Meet the Speed Mechanics team
Fill out the form below to get started
Khyl Orser: The Journey Behind Speed Mechanics
As a young athlete, I was never the biggest guy on the field. In fact, I was often overlooked simply because of my size. But what I lacked in stature, I made up for with speed. That gift opened doors for me, helping me earn spots on teams and granting me opportunities that others thought were out of my reach. Sports have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. They’ve shaped me, taught me lessons, and created opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise-and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
But my journey wasn’t without its challenges. I was lucky to have a few great coaches who believed in me, who inspired and mentored me. Yet, I also encountered coaches who didn’t. Their doubts lit a fire inside me, a drive to prove my worth, not just to them, but to myself. It wasn’t always the healthiest motivation, but it made me stronger. It fueled my passion for sport and eventually led me to where I am today-a coach who wants to help every athlete succeed, no matter what they’re up against.
In university, my dream of representing Canada was still alive, but I had to make a tough decision. I loved hockey, but I knew it wasn’t going to take me where I wanted to go. So, at 19, I made a leap into speed skating. Learning to skate on those long blades was a challenge that took months, but I was determined. I had a dream, and I wasn’t giving up on it. Yet, after I got the basics down, I hit another wall-I couldn’t find a coach in Victoria to help me with long track sprint distances. No matter where I turned, the guidance I needed wasn’t there.
So, I did what I’ve always done: I figured it out myself. I created my own training programs, dove into research, and asked every expert I could find. After months of searching, I was finally connected with Derek Hansen, a speed coach in Vancouver who was working with Shani Davis, the world record holder in the 1000m and 1500m. That connection changed everything. Derek became a mentor and a friend, teaching me more about speed and training than I ever thought possible. He showed me what true mentorship looked like-and I knew I wanted to give that same gift to others.
After seven years of chasing speed in circles, I decided to try something new-cycling. It was here that I found my true passion for speed and the joy of lifelong friendships in sport. Competing at nationals and even in international races, I discovered the pure fun that sport could bring. But eventually, I knew it was time to retire from competition and dedicate myself fully to coaching. That passion took me to St. FX University in Nova Scotia, where I honed my craft for two years before returning to my hometown of Victoria.
When I came back, I saw something that troubled me: a gap in the support for young athletes. There was no clear pathway for kids with dreams like mine, no roadmap to guide them from early development to top high school teams, college, or beyond. I knew firsthand how difficult it was to navigate that journey on your own, and I wanted to change that. I wanted to create a space where athletes didn’t just dream big-they had the support, mentorship, and coaching to make those dreams a reality.
That’s when Speed Mechanics was born.
My vision was simple: create a facility that offers expert coaching tailored to each athlete’s development, a place that grows with them. But I wanted to do more than just train athletes-I wanted to build a community. I brought in Continuum Health Centre to centralize rehab and injury care, ensuring that every athlete could get the support they needed to stay healthy and pursue their goals. Speed Mechanics isn’t just a gym; it’s a space where athletes of all ages and levels can thrive, no matter their dreams.
My journey has taught me that sports are about so much more than just competition. They’re about building resilience, forming lifelong bonds, and discovering what you’re truly capable of. At Speed Mechanics, that’s what we’re here to do-to inspire and educate, to push athletes to greatness, and to create a space where dreams can become reality. I’ll continue to work tirelessly to ensure that this is the best training environment in Victoria and on the Island, a place where anyone can come to chase their goals and leave better, stronger, and more inspired.
