Personal Trainer Bios
Nate Nigh, Head Trainer
Nate's training philosophy is rooted in building strong foundations through intelligent, total-body training that prioritizes quality movement patterns, insightful progressions, and well-structured programming that leads to long-term stainability and success. Nate has worked with a wide range of clients across all ability levels, and his programs are designed to meet each individual where they’re at while steadily increasing strength, resilience, and confidence.
With a deep understanding of human movement and exercise physiology, Nate's programs challenge the body through purposeful variation in order to emphasize strength development, mobility, and overall performance.
Whether your goal is to build strength, improve fitness, or develop a consistent routine, Nate’s programs are designed to help you train with purpose.
Education: B.S. Exercise Science, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥
Certifications: NSCA-CSCS, ARC CPR/AED
To start your journey with Nate, please email him at nathan.nigh@mso.umt.edu
Courtney Couture
Courtney is originally from a small town in New Hampshire and moved to Montana in August of 2021 to pursue her Masters of Exercise Science at UM. She has wanted to live in Montana for the past 3-4 years and would like to experience it more after she is finished with her degree. Courtney has worked with a wide variety of populations including youth, college aged, and the general public. She has taught multiple different ACTivity classes here at the University including different levels of weightlifting classes and the stretch and relax class.
In her free time, Courtney loves to spend time outside; this includes hiking, biking, skiing, fishing etc. She grew up bordering a small ski mountain and has skied most of her life. Courtney skied competitively in college and continues to ski in her free time. She is very excited to expand her knowledge around personal training with one-on-one clients at UM Campus Rec.
Education: Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science, currently pursuing her Master's
Certifications: NSCA Certified Personal Trainer
To start your journey with Courtney, email her at courtney1.couture@umconnect.umt.edu
Rilee Gray
Rilee was born and raised in Montana where she grew to love physical activity and exploring the outdoors. This inspired her to pursue a career in personal training and physical therapy. Her philosophy is that fitness should be a personal, lifelong goal and she strives to promote confidence and ability in her clients to manage their health. She has experience working with general population, athletes, those recovering from injury, and those new to fitness.
In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors including trail running, hiking, and biking. She also enjoys reading, art, and music. She is looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about personal training and get to work with clients one-on-one.
Education: Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology, currently pursuing her DPT
Certifications: NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
To start your journey with Rilee, email her at rilee1.gray@umconnect.umt.edu
Deetra Knutson
Deetra believes that physical activity should be a sustainable, lifelong practice. Her mission is to help people build a solid foundation of movement, knowledge, and confidence so they can enjoy a healthier, more functional life at any age.
She discovered her passion for fitness early in life and has been dedicated to growing her expertise and sharing it ever since. Deetra works with all ages, focusing on improving strength, mobility, and overall quality of life. Her approach is educational, supportive, and builds individualized programs tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.
With a year of hands-on experience as a personal trainer and a strong commitment to continuing education, Deetra is always learning new ways to better support her clients. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to regain strength and independence, she’s here to guide you every step of the way.
Education: A.S. Exercise Science, currently pursuing her Bachelor’s of Integrative Physiology
Certifications: NASM Certified Personal Trainer, ASTI CPR/AED
To start your journey with Deetra, email her at deetraknutson@gmail.com
Kelsey Albin
Kelsey has worked in fitness and recreation since 2010. Starting as a Group Fitness instructor, Kelsey expanded her experience by working one on one with individuals as a Personal Trainer which led her to pursue a career in the fitness industry. Since college, Kelsey has developed fitness programs at three different universities and has been able to mentor instructors and trainers along the way. Kelsey moved to Missoula in 2019 to continue her passion of helping people find freedom in movement, whether that's through running, lifting weights, cycling, yoga, etc. She has worked with a variety of clients from athletes to individuals with limited mobility and injuries.
In her free time, Kelsey loves to be outside skiing, riding her bike, paddling, hiking, and spending time with her husband Tyson and their adventurous dogs, Bella, Louie, Meeko, and Huck.
Education: B.A. Psychology, Indiana University, M.A. Educational Administration, University of Nebraska
Certifications: ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, Yoga Alliance 500-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher
To start your journey with Kelsey, please email her at kelsey.whittaker@mso.umt.edu