Island Athletic Club - Whidbey Island

Our staff is eager to help you meet your fitness goals. At Island Athletic Club we are committed to helping you make exercise a part of your lifestyle. With your input, we will design a personal exercise plan that is gradually progressive, safe and effective. We realize that your exercise routine must fit into your busy schedule. It must yield maximum benefits in a reasonable amount of time. It must be varied and fun. Your exercise program will address muscle strength, body composition, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility. Island Athletic Club is friendly and non-pretentious. You'll look forward to coming!

Rick was born and raised in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. He comes to the fitness industry after a career in banking. His work in the fitness industry dates back to 1981 with his first job at the Hot Springs Pool in Glenwood Springs. While at school in Durango, Rick had a part-time job working for the local Parks & Recreation Department.

In the years that Rick has worked here he has worn many hats: personal trainer, racquetball tournament coordinator, membership counselor, manager on duty, BodyPump instructor, emergency water aerobics instructor, and cycling instructor. In a pinch Rick has been known to substitute teach just about every class we offer. His willingness to do what it takes to provide member service is awesome!

Now as General Manager, Rick is committed to Island Athletic Club and its members, keeping the building, equipment and systems running smoothly. His focus is to make Island Athletic Club a dynamic, healthy place to work and belong.

Originally from Chicago, Michele and her family moved to Whidbey Island in 1994. Michele is married and has two grown sons. She has worked at IAC since its inception in 1996, always challenging herself to new roles.

Recently promoted to the position of Assistant General Manager, Michele looks forward to the challenges ahead. She is committed to staff development and customer service. She knows that we all increase our effectiveness by working together as a team. She manages our club database and never fails to impress us with her ability to figure out knotty technical problems.

She also teaches one of our popular group cycling classes and completed the Seattle to San Francisco Big Ride and Glacier National Park Ride, fundraisers for the American Lung Association.

Debora Valis and Steve Shapiro have been partners in providing health care to the people of South Whidbey for over 30 years. From 1976 until 1988 Steve was the local physician at The Langley Clinic and Debora was the physical therapist. They saw the need for a place for South Whidbey residents to pursue healthy activities. After 8 years of research and planning, they opened Island Athletic Club in 1996.

Debora's Physical Therapy degree is from the University of Washington, and she has an undergraduate degree in English Literature from Pomona College. Since retiring from physical therapy she has had more time to enjoy an active lifestyle including gardening and traveling. Debora has completed the Capitol City Marathon, the Portland Marathon, several half marathons and the Seattle to Portland bicycle ride.

Steve graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in Biochemical Sciences. His medical training was at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. Steve is now retired from a career in emergency medicine. He believes that one of the biggest challenges facing the medical profession is how to motivate people to live healthier lifestyles -- Island Athletic Club is one way to make exercise easier and more fun. Steve's recreational interests include bicycling, golf, snow boarding, and, of course, workouts at Island Athletic Club. In 2008 Debora and Steve rode through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks on their new bicycles.

Their two daughters were born and raised here on Whidbey Island. After college Katie moved back to the island to pursue organic farming. Joey and her husband and daughter live in Bozeman, Montana.

Chizue was born in Tokyo and raised in Kobe, Japan . She began her career in the fitness industry in 1983. She held a variety of positions during her career, including personal trainer, fitness instructor trainer, fitness consultant and manager. Chizue moved to the U.S. in 1998, spending 5 years in the New York/New Jersey area before moving to Whidbey Island.

Chizue has been one of our outstanding instructors since 2003 and we are forturnate to have her as our Director of Group Exercise since 2005.

Chizue brings her knowledge and experience with various Japanese fitness techniques to Whidbey Island. In her capacity as Fitness Director, Chizue is looking forward to serving our members.

Sine attended high school in Switzerland, Macalester College in Minnesota, and graduate school for her Masters and Ph.D. in Illinois. Her background in strategic planning and individual change management make her exceptionally well prepared for leading our Aquatic Exercise Department.

After moving to Whidbey Island with her husband and two children, Sine was looking to use her skills to help individuals achieve positive change in their lives. With her certifications from the Aquatic Exercise Association and United States Water Fitness Association, she has contributed to class design for our entire aquatic program since 2000.

Sine brings her sunny outlook and enthusiasm to serve our members. She is generous with her time and energy and is a very welcome addition to our management staff.

Elizabeth was the first employee ever hired to work at Island Atheltic Club. Her devotion to member service and getting the details right is legendary.

She shines in her ability to connect with people and has been very successful in helping people achieve their goals of better health through exercise. Elizabeth leads our sales team and coordinates training for our member service staff. We could not be as good at our jobs without her leadership in her departments.

Growing up in Indiana, Elizabeth is a serious Notre Dame fan. Elizabeth raised two children on Whidbey Island and now enjoys having her two grandsons here.