My interest in CrossFit was inspired by my husband, Bill Russell. Together, we co-founded CrossFit Cleveland in the Spring of 2007. Not having been a previous athlete, I had much to learn. I originally got my Level 1 Training Certification in the Spring of 2008 and re-certified in 2011 and 2016. In addition, I am CrossFit Gymnastics certified, CrossFit Mobility certified, CrossFit Kids certified and in March 2013 earned the USAW Club Coach Level 1 Certification in Olympic Weightlifting. I am also a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach and certified in CPR.
My background is in the court reporting profession. I formed Northeast Court Reporting, Inc. in 1996 and have owned and operated it ever since. I’ve been a hands-on owner since day one, and CrossFit has been no different.
Knowing the east side of Cleveland was in need of a CrossFit location, I co-founded Great Lakes CrossFit in November of 2010 with business partner Patrick Flannery.
I have been training and coaching CrossFit and am in the best shape of my life. I believe in the CrossFit methodologies and strive to help “ordinary” people, like myself, look and feel better, and gain confidence in themselves they didn’t know was there.