Our Staff

Qualifications:

  • CrossFit Level 1 Course
  • DPT

Accomplishments:

  • 2012 Socal Regionals Team
  • 2011 Socal Regionals Team

Kelly Starrett

Founder

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2003

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

Kelly Starrett is a coach, physical therapist, author, speaker, and co-founder of San Francisco Crossfit and MobilityWOD. His 2013 release, Becoming a Supple Leopard and his 2014 release, Ready to Run, and 2016 release Deskbound have become New York Times and/or Wall Street Journal bestsellers.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

Deadlift

What is your favorite cheat food?

Ice Cream

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Wolverine

Juliet Starrett

Founder

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2003

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

“Juliet Starrett is an attorney and entrepreneur. She is co-founder and CEO of San Francisco Crossfit, one of the first 50 Crossfit affiliates, and MobilityWOD.com, which has revolutionized how athletes think about human movement and athletic performance. Before turning her attention to MobilityWOD and San Francisco CrossFit full-time, Juliet had a successful career as an attorney, practicing complex commercial litigation at Reed Smith for nearly eight years.
A lifelong athlete, Juliet rowed in high-school, was on the U.C. Berkeley crew team, and went on to paddle for the US Women’s Extreme Whitewater Team from 1997-2000, winning two World Championships and five national titles.
In 2007, Juliet won the prestigious Jefferson Award for public service in connection with her work with GirlVentures, a girls empowerment organization, and as a co-founder of Liquid, a kayaking camp for kids with HIV.
When she is not busy running two businesses and StandUpKids.org, Juliet enjoys hanging out with her husband Kelly and their two daughters, Georgia and Caroline, reading, listening to music, Crossfitting, mountain biking, paddling, skiing, camping, and playing outdoors.”

Jessica Bay »

Manager

Qualifications:

  • Crossfit Level 1
  • NASM

Jessica Bay

Manager

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2012

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

“I developed a love of fitness and movement at the ripe young age of 32 when I discovered open ocean outrigger paddling. After the birth of my son, I looked for something that would give her the same sense of community (and amazing results) without the time commitment of being on a team sport.
I was introduced to CrossFit through personal training sessions and jumped into group classes at SFCF. Little did I know I had stumbled across a world class gym with top level coaches and athletes. ”

Why did you become a trainer?

While I have been involved in the fitness world for years now, I never forget what it’s like being the “new guy” at the gym. I go out of my way to be welcoming and helpful to any new members, whether they’re seasoned athletes, or late bloomers like myself.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

Slam Balls – they’re a great stress reliever.

What is your favorite cheat food?

Ice cream, the good stuff. None of that Halo Top crap. 🙂

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Bane – because duh.

Qualifications:

  • EMT certification
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  • CrossFit Level 1
  • MWOD Foundations of Strength and Condition for Physical Therapists-
  • MWOD/TRS 101 Certification
  • MWOD/TRS102 Movement and Mobility Coach’s Certification
  • IASTM Certified Hawkgrips
  • Owen’s Recovery Science Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation Certified
  • Gift of Injury Seminar with Stuart McGill and Brian Carroll
  • Spinal HVLAT: Clinical Application and Skills Development Course
  • Myofascial Decompression (MFD) Level 1
  • KMS Principles of Loaded Movement Course

Mike Alzheimer

Coach

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START CROSSFITTING?

2013

WHY DID YOU GET INTO FITNESS (AND CROSSFIT)?

I took a break from sports in college and stumbled upon CrossFit Football in 2013. I loved the intensity of the workouts and the feeling of accomplishment after a brutal session. Eventually I found my way into powerlifting and have been hooked ever since.

WHY DID YOU BECOME A TRAINER?

After graduating college with a pre-med degree I decided to take a gap year to work as a personal trainer at a private powerlifting studio. I immediately fell in love with coaching. While working at the gym, I bought a copy of the Supple Leopard and it inspired me to look into physical therapy. I realized it was the perfect hybrid of my passion for medicine as well as fitness/coaching. It’s fulfilling to see how exercise and improving movement quality can benefit
people’s health, strength, longevity, and confidence. It’s great to be part of a community where people get to realize what their bodies are capable of and as a coach/physio I am lucky enough to be in a position where I get to encourage and guide others in that process.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CROSSFIT MOVEMENT?

