Meet our staff:

Our program is, first and foremost, its people -- and the people of Mountain Trek are extraordinary. Vital, energetic, upbeat and knowledgeable, they are fitness and life style change experts who wear their expertise lightly. These folks practice what they preach. Only they don’t preach. They guide. They motivate. They challenge. They care.

All of our lead guides are certified hiking guides with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), and have Advanced Level First Aid. Our staff not only teach the wellness philosophies of Mountain Trek, they live them as part of their everyday.

KIRKLAND SHAVE, BA, Diploma SpEd

Program Director, Life Coach, Lead Guide

Strong, focused, dedicated and nurturing, Kirkland embodies the essence of Mountain Trek. A park ranger and wilderness skills instructor for two decades, a certified hiking guide and a certified Life Coach, Kirk is a motivator who challenges guests to do more than they thought possible. He is a caring coach who helps guests make important and enduring lifestyle changes.

Kirk walks the Mountain Trek talk…sometimes barefoot.

CATHY GRIERSON, BPhEd

Head Guide, Fitness Director

Cathy has developed a fitness program at Mountain Trek that complements the hiking intensive. Her positive, upbeat manner inspires and motivates our guests; Cathy is a true role model. For the past 25 years as a certified hiking guide, the outdoors have been her “office” where she has worked as a park ranger, an Outward Bound instructor, an avalanche technician, ski patroller, rappel forest fire fighter and a wilderness first aid instructor. On the trail or in the gym, Cathy’s vitality and vigor are contagious.

In her free time Cathy can be found...outside.

ANNA TOPF, BHKin

Kinesiologist, Guide, Yoga Teacher

Energetic and passionate about health and fitness, Anna has been working in the field of wellness for over 10 years. Anna has taught yoga for many years and has spent the last seven working as a kinesiologist in exercise therapy. She is a Medical Exercise Specialist, (MES) and a Certified Chek Exercise Coach. The Chek philosophy of focusing on finding your body’s potential through core and posture, complements Mountain Trek’s program of integrated health.

Anna spends most days outside hiking, biking and playing in the dirt.

KATYA HAYES

Yoga Teacher

Katya Hayes has been a dedicated yoga teacher for the past 15 years. She owns her own yoga studio, and teaches classes ranging from gentle beginners to Power Vinyasa. Katya became the first western woman to receive certification by the International Korean Yoga Association. She has studied the ancient teachings of yoga and Buddhism and the traditions of Iyengar, Ashtanga and Vinyasa flow. For the past 12 years Katya has been one of our primary yoga instructors and has produced a DVD titled “Anywhere Yoga – A Gentle Practice” for everyday living.

Katya spends her free time exploring the wonders of the mountains with her three children, husband and small, super dog.

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Super Summer Sipper!

Although Mountain Trek is a fitness and weight loss retreat, we understand that you need to have fun and live a rich and interesting life. Our Super Summer Sipper is packed with vitamins and anti oxidants and the bright red color makes it festive and fun. Whether your...

Filed under: Nutrition / by MountainTrek

Super Simple Roasted Fennel

Fennel in addition to being delicious has a number of health benefits for both the digestive and respiratory systems and when used in food helps protect eyes from inflammation, disorders related to aging due to the presence of anti oxidants. Beyond that it's a great and simple additon...

Filed under: Nutrition / by MountainTrek

Simple Formulas For The Best Waistline and Wellness

Have you ever wondered why after consistent exercise and eating carefully, your body won’t let go of those unwanted, extra pounds of fat? Here’s a sneak-peek at the scientifically based principles we use in Mountain Trek's much celebrated Fitness and Weight Loss Program...

Filed under: Programs / by MountainTrek

This is a phenomenal program! You pushed me way past where I thought my limits were and I’m coming away with much stronger confidence in my current fitness and my potential. I learned a lot of new concepts in nutrition and weight loss which I’m excited to integrate at home. Most importantly, the intimate small group setting combined with incredibly caring and perceptive staff ensured that I got exactly what I needed from this trip! Thank you.

Cathy

Flying to B.C. to attend a “boot camp” for many may seem like a ludicrous way to take a holiday and destress. Far from it! It is the whole enchilada! Magnificent country, gourmet food, first class facilities and a great team. I experienced spectacular trails, enjoyed camaraderie with a small group and learned a ton about nutrition, chemical load (detox) and destressing. the Whole staff was friendly, professional, fun and attentive. Oh! And the massages at the end of the day were the final exclamation mark. Come!!

Linda

A boot camp I will never forget! The staff and facilities at Mountain Trek, BC guided me through a week of intense physical training, spiritual growth and relaxation through yoga and a heightened awareness of healthy nutrition. Hiking in the Purcell Mountains in the spring was truly the way to jump start my body into leading a more active lifestyle and healthier life.

