Our Team

CrossFit to me is community, hard work, patience.

If there’s one trait that I’ve noticed that the CrossFit community has, it’s the unwavering support they have for others around. That’s why I fell for CrossFit and what we want our community’s foundation to be built upon. There’s nothing more amazing, than to see a diverse group of like-minded people who are genuinely happy to watch someone get their first pull-up, PR a back squat, or even just finish a workout. That’s what community is to me–that’s what Black Tusk Athletics is.

I encourage a balanced approach to training which includes getting out there and do what you love! Hiking, yoga, hockey, running, etc. Whatever it is, we just want to be part of your routine and help you be the healthiest you can be.

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer

• CrossFit-L2 Certification

• CrossFit Mobility Certification

• Completed Olympic Weightlifting NCCP L1 Course

• Standard First Aid/CPR/AED Level C

• BSc

I have spent the last 10 years in the fitness industry coaching and personal training out of many of Edmonton’s amazing gyms. Over years I have learned that working with people on their physical health is one of the most rewarding jobs there is. Not only to see physical improvements people make but also for the relationships people develop. Personally, I love going to group classes as it allows me to meet new people as well as foster existing relationships with so many different people all over the city. Black Tusk has been a strong contributor to this fitness community and I love that I get to coach and be coached here alongside so many amazing people.

On my path of training others, my own physical training goals have also progressed from somewhat general fitness to a more concentrated goal of improving my Olympic Lifting with a personal trainer of my own guiding me through this challenging but rewarding sport.

I also love bringing what I do in the gym out into the world by getting on my bike or splitboard as often as possible in the mountains, roads, and Edmonton’s River Valley.

• NAIT PFT Diploma

• Standard First Aid/CPR/AED Level C

• Corrective Exercise - NASM (CES)

Over the past decade, I've dedicated myself to understanding body movement and discovering activities that truly resonate with me. Unlike my previous routine of forcing myself to spend hours at the gym without genuine enjoyment, my experience with Black Tusk has been transformative. It's inspiring to be part of a community, turning the fitness journey from a solitary endeavor to a collaborative adventure. Beyond functional fitness, my interests span activities such as mountain biking, hiking, skiing, yoga, long-distance running and of course playing frisbee with my golden retriever. My passion lies in exploring diverse ways to move and helping others find joy in discovering the full potential of their bodies.

• NAIT PFT Diploma

• NASM- Group Fitness Instructor

• 200HR YTT

• Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level CBHPED Physical Literacy

For the past 5 years I have worked as a teacher for Edmonton Public Schools. Originally I graduated University with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology but life led me down the path of Education and I left University with not only the Kin but also an After Ed. Degree. It seems that life has a way of circling us around the things we love because here I am now doing Group Coaching and Personal Training out of Black Tusk, as well as continuing to teach with EPSB.

I was lucky enough to grow up playing lots of different sports, from skiing to sailing, hockey to basketball, my childhood mainly consisted of going from one practice to the next. In my adult life I have started to gravitate more towards sports that focus on individual achievement rather than competition such as mountain & road biking and backcountry skiing. Through these sports, formal education, and the countless inspiring individuals around me, I have learned the importance of maintaining and improving my own physical fitness to keep doing the activities I love.

Coaching at Black Tusk allows me to combine my love for physical activity with the enjoyment I get from seeing people learn new things and achieve their goals. It also gives me the opportunity to share the things I have learned about how to stay physically active, work hard, and continue to pursue passion.

• BSc in Kinesiology

• BEd

• Standard First Aid/CPR/AED Level C

I started playing soft ball at a young age and it was here that I discovered I had a knack at running fast! That kick started my track and field career as a sprinter, which eventually opened the door for me to compete for the U of A. Although my running has slowed down compared to my glory days, I now chase a similar thrill in other hobbies like mountain and road biking, climbing, and snowboarding.  I have always been an advocate of functional strength training because of how much it impacts my performance, mental health, and every day life. 

My favourite part of exercise is the social aspect. At Black Tusk, the sense of community is noticeable. Pushing myself physically and growing as an athlete is a huge bonus, but the most fulfilling part is getting to accomplish it with other people.  Some of my closest relationships have stemmed from really great sweat sessions, wherever or whatever they were. 

Prior to Black Tusk I taught row and HIIT classes for 6 years. I’m stoked to join you on your health and fitness journey as a coach. Exercise doesn’t need to be so elusive and daunting- let’s figure it out together!  Outside the gym, you can catch me scanning ultrasounds as my main hustle. I am a major foodie who loves baking sourdough bread. I’m also very obsessed with plants and enjoy playing guitar in my down time. YTT

• BKin

• Standard First Aid/CPR/AED Level C

Lifting weights and training started out as a hobby in high school that quickly became an obsession. I discovered CrossFit and olympic weightlifting shortly after high school. This led me to pursue a kinesiology degree at the University of Alberta where I had the opportunity to work in a high performance setting with varsity athletes as a student trainer. I completed a practicum in my final year at a sports physiotherapy clinic where I gained valuable knowledge in injury prevention and rehabilitation. After graduation I had the opportunity to work in various settings for the better half of a decade including commercial gyms, physiotherapy clinics, CrossFit gyms, adapted sports and high performance sports.