Deadlifts…….and that one time in CrossFit we did bench press.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHEAT FOOD?

All the pizza. On more than one occasion I have been known to eat a whole large pizza to myself.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SUPERHERO AND WHY?

Thor. The relationship between Thor and his brother Loki reminds me a lot of the relationship between my younger brother Nelson and I. Nelson and Loki are exceedingly intelligent and witty, whereas Thor and I try to keep up by lifting heavy things and putting them down.

Qualifications:

  • CrossFit Level 1
  • Mobility WOD Level 1 & Level 2
  • Carl Paoli Freestyle Movement

Max Conserva

Coach

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2011

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

Human movement is a fundamental part of our lives. The more I learn about it, the better I feel, the more I can do. And make no mistake…I want to do everything.

Why did you become a trainer?

Knowing your body is of vital importance to all individuals. So many of our physical problems can be solved through a physical practice. I enjoy showing others this reality.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

Wallballs and Burpees 🙂 I used to be so bad at them, now I am good. Reminds me how far I’ve come.

What is your favorite cheat food?

Easy. Ice cream.

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Mad Max…we share a name, a leg brace, and an affinity for leather. I mean, come on.

Qualifications:

  • Crossfit Level 1
  • USPA Certified Powerlifting
  • KMS – Kabuki Movement Systems
  • CrossFit Movement and Mobility
  • CrossFit Olympic Lifting
  • FreeStyle Connection
  • Juggernaut Powerlifting
  • SFCF Internship Program

Doreen DiSalvo

Coach

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2012

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

I have been into fitness since I was a little kid and have played sports my whole life. I got into CrossFit and Powerlifting when I got burnt out from Cycling and needed a change.

Why did you become a trainer?

I really want to help people learn, grow, improve, get stronger and believe in themselves. I really love to see the change over time and it makes me happy to help clients get there and be a part of their lives in a positive way.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

Deadlift – not a “CrossFit” movement

What is your favorite cheat food?

Beer and Steak Fries

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Wonder Woman of course!

Diane Fu »

Senior Coach

Diane Fu

Senior Coach

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2004

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

I started in fitness at the age of 15 being curious of how someone can build up their body. This curiosity lead me to start learning and researching all the exercises and methods of approach to training. Take that forward to 9 years later discovering CrossFit while watching my friend Adrian Bozman do kipping pull-ups at our gym and the rest is CrossFit history.

Why did you become a trainer?

I’ve been a trainer since 1998 working in the commercial world. I enjoyed fitness and wanted a way to share what I was passionate about with others. I soon found that my specialty was being able to work with people one on one to strategize their movement and programming helping them reach their fitness goals.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

Snatch. Around the same time I found CrossFit, I learned about Olympic-style weightlifting. Like anything else I take an interest to, I dived full in on learning about the sport. This discovery lead me to have many great conversations with coaches and athletes around the world. Now through the vessel of FuBarbell Club, I get to share my knowledge with athletes both locally and globally.

What is your favorite cheat food?

Honey Dijon Kettle Brand Potato Chips.

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Dr. Strange. He fought an enemy in his ASTRAL body! Enough said.

Nate Helming »

Senior Coach

Qualifications:

  • CrossFit Level 1
  •  USA Triathlon
  • ACSM
  • CPR/AED

Nate Helming

Senior Coach

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2009

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

I love running and mountain biking (and at the time) triathlon. I got in CrossFit to build strength and most importantly get over some serious injuries holding me back in competition.

Why did you become a trainer?

I wanted to help other endurance athletes experiencing the same problems as me…and to *fund* my racing addiction. Truth be told…I only thought I’d be a trainer a few years and get a “real job” later in life 😉

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

I LOVE Toes to Bar. (don’t hate)

What is your favorite cheat food?

