Coaches

Curtis Blake

I am a former police officer who served in both the Arlington County and DC Metropolitan Police Departments. I worked in the Tactical Unit, as a Field Training Officer, and patrol over the course of 13 years with both organizations.

I have now been coaching CrossFit full-time for the past 4 years. I am Level 1 Crossfit and Crossfit Kids certified in addition to having attended multiple other CrossFit certifications. I believe that Crossfit is not exclusive to “athletic” types and that everyone benefits from our workouts, regardless of goals. Email Curtis

Aviv Bercovicz

Alli Thurmond

I am a certified Crossfit Level 1 trainer and a Level 1 Yoga Instructor. I grew up on a big cattle ranch and am all about the functional fitness aspect of Crossfit, but considering myself an athlete is very new. A recovered runner and yoga girl, I got into Crossfit just out of knee surgery and will be the first to tell newbies that you can start anywhere! I am a firm believer in the foam rollers and stretching out as a means to prevent injury, and I run the Yoga for Athletes program here at CFA as a way to convince you of the same! Email Alli

Linsey Kokal

Erin Curtin

I was involved in competitive gymnastics for 16 years. Then after college I lost all motivation to perform any kind of physical activity. I tried working out at the local gym doing typical cardio on the elliptical machine, but those traditional methods of exercise always bored me. I found out about CrossFit through some friends at work, but was reluctant to try it. Little did I know that CrossFit would change my entire outlook on health, fitness, and nutrition. I discovered that working out could be everything but boring. I have been involved in CrossFit since September of 2008 and still to this day get smoked after every WOD. I am Level 1 certified and recently began coaching at CrossFit Adaptation in July. Email Erin

Lauren Ashley

I am a certified Level 1 and CrossFit kids trainer, a student working on my Masters in Nutrition Education, and a mom of four very athletic grade school kids. I was always a competitive student athlete; but resigned myself to the globo-gym machine-based work-outs as an adult. I desperately missed the competition and camaraderie of my student days but could not find an outlet for it (competitive parenting is frowned upon). I even took up running for a while simply so I could have some benchmark of an effort “for time.” But in truth nothing satisfied my athletic and competitive heart until I found CrossFit. My first mini-cindy was a blue band, knee push up, humbling experience for someone who considered herself fit, but I couldn’t wait to come back. I love coaching adults, especially beginners, and I am especially excited to be working on our CrossFit kids program. I am constantly amazed at what kids can do when we give them the tools to succeed and expect great things from them. Email Lauren

Sharon Di Chiara

I have been involved in sports and weightlifting for most of my life. I started Crossfitting about 2.5 years ago after experimenting with figure competitions. I was burnt out from the normal weightlifting/cardio routine and was ready for a new challenge. Crossfit has taught me efficiency, functional strength and Olympic lifting. I appreciate the constantly varied workouts and the competitive yet supportive atmosphere within the Crossfit community. I am Level 1 certified and have attended the Coach Prep Course. Email Sharon

Rick Bucinell

I’ve been involved in competitive Olympic Weightlifting for eight years and in the fitness industry for over twenty years. To date I have won three consecutive World Masters Championship titles in Olympic Weightlifting, and currently hold twelve National Masters Records, three Pan-American Masters Records, and one World Masters Record. Pertaining to Olympic Weightlifting I am certified as a USA Weightlifting Club Level Coach. My experience with athletes of all levels from professional to the de-conditioned will insure our Sunday workshop improves your Olympic Style lifts.

Rob Calhelha

I’ve dabbled in different types of workout programs over the years and discovered CrossFit a tour in Iraq as an Infantry Officer. While I enjoy CrossFit’s emphasis on over-all functional fitness and its non-repetition, the people really make it worthwhile and enjoyable. After the people, it’s the challenges it presents. As soon as you learn a new technique, there is always another challenge. I enjoy the idea of specializing in not specializing as well, since we never know what is around the next bend on the trail or in life.