Coaching at Black Tusk allows me to combine my knowledge and experiences to help you reach your goals (and have a lot of fun along the way)!

In my free time I enjoy backpacking through foreign countries and searching for good coffee and pastries.

• BSc. Kinesiology

• NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist

• FRC Mobility Specialist

• FMS Level 1

• EXOS Speed Certification

• Completed Olympic Weightlifting NCCP L1 Course

• Advanced First Aid

I believe that coming to the gym takes a lot of courage and that many things we do at the gym can be done outside of the usual “gym” setting. Although I love strength training, the majority of my athletic background comes from my love of sport, specifically volleyball! The highlight of my athletic career was playing for the U of A Pandas which included competing as a 4x national finalist. My love of sport continued into my education; I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and am registered with the College of Dietitians of Alberta, in addition to my personal training certifications.

In the last few years, I’ve developed a passion for outdoor sports and activity including mountain biking, ski touring and hiking. I am inclusive in my training and coaching, understanding how to navigate through injury and diversity. I live to coach and cannot wait to meet you for a fun, friendly competitive workout or personal training session. My drive is to help others and I love seeing success through hard work.

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer

• Registered Dietitian

• BSc in Nutrition

• Advanced First AID/ CPR C/ BLS provider

• Volleyball Trained Development Coach

I have a diverse background in sports and exercise including swimming, volleyball, yoga and CrossFit.  I am passionate about people and community, which is why I love empowering others through group fitness. Before finding Black Tusk I really struggled to find an exercise or workout that I enjoyed performing consistentl. I LOVE the variety of exercises and movements that we offer. But more importantly, it’s the community that has been so supportive and amazing that kept me accountable; I’ve met some of my best friends through this gym.

I’m also very passionate about the intersectionality of physical and mental wellness, creating a sense of belonging and psychological safety for athletes, as consistent exercise has been a game changer for my personal mental health and well-being. I’ve found that Black Tusk reflects this as well, embodying this through the culture of our community.

Outside of the gym, I love to spend time with my friends and family, walking my dog (Queen Milly) in the River Valley and watching anything and everything Marvel.

• Precision Nutrition L1

• CrossFit-L1

• YTT

• BA

• Standard First Aid/CPR/AED Level C

I grew up exposed to all sorts of sports, but I’m not an agile or competitive person. I never took to team sports, but liked to be outdoors and active, doing things like hiking and snowboarding. I started rock climbing in my late 20s and fell in love with it. My life changed when I had babies and found the adventure type of fitness difficult to access due to lack of time. That’s when I found CrossFit. At first it was an efficient way to get fit and stay fit. But I fell in love with the community that comes with small group classes, as well as the challenge of learning to move my body in different ways. I am still learning and growing as an athlete all the time. 

I have been coaching for 8 years now and it fills my bucket to be part of your fitness journey. There’s nothing better than seeing athletes get a first pull up or handstand push up, or reach a new PR, and it’s such a privilege to be part of that journey. 

• CrossFit-L1 

• Olympic Lifting NCCP L1

• Precision Nutrition L1

• BSc

• Standard First Aid/CPR/AED Level C

(Izzy also dislikes having her picture taken…hence the school picture)

I started coaching in 2013 and if I get my way, I have no plans to ever stop. For me, coaching others has been one of the major factors in my life that keeps me going; I love to encourage and teach, to learn about and practice movement. But even more importantly, being a part of peoples' fitness and self-discovery journeys is unequivocally a highlight in my life. When I'm not at the gym, I love being home, spending time with my cat(s), teenage son, and my wonderful girlfriend: Ashley. I also love to read, write, and to play Spikeball, volleyball, and video games of all kinds.

• CF-L1 and L2 Trainer

• MovNat Level One and Two Trainer

• Precision Nutrition L1

• CrossFit Endurance

• CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting

• CrossFit Mobility

• CrossFit Kids

COMING SOON

As the youngest of three girls I was always pushed to keep up with my older sisters, and from a young age was active in many different sports. Throughout my life I developed a deeper appreciation for the role movement had in my health and happiness. I have a passion for sharing the joy of movement with others, leading me to a career in Physical Education and coaching. I currently live and work in the west end of Edmonton and when I'm not at the gym can usually be found mountain biking or walking my dog. I am so excited to be a coach at Black Tusk as I have experienced first hand the amazing role this gym can play in helping challenge, support and inspire individuals in their fitness journeys.

• BKin

• BEd

• Standard First Aid/CPR/AED

• A.S.A.A Concussion in Sport

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