Ice cream and bourbon. Preferably combined.

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Spiderman! Love his ability to do everything!

Qualifications:

  • CrossFit Level 1
  • Movement and Mobility Specialist 101 &102 (Mobility Institute)
  • Practitioner Ortho-Bionomy
  • Certified Massage Therapist Corrective Exercise Specialist 
  • CrossFit Mobility
  • CrossFit Endurance
  • CrossFit Olympic lifting
  • CrossFit Kettle Bell

Elena Hudan

Coach

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2012

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

Injuries and pain. After following MobilityWOD for 3 months and experienced improvements in mobility and decreased pain I joined SFCF.

Why did you become a trainer?

Passion for Mobility and CrossFit and the desire to help others to have a pain-free and active life.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

Squat

What is your favorite cheat food?

Chocolate chip anything

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Iliya Murometz – Russian Bogatir (strong man) who defeated many invaders of Rus

Qualifications:

  • Crossfit Level 1 Course
  • Crossfit Level 2 Course
  • Crossfit for Law Enforcement
  • POST (California Peace Officer Standards and Training) Physical Fitness Instructor
  • POST Defensive Tactics Instructor
  • Carl Paoli Freestyle Seminar
  • Kelly Starett Movement and Mobility 101 &102

Tory Kornblum

Coach

Bio: Tory was born and raised in San Francisco in an active family and enjoyed playing
sports from an early age. During her college days, she discovered and started
training in martial arts, including Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. It was through martial
arts that she discovered her initial love of teaching and coaching others.

After college and the tragic events on 9/11, Tory felt it was time to give back. She
found her calling as a first responder and has been in the career field for sixteen
years. As part of her job, she teaches Defensive Tactics and Physical Fitness to both
police recruits and peace officers.

Tory wandered into the “Parking Lot of Dreams” in 2010 and completed her
Crossfit Basics classes with Diane Fu. She was sold on SFCF after Kelly and the staff
helped her recover from what could have been a career ending work injury. At SFCF,
she found the same sense of community and camaraderie she loved from her martial
arts days.

Helping people become more confident as athletes and overcome preconceived
limitations is one of Tory’s biggest rewards. She brings a high level of energy and
enthusiasm to her coaching and enjoys working with new athletes.

What Tory loves most about SFCF: The wonderful community! It puts a smile on my face to walk through the door.

Certifications:

B.A. – Indiana University
M.A. – Boston University
Crossfit Level 1 Course
Crossfit Level 2 Course
Crossfit for Law Enforcement Course
POST (California Peace Officer Standards and Training) Physical Fitness Instructor
POST Defensive Tactics Instructor
Carl Paoli Freestyle Seminar
Kelly Starrett Movement and Mobility 101 &102

Chelsea McAlexander

Coach

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Chelsea loves learning and growing as both an athlete and a coach in new, fun, and challenging ways. She believes movement variety is the spice of life!

She has a passion for inspiring others, not only in fitness but also in personal empowerment, developing new habits, behavior modification skills, and finding balance in working hard but not taking exercise too seriously.

Chelsea studied nutrition at Columbus State and The Ohio State University, and worked public health for 5 years after college, before taking the plunge into being a full time movement coach. She moved to The Bay Area in 2014 and started a movement education and empowerment program for young women in Marin County before also joining the SFCF team in 2017. She has been a movement and health coach since 2008 and has been coaching CrossFit since 2011.

Chelsea’s competitive athletic background is in strength sports, starting lifting competitively in high school and has competed, on a national platform, in Olympic Weightlifting, Powerlifting, and Strong(wo)men competitions. But there isn’t a movement/fitness/sport that she’s heard of she hasn’t tried. So if you know of one, let her know.

Sean McBride »

Senior Coach, Physical Therapist

Sean McBride

Senior Coach, Physical Therapist

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2010

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

I originally began CrossFit as fitness training for rugby. I fell in love with CrossFit for its own sake and began coaching within the first year of trying it.

Why did you become a trainer?

