Coach Page

I want to offer the chance to everyone that walks through our doors the capability to do what they once thought unimaginable. I am not talking about teaching Olympic level gymnastics, although possible, I am talking about that housewife/mother of multiple kids having the ability to lift her bodyweight off of the floor and eventually overhead or the ability to do a pull up(s). I want to help everyone become mobile and capable at all levels. Whether they are a new athlete in middle school or someone that is in their twilight years.

Once you begin practicing CrossFit you realize benefits that are most times not readily describable! Little things, here and there, your ability to perform daily tasks without the difficult drudgery but rather as a real, albeit small, test of your fitness. Increases in your strength, stamina, and your mental capacity and alertness are evident within a short period of practice.

I consider myself a student of CrossFit and of fitness generally. I firmly believe that CrossFit is a program that is applicable to anyone and can be practiced by most, regardless of your current ability. Coaching gives me an opportunity to help individuals enjoy this form of exercise with guidance. My personal practice of CrossFit only attests to my conviction that this is the best program out there. As I too am a student of this sport, I will continue to educate myself and search for methods that will assist you in improving your performance.

What truly sets CrossFit Carol Stream apart is our community. We push each other along our own fitness path providing plenty of support from everyone along the way.

Our members are great! Our members don’t fit a stereotype or a demographic category.  Our fitness levels and interests differ across a wide range. We’re older, we’re younger.  Really fit and not so fit.  Experienced and not so experienced.  That variety is part of what makes the place fun.  

Since I began working out at CrossFit Carol Stream I’ve been on quite a journey.  Not straight-line improvement, there have been plenty of ups and downs, but overall I keep improving and feeling better year after year.  Thanks to our community at CrossFit Carol Stream my overall fitness has improved greatly, I’ve lost around 75-80 pounds and gone from barely running a mile to finishing a marathon in October 2018.

Regardless of age or existing skill sets CrossFit can deliver results.  Anyone who walks in the door and is ready to give it a serious effort can benefit.  I want to help that person attain their goals; not in a big hurry but with steady improvement.  There is no substitute for honestly giving it your best effort.  Do that and you will see improvement and all the good that comes with it.

Everyone’s fitness journey is personal and unique. I started my CrossFit journey at age 56. Coach Jason had been training my son who has autism for about 2 years when he asked me, “what do I need to do to get you to give it a try?” I’d been watching the CrossFit Carol Stream community from a distance and I loved seeing how the athletes supported and challenged each other, and the camaraderie they shared. I just didn't think I could do what they did. But, I took the challenge and have not looked back! I am now in the best shape of my life. My motivation continues to be my son. As he is severely disabled, I must live forever to care for him!

Obtaining my Level 1 training certification was a wonderful experience and I now have the opportunity to share this thing called CrossFit with others. EVERYONE can do CrossFit. It is ultimately modifiable. It is life-changing. With dedication and personal accountability to making lifestyle changes through exercise and diet, a healthy, active life can be achieved and maintained into the golden years! Exercise=medicine. I am ready to help you find the path to a healthier you!

I began CrossFit right before I turned 40. At the time, my daughter was involved in gymnastics at the same gym and I thought if she could workout for several hours at a time, I could work out for one of those hours.

My motivation was to stay in shape for my career as a probation and parole officer, to be a good role model for my children and to age gracefully, maintaining my independence. CrossFit has gotten me through some of the most difficult moments of my life. My goal has always been to walk in the door the rest will fall into place and it truly does.

I retired from my federal service last year and decided to get my Level 1 certification so I could help others learn all of the benefits of CrossFit. We all have different goals for our time in the gym and I try to meet every athlete where they are. My biggest reward is seeing people get a PR or master a new movement they never thought they could do. I love seeing people leave the gym happier than when they came in. We truly have a fantastic community at CrossFit Carol Stream.