Founder & Chair Director

CFT, CMT, PFIC Founder & Creator

Alena Downs

Alena began her pole journey in 1987, alongside the installation of the first poles in Canada. In 2002 she decided to change directions of her journey from performing to focusing on teaching and opening her own studio PoleJunkies. 2007, was marked as the inception of PFIC Canada, as there was a growing need for education and safety standards in Canada. In 2009, she was joined by a few Canadian pole studio owners to launch the first Canadian Pole Dance for Fitness Instructor Certification Board. The PFIC Board consisted of 7 individuals from across Canada. In 2012, one of Provincial Directors had branched off to create a association that was more focused on competition and training. Alena's vision for PFIC was strictly education, so she continued on with research and education to develop 2 new designation programs to add to the commission's roster of certifications. Her course accreditation includes: AFLCA Group Fitness, Human Muscular System, Human Skeletal System, Physical Education Coaching Styles and Techniques, Physical Education Fitness Training Principles and Methods, She welcomes all individuals who are in pursuit of safe pole learning to join her or any of the PFIC Instructors in a live or online program!

Western Canada Directors

British Columbia - Alberta - Manitoba

R.EEG. T, CMT, PFIC Director - British Columbia

Erin Smith

Erin is a mom of four, and pole mama of many. In 2004, she graduated from BCIT as a Registered Electroencephalographic Technologist who specializes in epilepsy and seizure patients, working at the local hospital for the past 15 years. In 2007, Erin planned a surprise birthday party for one of her friends at a pole studio and was instantly addicted. In 2007, she gave birth to a set of twins, and found pole was the most motivating workout to get back into shape after pregnancy and childbirth. She progressed quickly from student to instructor and in 2013, Okanagan Pole Dance + Aerial Fitness, in Kelowna, BC was opened. She has acquired her Fitness Theory Certificate, and is certified in all 3 PFIC Designations. Inspired by seeing the many lives changed by the benefits of pole + aerial, as well as life long friendship and relationships formed among this incredible community, she endeavors to help see it continue to advance as a sport. She has traveled to pole conventions to learn more about our global industry and trained with many of the worlds top pole dancers, including Felix Cane, Jenyne Butterfly, Phoenix Kazree, and Jordan Kensley.

CGFL, CMT, PFIC Director - Alberta

Victoria Glasman

Becoming involved in pole and aerial fitness in 2007, Victoria has grown and developed with the pole dance industry. Certified as Canada's youngest Group Fitness Instructor at the young age of 16. She was first introduced to the stage with Miss Pole Dance Alberta in 2011, placing 4th in her division at the age of 17, and continued on to take the the title of Alberta Pole Fitness Championship - Professional Division in 2012 at age 18. Continuing with her list of firsts, she competed in the 2012 Canadian Pole Fitness Championship as the Youngest Canadian in 2012. She has since attained Master Trainer status in 3 designations in 2014. She has been training live PFIC courses Canada wide since 2015. Her course accreditation includes: AFLCA Group Fitness PFIC Canada Pole-1 PFIC Canada AYF-1 PFIC Canada Aerial Hoop/Lyra-1 Victoria welcomes all to join her in her live or online!

CSEP-CPT, B.SC Kin, PFIC Director - Manitoba

Kassy Bouchard

Personal Trainer, Kassy Bouchard, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Applied Health from the University of Winnipeg. She is also certified through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiologists (CSEP) as a CPT (Certified Personal Trainer). Kassy has also become a certified PFIC Instructor in Aerial Hoop, Aerial Yoga and Pole Dancing. She has also completed the 300hr of Yoga Teacher Training through Source Yoga. In 2018, Kassy became the Yoga Fitness Course Conductor for the Manitoba Fitness Council. She loves sharing her experience to teach and mentor potential instructors in anatomy and yoga.

