Meet Your Coach

Rodney Baker II is a dedicated and enterprising health & wellness expert with extensive experience working with people of diverse ages and abilities in varied environments. During the course of his social services career, Baker’s direct work with the developmentally disabled population, as well as foster and disadvantaged youth solidified his emphasis on the importance of inclusivity in the fitness industry.  

Baker’s community focused values began at an early age under the guidance of a supportive mother and father, both of whom enjoyed lifelong careers with the IL Dept. of Corrections. Mr. and Mrs. Baker’s dedication to the Joliet community and to Rodney’s upbringing defined his belief system and nurtured his appreciation for structure, healthy routines, and effective systems. This is also where his passion for fitness began.

He began carving his own path by participating in youth sports and volunteer activities throughout his school years. After earning many honors as a varsity football and track and field student athlete during his high school career, he would pursue further educational opportunities at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA. While a student at UD, Baker participated in several clubs and committees on campus and earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Health, Wellness, and Recreation, with a minor in Coaching K-12. He was also a member of the men’s football and track and field programs where he also earned many honors and achievements. Athletic department leadership took notice of Baker’s successes and offered him an opportunity to be the Assistant Mens & Womens Track and Field coach in 2008. 

Gleaning from his athletic and coaching experiences, Rodney began personal training in 2008 at “The Gym” in Dubuque, IA.  Since then, he has trained at corporate gyms, private gyms and has developed a talent for program development for all body types and fitness levels. He currently runs youth and adult fitness classes, as well as one on one training, in the Joliet Area. His passion is shared generously as he continues to provide motivation and coaching to help his clients achieve life goals.

Rodney is a father of four children, the  oldest of whom was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. This diagnosis compelled Rodney to seek educational opportunities that would aid him in providing the best level of care for not only his oldest son, but the rest of his children as well. As a result of this pursuit of knowledge, Rodney was invited by Cornerstone Services to lead training sessions on autism behavioral strategy and interventions.

In addition to personal training and parenthood, Rodney has served as a Case Manager  for  Cornerstone Services since 2016 and maintains licensure in the state of IL as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional. 

In addition to developing individualized care plans for clients through social service based work and individualized training and wellness plans for his personal training clients, Rodney serves on the Cornerstone Services Board for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. In his role with the Board, Rodney facilitates regular discussion on the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Fitness. As a personal trainer and fitness class instructor, Rodney believes that physical health is a key component to the overall well being of individuals served, regardless of background or ability. Rodney’s presentations and insights support the inclusive environment the organization is striving to achieve. Rodney's insights include the contribution of floor plan and layout design for Cornerstone’s brand new wellness center, which opened in Summer 2023.

Through a well rounded practice of his values and expertise, Rodney Baker II  has proven himself to be an adaptable leader, contributor, and motivator who eagerly takes on and resolves complex challenges