Our team
Our Founder
Veronica Romero
How did you get into fitness and or CrossFit?
I was always very much into sports and quite the tomboy growing up in a house full of boys. I always loved playing sports and being active. After I had my son in 2000 I kinda fell off and went to a place where I became very uncomfortable with myself. I knew that I needed to do something and I just wasn’t sure what would help me at that point. I found myself running again as an outlet and to help me get back on track and I was hooked on distance running. I discovered CrossFit while training for my first or second Marathon in hopes of it helping me complete a better time (IT DID) and has been doing so ever since! I instantly became obsessed with CrossFit as we all do, right!
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I found CrossFit in early 2014
What made you want to become a CrossFit Trainer?
My passion for the sport has led me to want to share my experience with others and continue learning and growing with the sport of CrossFit as an athlete but more importantly as a coach. I truly believe that alongside a healthy lifestyle diet that everyone should be doing CrossFit to improve their overall health, strength and conditioning.
My favorite part of the sport is that you can find an entire family (mom, dad, sister, brother, etc) at any given box doing the same exact WOD together while scaling accordingly. It’s a family sport and anyone can do CrossFit!
What are some of the things you are most proud of accomplishing in and outside the gym?
Truly, being a mother and wife to my two great guys has been the most rewarding accomplishment to date! Aside from that I am extremely proud of completing 20 plus half marathons, 6 marathons, Spartan Races, Sprint and Olympic Distance Triathlons and most recently a Half Ironman.
What are some of your goals you have yet to accomplish but hope to someday?
I plan to complete a Half IronMan soon and a full IronMan.
What CrossFit movements would make up your favorite WOD?
Deadlifts, running, and box jumps.
What is your favorite music or favorite song to listen to while doing a WOD?
RAP always RAP
Qualifications: CrossFit L2 Trainer CrossFit Kids Certified Gymnastics Course
Our Coaches
Ray Garcia
How did you get into fitness and or CrossFit?
As a die-hard fan of American Ninja Warrior, I was looking for a path to train to try out for the show. I was also looking to get in shape after a few years of raising my newborn son and daughter (and not doing much else). Entering my 30s, I felt a need to make my health and wellness a priority. While I have yet to realize my dream of becoming a televised ninja, I'm happy to say that through CrossFit, every year I strive to continue to be in my best physical and mental state.
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I joined CrossFit Warehouse in 2012 and have been a member ever since. I’ve also been a gymnastics coach for over three years and teach Ninja/Obstacle Classes to kids and adults. I’m currently coaching Gymnastics and Barbell for CrossFit.
What made you want to become a CrossFit Trainer?
I love the community that we’ve built and I would sincerely do anything to help a member achieve their fitness goals. I’ve had plenty of coaches over the years and I’ve learned a lot about what to do (and sometimes not to do). It feels amazing to be in a position to give back.
What are some of the things you are most proud of accomplishing in and outside the gym?
I’m proud of locking down my wife/soulmate and having three wonderful kids! My Level 1 Crossfit certification was definitely a catalyst to keep moving forward on my current fitness journey.
What are some of your goals you have yet to accomplish but hope to someday?
To become an awesome and ridiculously fit grandfather/great grandfather.
What CrossFit movements would make up your favorite WOD?
Rope climbs, ring muscle ups, rowing, toes2bar, dumbbell snatches and double unders.
What is your favorite music or favorite song to listen to while doing a WOD?
I generally tend to lean toward 90s or current rap or electronic music. I can always listen to the Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Eminem but also like Kanye, Drake, Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar… A lot of it depends on the type of workout 8)
Qualifications: CrossFit L2 Trainer USAW L1 (Olympic Weightlifting) Burgener Strength L1 (Olympic Weightlifting) USAG Certified (Gymnastics)
Estefania Demarchi
Head Coach
How did you get into CrossFit?
Was introduced to CrossFit in 2017. My little sister "bullied" me into it!
What made you want to be a CrossFit trainer?
I love having the ability to help others achieve their goals and watching the same process I went through unfold before my eyes.
What do u love most about coaching?
