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

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.

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