Khyl Orser
CREDENTIALS:
Masters of Exercise Science in Strength & Conditioning – Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach (NSCA) – Australian Professional S&C Coach (ASCA) – Altis Sprints Coach Accredited – NCCP Sprints & Hurdles, Track Cycling, and Weightlifting Coach – Raced nationally and internationally in track cycling and speed skating – 3x National medallist in sprints – Track Cycling. ATHLETE CV – USPORTS National Women’s Rugby Champions – 6x CFL Draft Picks – 4x USPORTS Conference Champions – Football, Rugby, and Women’s Soccer – 5x Varsity records in Track & Field in a single season – 8x USPORTS Football All-Stars – 3x National MVP’s – Women’s Hockey and Men’s Soccer – UCI Track League Bronze medallist – Multiple Pan Am Games Medals 1x Junior World Champion Track Cyclist – Multiple National titles in track cycling, road cycling, and the criterium – 4x Masters National record holders in track cycling – 2x Masters World record holders in track cycling- 3x Jr National Champion Track Cyclist – Bronze medallist at the Asian Games in Ice Dance – Multiple Provincial Track Cycling medals and jerseys – 1x Jr National T&F Sprinter
Steve Mackinnon
CREDENTIALS:
Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapist – CSCS Strength Coach – ATHLETE CV – 10 years of experience working in professional Rugby: Head S/C Women’s 15s (2nd Place Rugby World Cup 2014) / Return to play Specialist Women’s Rugby 7s (2016 Rio Olympics Bronze medal) / Head S/C coach Women’s Rugby 7s – Running Summer training for Professional Hockey Players (all levels from Western Hockey League to NHL) – Multiple seasons working in University and College with Both Basketball and Rugby (Men and Women’s) – Coached Powerlifting at a world’s level – Experience working with athletes from a broad spectrum of sport (MMA/ Boxing / Rowing / Swimming)
John Cunningham
CREDENTIALS:
Masters in Sports Physiology & Nutrition
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS)
British Weightlifting Level 1 Coach
Track & Field Club Sprinter (60m,100m,Discus, Shot Put)
Sale Sharks Rugby Academy
Bedford Blues Rugby
Loughborough University Rugby
Waterloo Rugby (National League 1&2)
Invited to British Bobsleigh Trials
Athlete CV
Manchester University Talented Athlete S&C coach (Multiple Sports)
Loughborough University S&C coach (Multiple Sports)
British Ski S&C coach (Testing days)
England Golf (North West S&C coach)
DNA sports performance coach (Multiple Sports)
Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) S&C consultant
MMA Academy Liverpool Nutrition & S&C coach
Myerscough College 1st XV Rugby S&C coach
Samantha Butts
CREDENTIALS:
Bachelors of Kinesiology, UBC / BCAK – Practicing Kinesiologist
Strength & Conditioning Coach (NSCA) (in process)
First Principles of Movement – 12 week mentorship program
Moment Physical Therapy – 12 week mentorship
Russian Kettlebell Certification
Assistant Coach with KBCU (Kettlebell Coach University)
Athlete CV
6+ years working in active rehabilitation and sport preparation
Chronic pain management & back to activity acute rehab
Speed Training with Westcastle International Academy
Kelowna Ringette Summer Camp Dryland Training
One on one strength training & rehab services for wide range of athletes
Group, virtual strength coaching for women ages 19-75
Cait Leavitt
M.Sc, MPC
Cait received a Masters in Psychology with a focus on sports and performance applications. As a Mental Performance Consultant (MPC) with the Canadian Sport Psychology Association (CSPA), Cait works across a wide range of sports, competitive levels, and ages to help athletes enhance their mental skills.
Cait works with athletes to develop confidence, mindset, emotional regulation, focus, teamwork, and many other critical skills for performance. Cait has conducted research and specializes in helping athletes through the psychological aspects of injury recovery, specifically concussions. Cait is passionate about working alongside athletes to help them thrive in the sporting environment and in their personal lives.
Ciara Malone
MA, CCC & MPC (Prov.) – (Certified Clinical Counsellor & Mental Performance Consultant)
Ciara (she/her) brings a wealth of experience as a high-performance athlete turned research practitioner. In her research, Ciara looks at the identity challenges that athletes face at the conclusion of their varsity careers. Over the last 14 months, Ciara has been engaged in research around the mental health experiences of Canadian University Athletes through COVID-19 and has presented her research internationally. As a practitioner, Ciara uses an integrated and culturally sensitive approach to meet the needs of each unique client.
She understands the importance of a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship for meaningful growth and change to take place and centres her work on creating a secure environment in which you can feel seen, heard, and valued. Ciara brings her natural warmth, compassion and curiosity into each session.
She believes in the healing power of laughter and enjoys connecting with her clients over life’s big and small victories as well as its hardships. Ciara believes in the importance of tuning into the moment and turning toward your emotions and frequently works with clients to learn to slow down and find their own inner guide, whether they’re stuck, struggling with interpersonal issues, or having trouble coping. She uses a strength-based approach to help people accept and embrace diverse aspects of themselves as well as develop new skills that can be used in everyday life. Ciara has a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is a Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC) and Provisional Mental Performance Consultant.
Oli
Coach Oli the Beagle, the illustrious Head of Security and Lead Greeter at Speed Mechanics and Continuum Health Centre, takes his role very seriously-except when it’s time for belly rubs. His keen sense of smell ensures no crumb is left uneaten, and his watchful eyes track every squirrel, ensuring the facilities remain “intruder-free.” When he’s not pawtrolling or greeting clients with enthusiastic tail wags, Oli can be found taking strategic naps, carefully planned for maximum productivity. A true professional, Oli has never let a snack pass through the door without a thorough inspection.
Get started
Click the button to book a free intro. See if our gym is right for you.