Meet Our Team
Dan Pochini – General Manager
NASM – CPT
NASM – Fitness Nutrition Specialist
Dan has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 6 years. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Exercise Science with a concentration in Health and Physical Education in 2006. Dan began his career as an elementary Physical Education Teacher, but his true passion has always been to work in the fitness industry. For the past 5 years, Dan has worked with hundreds of clients in the Northern New Jersey area and built a career as a top health and fitness professional in the area. Dan combines his passion for fitness and nutrition with his background in education to provide a system that gets results. Dan educates his clients in proper exercise techniques to maximize their workout time, as well as healthy eating habits to maximize their results.
Mike Hoban – Director of Fitness and Sports Performance
Mike is a strength and conditioning coach with 15 plus years of experience in the field. In his career he has had multiple Division I athletes, 2 athletes selected to the NFL and 10 players drafted to Major League Baseball. The strength of Mike’s programs stem from his comprehensive evaluation which determines then isolates the flaws in the athlete’s musculature and neural system. Mike then devises a program to rectify these issues delivering maximal results in minimal time!
Maria Carini – Director of Pilates Reformer
As a fitness professional for over 25 years, Maria Carini’s experience in combination with her Physical Therapy background has provided a proven track record for her clients in achieving their health and fitness goals. Maria has a Physical Therapist Assistant Degree, and is licensed in the state of New Jersey. She uses her sound knowledge of Exercise Science along with her passion for health and fitness, to create a unique total body workout on the Pilates Reformer machine. Maria takes pride in helping her team of specialists at NJ Sports Advantage encourage many of the disciplines that have made her Bergen County’s most sought after Pilates Reformer instructor.
Brendan Lobban – Director of Baseball and Softball Operations
Brendan Lobban joined NJSA after graduating from St. John’s University. At St. John’s, Brendan pitched for Big East Championship, Regional and Super Regional teams. During his summers he played for the Mat-Su Valley Miners in the Alaskan Baseball League and Keene Swamp Bats in the New England Collegiate League. Before college he played at St. Joseph Regional where he was All State and All County. Brendan was drafted in the 2008 Amateur Draft to the Cincinnati Reds. Brendan’s love for the game of baseball, combined with his skill set and knowledge of the game makes him a perfect fit for NJ Sports Advantage. He is dedicated to having an impact on the lives of young athletes and prides himself on his ability to help them achieve their baseball goals.
Jaimie Paladino – Stretch Therapist/Sports Performance Coach
Jaimie Paladino is a graduate of William Paterson University with a B.S. Degree in Athletic Training. She is a Certified Fascial Stretch Therapist and has been a Sports Performance Coach since 2006. Jaimie has worked with a variety of athletes from youth athletes to Professional athletes. She discovered Fascial Stretch Therapy in 2011 and realized that this is the direction she needed to allow her Sports Performance career to unfold. Jaimie is extremely passionate about helping people and making a difference in people’s lives. Through her work as a Stretch Therapist, she is able to fulfill that passion. “Once you give yourself permission to accept who you are and where you are in your life is when magic of change will happen. Let go and let it happen.”
Mike Lefebvre – Personal Trainer
NFPT – CPT
Mike Lefebvre is an experienced, enthusiastic trainer who holds an Associate’s Degree in Exercise Science from Bergen Community College in Paramus, NJ. Mike has been working in the Fitness Industry for almost a decade with a vast amount of experience in areas ranging from weight training, trail running and kickboxing. Mike has trained clients of all ages and fitness levels, and prides himself on his ability to adapt his personality and training style to his clients’ needs. Whether you are an athlete, a boxer, or just looking to get in shape, Mike has the tools to get the job done.
“A goal is not always meant to be reached; it often serves simply as something to aim at”
-Bruce Lee
Abby Wentworth – Personal Trainer
ACSM – CPT
After a noteworthy career as a high school basketball player, Abby Wentworth was offered a full athletic scholarship to Manhattan College. She was a starter for four years and a captain for two. During her senior year, the Lady Jaspers recorded the most wins in a single season with Abby leading the team in points and assists. After graduating with a BS degree in Biology, Abby played professional women’s basketball in England and again led her team, the Nottingham Wildcats, in scoring. Abby is not a rookie when it comes to fitness, she is extremely disciplined and understands the key role that a trainer plays in the success of an athlete. While in college, she worked several camp programs developing young athletes. Abby earned her ACSM certification as a personal trainer and is excited to share her passion for fitness and athletics with her present and future clients.
Irene Savacool – Personal Trainer
NASM – CPT
In 2008, Irene took her passion for fitness and wellness and made it her career when she received her personal training certification from NASM. She has experience instructing group exercise classes, but her primary focus at NJ Sports Advantage is small group training and one-on-one personal training.
Irene creates a non-judgmental environment for her clients. Irene’s joyous personality makes the workout experience fun and non-intimidating. Irene believes exercise should not take up hours in your day, but combined with a balanced nutrition plan, the right amount of exercise can get her clients the results they want. So Irene wants to provide a varied workout so the client feels challenged with appropriate exercises so they do not plateau. Irene believes fitness is important for overall well-being, and regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet will allow her clients to enjoy their family, friends, and themselves.
