I’ve been a Registered Massage Therapist for over 25 years. I also provide cupping therapy and fascial taping and I’m a Certified Holistic Nutritionist.

I first joined CrossFit Kitchener in 2012 with two small boys at home. It became one of my biggest priorities. I’d be bothered when I missed a workout. It didn’t matter how I felt going in, I’d always leave feeling great. 

As my boys became teenagers, I felt it was the right time to take the step to get my L1 Coaching certification. I have such a passion for CrossFit in general, and specifically the CFK family. Fast forward to 2023, the opportunity presented itself to become an owner. I needed, and then found a well-suited partner in Dayton, and now we bring our skills and expertise together to offer others the amazing experience we’ve had. Our goal is to make it the best hour of your day! 

Hope to see you in my class soon!

Qualifications

CrossFit Level 1 Certification (CF-L1) - 2022
Registered Massage Therapist - 1999
Certified Holistic Nutritionist - 2013
Functional Movement Tape Doc - 2013

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I started CrossFit in 2013 in our kids program. Right away I realized that this was the sport for me; something I could do long term. I eventually started to move my way up in the programs, doing TeenFit and then finally joining adult classes in 2015. I volunteered with our kids camps and Girl Power program, and this was when I really fell in love with the sport. Anyone can do CrossFit and that is something I very passionately preach!

I obtained my CrossFit Level 1 in 2019, and since then have been coaching our adult classes, Olympic Lifting, CrossFit Kids, Power Hour and Special Olympics Powerlifting. Coaching others is truly my passion, and it’s specifically our IDD (intellectual and developmental disability) athletes that always remind me why I do this.

I am so honoured to call CrossFit Kitchener my home, this community is like no other, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for our gym and our athletes :)

Qualifications

CrossFit Level 1 Certification (CF-L1) - 2019
CrossFit Scaling - 2021
Klokov Weightlifting Seminar - 2021

Jose Azevedo, a highly driven fitness professional, earned his Physical Education degree from Universidade Estadual de Pernambuco Brazil in 2011. Starting as a Coach in 2012 at Vip Fitness Academia, he excelled in strength and conditioning programs, establishing a client-centric approach.

Elevating his expertise with CrossFit certifications, including Level 1 and Level 2, and specialized training in CrossFit Running, José became a recognized expert in the field. In July 2020, he co-founded BFC CrossFit in Recife, Brazil, assuming the role of Co-Owner and Head Coach. Responsible for technical administration, he ensures impeccable training programs and represented the company in local CrossFit competitions.

José  is a beacon of passion and expertise in CrossFit, with a career marked by unwavering commitment to excellence. His legacy as a fitness entrepreneur continues to inspire and empower others, leaving a lasting impact on the health and wellness community. Proficient in both English and Portuguese, his friendly, outgoing personality complements excellent interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

CrossFit Level 1 Certification (CF-L1)
CrossFit Level 2 Certification (CF-L2)
CrossFit Running

I started CrossFit after I found the activities that I love doing outside of the gym were not as easy as they used to be. Why was I spending time in the gym and not feeling good doing the things I love? This left me frustrated and unmotivated.

By joining CrossFit Kitchener not only did the CrossFit training methodology better prepare me for the sports and hobbies I have outside of the gym like running, cross-country skiing, wakeboarding, mountain biking, and hiking, but I was also moving better, and feeling more confident about myself. Not to mention I was motivated to show up because of the great friends and community we have at CFK. I even met my now wife at a CrossFit class.

My hope as a coach of CFK is to not only help our members safely participate in a training program that I have benefited from, but to empower them to go outside of the gym and enjoy being active and expressing their fitness however they choose to.

Qualifications

CrossFit Level 1 Certification (CF-L1) - 2017
CrossFit Programming - 2020

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I began weight training in my basement in 2020, which ignited my passion for lifting. I had been at a commercial big box gym for 3 years before I decided that I was ready to switch things up. When I tried my first CrossFit class in August 2022, I knew CrossFit was right for me. The opportunity to build community, and the ability to strive for new goals I hadn’t experienced before in a standard gym environment was what committed me to the CrossFit methodology.

I’m a second year Honours Kinesiology student at the University of Waterloo. My goal post-graduation is to attend midwifery school based on my passion for helping people achieve their health and fitness goals, the way CrossFit has helped me achieve mine.

Over the past year I have learned to love Olympic lifting and have participated in several CrossFit competitions. In September 2023, I excitedly decided to take my L1 and have since loved helping you in your CrossFit journey. Can’t wait to see you in class!

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‍Qualifications

CrossFit Level 1 Certification (CF-L1) - 2023

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Samantha was a competitive athlete for most of her life, engaging in cheerleading, basketball, and volleyball. Discovering CrossFit in 2013, she became instantly hooked and went on to compete in weightlifting.

However, it was through these experiences that the undeniable truth was discovered – Samantha couldn't out-train a bad diet. In the pursuit of not only looking good but also feeling good, she underwent numerous courses and learned from various coaches.

As a busy mom and shift worker (firefighter), consistency eluded her due to life's unpredictability always throwing curveballs.

Through trial and error, combining experiences and education, Samantha found a balance of work and play that proved to be sustainable. This revelation became even clearer when she effortlessly shed her postpartum weight.

...and Samantha has been coaching busy professionals through lifestyle and nutrition ever since!

Qualifications

• Honours Bachelor of Health Science and Leisure Studies, University of Ottawa
• Nutritional Therapist
• Advanced Clinical Weight Loss Practitioner
• Advanced Sport & Exercise Nutritional Advisor
• Advanced Dietary Supplements Advisor
• Advanced Gut Restoration Nutritional Advisor
• Advanced Food Allergies & Intolerances Nutritional Advisor
• Advanced Stress & Sleep Management Advisor
• Advanced Fertility Nutritional Advisor
• Advanced Child Brain & Development Nutritional Advisor
• CrossFit Level 1 Certification (CF-L1)