Our Trainers
Our trainers are some of the most accomplished athletes and experienced exercise professionals – holding certifications in strength and conditioning, personal training and athletic training.
Frank Giannantonio MS, ATC, C.S.C.S.
Founder; Director of Strength and Conditioning
Frank Giannantonio is one of the area’s leading experts in enhancing human performance and athletic development. He brings nearly two decades of scientific and practical experience, and holds certifications in strength and conditioning, and athletic training. Additionally, Giannantonio holds a Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Movement Science. As the founder and Director of Strength and Conditioning, Giannantonio closely oversees all training programs, ensuring clients the safest, most effective routines available.
Nick Nicholaides, MS, ATC, CSCS
Nick is currently the Head Athletic Trainer at Ridgewood High School. With more than a decade of experience, he has worked as a strength and conditioning specialist and an athletic trainer for athletes of all ages and abilities. In addition, he is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Nick received his Bachelor of Arts in athletic training from Kean University in 1996 and went on to earn his master’s degree in sports medicine from the University of Pittsburgh in 1998.
Dustin Thomas, Exercise Specialist
Dustin, a native of Ridgewood, New Jersey, brings a variety of training and competitive experience to F.O.R.C.E. Currently training with the national team for the 2008 Summer Olympics, he is a member of the Professional Nike Club Team as a member of the United States Track Association of Track and Field. Throughout his career he has trained with medal-winning Olympic athletes including two-time silver medalist Terence Trammell. Dustin graduated from the University of South Carolina where he was a member of the nationally ranked track team. In addition, he holds records for the 100 and 200-meter dashes at Ridgewood High School.
Lou Rushnock
Lou is a graduate of Rutgers University where he received his Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology as well as a National Strength and Conditioning Association-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) and EMT certification. While at Rutgers, Lou competed in three university Strongman competitions, winning first place in the heavyweight division all three years and first place overall two of the years. Lou’s best lifts include an 820-pound squat, 685-pound deadlift and a 555-pound bench press. In addition, Lou was a four-year starter in soccer and basketball at Dumont High School where he received All-State honors in soccer his junior and senior years.
Mike Fox, CSCS
Throughout his career, Mike has experience training a number of prominent athletes including Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Titans offensive lineman Jacob Bell, and New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene. In addition, he has led group exercise sessions for overweight adolescents and children at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and counseled adult patients at the Healthy Weight Management program in Oxford, Ohio. Mike received a Bachelors degree in health and sport studies with a concentration on exercise science from “the Cradle of Coaches” at Miami University of Ohio. He was a defender on the Redhawk lacrosse team and proceeded to become a student-assistant strength and conditioning coach for a number of varsity teams. Mike graduated from Don Bosco in 2001, where he was an All-County football and lacrosse player, lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee in 2007, and multiple award winner. He is also currently earning his Masters in Nutrition and Food Science at Montclair State University and strength and conditioning consultant for the McGill University Redmen lacrosse team in Montreal, Canada.
Sue Montegari
Sue holds a BA in Athletic Training and a double minor in Coaching and Equine Science from Alfred University. She is also a certified Personal Trainer and has been working as a Speed and Agility Specialist for the past 8 years. Throughout her career, Sue has trained many top Division I, II, and III Lacrosse and Soccer players. She also serves as the Assistant Director for the Tri-State lacrosse women’s team. In this capacity, Sue directs the Northern Leagues and Camps & Clinics. She also serves as a Tri-State All-Star coach. Additionally, Sue has also been on staff as the Assistant Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach for Ridgewood High School for the past 5 years. Her coaching expertise was recognized when she had the pleasure to coach an Upper Atlantic Team at the 2007 Womens' National Tournament. An athlete herself, Sue was a 3-year starter and team captain at Ridgewood High School. She continued her career at Alfred University where she was a 4-year starter and team captain for the AU lacrosse team and a 4-year starter for the equestrian team.
Matt Henry
Matt is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Recreation Management. While at UNH, he served as a wide receiver and punter for the Wildcats’ football squad. Additionally, Matt played on the UNH basketball team freshmen year. He holds a personal training (PT) certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and has been training clients for more than four years. He also works with kids of all ages, teaching basketball skills and fundamentals. A 2002 graduate of Cresskill High School, Matt played football, basketball and baseball for four years and was Cresskill’s All-Time Leading Scorer in basketball with close to 1,800 points.
Sophia Wallace
Sophia is a recent graduate of Rutgers University where she received her BA in Exercise Science and Sports studies, with a concentration in Sports Management. During her time at RU she was a member of the Women’s Track and Field program. While part of this program she earned Big East and ECAC honors. She now volunteers with her high school track team, teaching young adults the correct forms and techniques of running. As a 2004 graduate of Montclair High School, Sophia participated in both the basketball and track programs. In track she received All League, All County, and All State honors; during her senior year she was the State Champion in the 55 meter dash. She comes to this program with a love for coaching and encouraging individuals to strive for their attainable goals.