Human movement was something that has always interested me. I studied anatomy and exercise science in my undergraduate degree as prerequisites for a physical therapy graduate program. I became a trainer to put my education into practice.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

My first CrossFit workout, Annie Sakamoto was coaching the class and working out. It was manmakers and running. I remember seeing her lap me through a blurry haze of sweat and pain, smiling and laughing. I have never been as impressed and intimidated as I was getting crushed by Annie. I wanted in.

What is your favorite cheat food?

Cheeseburger and a nice strong IPA

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Wolverine. Legit superpowers. Best dialogue.

Qualifications:

  • CrossFit Level II Course 
  • Mobility/WOD. Movement and Mobility Specialist
  • CrossFit Endurance
  • CrossFit Weight Lifting Trainer Course
  • FreeStyle Gymnastics
  • Yoga Tune Up® Licensed practitioner
  • Somanautics. Human dissection
  • Certified Massage Therapist
  • Core Aligne®

Yasmen Mehta

Coach

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2009

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

Needed to keep fit for competing in short track speed skating

Why did you become a trainer?

Been teaching for 20+ years. Love bringing fitness and good health into people’s lives

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

Thrusters

What is your favorite cheat food?

Don’t have one. Love eating healthy fresh food

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Tina Turner and Madeleine Albright. Strong, intelligent and talented

Qualifications:

  • CrossFit Level 1
  • CrossFit Weightlifting
  • FuBarbell Seminar
  • Freestyle Connection Seminar
  • Mobility WOD 101 and 102 Movement and Mobility Coach Certifications
  • Precision Nutrition Level One (Currently working on my Level Two certification)
  • USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach Level One
  • Eleiko Strength Coach Level One

Geoff Price

Coach

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2013

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

I’ve been into strength and conditioning both as a practitioner and coach since junior high. I decided to try CrossFit in 2013 after stumbling upon Dr. Kelly Starrett’s work. Since then, I’ve been hooked. I’m currently a competitive Olympic-style weightlifter who uses CrossFit to enhance my work capacity and conditioning. I have also attended two Chinese Weightlifting Camps with Coach Wu Chuanfu where I had the opportunity to train alongside, live with, and learn from world champion coaches and athletes.

Why did you become a trainer?

I recently joined the greatest coaching staff in the world here at San Francisco CrosSFit. My goal is to provide every client and member with a world-class coaching experience, and hopefully my passion for the work we do here inspires our members to reach high and challenge themselves in their everyday lives.

Roop Sihota »

Senior Coach, Physical Therapist

Qualifications:

  • Doctorate in Physical Therapy
  • CrossFit Level 1 Course
  • MobilityWod – Movement & Mobility Specialist
  • Director of Performance & Rehab at San Francisco CrosfFit.

Roop Sihota

Senior Coach, Physical Therapist

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2008

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

Fitness – I grew up as always the skinny, sick, weak kid. At a certain point I just got fed up with always being thought of as fragile. I started working out some in high school, but it was in college where I really found my passion. Within a couple months of college, I began to geek out about being in the gym. I don’t think I have gone more than a few days since then without finding some way to workout, even when traveling the world. I really got tired of the solo act when working out in a globo gym where everyone seems to isolate themselves, put on their headphones and have no desire to interact with anyone. I found CrossFit back in 2008 and fell in love instantaneously. The community is what sold me more than anything, specifically the community at San Francisco CrosSFit.

Why did you become a trainer?

“The passion to help people live healthier and happier lives has always been there. Combined with my unfaltering positive attitude, an infinite amount of energy and an infectious personality, coaching was inevitable for me. My genuine care about individual needs is apparent in my specifically tailored training programs as he goes beyond the confinements of the gym/weight room and reaches out to better each person in all aspects of life, from the physical, to the nutritional, mental and emotional.

If the community sold me on CrossFit, it was the coaching standard that sold me on San Francisco CrossFit. Every time I travel and experience coaching standards at other gyms or watch people move, I realize how spoiled I am to have learned how to be a coach at San Francisco CrossFit.

