Meet The Staff

Kevin M. McKee, MS, ACSM

Kevin M. McKee, President of AFFL, has a sincere passion for educating people regarding the requirements of effective exercise and natural nutrition. The desire to improve his ability as a teacher and fitness instructor led him to advance his education in the field of human biology and exercise science.

Kevin has a B.S. in human biology from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay where he selected courses emphasizing exercise science, nutrition, and human development. With the desire to learn more about the response of the human body to the stress of exercise, Kevin pursued graduate studies at Northern Michigan University. There he completed an M.S. in exercise science while maintaining a teaching graduate assistantship.

While questioning the effects of the widely accepted and trendy methods of exercise, it became quite clear that many of these exercise protocols were not effective and the cumulative effects likely dangerous, particularly in the long-term. Kevin’s interest in strength training led him to complete a research project evaluating the influence of slow-speed, high-intensity strength training on several health-related components. He is convinced that this method of exercise will permit people to safely improve their health and well-being without compromising their safety or long-term health.

Kevin also maintains a “Certified Health/Fitness Specialist” certification from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). As a facility, AFFL supports the ACSM Exercise is Medicine Initiative, and believes that properly performed strength, cardiovascular, and flexibility training can do more to offset age-related deconditioning and subsequent medical costs than anything else. In addition, knowing that not all exercise is created equal, AFFL promotes programs that are research-based, results-driven, and safe in both design and application.

Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife Celia and children (Terese, Patrick and Marta), and participating in most outdoor activities. He believes that his focus on faith, family and an active lifestyle improves his quality of life and in turn helps him to best serve others.

AFFL Staff Members

Tori Couch, BS, ACSM (Fitness Trainer)

Tori has long had a passion for fitness and sincerely enjoys teaching individuals about the fundamentals of health and wellness. She believes it is one of the greatest gifts she can give someone as she has personally experienced tremendous physical and psychological benefit from embracing a healthy lifestyle.

With an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Personal Trainer certification and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fitness Management from the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tori is well-educated in the principles of biomechanics, exercise physiology, fitness assessment and prescription, and nutrition. Through her coursework and experience working with individuals of all ages in the exercise environment, she is well-qualified to instruct, motivate, supervise and support all those in need of a safe and effective fitness program.

Tori enjoys water-skiing, snow skiing, and various outdoor activities. One of her personal fitness goals is to run a marathon. She loves spending time with her family and friends, and believes keeping good people in one’s life is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle.

Patti Harrison, CMT (Massage Therapist)

Patti is a Wisconsin State Licensed Massage Therapist and maintains the National Board Certification (NCBTMB), which is the highest credential in the profession. She is a graduate of the Fox Valley School of Massage and has been practicing massage for the past 4 years. While Patti specializes in Swedish Massage, which is designed to relax muscles, improve circulation and decrease pain and stiffness, she also does Deep Tissue Massage, which is often more therapeutic in nature and used to break up adhesions, smooth out muscle fibers and decrease pain and stiffness.

In addition to Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Patti also enjoys doing Reiki Massage, which uses energy through the therapist’s hands to restore health and well-being. Reiki is designed to relieve acute problems (both physical and emotional), boost the immune system and decrease pain and depression.

Patti’s desire to promote healing and alleviate pain stems from 14 years of experience as a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant in Maryland. She has treated a wide variety of orthopedic and neurological problems, and her treatments are always customized to meet the needs of each individual. Her goal is to leave her clients feeling relaxed and pain free.

Patti enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as travelling and meeting new people.

Kristi L. Smeaton, MS, ACSM (Fitness Trainer)

For over 20 years Kristi has been involved in fitness and healthcare.  Her love and dedication to increasing the health and wellness of others is genuine.   She understands that everyone has personal reasons for starting a program.  Kristi believes her calling is to be an ally and to guide clients, when they are ready for change, to reach their goals of a healthier way of living.

Kristi has a Bachelor’s of Science degree, from UW–Madison, and a Master of Science degree, from UW-La Crosse, and both are in Exercise Science.  She is also an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Health and Fitness Specialist.  She has worked with different segments of the population including:  the elderly, cancer patients, patients with co-morbidities, diabetics, amputees, obese patients, as well as, high level and injured athletes.  Her education and experience allow her to create safe, effective, and results driven custom fitness programs.

Family time with her husband Scott and their three kids is very important.  Some of the activities Kristi enjoys are biking, yoga, gardening, and hiking with family and friends.  Her favorite hiking trip, to date, was April 2010- hiking and camping in the Grand Canyon.  She believes that our health is a lifelong process and our goal is to move, step by step, toward a higher level of wellness.

Paula M. Schommer, MS, ACSM (Fitness Trainer)

Paula has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin, Eau-Claire where her main course work focused on biomechanics, human anatomy, and health and fitness assessment. While working with a community fitness program that focused on improving the health and wellness of cardiac, pulmonary, and diabetic patients, Paula realized she had a calling to educate and improve the lives of people who were forever changed by suffering through chronic diseases.  She continued her education at Minnesota State University, Mankato where she attained her Master of Science degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology with an emphasis on cardiac rehabilitation.

The positive effect that exercise and strength training has on an individual’s health is the most rewarding aspect Paula experiences as a trainer.  She is committed to helping clients realize what lifestyle changes are needed in order to improve and maintain their overall quality-of-life.  Paula’s motivation helps the client face their health-related challenges as she believes no one is physically unable to exercise.

Paula’s passion for health and fitness carries into her everyday life as she enjoys hiking, camping, running, and volleyball.  Spending time with family and friends is what is most important to her.

Join Our Team!

Appleton Fitness For Life, Inc. offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and development within our unique multi-disciplinary facility. With an unsurpassed commitment to integrity and compassion, AFFL provides a caring and open atmosphere in which all can best serve their clients and each other.

We currently staff Administrative Assistants, Massage Therapists, and Personal Fitness Trainers. All applicants must be degreed, licensed and/or certified in their area of expertise.

Please send or fax a resume and cover letter to:

Appleton Fitness for Life, Inc.
Attn: Kevin M. McKee
1901 E. Capitol Drive, STE A
Appleton, WI 54911
Fax: (920) 882-8986