I swear by doubling the amount of water you drink, CFA Warrior WODs, helping people conquer their next challenge/fear, yoga, the US Army Infantry, very loud music during WODs and cheering/supporting those around me. I am CrossFit L1-, CrossFit Kettlebell-, CrossFit Coach’s Prep Course-, CrossFit Gymnastics-, Army Master of Fitness-, and Army L-1 Combatives/Self-Defense Instructor- certified. RLTW Email Rob

Andrew Walker

I have been crossfitting since March 2009, and in that time I have seen the physical and mental changes I was hoping for in a workout regimen. Before joining Crossfit my workout routine was just that – very routine, but not satisfying or effective. After two-plus years I am in the best shape of my life and continue to look forward to the workouts every day. I find the variety and intensity of Crossfit keep my interest and continually provide new challenges. In my capacity as a Marine in the Reserves, Crossfit has allowed me to keep my PFT scores consistently higher than Marines 10 years younger. In addition to the physical benefits, the Crossfit community is a great group, consistently providing the camraderie and competition I’ve found invaluable in continuing to make athletic progress.Email Andrew

Dave Torpy

CrossFit was introduced to me in 2010 and immediately changed my outlook on my fitness and health. The methodology, challenges, and dedication that it promotes allowed me to start out as a beginner, and work towards attainable goals within my abilities. Learning specific Olympic lifts or trying to master some other movement, became a great drive for me. The coaching I received was exceptional, and the camaraderie & community which it endorses, helped me become more comfortable in this setting, which at times, can be intimidating. Although my athletic career only stemmed from a few years of high school sports, I have never felt this good, fit, or healthy. I received my CrossFit L1 certification earlier this year, and am always thrilled when new and veteran athletes make meaningful gains or accomplish new goals. Email Dave.

Lisa Donnelly

I have been an athlete my whole life and played Division 1 lacrosse at Virginia Tech. After college, I continued my “conditioning” at various globo gyms, not really doing much lifting at all and more running, spinning, kickboxing etc. In 2008, I was introduced to Crossfit by a few friends, joined, and have never looked back. When I first started Cross-fitting I couldn’t do 1 pull-up.  Last year, I was doing pull-ups with a 20lb baby vest, and no bands! After college, I went on to coach lacrosse at Ohio University and I’m really excited to have an opportunity to coach athletes again. Email Lisa.

Benjamin Foster

I am a Crossfitter, a veteran, and a student. I was introduced to Crossfit in September 2006 and it has served as my primary strength and conditioning program since. Prior to Crossfit I trained/participated in various High School Athletics, was a walk-on Division I Soccer player, and participated in numerous “PT” sessions courtesy of the US Army. During my service time I was able to attain my Level I Certification and train Soldiers regularly in the Crossfit methodology. Currently, I am a student at NVCC completing requirements for medical school.

I have attended and completed the following certifications/seminars: Crossfit Level 1, Crossfit Olympic Lifting, Crossfit Strongman, and the Crossfit Coach’s Prep Course.

Kathryn Buechel

I have been CrossFitting since April 2009 and played competitive sports most of my life. I am a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through the Yoga Alliance and certified through Tranquil Space. I completed yoga training to help CrossFitters enhance their overall health and wellness through the practice of yoga. I believe yoga can help CrossFit athletes recover, restore, and strengthen both their minds and bodies. I believe that setting an intention for your yoga practice will enhance awareness both on the mat, during a WOD, and in your daily life. Although they make not recognize it, I see CrossFitters practicing the art of meditation to focus, dig deep, and finish a WOD almost every time they set foot in the gym. The combination of the physical and mental challenges of yoga and CrossFit are so similar it is exciting to see how they integrate to develop individuals inside and outside the gym. I welcome the opportunity to serve the CrossFit community who may be new to yoga or are experienced yogis. My certifications are as a Level 1 (33hour) and Level 2 (200 hour) vinyasa yoga instructor.

Ursula Evans

I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and moved to the DC area nine years ago. Although I’m new to CrossFit, I’m certainly not new to yoga. Having practiced hatha yoga intermittently in college, I returned to a consistent practice four years ago. I initially practiced Bikram yoga but quickly fell in love with the speed, variety and stylings of Vinyasa yoga. I see yoga as a great accompaniment to CrossFit because it challenges students to focus, work through internal obstacles and maybe surprise themselves with what they can truly do. Accessing a new pose in yoga can be a transformative experience for students, and one for which I feel honored to provide a vehicle.

My goal as a yoga instructor is to provide an open and welcoming environment where students can feel encouraged to test their limits and push their edge but also find strength, grace and self-compassion.

I have received my Level 1 (33 hour) certification through Tranquil Space and am actively pursuing my Level 2 (200 hour) vinyasa certification through the Yoga Alliance and Tranquil Space.