Building Athletes

The Bunker offers adult and youth performance training for those who are looking to take their fitness to the next level. Sessions are delivered in small groups of 2-8 participants within a guided framework. Your coach is there to educate you, push you, and inspire you to greatness.
Start Your Journey

The Coaches

If you want to be the best, you want to train with the best. All coaches hold nationally accredited certifications and have 10+ years of experience.
Meet The Coaches

The Workout

Each session is designed to incorporate dynamic movement, power, strength, and metabolic training. Everything you need for overall performance.
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The Program

The Bunker incorporates a 4-week program with a 3-day split. Each day will start with movement prep and an active warmup, then into 2 strength stations, and finishes with a heart-pumping burn!
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Maddie Miller

Maddie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and is currently pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy, offering a unique and well-rounded perspective on fitness and
rehabilitation. Maddie’s background as a competitive gymnast and dancer gives her a deep understanding of the body’s mechanics and a strong appreciation for movement, precision, and performance.
She specializes in women’s health, weight loss, rehabilitation, and strength training. Maddie is passionate
about creating individualized programs that support her clients’ long-term health and fitness—whether they’re recovering from injury, building strength, or simply striving to feel better in their own bodies. Her compassionate, client-focused approach empowers
individuals to move better, feel better, and live better.

Certifications:

  • BS: Exercise Science
  • Currently pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy
  • NCSF Certified Personal Trainer

Specialties:

  • Women’s health and fitness
  • Currently pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy
  • Strength & Resistance Training
  • Weight Loss & Body Recomposition
  • Rehabilitation and Functional Movement

Ricky Fuentes

Ricky’s passion for fitness was shaped by years of competing in sports—including baseball, basketball, football, track & field, and cross country. His love for athletic performance led him to strength and conditioning, where he discovered the power of training
to enhance both physical ability and overall well-being.

After earning his degree in Finance from Saint Joseph’s University and spending ten years in the sales and service industry, Ricky returned to his true passion—fitness—with a mission to inspire the next generation of athletes. He brings dedication, discipline,
and energy to every session, helping clients unlock their full potential and live their best lives.

Certification:

  • ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
  • Specialties:
  • Athletic Performance Training
  • Strength & Conditioning

Alex Valentini

Alex has over three years of experience helping clients become stronger—physically, mentally, and emotionally. While physical transformation is part of the process, Alex believes the most powerful changes happen within. Her approach to training is rooted in
strength-building, confidence, and mindset—guiding clients to push past mental barriers and feel truly empowered in their bodies.

Whether someone is just starting out or striving for new levels in their fitness journey, Alex brings energy, empathy, and a deep commitment to helping them feel strong in every sense of the word.

Certification:

  • ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Miguel Ocasio

Miguel is a certified Personal Trainer and Performance Coach born and raised in Long Branch, NJ. He holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion with a focus on Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement, along with a Bachelor’s degree
in Exercise Science. With a strong foundation in sports performance and injury prevention, Miguel delivers science-based, individualized training programs for clients of all ages and abilities.

His experience includes strength and conditioning internships at Monmouth University and Stockton University, where he worked closely with collegiate athletes across multiple sports. Whether training youth athletes or adults looking to improve movement and
performance, Miguel brings precision, expertise, and energy to every session.

Certifications:

  • MS: Exercise Science and Health Promotion
  • NASE Certified Speed Specialist LVL II (CSS)
  • ISSA Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

Specialties:

  • NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)
  • Strength & Conditioning
  • Body Tempering

Devin Cooper

Devin is a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and basketball coach with a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology. He played and coached basketball at Montclair State University and has continued to share his passion for fitness through coaching at the middle and high school levels. Devin blends academic knowledge with real-world experience to create sessions that are effective, inclusive, and energizing. Devin’s training philosophy is rooted in the belief that “comparison is the thief of joy” and that everyone’s journey is unique, we all start at different points, and that’s what makes progress so personal and powerful. Whether you’re new to the gym or a seasoned athlete, Devin is here to help you stay active, feel confident, and have fun every step of the way.

