Paul Conner, D.D.S. - Owner of SPA as of April 2008

Dr. Conner is a local Appleton dentist, who has been practicing for 32 years. He has lived in many locations during his life, including Peru, Brazil, and Ethiopia. He moved to Wisconsin from California in 1971. Sports have always been a big part of his life, especially here in Wisconsin. He played in The Appleton City Football League during the 70’s and early 80’s, played in both fast pitch and slow pitch softball leagues, enjoys both tennis and racquetball, has run in various 10k’s, and has biked the Door County Century 7 times. Lately (2006) he won the men’s 60-65 sprint triathlon title in Midwest Sports Events Tri-Star Series.

In looking for a place to train for triathlons, Dr. Conner found out about SPA through the Tri-Foxes Triathlon Club here in Appleton. As the old TV ad said, he was so impressed he bought the company! In his own words, “I wish I had had a place like SPA to work with, 20 years ago.” His plans for SPA are to continue the excellent training and to expand by reaching out to more athletes and helping them reach the success they deserve. SPA’s philosophy focuses on developing core strength in the body as well as sport-specific movements and actions for overall athleticism, strength, and speed.

Amber Van Allen - Manager / Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Amber joined SPA in January 2006 as an intern. Her degree in Kinesiology and a background in several sports serve to round out her training skills. An athlete training for the professional football combine stated: “One day when the director was gone, Amber conducted my workout. She knew her stuff backward and forward.” A tireless worker with outstanding people skills and organization, Amber competed in college track as a sprinter and pole-vaulter.

Eric Schorer, CSCS - Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Eric received his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Winona State University. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He enjoys working with athletes and helping them to achieve their highest athletic potential. His extensive knowledge of training principles, and motivation to stay current with cutting edge research shines through in his programs designed for optimal strength, power, speed and agility. His determination to design the best programs possible is part of what makes us great here at SPA

Mariah Kersten - Assistant Trainer 

"Rudy" is a part-time trainer who attends Marquette University and is pursuing a degree in Kinesiology and Health.  She has been an athlete here at SPA for the past several years and has an impressive knowledge about SPA and how our training is run.  She is without a doubt a great part of our team in helping to train the athletes.

Tonya Pheifer - Assistant Trainer

Tonya completed her internship here with us in December of 2010, recieving her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from UW-Oshkosh and has been doing a great job with us since. She has a strong volleyball background and does a great job working with athletes. She does a great job applying what she learned during her internship, and we are happy to have her here at SPA.