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JOHN GARDNER
OWNER, HEAD COACH
John is owner and head coach at West Bay CrossFit. He has been training and coaching CrossFit for over five years. He is a high energy, determined, and passionate coach with strong fitness and nutritional knowledge. Born and raised in the Bay Area, John excelled in football, wrestling, and lacrosse. After high school he attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he played on the Division 1 rugby team. John further pursued Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and eventually earned a blue belt while training and competing. During Jiu Jitsu training, John was exposed to CrossFit as a supplemental conditioning system. After graduating from CU, John moved back to the Bay Area, continuing his Jiu Jitsu training and joining San Francisco CrossFit in 2008. John’s exposure to CrossFit at SFCF had him hooked. The emphasis on group training and the community that exists within an affiliate is really what cemented his attraction. After finding the CrossFit community, John knew that one day he would follow his passion and own an affiliate.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- CrossFit Kettlebell Trainer
- CrossFit Movement & Mobility Trainer
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt
STEVIANN FULTON
Steviann is originally from Plant City, Florida but lived most her life in Reno, Nevada. She has two older brothers and was quite the tomboy growing up. Most of her childhood was spent at baseball parks and basketball courts or practicing sports with her brothers. She is extremely competitive but also motivating. Competitive swimming became a huge part of Steviann’s life in high school, where she lettered all four years. After high school she attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she majored in Criminal Justice and Spanish. Steviann instantly fell in love with CrossFit in her junior year at the University of Nevada after trying rugby, lacrosse, soccer, rock climbing and many other sports, none as appealing as CrossFit. She is hard working and takes great enjoyment out of helping individuals achieve their goals. Steviann is always willing to put in the extra effort needed to advance an athlete’s abilities and always has a smile on her face.
QUALIFICATIONS:
LIZ BENDER
Don’t be fooled by the dimples and the Midwestern accent, Liz Bender (aka “Bender”) is one tough cookie. A life-long athlete and gym rat, Liz was introduced to CrossFit in early 2011 while living in New York City. Once she started CrossFitting, she knew there was no going back – she saw dramatic changes in her body and athletic performance. She also fell in love with wallballs and can power through them like nobody’s business. Liz enjoys coaching CrossFitters of all levels and encouraging others to push their limits in a fun and healthy way. When she’s not in the gym, you can find Liz running the trails on Mount Tam, doing yoga, or working at her gig as a non-profit executive in Oakland. Liz received her Level I certificate in 2012.
QUALIFICATIONS:
TAYLOR MCKINNIE
Taylor grew up in Sonoma County as an active, well-rounded individual. She has been involved in a wide variety of sports, including softball, volleyball, tennis, horseback riding, and soccer for over 12 years. As a supportive team player, Taylor prides herself in empowering others to challenge themselves, strive for self-improvement, and to pass along the power of encouragement. While attending Sacramento State University to complete her Bachelors Degrees in Music Performance and Pre-Nursing, Taylor found CrossFit through a peer and has been training in the sport for over 2 years. Taylor’s educational background and interest in the health field has driven her through many paths of pursuit, including vegetarianism and veganism for 9 years, before settling on a solid Paleo diet that she still follows today. Taylor is a firm believer in the foundation of CrossFit’s functional fitness movements, and has introduced many of her family and friends to CrossFit. Taylor is a CrossFit Level 1 trainer, as well as a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and has kept her training varied and fun through participation in walks for causes, such as the Relay for Life and the Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention, the Color Run, river rafting, and snowboarding. Taylor enjoys being active in her downtime, exploring new cooking and baking endeavors to satisfy her love of healthy food, and is always open to new areas of exercise and fun! She enjoys filling her life with fun and experience in many different areas, but is happiest when she is helping others to improve their lives through CrossFit.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- NASM Personal Trainer
TODD SANTOS
After years of training and competing in the martial arts world and suffering from an unfortunate injury, Todd began searching for something to keep fit that matched the intensity and toughness he had known for so long. Just over two years ago, he found what he was looking for in CrossFit. This Level 1 certified trainer comes from Oakland, CA and his mission is to develop his client’s potential. After seeing the benefits he saw from doing the workout, he knew he wanted to give back to the community. As a coach, he strongly believes in the growth of talent and intellect and thoroughly enjoys the learning process.
QUALIFICATIONS:
NOREEN JULIANO
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Noreen specializes in all levels yoga with a passion for teaching beginners and athletes. With a background in gymnastics, dance, and fitness, Noreen creates a yoga experience relatable for the CrossFit athlete. The class focuses intently on balancing the body to create strength and flexibility, while working with the students’ mind-body connection, guiding them to break boundaries while keeping presence of mind; a practice that permeates into the workplace, the home, and the gym. |
