Jessen  ("Coach J") is Brooklyn born and raised.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Bio Mechanics from Florida A&M University.  He is NASM and NFPT certified. In addition, he is certified as a Level 1 Specialist in Biomechanics & Human Movement from DBC Fitness, Miami. 

Jessen has over 17 years of experience as a fitness trainer in Florida and New York.  Over the past 5+ years, Jessen has built age/level specific youth programming focused on increasing speed, mobility, agility, and confidence. 

Jessen has been featured in the Men’s Health Urbanathlon event and participated in the CrossFit Challenge in New York City.  The Obama Administration awarded Jessen the "Power of Dreams Award" (President's Civil Service Award) presented by Danny Glover.

Jessen is responsible for Program Design, Trainer Education, and leading Training Sessions.

Favorite Sports: Basketball, Football, Track and Field, Soccer, Baseball

Favorite Teams: Knicks, Yankees, Giants (really ALL NY teams)

Kirk left a successful career in technology startups to join forces with long time friend Jessen after seeing the impact the programming had on his own kids.  

As the parent of two youth athletes, he understands the pressure both parents and the youth athletes are under.  Parents are trying to balance logistics while providing the best opportunities for their kids to excel in sports.  Young athletes often feel pressure to specialize in specific sports and/or get to the highest level in their sport(s) of choice.  In all of that, building the individual habits, confidence, and ability to advocate for themselves can be lost.  

He believes that the athlete-centric approach at Cadet Athletic Performance helps kids own their athletic development with goals set by them, for them.

Kirk is responsible for youth athletic club partnerships, member experience, and all things back office.  

Favorite Sports: Soccer, Basketball, Football

Favorite Teams: Chiefs, Royals, Gotham FC, NY Liberty, MLS: Sporting KC, Premier League: Chelsea, Serie A: AC Milan, La Liga: Barca, USWNT, USMNT

Emily is a Human Performance Specialist.  She played collegiate soccer, earned her B.S. in Exercise Science and Nutrition, and her M.S. in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. 

Early in her career, she worked with athletes at the University of Florida before serving as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the U.S. Naval Academy, coaching Women’s Soccer, Women’s Crew, Men’s Tennis, and Sailing.

Over the years, she has coached hundreds of individuals  ranging from elite athletes, high performers, new and expecting moms, older adults, and those coming back from injury or illness. Her approach is rooted in science, creativity, and intention, designed to prepare you for whatever your life demands. Whether that’s competing at the highest level, keeping up with your kids, staying strong and independent as you age, or simply feeling better in your own body.

She holds certifications in Pre/Postnatal training, CSCS, USAW, and FMS.