Josh has over a decade of experience in athletic performance and holistic health. He graduated from West Virginia University (WVU) with a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, emphasizing strength and conditioning, sport and exercise psychology, and business.

During his time at WVU, Josh interned with the Mountaineer Football program for three years. He then went on to Glenville State College as an Assistant Strength Coach, where he designed and implemented training programs across 15 collegiate sports. He served there as the Director of the Strength and Conditioning Program.

He has spent the past four years in the private fitness sector, helping athletes, professionals, and everyday clients achieve lasting transformation.

With a Master’s in coaching and a background as a dual-sport collegiate athlete and Steel City FC player, Mary knows what it takes to build a strong, capable body. She combines elite athletic experience with holistic health expertise, specializing in everything from sports performance and first responder training to weight loss and women pelvic floor health. Mary is dedicated to helping you build confidence, improve performance, and achieve lifelong strength.

With a Master’s in coachin and a background as a dual-sport collegiate athlete and Steel City FC player, Mary knows what it takes to build a strong, capable body. She combines elite athletic experience with holistic health expertise, specializing in everything from sports performance and first responder training to weight loss and pelvic floor health. Mary is dedicated to helping you build confidence, improve performance, and achieve lifelong strength.

Laine has a MS in Food & Nutrition Science and a BS in Exercise Physiology from Ohio University. She spent 10 years as a RDN LDN CSSD focusing on hormone health and sports nutrition. Her approach combines Medical Nutrition Therapy with motivational interviewing for lasting behavior change.

She helps move clients from clinical confusion with diet and nutrition to self-sufficient confidence. She has worked with thousands of clients to find individualized approaches to meal planning and macro nutrient programming to get the results they are looking for.

Donnovan Sarnacki serves as the Rehabilitation Manager at Essential Strength, bringing a deep background in sports medicine, performance rehabilitation, and athlete care. A veteran of the Essential Strength team, Donnovan plays a central role in bridging the gap between injury rehabilitation and high-level performance, ensuring clients return to training stronger, more resilient, and better prepared than before.Originally from Michigan, Donnovan is a former hockey player whose athletic background informs his practical, no-nonsense approach to rehabilitation. His experience as an athlete gives him a unique understanding of the physical and mental demands of training, competition, and recovery—allowing him to connect with clients while holding them to a high standard of execution and accountability.Donnovan earned his degree in Athletic Training from Duquesne University (Class of 2020) and has accumulated over five years of hands-on experience in sports medicine and rehabilitation settings. He specializes in return-to-performance programming, injury risk reduction, and integrating strength training principles into the rehabilitation process.Credentials & Education    

•    Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)    •    Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT)    •    NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)    •    Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training, Duquesne University (2020)    •    5+ Years of Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation ExperienceAt Essential Strength, Donnovan leads rehabilitation with a results-driven, evidence-based approach—helping clients move past pain, rebuild confidence, and return to the activities they care about most.

Alex has four years of personal training experience at Essential Strength. He has years of weight lifting experience and knows exactly what to look for when correcting form.

@ Pitt | BS, Exercise Science @ Slippery Rock🏐 Volleyball Coach (Allegheny Volleyball Club) & Strength Coach (Homewood Football)🏋️‍♀️

I specialize in weight training, conditioning, and athlete development. Growing up playing softball, basketball, and volleyball taught me the value of strength training!