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.
Hunter Fluegel
Director of Programming and Training, Performance Coach
(BS Exercise Science, ACSM/USAW)
A performance coach with a passion for athletic development, Hunter also oversees programming of all KMK contracted schools and manages the online training platform.
Following earning a degree in Exercise Science & Nutrition while playing four years of collegiate football at Southern Connecticut State University “I continued to follow my path of health & wellness. Working in six different fitness studios/gyms I have gained experience and knowledge that I was able to use when working with student athletes of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. Coming from the inner city of New Bedford Massachusetts, there have been plenty of lessons learned that I try to pass on to those who cross my path. While many things have changed through the years, one constant priority of mine has been performance, health & wellness (both physical and mental), and how the choice of positive outlook and reaction can shape your life over time.” With years of training and working with the youth in the community, “it has become my passion to motivate and inspire while investing personal time to teach proper fundamentals, techniques and overall habits that shape a winning culture both on the personal and team level.”
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.
Abby Befford
Performance Coach
(BS Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise & Fitness)
Abby is a NASM CPT certified personal trainer at KMK. She graduated from the University of Bridgeport in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science, a concentration in Exercise/Fitness & a minor in Psychology. She played Division II soccer her 4 years at the University and was named captain her senior year. She was also part of the National Champion winning team of 2018. Abby received Deans’s List for 3 years and President’s List her last year at UB.
Abby has grown up playing the game of soccer as well as coaching the game where she found her interest to train all aged athletes to advance their performance both on and off the field.
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