Meet the Mohawk Valley Wellness team

At Mohawk Valley Wellness in Marcy, NY, we are dedicated to creating a fitness community where everyone can thrive. Our gym combines expert coaching, cutting-edge facilities, and a supportive environment to help you reach your fitness goals. Discover a place where your fitness journey is guided by passion and professionalism.

Our Coaches

Our coaches at Mohawk Valley Wellness in Marcy, NY, are more than just trainers; they are passionate professionals committed to your success. Each member of our team brings a wealth of experience and a personalized approach to help you achieve your fitness objectives. With diverse specialties ranging from strength training to wellness, our coaches are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.

John Bartholomeo

Owner

John Bartholomeo is the owner of Mohawk Valley Wellness, the first CrossFit affiliate in the Utica area, founded in 2011. A Marine veteran and lifelong athlete, John holds multiple certifications and is passionate about helping individuals of all levels become stronger, healthier, and more confident.

Jenifer Bartholomeo

Coach

Jenifer Bartholomeo teaches group fitness classes and serves as an accountability coach in the Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching program at MVW. A former competitive dancer turned fitness enthusiast, she’s passionate about helping members, especially moms, build strength, positivity, and habits that ripple into every area of life.

Vin Cannarelli

Director of Member Onboarding

Vin Cannarelli is the Director of Member Onboarding at MVW, where he specializes in helping new members find the perfect program based on their goals, lifestyle, and experience level. Vin combines personal insight with expert guidance to create a supportive path toward long-term success.

Danielle Handzel

General Manager & CrossFit Coach

Danielle Handzel is the general manager and a CrossFit coach at MVW, known for her supportive nature and dedication to helping members succeed. She consistently inspires those around her to push beyond their limits and discover what they’re truly capable of.

John Giordano

Head Coach

John Giordano is the Head Coach at MVW and leads programming for CrossFit, Mohawk Valley Fitness, Vitality, and Kickstart. A lifelong athlete turned coach, John brings a competitive edge and deep passion for helping members build strength, confidence, and the energy to take on challenges both inside and outside the gym.

Rachel Zielinski

CrossFit Coach

Rachel Zielinski is a CrossFit coach at MVW who helps members build confidence and strength through consistency and commitment. A former soccer player turned coach, Rachel is passionate about continued learning and loves guiding others to feel comfortable and empowered in the gym!

Amanda Mitchell

Coach

Amanda Mitchell coaches Kick Start and Fitness classes at MVW, guiding beginners through the same journey she once took herself. After losing over 50 pounds, she’s passionate about helping others build confidence, strength, and a healthier quality of life.

Samantha Sagely

Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer

Samantha Sagely is a group fitness instructor and personal trainer at MVW with over 13 years of experience helping clients regain strength, confidence, and freedom through movement. A former collegiate athlete and lifelong outdoorswoman, she brings energy, empathy, and a passion for empowering others to live fuller, more active lives.

Kelsey Dowdall

Director and Coach

Kelsey Dowdall is the Director and Coach of Mohawk Valley Performance, leading the teen strength and conditioning program, as well as coaching CrossFit, fitness classes, and youth sports teams. A former college hockey player and seasoned competitor, Kelsey is passionate about helping athletes of all ages build strength, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits.

Jocelyn

CrossFit Coach

Jocelyn is a CrossFit coach at MVW who brings her background as a college hockey player and lifelong athlete into every class she leads. Since 2017, she’s helped members build confidence and strength by celebrating all wins and creating a supportive, fun environment both in and out of the gym!

Unique Features and Facilities

Mohawk Valley Wellness offers a spacious, clean, and welcoming facility designed for people of all fitness levels. Our gym features dedicated areas for group training, personal coaching, and CrossFit, along with state-of-the-art equipment and recovery tools. We also provide access to InBody scans for personalized progress tracking and offer expert-led nutrition coaching on-site. What sets us apart is our welcoming, community-first atmosphere and expert coaching staff who specialize in working with real people, from beginners to seasoned athletes, ensuring everyone feels supported and sees success!

people training at Mohawk Valley Wellness

Top-Notch Fitness Equipment

At Mohawk Valley Wellness, we use high-quality, functional training equipment designed to support strength, mobility, and cardiovascular health. Our facility includes barbells, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, resistance bands, rowing machines, bikes, ski ergs, and a variety of functional tools to help members train safely and effectively at any fitness level.

— Inbody access to all members, at no extra cost
— Sauna
— Indoor turf area
— Large bathroom/changing room with showers
— Pick up location for Stacked Plates
— Pro Shop supplied by Nutrishop New Hartford
— Utica Coffee always brewing and always free to members

Book Your Free Intro Session Today

Take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle with a free intro session at Mohawk Valley Wellness in Marcy, NY! Our team will provide a personalized tour of our facilities, introduce you to our services, and help you start your fitness journey. Schedule your session now and experience firsthand how Mohawk Valley Wellness can support your goals.