About Us

John Verd

John is a Northwest native, a personal trainer by education and works out because he loves to. His experiences have been varied; after high school, John served as a Diver in the US Navy and studied diving medicine at the NDSTC in Panama City, Florida. An avid cyclist, he started a cycling club while stationed in Norfolk, VA. In 1995 he rode his bicycle solo across the United States, Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. In 1998 he competed as a bodybuilder in the EAS Physique Transformation Challenge. “That experience was a real eye-opener for me. I hired a personal trainer to get started, and I couldn’t believe the difference it made. I’d worked out for years on my own, but never had anyone get me on a program and really push me. That girl really kicked my butt! In 14 weeks I gained 10 pounds of muscle and lost 7% bodyfat. That experience influenced me several years later when I was looking for a new career…” John attended Ashmead College in Seattle and graduated with honors, the top of his class. He then went on to earn a certificate from the American College of Sports Medicine. Although he enjoys adventurous sports like hang gliding, he is also down to earth and knows what it takes to set goals and achieve them. He has completed several triathlons and enjoys helping others achieve that same sense of accomplishment. His philosophy is to train smart and have fun. He has worked with clients of all ages and fitness levels and understands that enjoying a workout is equally important to preventing injuries. He encourages multiple modes of exercise and goal setting as tools for building a healthier life beyond the gym.

Slade O’Neill

Slade O'Neill

Slade was born and raised in the small town of Ketchikan, AK. He has been around sports and exercise from the time he was an infant. “My dad gave me my first baseball glove when I was three years old. I believe I used that glove until I was about sixteen. Growing up on an island there isn’t much to do as a kid but play sports and do a lot of hiking and camping. Exercise and staying healthy wasn’t really a decision, it was more a way of life. I guess without even knowing it my path was chosen for me.” After graduating high school, Slade, like a lot of teenagers bounced around a bit from school to school. “ My first school was the University of Idaho. ( go Vandals!) I didn’t get much studying done but it is where I learned to love snowboarding.” Then Slade took a 2 month hiatus, travelling to Europe with his best friend Paul. Slade spent the majority of the time in Germany but traveled into France, Italy, and of course Switzerland where he did a bit of snowboarding. Eventually he ended up in Phoenix, AZ which is a whole different story. While in Phoenix Slade enrolled in a sports medicine program at Glendale Community College. He also met his future wife Maria, bartending at her family restaurant. He knew she was the one when on a whim they decided to go skydiving together after only their third date! To pass the time in the heat Slade played in a competitive slow pitch softball league and managed to squeeze in a wee bit of golf. Slade eventually ended up in Seattle where he had spent many summers as a kid traveling with his parents. While in Seattle he graduated from Ashmead Colleges fitness program. Slade is now on his way to becoming a leader in the fitness industry. “ Seattle is the perfect place for me. It is extremely similar to Ketchikan in environment. It has all the outdoor activities you could want plus the big city vibe that is right at your fingertips.” Slade continues his education with plans to get a degree in sports medicine.

Camy Cohen

Camy Cohen

Camy is a graduate of the fitness trainer program at Ashmead College and is certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).  She grew up in Bremerton, Washington and is a self described “tomboy”.  She excelled in various sports growing up and still participates in intramural leagues today.  Her approach to personal training relies heavily on variation.  She incorporates numerous forms of exercise into her programs to keep her clients stimulated and engaged.  “I have found boredom to be a major reason people will stop an exercise program.  I am here to make sure that does not happen.”  We welcome Camy to Game Plan and know she will be successful in helping her clients reach their goals!