Eastern Canada Directors

CPTS, CMT, PFIC Director - Ontario North

Andrea Harper

Andrea learned pole dancing while living in New York City and has taken advanced workshops with some of the industry’s top professionals over the years. She has been pole dancing for fitness for over 10 years and instructing since 2008 in her own studio Cherry Blossom. In September 2010 Andrea competed in Miss Pole Dance Canada, The Great White North in 2016, The Toronto Pro Show in 2017 and The Canadian Nationals in 2017. She also organizes Aerial Cabarets, judged the Just For Laughs (JFL) Pole Fitness Competition in Montreal, organized the very first Ontario Pole Fitness Championship in 2012 bringing pole fitness competitions to Eastern Canada and judged the Quebec Pole Fitness Championships in 2015. Andrea is a Certified Personal Trainer Specialist since 2008, Certified Pole Fitness Instructor, Aerial Hoop and Aerial Yoga Instructor with PFIC and is also a PFIC Director - Ontario North. Andrea’s Pole Dancing experience and Personal Training experience helped her realize her dream of opening Cherry Blossom Aerial Dance Studio.

CMT, PFIC Director - Toronto GTA

Jeanie Kay

Jeanie took her first step into a pole studio more than 11 years ago and has never looked back. Growing up as a RAD and BATD trained ballerina for more than 15 years, who has also dabbled in other dance disciplines, her love of dance was put on hold while attending university and pursuing a career in an office setting. By sheer chance she tried pole in a group setting and she FAILED miserably. It was precisely because it was challenging, it sparked a drive in her to master the art and grace of pole. Since then, Jeanie has been instructing for over 10 years and has attained the following accreditation: PFIC Canada AYF1 PFIC Canada Aerial Hoop/Lyra-1 PFIC Canada Pole-1 ElevatED Acro-Dance through Acrobatic Arts and Flexibility Training Thanks to her rocky start to her pole journey, Jeanie has a unique perspective on breaking down complicated moves into easy to understand components (often using food analogies) and has a deep appreciation for the importance of technique. Jeanie loves to create and share in her pole discoveries and welcomes you to come join her in person or online!

CMT, PFIC Director - Ontario South

Shanyn Pollard

Shanyn began her journey as a pole fitness enthusiast following the birth of her second child and hasn't looked back since. For her it was simply a way to get back into shape without having to find the time to go to the gym. It quickly became a full time passion and within 18 months of training she was teaching pole fitness out of Zacada Circus School. In 2009, she joined with PFIC Canda and acquired the position of PFIC Director - Ontario South. Shanyn is a Master trainer for all 3 PFIC Canada designations. She went on to compete on the national stage in 2010 and brought home Best Pole Tricks and was awarded 1st Runner Up. In 2011 she returned to the stage and was awarded the Canadian Pole Fitness Champion, Best Pole Tricks, Best Entertainer and Best Costume which lead her to the World Pole Dance Sport & Fitness Championships where she represented Canada as a finalist. Shanyn couldn't be happier with the people she's met and all the opportunities she's had along the way, which has lead her to expand her health and fitness knowledge. She's currently studying Applied Nutrition with the goal of adding health coaching into the mix as well as her most recent certifications in SUP Yoga, SUP Surf Sculpt and Pound®. Watching students confidence grow has become the biggest inspiration to her and it's continued to fuel her passion for health and fitness.

PFIC OLA Trainers

The Incredible Professionals behind the Education Workshops

CSEP-CPT, B.SC Kin (Hon), R.Kin, CFR, OLA Instructor

Yasmine Mucher

Yasmine found her passion in circus arts at the age of 13 in Toronto, Ontario. Having completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with Honors at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she is now studying Athletic Therapy in Calgary at Mount Royal University. She is a registered Kinesiologist, certified personal trainer, and a certified first responder. She has gained an extensive knowledge of injury care, prevention, and management having worked as an athletic trainer and student therapist with varsity teams in Halifax and Calgary. Instructing for 8 years, at circus schools and studios in Toronto, Halifax and Calgary, Yas is excited to share her knowledge and passion for safe active flexibility and aerial arts with the students of PFIC Canada's OLA.

