about us

Coach Mike came to Hackettstown CrossFit when it’s doors first opened back in 2013. He started as an athlete first, going through the 101 classes and learning the basics before finally deciding he wanted to help coach and lead others to a life of health and fitness. 

Coach Mike planned on teaching Health and Physical Education as well as coaching football before learning about the amazing benefits of CrossFit and proper nutrition and what it could do to help transform lives and daily habits. Coach Mike enjoys any kind of heavy weightlifting, but also has a weird attraction to longer more painful workouts. 

Outside of the gym Coach Mike enjoys doing anything competitive, including but not limited to, tennis, ping pong, golf, corn hole and volleyball. He also loves to spend time with his family, his wife (Coach Jess), and kids Michael and Camryn.

Coach Mike also enjoys anything 90s Disney related and his favorite go to cheat food is cereal. 

Coach Jess began her CrossFit journey at Hackettstown CrossFit in 2014 after graduating from Alvernia University with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. As a retired college athlete, she was drawn to CrossFit as a way to stay competitive while continuing to coach, educate, and support others in their fitness journeys.

CrossFit quickly became more than just a workout—it became her platform for coaching. With a strong foundation in movement, mechanics, and injury prevention, she is passionate about helping athletes build confidence, move well, and push past perceived limits in a safe and supportive environment. Whether working with beginners or seasoned athletes, her focus is always on long-term progress, consistency, and sustainable performance.

She is grateful for the opportunity to coach at Hackettstown CrossFit and credits the community for shaping her both as an athlete and a coach. Helping members set goals, celebrate milestones, and accomplish things they never thought possible is what fuels her passion every day.

Outside of the gym, she enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Mike, have two children, Michael and Camryn, and a dog named Murph. Her favorite CrossFit workout is the benchmark “Kelly,” and when she’s not coaching or training, her favorite place to be is at the beach! 

Before discovering CrossFit, I completed numerous races, including 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, an 18-mile run, and even a sprint triathlon. After training at a traditional gym, I was ready for something new. In 2015, during a Bring a Friend Day, I was introduced to CrossFit by a longtime member—Frank, my life partner. I showed up for the 5:30 a.m. class, completed my first rope climb, and there was no turning back.

I love the challenge CrossFit provides, but even more than that, I value the community and family created within the walls of the box.

When I’m not coaching or working out, I teach Language Arts, Reading, and Social Studies to middle school students with learning differences. In my downtime, you’ll find me hiking or walking with Biggie, my perfect furry companion. I also enjoy spending time with my adult sons, their significant others, and my two beautiful grandsons.

Credentials:
CrossFit Level 1
CrossFit Level 2