I received my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. My focus is to use manual therapy in conjunction with dynamic strength training to get athletes on to the path of elite level performance. Through my knowledge of how the body bio-mechanically functions, I am able to use movement as a diagnostic tool to limit the risk of a sports related injury even before the first signs of pain or discomfort. My clients have included both chronic and acute pain sufferers, those suffering from traumatic debilitating injuries, in addition to high level athletes. My clients have seen remarkable reduction in pain as well as improvement in overall performance in a matter of a few sessions. My belief that pain should not limit your ability to do anything you want to do and his motivational tactics has helped many athletes reach goals they never thought were possible.”

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

The rest stations? I love anything upside down or on the rings

What is your favorite cheat food?

Milk Shakes!

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Superman – this can go on for days! There is something about the individual that feels that they just don’t fit in but has the heart of gold and has the desire to do nothing but help mankind.

Sarah Smith

Coach

I have always had a love for athletics and grew up playing sports like track, cross country, softball, karate and about 8 years of classical Ballet. Before I was able to run Cross Country at a collegiate level, I suffered a knee injury which compromised the joint as well as tore my ACL, leading me along a long road to recovery. This was a blessing in disguise though, because I found Kelly Starrett online and was able to rehab myself using his techniques.

During that time I discovered my love for CrossFit as well as personal training. I got my first job as a personal trainer at age 18, and have been passionate about helping people pursue health and fitness ever since. I believe everyone should have access to fitness and I love working with people of all ages and abilities including children, seniors, and adaptive athletes. I am a certified CrossFit level 1 coach and as well as a certified 200 hour yoga instructor and I enjoy merging my running, CrossFit, and yoga experience to create a well rounded platform for health and wellness.

Kristi Swig

I love working with first time CrossFitters and people that are new to weightlifting. Athletics have always been a big part of my life, but it wasn’t until my friends introduced me to powerlifting that I became hooked on strength training inside of a gym. My love for working out eventually evolved into a coaching career.

While coaching at a gym in Oakland, I attended The Ready State seminar to be able to incorporate mobilization tools into my training practice. There, Kelly invited me to come hangout at the coaches lab at San Francisco CrossFit. I’ve been one of the resident gym rats ever since.

I fell in love with CrossFit because I get to train for health, strength and longevity in my body with all of the camaraderie of a team sport. Plus I love the endless pursuit of new skills. It has shown me that my body is far more capable than I ever expected. I would love to work with clients that are looking for that same inspiration. 

Robert Tuller »

Senior Coach

Qualifications:

  • CrossFit Level 1 
  • CrossFit Level 2
  • CrossFit Olympic
  • CrossFit Nutrition

Robert Tuller

Senior Coach

What year did you start CrossFitting?

I have been a lifelong competitive athlete and for the past 27 years in the field of mountain trail ultra marathons. I came to ultra marathons from ultra distance triathlons and found the community along the mountainous trails was unparalleled in its spirit and generosity which was immensely attractive.

Why did you become a trainer?

Kelly Starrett asked me if I would be interested in developing a Running Program for SFCF. I accepted the challenge. In the end I enjoy service to another and find the experience quite fulfilling.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

Deadlifting and Box Jumping

What is your favorite cheat food?

Pizza
Pizza

Qualifications:

  • Crossfit Level 1 Course
  • NASM
  • CrossFit Strongman
  • Mobilitywod 

Lisa Warren

Coach

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2011

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

I’ve been doing sports all my life, namely gymnastics, water polo, pole vaulting, javelin, and flying trapeze. I always excelled at the strength and conditioning training in sports, so when a friend introduced me to Crossfit after college I was hooked.

Why did you become a trainer?

Fitness has always been a center point of my life, so I always wanted to work in that industry in some way. As a trainer I enjoy helping people realize their own inner athlete.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

hand stand pushups and strict muscle ups

What is your favorite cheat food?

I don’t like the word cheat food. I don’t diet so I never cheat. That being said any type of pasta and margaritas

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Catwoman. I don’t know what she’s like because I don’t watch superhero movies but I do know that I love cats.