BSN, MA, PFIC OLA Instructor

Rosalyn Mow

Rosalyn was born and raised in Vancouver. She has a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition from the University of British Columbia, and a Masters of Arts in Applied Legal Studies from Simon Fraser University. With a background in rhythmic gymnastics and Chinese dance, she began her pole fitness journey in 2012. She is passionate about flexibility tricks and lyrical pole choreography and enjoys teaching at Tantra Fitness in Vancouver. She is the 2017 Canadian Pole Champion, 2017 PSO Canadian Pole Champion and 2019 Canada West Doubles Champion. She has competed on some of the World's largest stages including: Pole Classic at Pole Expo, ISPF World Pole Sport Championships and PCS at the Arnold's Sport Festival and has since enjoyed expanding her skills with coaching and judging. She looks forward to helping you all learn safely and grow!

International OLA Instructors

PFIC OLA Instructor, 3 time World Pole Dance Champion

Heidi Coker

Heidi has been Pole Dancing since 2009, and international competitor since 2011 and teaching professionally since 2013. She has over 15 years of experience as a competitive elite level gymnast and coach. She has also been active in capoeira, breakdancing, yoga and aerial apparatus. She is a 3 time world champion in pole dancing and still competing today. Heidi is also an American Sign Language interpreter for the Deaf community. Spending 11 years in the education system working with young children and still currently freelancing in the Deaf community, Heidi personally believes that pole addresses the whole person, mentally, physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. She has spent the last few years diving deep into her inner journey developing her voice to teach others to look within. Currently developing programs to cross the barrier of Mindful moving, meditation and pole, Heidi welcome all who seek more.

BSc FA, PSO Ambassador, PFIC OLA Instructor

Rachel Skye

Rachel began pole dancing in 2009 as a new years resolution, and began competing and performing in 2011. She hails from a diverse background of step aerobics, gymnastics, kickboxing and extreme sports. Having a passion for dance and adrenaline all her life, pole dancing seemed like the next best thing! Rachel is an AFAA-certified group fitness instructor, completed the Elevated Teacher Pole Level 1 training, and has trained with some of the top pole dancers in the world and continues her training to stay up-to-date on pole safety. When she’s not busy with pole, you can find her working on film sets, both behind and in front of the camera. Rachel is a graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design receiving her Bachelor’s of Fine Art in Graphic Design. Her passion, funny personality and enthusiasm shine through in her classes. Her goal as an instructor is to uplift and motivate her students with positive energy.

Video Series Author, Feature Global Artist, Official Judge, PFIC OLA Instructor

Jamilla Deville

Jamilla Deville is a National Pole Champion and a true pioneer of the pole industry. Having trained in jazz ballet from a young age, Jamilla trained as an aerialist for some years before discovering pole. One of the world's first pole instructors, she has honed her craft since 2003, opening Jamilla Deville Pole Studio in 2006 and judging and feature performing for many national and international events. In 2007 Jamilla began the production of her international best-selling series, The Art of Pole. This collection of 8 volumes broke new ground in pole instruction, becoming known as The Pole Dancers Bible and winning multiple awards globally. Renowned for her athleticism, strength and grace as a performer, Jamilla's understanding and mastery of such crucial elements of pole dancing as safety, alignment and aerial fitness have set her apart as a leader in her field, making her offerings as an instructor and performer invaluable to dancers the world over. Jamilla is proudly sponsored by X-Pole and Mighty Grip, is now based in the US, and has toured internationally since 2007. She is of the firm belief that although pole dancing as a system of movement is impressive, there is still no spirit or beauty in pole  dance without grace or artistry.

CPT, CES, CSCS, Educator, Author, Illustrator, OLA Instructor

Michael Rosengart

Michael Rosengart is a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as well as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) with the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF), a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), a Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist (FRCms), Functional Range Assessment Specialist (FRA), a KINSTRETCH® Instructor, a Certified Performance Specialist (XPS) with EXOS and served as an Assistant Kiniesology Instructor and Strength Coach at Santa Monica College and as a Master Instructor, Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor at Equinox Fitness in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.. Currently, Michael works at The St. James Health Club and Sports Complex in Springfield, VA as a Personal Trainer, Kinstretch Instructor and Assistant Football coach.