The opportunity to be able to assist those wanting to reach their full potential and overcome obstacles they never thought they would see the other side of is the reason I am a coach today.
What are the things that you are more proud of outside and inside the gym?
I was able to lose 80 pounds the real transformation wasn’t physical. Working out boosted my mental resilience. Pushing through a tough workout made me realize that I was not easily broken. As I became physically stronger I became more confident in my body and realized what my body can do. Most importantly, the confidence and resilience that I gained took me out of the depression I suffered from for years.
Goals yet to accomplish?
Just becoming the best version of myself every day and trying to help others achieve their goals!
Favorite Music
Drake, Chance the rapper, Bad bunny!
Certifications
CF L1
CF L2
Jessica Denst
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I found CrossFit in 2011 after hearing my friends discuss their awesome results and all around love for the sport.
How did you get into fitness and or CrossFit?
I was never into playing sports and certainly did not enjoy working out much before CrossFit. I knew the workouts would not be easy but I was up for the challenge and ready to make some positive changes. With the help of my CrossFit community, determination, and consistency with diet and exercise, I was able to progress over the years.
What made you want to become a CrossFit Trainer?
In 2015, after witnessing first-hand the positive changes (physically, mentally, emotionally and socially) CrossFit had on my life, I made the decision to begin coaching to inspire others that anyone is capable of doing CrossFit and changing their lives for the better, regardless of their prior athletic ability. I hope that my story will inspire the everyday person who may not have a fitness background but is looking to challenge themselves and join CrossFit.
What are some of your goals you have yet to accomplish but hope to someday?
Outside of the gym I teach students with disabilities (ages 18-21) the knowledge and skills necessary to transition into adulthood. One current goal I have is to incorporate CrossFit into the school day as a way for all students to be involved in fitness and hopefully motivate the students to continue using CrossFit in their daily lives as they transition into adulthood. Currently, we have started the first Special Olympics weightlifting team at my school and have students working inside a CrossFit gym for employment. Nothing makes me happier than exposing others to my love of CrossFit in any capacity and watching them take off! Prior to starting a family I spent 1.5 years focusing specifically on weightlifting with the goal of competing in a weightlifting meet. While I have yet to accomplish this goal, I plan to achieve this in the near future.Inside the gym you will find me up bright and early at the 5am class.
What is your favorite music or favorite song to listen to while doing a WOD?
My perfect class would be listening to 90’s music while completing any workout that has gymnastics in it.
What CrossFit movements would make up your favorite WOD?
The clean and jerk and or snatch.
Qualifications: Crossfit L2 Trainer
SHAWN COFFEY
How did you get into fitness and or CrossFit?
I ran two marathons in 2012 and did not finish the second one. I was looking to get stronger for my next marathon and found Crossfit. I was hooked and wasn't concerned about running after that!
What made you want to become a CrossFit Trainer?
I wanted to make an impact and give back to the gym and the athletes who have been welcoming and supportive. Crossfit gyms and their communities are like no other!
What do you love most about coaching?
Watching an athlete reach their goals no matter how big or small. I have seen athletes get their first muscle up, push ups, box jumps, or PR a heavy lift and the energy is the same! The whole gym erupts and makes it a big deal!
What are some of the things you are most proud of accomplishing in and outside the gym?
Since coming back to crossfit and my first open in two years it has been nice that athletes look to me for some support and coaching. It is always nice to be wanted and knowing that they trust you in those moments is an incredible feeling.
What are some of your goals you have yet to accomplish but hope to someday?
I want to stay healthy and injury free. I want to build another streak of consistent attendance and dedicate each hour in the gym to being a better me.
What is your favorite music or favorite song to listen to while doing a WOD?
Booty Bouncers on Pandora!
Qualifications:
CF-L2
Jessica Savolainen
Nutrition Coach
How did you get into fitness and or CrossFitt?
I ran track Freshman year of High School but that is the only sport I did. As an adult I did Aerobics and Zumba classes but that was the extent of my fitness. After years of trying Coach Ray finally wore me down enough to give Crossfit a try and I have been with it ever since. Ya got me! Although my love is more in the Strongman realm of things I still love Crossfit programming and the WODS.
