Michael Macchioni, CSCS

Mike opened the doors at NEST, the first private sector training facility in Rhode Island geared specifically for athletes, in 1999. A graduate of Merrimack College where he played ice hockey and lacrosse, he worked for noted Strength and Conditioning pioneer Mike Boyle upon completing college. In addition to his duties at NEST, Mike currently serves as the assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. He has worked with athletes from the NHL, NFL, MLB (several during their formative years in high school), and is a former Strength and Conditioning coach at Providence College. Mike is a past state president of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and USA Weightlifting, and has been a featured speaker at several regional and national conferences for industry professionals. Mike continues to actively participate in Men’s league hockey when not busy working or with his family. A Warwick native, Mike and his wife Lindell have four children; Michael, Maximus, Marcus, and Mya..

Garrett McDonough, CSCS

Garrett has been with NEST since 2003. He is a graduate of the University of Florida, where he received a B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science. While attending college, Garrett was an intern Strength and Conditioning Coach, working with the several of the university’s nationally renowned intercollegiate athletic squads. In his time at NEST, he has worked with athletes of all levels from professional to preadolescent. From 2006 -2010 Garrett represented the NEST as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Brown University in addition to his primary responsibility of overseeing the sports training program at the NEST, where he has helped numerous high school and collegiate athletes to excel in their given disciplines and advance to the next level. Garrett is a native of Cranston, RI. He enjoys training, body boarding, and playing cards in his free time.

Mike Baker, CSCS

Mike is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and former high school lacrosse and football standout in Newton, Mass., where he grew up. Mike specializes in the physical preparation and development of the preadolescent athlete. 

Mark Grotzinger, ATC

Mark handles all athletic training responsibilities for the NEST.  As such, he provides rehabilitative care for athletic teams, game coverage, and post-rehab training for athletes, exiting rehab, needing to get back into 'game-shape'.  He has been an athletic trainer for over 5 years and has been the athletic trainer for the Providence Bruins for the past two seasons.  He is, also, the athletic trainer for Lincoln High School.

Matt Dirzius, RD

Matt has been with the NEST for over 6 years.  He started as an intern and eventually, served as the Director of our Warwick facility.  Currently, he directs/oversees the Nutritional Services at the NEST.  A Registered Dietitian, Matt is available to our athletes and fitness enthusiasts for dietary analysis, meal planning, and supplement advice.

Steve Cirelli, CSCS

James Laurent, Exercise Physiologist

Norris Golberg, CSCS

Mike Morgan, Intern Coach

Caroline Greene. Intern Coach