Meet Our Movement Experts
Candace Desjardins
Head Coach & Owner
Candace is the owner of Thrive Movement Co. and is passionate about helping people move better, feel stronger, and build confidence in every area of their lives. With a specialty in corrective exercise, she works closely with clients to improve movement, prevent injury, and create strength that supports real life.
Beyond the gym, Candace also offers mindset coaching and online group programs focused on building self-trust, confidence, and sustainable habits. Her approach blends physical strength with mental resilience — because true transformation happens when both body and mindset grow together.
Specialties
- Corrective Exercise
- Post-Rehab Strength
- Mindset Coaching
Justin Gratzfeld
Knee & Movement Specialist
Justin is our resilience-driven movement specialist. His technical approach focuses on addressing long-standing imbalances and old injuries. By integrating science-backed protocols with practical coaching, he helps clients regain mobility and build a stable foundation for lifelong strength and activity.
Specialties
- Knee Resilience
- Mobility & Stability
- Injury Prevention
Janelle Clement
Fitness Mentor
Janelle is a dedicated fitness mentor who believes that movement should be both empowering and liberating. She works with clients of all ages to build functional strength and confidence, listening first and coaching second to ensure every individual win is celebrated.
Specialties
- Functional Strength
- Women's Empowerment
- Mobility
Mel Luchia
Strength Coach
Mel brings a clinical perspective to the gym floor, utilizing her background in kinesiology to create structured, evidence-based programs. Whether you're an athlete or a busy parent returning to fitness, Mel's approach is results-driven and supportive, focusing on structural integrity and performance.
Specialties
- Structured Strength Development
- Pre & Post-Natal Health
- Biomechanics
Michelle Pearson
Wellness & Foundational Coach
Michelle integrates nutrition and sustainable lifestyle habits with foundational movement for a holistic approach to vitality. Her coaching philosophy ensures that the work done in the gym supports a vibrant, healthy life outside of it, focusing on long-term sustainability and well-being.
Specialties
- Holistic Wellness
- Nutrition Integration
- Foundational Mobility