Beastie Boys, Cyprus Hill, Eminem. Most 90’s to current rap, Techno, Electronic, almost anything with a good strong beat-NO country!
HSN Certified
ROSS CASPER
How did you get into fitness and or CrossFit?
I've always been an active person and loved to play sports. I had been watching a lot of CrossFit videos and documentaries and talking about it with my sister who encouraged me to just go and sign up.
What made you want to be a CrossFit trainer?
I want to be able to give back to the CrossFit community and help people reach their fullest potential. I also want to expand my knowledge of the fundamental principles and movements of CrossFit.
What do u love most about coaching?
As a coach, I can direct my passion for CrossFit into helping people improve and learn something new every day. I love being able to change someone's mindset from "I can't" to "I can." To make a positive impact on someone's day. To see progress over days, weeks, and months. The new coach's tee is a nice perk too. 😉
What are the things that you are more proud of outside and inside the gym?
At the gym, I take pride in being able to continually push myself to work harder and see what I’m capable of. I care a lot about my family, friends, and community and am always thinking of others before myself.
What are some of your goals you have yet to accomplish but hope to someday?
I’m not a big fan of using the word “goals” because I think it’s too limiting and can discourage people from continuing to work hard and push themselves no matter what.
What is your favorite music or favorite song to listen to while doing a WOD?
I listen to a little bit of everything – country, hip-hop, EDM – just depends on my mood. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is definitely my WOD anthem year round… (Just kidding!) Or “Oh Maria” from Sister Act. (Not kidding.) Give me a mic and I’d karaoke “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” better than Maverick and Goose.
Qualifications:
CF-L1
Mike Fisher
How did you get into fitness and or CrossFit?
After getting out of the military in 2009, I found myself with a job traveling all across the midwest and living out of hotels and my service truck. 5 years later (and after a great deal of fast food) I found myself very out of shape and not feeling so great in general. After picking up P90X and doing that for a while, I found that I loved the type of exercise, but the repetitiveness was getting a bit old.
I love all genres of music but a few favorites while working out are: You’re going down – Sick Puppies, The Anthem – Good Charlotte, Defy You – The Offspring, Bleed it Out – Linkin Park, Psychosocial – Slipknot, and Gasoline – I Prevail (18+). I could write out a whole playlist here but it changes with my mood on any given day!
Mateusz (Mat) Lepak
How did you get into fitness and or CrossFit?
I started out as a Personal Trainer for Xsport Fitness before moving into the city and working for Fitness Formula Club. My goal has always been to help others out. I got into CrossFit because I started following Alec Smith when I saw him compete in the 2020 CrossFit games which lead me to trying out some of the workouts he would post online.
-Seeing people progress and accomplish goals that they struggled with at first.
-I just received my Associates in CGI from Moraine Valley and Was Accepted to DePaul University.
-I want to accomplish my BA or MFA in Game Design in the next 2 years
–I love EDM, House, Trance, Electro, Hip-hop, Pop, and Rap. Anything with a good beat I can dance too.
Michael Hagerman
How did you get into fitness and or CrossFit?
I grew up playing sports from elementary throughout high school and continued different avenues of fitness from bodybuilding to power lifting and now CrossFit. CrossFit became a part of my life while training for the Army physical fitness test. I wanted to be able to run fast but still be strong! Doing CrossFit turned out to be the most realistic way for me to achieve this goal.
-Being a coach is very rewarding when you can help someone grow as an athlete. I believe that a member’s win is my reward.
-Every day in the gym, there is always something that can improve, and I am most proud of being able to learn more and more about the potential I have as a coach, athlete and overall as a person. Outside of the gym I serve as a member of the US Army and I am proud to serve not only as coach, but as an active service member to protect our country.
-Qualifying for Semifinal CrossFit level competitions and big competitions like Wodapalooza are still in the works and is still something that I am trying to achieve. Also, continuing my education of CrossFit and becoming a Level 2 Trainer or better is something that I can imagine my self to become soon.
–I enjoy ALL music! And any song that has a perfectly timed beat that drops at the right time of a round or rep is a good song in my book!