our team

Meet the visionary architect behind the mTOUGH program—Brian Risk. Currently a varsity coach and lecturer at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, Brian brings a wealth of expertise as a fully certified NCCP Level 5 Coach.  He served as a National Team Coach in track for 15 years.

Brian's impact extends across various athletic programs, including Track and Field, Basketball, Football, Golf, Volleyball, and Ice Hockey. He has been a sought-after consultant at esteemed institutions such as Nipissing University, University of Windsor, Canadore College, and University of Western Ontario.

Brian's coaching journey has taken him to the international stage, with remarkable assignments for Team Canada. He has served as Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Observer Coach on 14 occasions for Canada including a notable stint with the 1996 Olympic team and was the Coaching Education Lead & PV Lead at the 2000 Olympic Training camp in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Beyond coaching, Brian has excelled in developing and delivering comprehensive programs in sport psychology, speed & agility, strength & conditioning, nutrition, and leadership. His significant role as the National Pole Vault Development Chair for Athletics Canada for six years showcases his dedication to the growth of athletes on a national scale, contributing to Canada’s highest finish in track at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Joining the mTOUGH program with a rich background in athletics and education, Stephanie Armstrong is a standout team member. During her time at Nipissing University, Stephanie was not only a star OUA volleyball athlete but also demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities as a starting setter for the varsity team for four years.

Her accolades include being an OUA All-star, OUA Rookie of the Year, Team Captain, and All-Canadian student. Stephanie's commitment to excellence extends beyond the court; she holds a B.P.H.E and B.Ed. Degrees from Nipissing University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Counselling Psychology.

In her fifth year with the mTOUGH program alongside Brian Risk, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience to our clients. She actively engages with athletes from various sports, leveraging her athletic and academic background to guide individuals in their mental and emotional well-being.

Cameron Branch is Division 1 professional volleyball player who started in the mTOUGH program with Brian in 2021. He holds a master’s degree in science in health and exercise psychology from Nipissing University where he was a star on the Laker men’s volleyball team. He was a 2x MVP and earned a spot on Team Canada at the World Student Games. 

Cameron has professional coaching experience in volleyball and track and field. He has extensive expertise in nutrition, strength and conditioning, Functional Movement Screen testing, mindset coaching, and kinesiology. He works as a consultant to numerous teams across Canada including Team Ontario, Team PEI, Canadore College, Nipissing University and more.

Cameron is the founder and lead coach in Branch Sport Performance (BSP).  BSP and mTOUGH have done many programs together providing athletes with leading edge coaching science.