Certifications & Education:

  • MS: Exercise Science & Kinesiology / Sports Administration – Montclair State University
  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
  • Fundamentals of Coaching (NFHS)
  • Implicit Bias (NFHS)
  • Concussion in Sports (NFHS)

Specialties:

  • Functional Fitness
  • Confidence & Motivation Coaching
  • Sports-specific Training (Basketball)
  • Group Fitness

Jo Lane

I joined the fitness industry as a personal trainer and fitness instructor in 2018 after a long career in designer apparel and customer service. I had always had a passion for fitness and decided to change gears in my 50’s and put my passion to good use. As I was getting certified I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and had to put my dream on hold. After 5 months of climbing back I was more fueled to help people get healthy and overcome any obstacles by setting the example as the comeback is bigger than the setback. I completed my certification and got right to work. I came to The Fort Athletic Club to become part of something special. I loved the military inspired themes and the special community that we serve. As I work in two studios EYS & Bunker my goal is to have you set goals and help you achieve them. I love pushing you out of your comfort zone. Outside the gym I love to bike in the sand, hike and run 5K events to benefit Cancer.

Edwin Balcarcel

Edwin is a lifelong athlete and coach whose passion for fitness has fueled a career dedicated to helping others achieve their personal health and performance goals. With a strong foundation in physical training and wellness, Edwin delivers effective, goal-driven workouts tailored to each client’s unique needs—whether they’re working toward improved health, weight loss, or athletic performance.

Certifications:

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
  • PPSC Functional Kettlebell Training

Specialties:

  • Functional Strength Training for Weight Loss & Hypertrophy
  • Kettlebell Training
  • Plyometric Training
  • Semi-Private Group Trainin

Sage Desimone

Sage believes that fitness should be an enjoyable journey—not a chore. Her training style blends strength, mobility, and functional movement to help clients unlock their full potential while having fun along the way. Sage is passionate about creating an inclusive,
empowering environment where clients feel confident to challenge themselves, grow, and celebrate their wins.

Her goal is to make fitness sustainable, rewarding, and something clients look forward to each and every time they walk into The Fort Athletic Club.

Certifications:

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
  • Group Fitness Training Certified

TJ Brewer

TJ has been in the health and wellness industry for five years, with a strong focus on helping others move better and feel stronger through functional exercise. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science (Pre-Physical Therapy) from Kean University, where he developed a lasting interest in injury prevention and movement quality. TJ is passionate about guiding clients toward healthier, more active lifestyles while minimizing the risk of injury through thoughtful, functional programming.

Outside the gym, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, and competing in skimboarding contests along the East Coast during the summer.

Certifications:

  • BS: Exercise Science (Pre-Physical Therapy) – Kean University
  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

Damien Valentine

Damien is a personal trainer, athletic performance coach, and group fitness coach here at The Fort Athletic Club. Born and raised in Neptune, NJ, he developed a passion for sports at a young age and went on to become a member of the Neptune High School track team, competing in the javelin and shotput. Earning All-State and All-Shore honors on the field, he continued his education and athletic career at Montclair State University as a dual-sport athlete in football and track, becoming a conference and regional javelin champion. Damien holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Exercise Science and is passionate about helping clients improve strength, mobility, and overall performance.

Certifications:

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
  • Anatomy of Speed (Parisi Speed School)

 

Specialties:

  • Strength & Power Development
  • Weight Loss
  • Mobility & Flexibility
  • Speed & Agility
  • Athletic Performance

Kristina Disakias

Kristina has always had a passion for fitness and helping others, which naturally led her into a career in the health and wellness industry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health & Exercise Science from Rowan University and brings high energy, enthusiasm, and a positive mindset to every session. With experience in group fitness, semi-private training, and personal training, Kristina focuses on helping clients feel good, build confidence, and achieve sustainable, long-term results—without relying on fads or quick fixes.

Outside the gym, you’ll find her soaking up the sun at the beach, playing volleyball, or enjoying a great meal out with friends. Her upbeat attitude and infectious energy make her a favorite among members at The Fort Athletic Club.

Certifications:

  • BS: Health & Exercise Science – Rowan University
  • NSCA Certified Personal Trainer
  • Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC L1 & 2)

Specialties:

  • Semi-Private and Personal Training

Steve Gallagher

At the Personal Training Manager, Steve is excited to pass his knowledge of functional training on to the members and athletes at The Fort Athletic Club. He started his coaching career in 2011 where Steve trained collegiate and professional athletes at a performance center in South Jersey. A few years later he moved to adult functional training and spent 5 years coaching in the MBSC Thrive network where he specialized in athletic training for the general population. Steve played baseball collegiately, and continues to participate in a variety of adult sports leagues. He developed a passion for pickleball and holds his PPR certification.