By Martin Zeilig
McKaely Snider calls being hired as a PSP fitness instructor a “perfect fit,” while Cristian Molina, who was also hired recently as a fitness instructor at 17 Wing, says the new job will bring economic stability to his life.
They began their new jobs on January 3, 2025.
Snider and Molina were interviewed together in-person by The Voxair reporter on January 6.
Leeona Bond, B.A. CSEP-CEP, Fitness Coordinator, PSP 17 Wing, noted that the calibre of applicants for “this last FSI posting” was impressive, “with a great depth of education and experience.”
“This made the selection process a difficult one, with so many excellent candidates,” she said in an email to The Voxair.
“Of course, this is a good problem to have, but it did make the decision-making process a very difficult one! We took some extra time to carefully weigh each of the candidates to make sure we had the best people for the position.
“In the short time that McKaely and Cristian have been with us, they have both proven to be a wonderful fit with coworkers and our military clients. Their enthusiasm and genuine excitement to be part our 17 Wing community is incredible! I am extremely excited for them both to begin their journey with PSP, and know that they will bring a lot of value to our Fitness programming.”
A recent graduate of the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, said Ms. Snider, who grew up in the community of Oakbank, Manitoba (32 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg).
She was a centre back for the Wesmen Women’s soccer team.
“I played three years,” Ms. Sinder said.
She is also the coach for the U of W Collegiate’s women’s soccer team.
“I was originally looking to join the CAF as an armoured officer,” she said.
“It was the greatest thing (to be hired by PSP). I have some illness in the family, so I ended up going as a civilian. I’m happy to be in Winnipeg. I’m extremely interested in the military, their customs and practices.”
Mr. Molina was born in Winnipeg, but grew up in Argentina with his mother’s family.
“But, I returned here and finished up my last years in elementary school and junior high school here,” he said, noting that he, not surprisingly, speaks Spanish too.
“I have a degree in psychology from the University of Manitoba. I worked 13 years for Service Canada as a Program Officer and then as a Senior Development Officer.”
Then, as he noted, he changed careers and enrolled at the University of Manitoba to study for his second degree in Kinesilogy/Athletic Therapy.
“While I was in school, I did two years as a student intern with the Winnipeg Jets,” he continued.
“Then, I did four more years with them as an athletic therapist the game day therapist for home games.
“I also worked with the Winnipeg Goldeyes (baseball club) as the head strength coach unitl last year. I’m still with them as strength coach for home games and lend a hand as a therapist.”
He was also at the U of W as one of the therapists in the athletic therapy clinic.
“I’m still the strength coach of the basketball and soccer teams,” said Mr.Molina, mentioning that he ran track as a sprinter for the U of M Bisons back in the 1990s where he competed nationally in the 100 metres with a best time of 10.87 seconds.
“I did play soccer growing up,” he added.
“I tried a stint in Japan to play professionally in 2004-2005. I didn’t make it. But, it was a good experience. I ended staying there to teach English and Spanish.”
Mr. Molina explained that he applied for the job at 17 Wing because he was at a point in his life where he was looking for stability.
“My wife is a Registered Nurse and she works in Portage la Prairie,” he said.
“She’s a director of the hospital. Travelling with the Goldeyes I missed some of my two teenage daughters’ events. I came across this job just by chance.
“I’ve always looked at working with the military because it’s been an interest of mine. I was a fire paramedic in West St. Paul for a couple of years. I liked the orderliness and structure of it.”
“We’ve actually already got a little bit of a taste of everything so far,” Ms. Snider said.
“We’ve observed the running of the Force Fitness Testing. We’ve seen some PT and noon fitness classes. Leeona, our boss, has been great in telling us what will be coming up. It’s a little slow right now. But, as everyone comes back from holidays, we’ll get back into the swing of things.
“I’m also looking at doing higher coaching licences so I can help out the teams here. I’m super interested in helping out with the soccer team here. Also, I’m looking forward to doing advanced strength and conditioning training.”
She also stressed that she’s happy to have Mr. Molina going through the “learning and getting acquainted” process with her.
“It’s a little daunting otherwise,” she remarked.
Mr. Molina, then, spoke for both of them, as his colleague nodded her head in approval:
“The people that work here are fantastic. It’s a very welcoming atmosphere, like a family.”
They are a perfect fit. Welcome to 17 Wing and the PSP family.
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