everest academy
strength & conditioning SAP
Led by our team of specialists, S&C SAP programming is designed to suit the age and stage of our student athletes and takes into consideration all aspects of athletic development and sport functionality. Our programming incorporates evidence-informed training principles, focuses on sport relevant loading, and empowers student athletes to own their strengths and limitations, advocate for their individual needs, and cultivate self-agency in sport and life.
strength & conditioning director
james gardiner, M.Sc., CAT(C), CSCS
James is currently Director, Strength and Conditioning Student Athlete Preparedness at Everest Academy, the Head Athletic Therapist with our U18 Prep Team and oversees therapy and rehabilitation. He spends the summers in the building as Director of Movement and Sports Medicine with Noble Sports Performance. He is a Certified Athletic Therapist, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, holds a Masters Degree in Kinesiology and Health Science and is a Hatha Yoga practitioner.
He has worked with top-level athletes in all major sports, blending therapeutics and performance training into a holistic approach to athlete wellness. He has held positions as the Head Athletic Therapist with Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS), as a Head Athletic Trainer in the Toronto Blue Jays system (MiLB), Head Therapist with Halifax (NLL), a Rehab Coordinator at York University and various therapy, conditioning and sports injury rehab roles, including working as a performance consultant with the University of the Bahamas. He has held teaching roles in the two Athletic Therapy Certification programs and presented at conferences across multiple disciplines.
strength & conditioning coach
rob barbieri
Born and raised in Toronto where he was part of the York Yeomen Rugby club, Barbieri was spotted by Italian selectors while playing for Canada U-19. He made the move to Overmach Parma in 2003 along with older brother Mike. Robert opted for the Azzurri and was quickly called up to the national U-21 squad. His test debut came against Japan in June 2006, and in 2007 Barbieri made the move from Parma to Treviso, playing with Benetton for the rest of his career with the exception of a single season in the English Premiership with Leicester Tigers in 2014-15. He earned 43 caps for Italy, 14 in the Six Nations, and was part of the 2011 World Cup squad after missing the 2007 event with injury. Barbieri would play just one test against Canada, a 25-16 victory at BMO Field in his native Toronto in June 2012. His last test appearance came against Scotland in June 2017. After a 16-year professional career as a rugby player, Robert now looks to utilize the training and skills acquired to pass on to other athletes. Robert understands what it takes to perform at a high level, and his professional experience is a key fundamental tool in his training regiments. His programs are not theoretical. This is hands on training from a former professional that will help elevate your fitness to the next level.
strength & conditioning coach
matthew arnone
Matthew is a former professional soccer athlete, who is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, with an Applied Specialization in Mindfulness Meditation. Matthew’s passion for optimal performance in his professional playing career drove him to explore performance in more than just a physical way. With a focus on growth and a healthier approach to sport and life, aims to maximize the potential of every human in body, mind, and heart.
Registered Massage Therapist Registered Kinesiologist Certified Athletic Therapist
Julie Macdonald
Julie is a Certified Athletic Therapist, Registered Massage Therapist, Registered Kinesiologist, and holds a Masters Degree in Kinesiology and Health Science.
Julie is the Lead of Integrative Systems Training at Everest Academy, and a part-time lecturer at York University. She makes connecting with and understanding the individual a priority in all aspects of her work. Through her Integrative Systems role at Everest Academy, Julie is establishing the importance of intentional daily practice of perceptual, attentional, emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of development and performance.
In her rehabilitative role, Julie supports athletes with Athletic Therapy and Massage therapy services. She also offers expertise in concussion management, with a specific focus on protracted recovery and return to high performance sport.
Registered Social Worker
Debbie Wilkes, RSSW
As a registered social worker with over 30 years in the mental health field, Debbie brings a wealth of expertise to help individuals enhance focus, resilience, and overall well-being. With significant experience in crisis intervention, trauma recovery, and brain optimization, Debbie helps athletes optimize their mental health and prepare their minds for peak performance.
At Everest, Debbie leads an area often overlooked in development and performance: Mental Muscle. We don’t want to be reactionary or wait for a problem to ask for help. At Everest, we take a proactive approach. Through open-forum discussions, workshops, and private appointments, Debbie is helping our student athletes understand: Why do we make the decisions we make? What areas of our brains are developing and how does this affect our decision making? What is pressure and how does it impact performance? What strategies can we build, develop, and employ to manage emotion and make strategic choices?
Debbie also supports staff and coaches in developing meaningful content and age-appropriate systems of delivery for the student-athletes at Everest Academy.
