob still visits the Hamilton club from time to time, and assists with our recreational and competitive programmes when time permits. For Rob's full bio, please visit here.
Amanda Ager - Trainer / Conditioning Coach: Amanda is a final year kinesiology student with special interests in biomechanics, motor learning and sport-related injuries. She is formerly a (very!) competitive rugby player and is a junior naval officer in her "spare time". She has worked as the conditioning coach for a men's recreational rugby team as well as with the McMaster women's rugby team. Amanda is also a little too excited at the prospect of getting to beat people with big sticks without getting in trouble for it!
Irma Monaco - Apprentice Coach: A new addition to our coaching staff, Irma helps with our youth and intro programs.
Jon Holtz - Apprentice Coach: Jon is the Head Coach at Excelsior Fencing Club in Kitchenor-Waterloo, and has joined the coaching staff at Westdale on a two-year apprentiship, working with our intro, competitive and pre-elite programs. Jon is a Provincially rated Sabre referee, and is working towards his NCCP Aide-Moniteur certification in foil and sabre.
Dan Banks - Apprentice Coach: Head Coach of the University of Guelph Fencing program, Dan joins the coaching staff at Westdale on a one-year apprentiship, working with our recreational program.
Terri Fitzpatrick - Treasurer: A parent volunteer who unwittingly got sucked into the Westdale Vortex, Terri is responsible for the day to day finances of the club, and for keeping us solvent. She can often be found in a corner weeping over the balance statements.
Lisa Ciancone - Administrative Assistant Another parent volunteer, Lisa helps out with administration, and also with the running of most of our in-house tournaments.
Nicole Springle - Dietitian: Nicole is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist who holds a Masters Degree in Applied Nutrition from the University of Guelph. By day, Nicole works at both the Health and Performance Centre and Student Health Services at the University of Guelph. In addition, she is the author of Eating for Energy, a monthly nutrition column in the Guelph Mercury. Her focus is on sports nutrition, weight management, and assisting individuals to achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Nicole is an avid runner who has competed in numerous races including two marathons and multiple half marathons. Rates for treatment are $150 for a single on-site consultation, or $650 for an annual nutrition plan. Appointments can also be booked through the Health and Performance Centre in Guelph.
Skye Hoben - Registered Nurse
Teresa Pitura - Massage Therapist: Teresa is proud to become part of the Westdale Fencing Club team, as their in-house Registered Massage Therapist. She received her diploma from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy and is now enjoying serving the Athletic community. Teresa is licensed by the CMTO and is an active member of the OMTA. Her valued clientele is based in Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and in her hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. Teresa looks forward to a long and exciting partnership with the Westdale Fencing Club.
You may contact Teresa at: rmt@westdalefencing.com or please see her website for more information.
