Meet the Team
John Dohanic
Founder/Trainer
Background: M.S. Rehabilitation Science, B.S. Exercise Science Teaching
“Nothing in the world was ever accomplished without passion and a lot of hard work.”
I am grateful for you to be looking at our site in the hopes that one day we meet and APT may help you achieve your goals. My journey with aquatic rehabilitation started at the age of 19 when I was told I would never be able to play impact sports again because I needed to have my shoulder replaced. Out of desperation I found some relief from my surgery and physical therapy in the water, but that was only the start of my journey. Over the last 10 years I have developed a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) accreditation in aquatic rehabilitation and physical performance training. I have worked with thousands of clients and patients that are looking for a chance to feel good again or what I like to call their “what comes next” moment when they are done physical therapy or they have tried other programs that do not work for them.
Interests: Exercise, music, travel, Pittsburgh Steelers.
Brianna
Operations/Acquisitions Manager & Trainer
Background: B.S. Exercise Science
“Life will always, always take you where you need to be.”
From an early age I was fascinated by the body: how it can move, adapt and strengthen throughout life. I started working for APT straight out of college and it makes me so happy to see the progress our clients make every day. My goal is for everyone to feel accomplished and energized after taking a class, finishing with sweat and a smile! I’ve witnessed firsthand people building strength, stamina and moving better in their everyday lives with consistency in our program. I am so grateful to do what I love for a living through APT.
Interests: Beach, travel, yoga, dogs, time with family & friends.
Ron
Trainer
Background: B.S. Psychology
“We all have our big goals, but if we just work on being better than yesterday, we’ll get there eventually.”
I have been involved in a workout and exercise setting for over 10 years, starting with my time playing football. I played throughout high school and college, and now coach in addition to training at APT. I use my workout and coaching experience to help me train clients in and out of the pool. I enjoy helping clients achieve their fitness goals alongside my own. My favorite part about working at APT is seeing the progress people make. The big gains are obvious, but hearing about the small victories and the improvement of daily life outside of aesthetics is incredible to witness. To me the little things are important, like consistent effort and progress no matter how small.
Interests: Exercise, healthy eating, reading.
Hadley
Trainer/Nutritionist
Background: Dietetics and Applied Nutrition
“Opportunities don’t happen, we create them.”
Growing up, my athletic career meant everything to me. My main goal was to get to the next level in my lacrosse career, and when I finally had the opportunity to play in college I pushed myself like never before: constantly running, lifting, and moving. Through all 4 years I was always injured and I thought if I kept pushing myself I could get through it and back to my old self. By my senior year my body was in shambles. I tried traditional physical therapy, but each time I went it seemed nothing was working. I was physically, and mentally, defeated as I believed my athletic career was over. It wasn't until my mom starting working at APT that I finally found a glimmer of hope again. As she introduced the program to me, I started to notice less inflammation and more mobility. That, along with proper nutrition, allowed me to finish my senior year playing lacrosse. APT has given me the opportunity to help others who have gone through similar situations, which is extremely rewarding! APT has also allowed me to discover a new family, having a common goal of creating healthier minds, bodies and souls.
Kelly
Trainer
“Look alive! Just keep moving!”
I have exercised regularly all of my life. I started competitively swimming at the age of 10. After high school I took a long break from swimming and started running, biking and going to the gym. I did whatever it took to keep moving without considering the long term effects on my body. About 10 years ago and after multiple nagging injuries, I started swimming again. After I started APT workouts I was astonished how much better I felt, less sore and stiff. When I’m not teaching I like to assist in the water so I can get the same great workouts with all of the Water Warriors! Discovering APT and hearing their stories of weight loss, improved mobility and strength with less joint pain made me realize I was in the right place. Now I get to celebrate those same results alongside so many others. As a lifelong water enthusiast, finding and teaching this one-of-a-kind program is a dream come true.
Interests: Open water swimming, adventures with my dog Zeke, gardening and traveling.
Linda
Trainer
“If you don’t like your story, then change it!”
After some devastating blows in life I found bad habits and felt I had lost my purpose. My immunity took a hit and after coming down with the flu I saw an advertisement for Aquatic Performance Training. With a history of knee surgeries and gymnastic background I thought, “Why not?” Once I met John, and poured my heart out to him, I felt this was the right program for me. After a year of attending private and group classes consistently I was given the opportunity to become a trainer. While at first it seemed overwhelming it was the camaraderie, friendship and patience amongst the trainers and clients that gave me the confidence to thrive. I LOVE it! I am so glad I took the leap of faith and have the chance to change someone’s life as my life has been changed forever, thanks to my APT family.
Interests: Riding ATVs, gardening, playing with my dog and all my kids with my wonderful husband Mark.
Andrew
Trainer
Background: Multidisciplinary Studies in Personal Training, Sports Communication & Entrepreneurship
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Athletics, exercise and good health have always been a huge part of my life! I began my fitness career as a Personal Trainer in 2014 at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center in Hamilton. It was there that I was introduced and became certified in AquaKinetics by John Dohanic. The first time I saw John lead an APT small group class I knew it was something I wanted to learn more about and get involved with. APT is such an incredible and unique workout that I encourage everyone to try and incorporate into their exercise routine. The combination of various movements, low impact on the entire body, and targets all ages/fitness levels is what I love about the program.
Interests: Hanging with family & friends, movies, beach, mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, pickleball, diehard New York Yankees and New York Giants fan.
Zaribel
Trainer
“Quote.”
As a Rutgers Exercise Science full-time student pursuing a career in Physical Therapy, I wanted to involve myself in a community like APT. APT is all about helping people who are starting or rediscovering their fitness journey. I have participated in sports since the age of 4. Unfortunately, COVID cut my high school volleyball career short, and as I was seeking an opportunity to stay active and productive that’s when I found APT. Becoming a trainer at APT is perfect. I am able to work all while improving my health and others. Since I joined the Water Warrior family, my fellow trainers and clients make me feel welcome and comfortable doing the things I love. I love helping and learning how aqua training is improving the lives of people here at APT. The clients are extremely inspiring, and seeing their progress in the fitness journey is very rewarding.
Susan
Office Manager
“The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.”
I am excited to introduce APT to new people and the innovative ways APT uses exercises to get and keep clients fit. I am especially pleased when we can help someone who hasn’t been able to exercise because of a limitation.
Interests: Family time with the “grands”, reading, music, and of course getting healthy through consistent exercise.
Linda
Admin
“Sing like no one’s listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, live like today is your last.”
I have always tried to stay active all through my life, whether it be dancing, exercise or in the pool. I have loved watching what my grandson, John, has created over the past decade and I love being apart of the APT family. I am always happy to help people with their scheduling to find the best fit for them.
Interests: Family, dancing, shows, fitness, crafts.