About Train with De
Since 2017, Train With De has helped Toronto clients build strength, run stronger, and feel more confident in their bodies. Founded by Deanna Scharpf, our team of certified personal trainers specializes in functional strength training, running coaching, and pre and postnatal fitness with programs built around your goals, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Whether you're training for your first pull-up, your next race, or rebuilding strength postpartum, we come to you, or train with you at a private High Park training space. No guesswork, no generic programming, just a coach who knows your history, your goals, and how to get you there.
Our Mission
We believe fitness should meet you where you are, whether that's your first time lifting weights, your tenth marathon, or three months postpartum. Our mission is to give every client personalized coaching, real accountability, and a plan built around their actual life, not just a generic template.
Our Team
Every Train With De coach is certified, experienced, and hand-selected by Deanna. Get to know the team.
Deanna Scharpf
Founder & Lead Coach
Deanna founded Train With De in 2017 to help people feel stronger and more confident in their own bodies. With 9+ years of coaching experience, she's helped 100+ clients build strength, train for races, and navigate fitness through every stage of life — including pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Deanna specializes in functional strength training, running coaching, and pre/postnatal fitness, and trains clients in-home or at a private High Park training space. Get to Know Deanna Fave drink: Mango bubbly Fave exercise: Barbell hip thrust Fave dessert: Creme Brulee Wellness tip: Always have a goal 4-5 months out
Frances Young
Senior Assistant Coach, CPT Toronto
Frances is a personal trainer, stretch therapist, human design expert, and professional flamenco dancer with over 10 years of experience in strength training, mobility, and pre/postnatal health. In 2017, she helped found Stay Gold, a boutique fitness space in Toronto, followed by The Fearless Project Ltd. in 2019 to expand her message of self-trust and empowerment. Frances combines education, movement, and mindfulness to help clients move fearlessly, connect deeply, and take control of their bodies and lives. Get to Know Frances Fave Drink: Aperol Spritz Fave Exercise: Deadlifts & Pull-ups Fave Dessert: Wellness Tip: Practicing presence in everything you do — you're only a moment away from stillness.
Dakota Vine
Assistant Coach, Toronto
Dakota holds a Health and Fitness Promotion diploma from Algonquin College and brings more than a decade of hands-on experience in sport, fitness, and recreation — including coaching football from youth to collegiate levels and coordinating community recreation programs with the City of Toronto. As an athlete himself, Dakota has completed a full marathon, five half marathons, and continues to train in boxing and running. His coaching emphasizes strategy, consistency, and accountability, while keeping training engaging enough that clients enjoy the process as much as the results. Get to Know Dakota Fave Drink: Water Fave Exercise: Running Fave Dessert: Portugese tarts Wellness Tip: Listen to your body and push what you can. If you only have 40% to give on a certain day and you give that, that’s giving 100%.
Maria Burch
Assistant Coach, Toronto
With over 13 years of personal experience in strength training, Maria is a marathon runner and 5x HYROX finisher with extensive experience across strength training, endurance, and hybrid fitness. She believes training should support your life, not take it over — balancing ambitious goals with the realities of career, relationships, and everyday life. Maria's coaching combines evidence-based strength training with a realistic, sustainable approach, helping women build practical routines that evolve with their goals — training with purpose, building confidence, and creating lasting results. Get to Know Maria Fave Drink: Salted maple matcha Fave Exercise: Reverse deficit lunge Fave Dessert: Caramel cheesecake Wellness Tip: 8 hours of sleep, non-negotiable.
Melissa Marchi
Assistant Coach, New York
Melissa earned her CPT credentials through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and helps clients build long-term health through balance, strength, and posture work. Born and raised in New York, she's also lived in Florida, where she worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). Melissa's own background spans volleyball, track and field, ballet, and visual art — and that range shows up in her coaching, where she stays continually curious about how different bodies move and what makes each client's approach work for them. Get to Know Melissa Fave Drink: Water Fave Exercise: Deadlift Fave Dessert: Ice cream Wellness Tip: Protein is a must for muscle maintenance and recovery, along with hydration for overall daily health.