Coaching Staff
Kevin Kochiss
Owner, CEO, Performance Coach
(MS, CSCS, FMS, PN1)
Kevin Kochiss the CEO and founder of KMK and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Fitness and athletic performance have always been his passion. He was a multi-sport athlete throughout his life and was fortunate enough to participate in collegiate athletics for the University of Rhode Island. At the University of Rhode Island, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, as well as his certification as a strength and conditioning specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is an active NSCA member and is constantly learning about new research in his field. After graduating, he was able to land an internship at Yale University where he exclusively programmed workouts for the men and women’s golf and tennis teams, as well as assisted in all varsity team training, including the 2018 Division 1 National Champion Lacrosse team. From there, he furthered his education by earning his Master’s Degree in Human Performance with a concentration in Sports Medicine at Southern Connecticut State University.
Chris Elias
General Manager, Performance Coach, NASM Certified
Chris is currently working as the General Manager at KMK while training athletes daily. He has trained over 50+ D1 athletes. He is a former collegiate athlete from Southern Connecticut State University where he was a Quarterback and Wide Receiver while earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. Chris spent the previous two years as KMK’s head Strength Coach at Notre Dame High School where he trained all sports teams.
Roman Lieto
Performance Coach
Roman Leito is a new trainer with our KMK family. He recently graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in sport performance. Prior to college he graduate from Fairfield Prep in 2019. He has been an athlete his entire life playing baseball and competitive swimming but is versed in most other sports as well. He is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer that has a strong desire to help take athletes to the next level and achieve their regular everyday fitness goals.
Justin Thomas
Performance Coach
(MS Exercise Science/Human Performance, CSCS)
Justin Thomas is the Director of Performance at KMK. He is a former collegiate athlete at both Western New England University and Southern Connecticut State University where he played middle linebacker and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and got his certification in strength and conditioning (CSCS). Justin has been working in the strength and conditioning field since 2014 and worked in the rehab/clinical setting for 3 years prior to getting his Master’s Degree in Science Education and is now a high school science teacher at Wilton High School. Justin is a certified coach by the state of Connecticut and serves as a varsity football coach (Fairfield Prep) and a pitching coach (Weston High School) and has over 7 years of coaching experience. Justin has since completed his Master’s Degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Human Performance.
Tomas Montilla
ACE Certified Performance Coach
“My journey into fitness began after hanging up my football cleats searching for purpose and happiness. Over the years, I’ve gained knowledge and found immense joy in helping others on their path to a happier, more confident life.
For me, fitness is more than just a physical pursuit—it’s a mental and emotional journey. I’ve personally experienced the impact of a good workout on both my physical strength and mental well-being. Now, I’m here to share that transformative power with you.
Specializing in strength training and high-intensity interval training, I’m ready to guide athletes and everyday individuals alike. Whether you’re starting or seasoned, my goal is to make fitness an essential and enjoyable part of your life. Let’s work together to make a positive change!”
Justin Kelly
Performance Coach
Sprint and High Jump Coach at Southern Connecticut State. Certified Speed and Strength Specialist. 2020 Division 2 Track and Field All American.
I help people get stronger and faster in their sport.
Take yourself seriously! HELLO
Austin Granata
Performance Coach (NASM-CPT)
I am a Certified Personal Trainer and the KMK Head Strength Coach of Saint Joseph High School in Trumbull. I am a passionate and dedicated fitness professional specializing in strength and conditioning. My mission is to assist individuals of all ages and fitness levels in achieving their health and performance goals. I prioritize personalized fitness programs tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Justin Leigh
Performance Coach, ACE, CPT
Justin Leigh is a dedicated performance coach who specializes in training baseball athletes. A versatile athlete himself, Justin graduated from Kolbe Cathedral High School, where he was a four-year starter and 3 year captain on the baseball team, he was also a key player on the school’s state championship-winning basketball team.
Certifications
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists® (CSCS®) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct, CSCSs consult with and refer athletes to other professionals when appropriate.
-NSCA.com
CSCS
National Academy of Sports Medicine:
NASM certifications are the most sought after in the personal trainer industry, as its systems and methodologies represent the “gold standard” in fitness. In fact, the organization’s certifications require the most comprehensive knowledge of human movement science, functional anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, as well as functional assessment and program design. NASM solution-focused certifications create trainers who enhance the performance and knowledge of their fitness staff, provide a consistent training experience, and help reduce injuries. -NASM.org
NASM
The Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification is the world’s most respected nutrition education program. Taken by over 70,000 health and fitness professionals, it gives you the knowledge, systems, and tools you need to feel confident and qualified to coach nutrition with anyone.
Developed over 15 years, and proven with over 100,000 clients, the Precision Nutrition curriculum stands alone as the authority on the science of nutrition and the art of coaching. -PrecisionNutrition.com
PN1
USA Weightlifting, otherwise known as USAW, is the national governing body overseeing the sport of weightlifting in the United States. USAW is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), responsible for conducting weightlifting programs throughout the country, and a member of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). Top competitors are selected by USAW to compete in major international events such as the Olympic Games, World Championships, World Junior Championships, Pan American Championships and Pan American Games. -TeamUSA.org
USAW
Functional Movement Screen (FMS): Recognize movement patterns that support work, sports and daily activities.
Understand the true relationship that movement patterns play in our health and fitness goals.
Identify principles to support the importance of movement screening.
Explain the role of mobility, motor control, and functional patterns in fundamental movement.
Demonstrate the use of the Functional Movement Screen instructions and procedures. -FunctionalMovement.com
FMS
The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association is a New Orleans, Louisiana-based professional association representing men's and women's cross country and track & field coaches in the United States. The organization has about 8,000 members. 94% of NCAA track & field programs are members of USTFCCCA.
USTFCCCA
