MEET
OUR
TEAM
George Ma
George Ma founded Lifestyle Fitness Training in January 2002 and Fitness Therapy Hawai’i 2021. He has over two decades of personal training experience and over the years, has developed his own modalities and cutting-edge style of training.
Director of Fitness Operations
Scott Choi
Scott Choi is the Director of Fitness Operations at Fitness Therapy Hawaii, where he utilizes over 30 years of senior leadership and financial experience to enhance the facility's operations. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and CFO for Hawaiian Host Group, overseeing financial strategies and business initiatives. Scott has also worked with various development and homebuilding companies in Hawaii and California. He is currently on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii and holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance, as well as an MBA from New York University.
Community Engagement Director
Richard Wacker
Richard Wacker, is the Community Engagement Director at Fitness Therapy Hawaii. A visionary advocate for building a supportive community for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, he has dedicated 12 years as a co-founder and participant in our highest-color-ability programs, including Stage One and Blue Abilities.
Richard actively promotes awareness for Parkinson’s disease and other charitable causes in the local community. With over two decades of experience in executive roles in the banking industry, he brings valuable leadership skills to the organization. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease during his career, Richard is committed to helping others navigate their challenges while continuing to enhance programs tailored for those affected by the condition.
Head Instructor for Group Sessions
Yoshi Matoba
Yoshi Matoba is one of our trainers for the group classes and programs, passionately dedicated to empowering individuals on their recovery journey from Parkinson’s disease. As a Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery Certified Trainer and a certified Group Fitness Instructor from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Yoshi has extensive knowledge and expertise, having worked with this population for over a year.
His commitment to this cause is deeply personal, inspired by his grandmother's battle with Parkinson’s. Yoshi emphasizes empowerment and functional movement, helping participants enhance their strength, balance, and overall quality of life.
Coach and Assistant in Group Classes
Natalie Wacker
Natalie Wacker is an enthusiastic coach and assistant in our group classes, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. She has experience working with individuals with Parkinson's disease and is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Group Fitness Certified Instructor.
A personal connection to our program enriches her dedication to fitness and community support; her father, Rich Wacker, is one of our original members and has been training with George Ma for 11 years. This relationship fuels her passion for helping others in their fitness journeys. Currently, Natalie is training to become a lead trainer in our Fitness Therapy Hawaii program, reflecting her commitment to empowering individuals to achieve their health and fitness goals.
Martial Arts and Kickboxing Program Director
Kyle Takao
Kyle Takao is a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu who previously owned and operated his own Jiu-Jitsu school. He has been working with us for three years as an assistant coach in our Battleground program, where he enhances participants' fitness by emphasizing discipline, resilience, and functional movement. He focuses on effective self-defense techniques while improving participants' coordination and balance. A unique aspect of his training involves teaching techniques for safely getting on and off the ground, which promotes independence and safety. Inspired by his family's experiences with dementia, Kyle is dedicated to creating a supportive environment that empowers individuals facing neurological challenges, including those with Parkinson’s disease.
Certified Nursing Assistant and Coach
Leo Lieu
Leo Lieu is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) dedicated to working with seniors, including those with Parkinson’s disease. With over a year of experience, he enhances his clients' well-being through compassionate care.
As a coach in our program for the past two years, Leo fosters a supportive environment that empowers participants in their fitness journeys. Driven by a passion for improving the quality of life for seniors and individuals with disabilities, Leo’s blend of caregiving and coaching makes him an invaluable asset to our organization.
Volunteer Coaches:
Lisa Kirk
Martial Arts and Kickboxing Program Director
Lisa Kirk is the Support Group Coordinator for the Hawaii Parkinson Association in Honolulu and a member of Fitness Therapy Hawaii. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in March 2020 and carrying the GBA1 mutation, she advocates for research and highlights the importance of support groups in fostering empowerment. With over 40 years of writing experience and as a former K9 handler, Lisa is committed to making a positive impact in her community while enjoying time with her family.
Lorinda W-L.
Care Partner and Caregiver Support Group Coordinator
Lorinda is a dedicated volunteer who supports individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s. Inspired by her husband, Gayle—a former member of Fitness Therapy Hawaii—manages client intake. She creates a welcoming environment for new members, ensuring everyone feels supported on their fitness journeys. Her commitment to empowering clients and their families is evident in her warm and compassionate approach.
Gale Tanaka
Caregiver Support Group Coordinator
and Care Partner Program Member
Gale Tanaka is a dedicated care partner for her husband, who was diagnosed in the summer of 2000. She believes that all care partners need a supportive outlet. As the coordinator of the Sharing Circle care partner support group, Gale aims to provide a safe space for participants to discuss any concerns, free from judgment. The group meets every third Saturday at 10:30 AM at Fitness Therapy Hawaii and is open to the public.