Roxanne

Thank you for making this such an incredible experience and one that I can continue to experience when I get home. Each person on the MT Team brought deep experience and knowledge that when combined made for an excellent and life changing experience.

Janet

Over the years I have tried every possible type of “diet” that was available on the market – all tried and all failed. What Mountain Trek offers; accurate body mass assessment, a personalized fitness program with excellent guides, a very healthy and delicious food plan, and a comprehensive educational platform to move forward from, have given me that tools I need to feel I can finally be successful. Thank you doesn’t possibly say it well enough. My three weeks here truly will change my lifetime.

Julie

This program transformed my commitment to my physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. The degree of professionalism and encouragement from every staff member far surpassed any other program I have experienced. During my stay everyone worked diligently to meet my every need. At Mountain Trek, I could relax while in the hands of dedicated, caring professionals.

Sue

I came here to kickstart my fitness and ramp up my cardio endurance. I am leaving with so much more. The holistic approach to health & fitness amazed me! I am leaving Mountain Trek more educated about nutrition, stress, sleep health, the detox process and the importance of it, as well as a peace I had not expected. The all-encompassing approach of the extremely competent and knowledgeable staff impressed me immensely. It was just what I needed and did not ever realize it until I compared my mindset prior to arrival and prior to departing.

Michelle

Thanks for all of your care over the past two weeks. I arrived feeling drained of energy and will return home with an improved outlook and more balanced lifestyle. I didn’t know quite what to expect coming in and my experience exceeded my expectations. Thanks!

Erica

Mountain Trek is a life changing experience. Be prepared for hard work and commitment to the program…..and you will receive not only the immediate gratification of substantial weight loss, but a foundation of knowledge, tools, and habits that will change your life for the better, way beyond your return home. Oh, and I forgot to mention the fantastic staff, food and scenery!

Lindsay

It was a transformative experience for me and as I approach 65 I feel very healthy and strong and am totally committed to my wellness regime. I can’t stop getting older, but I can feel great and be strong as I get older and I am determined to age in strength and wellness as much as I can.
I love your program and hope to come twice a year, once in Mexico and once in BC over Labor Day.

Dan

I want to thank you for a truly enjoyable time. I first wanted to have a good time and you made this venture exceed all my expectations. Second I wanted to see beauty and you have done that in not only the out of doors but inside too. Last, I wanted to get started again and everyone helped me do that. I am very fortunate in so many ways and you have added to that good fortune. Finally, keep up the camaraderie, friendship, and community and keep communing.

Bruce

The program exceeded all of my expectations. It was comprehensive and dealt with my “whole being”. My needs for learning how to hike and deal with heights on the trail were met with skill, compassion, and patience. On top of that I was able to detox, destress and really get some practical help for turning around my lifestyle. As an added bonus I lost 8.6 lbs in one week.

Tracy

Mountain Trek provides an opportunity to center yourself physically and emotionally. The professionals that guide you on your journey to health really care about your well being. I lost 10 pounds of fat in one week and feel better than I have in years.

Rick

Great program, wonderful staff, beautiful scenery – probably the best thing I’ve done for myself in years. Maybe ever!

Peggy

Wonderful program! This is my third time at Mt Trek. The best part if the positive staff. The second best if everything else! I feel refreshed, energized, nourished, and most of all healthier and ready to face the world back home.

Robin

The program was truly inspiring and I can only conclude that the intense effort I was encouraged to put into it will shock me into changing my lifestyle to encompass more healthy living. Thank you Mountain Trek!

Fara

I feel like I’ve discovered a Shangri la. A place of great rest, restoration and vitality. You re-enter your life a changed being.

Jo-Ann

Off blood pressure med’s after 1^st week, dropped 20lb sack of potatoes halfway through. Know my body better and better prepared to transition and continue.

John

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Weight Loss Retreats | Rancho La Puerta | Fitness Retreats Photos | Weight Loss Programs | Health Guide

About Us /
Staff Bios

Meet our staff:

KIRKLAND SHAVE, BA, Diploma SpEd

Program Director, Life Coach, Lead Guide

CATHY GRIERSON, BPhEd

Head Guide, Fitness Director

ANNA TOPF, BHKin

Kinesiologist, Guide, Yoga Teacher

KATYA HAYES

Yoga Teacher

Testimonials:

Read More Testimonials >>

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Site Map

About Us /Staff Bios

Meet our staff:

KIRKLAND SHAVE, BA, Diploma SpEd

Program Director, Life Coach, Lead Guide

CATHY GRIERSON, BPhEd

Head Guide, Fitness Director

ANNA TOPF, BHKin

Kinesiologist, Guide, Yoga Teacher

KATYA HAYES

Yoga Teacher

Testimonials:

Read More Testimonials >>

Follow Us

Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Site Map

About Us /
Staff Bios

Terms & Conditions

|

Privacy

|

Site Map