How did you hear about crossfit?
I heard about crossfit through my brother-in-law, Angelo, who used to be a member. Initially, I was skeptical about the short, but high intensity workouts. In my days before crossfit (and becoming a mother), I used to spend hours at the gym as I thought that’s what you were supposed to do to be fit. Little did I know that I was wrong. Crossfit has completely changed my views about fitness. The short, but high intensity workouts have allowed me to reach goals that I never thought could be possible. At age 40 I am the fittest that I have ever been.
Because I am a nerd, I read the crossfit manual (whatever I found online on the crossfit webpage) and that also sealed the deal. I was excited to learn that it was evidenced-based. I have a research background and I get excited when I hear those magical words.
How long have you been at PCF?
Long enough to have seen Ryan and Kyle find girlfriends, get engaged, and married. Now I am anxiously waiting for the baby stage. No pressure. (It will be five years in December.)
What do you like about port crossfit?
I absolutely love the workouts, but most of all I love the sense of community. Those who have taken classes with me know that I love talking and getting to know each member and coach. As a working mother of two young children, it is kind of difficult to have a social life. So fortunately (or unfortunately – depending on how you look at it), crossfit has filled two of my needs. I am grateful for all the interesting people that I have met through PCF over the years.
One word to describe yourself
Chatterbox – Can you tell?
What have you achieved since starting at PCF?
Mental stability. Yes, crossfit is the reason why I am still sane. As a clinical psychologist, I should probably be advocating for therapy, but I do appreciate the benefits of being part of a great community. The workouts are a nice advantage too.
-On a serious note, I am finally able to master toes to bar, although I still need work in connecting them. I am extremely happy that I can do kipping pull-ups and double-unders as well. It hasn’t been an easy road!
What would you like to accomplish?
A Nobel Prize (any field would do) and handstand push-ups.
What are your interests outside of crossfit?
At this time, I am really focused in trying to keep both of my children alive, which is not always an easy task! When I am not busy removing play-doh from my daughter’s hair, playing Taylor Swifts’ “Shake it Off” for the 20th time in a row, or trying to figure out how to persuade a 5 year-old to take a shower in an amicable manner, I enjoy reading and learning. Like I said before, I am a nerd and I love to study. I believe there is always room for improvement and growth.
What do you do for a living?
I am a child psychologist. My passion is to work with children who have been abused and/or neglected and are experiencing significant difficulties resulting from their trauma. I also conduct Psychological Evaluations for the Family & Supreme Court and the Suffolk County Department of Social Services.
What is your favorite WOD or lift?
Anything that does not include wall-balls or box jumps. I do love double-unders, air squats, pull-ups, and power cleans.