Meet Team Vertical- CrossFit Vertical, Ithaca NY

We believe that every person’s health and wellness are priorities. We believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and physical movement promotes mental health. We feel strongly that every person should have equal access to health and wellness, regardless of income or social status.

We think that keeping the small family feel is important and promotes a strong sense of community and commitment to that community. We want each and every person that steps through our front door to feel welcome and embraced with our coaches and members.

We foster kindness and respect. We shake hands, we hold doors for people, we take care of our gym space, we inquire about how things are going with members and we listen.

Jana’s dad used to say: “You’re only as good as the company you keep.” We think we’re keeping some good company with these solid humans…

Jana Leyden

Founder, CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

When I found CrossFit in 2013, I experienced a paradigm shift that was life-changing. Exercise became a “team” sport again.

When I found CrossFit in 2013, I experienced a paradigm shift that was life-changing. Exercise became a “team” sport again. Working out to “stay thin” became working out to gain muscle, get strong, fight the aging process, feel empowered, and move my body in order to live well. Experiencing this personally was (and continues to be) rewarding and refreshing. However, helping others discover this through coaching them has been the ultimate reward. I consider it a gift to work with athletes through CrossFit, and I’m grateful for the opportunity every day.

When I’m not doing CrossFit-related things, I can likely be found trying to keep up with our three very busy kids. Outside of CrossFit and being a mom, I am passionate about traveling (domestically and internationally), hiking in the Adirondacks with our Topsail Tribe, planning my next adventure, and diving into a book to relax for a few minutes.

Welcome to CrossFit Vertical and our gym. We are thrilled to be beside you as you experience this lifestyle.

Certifications:
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
CrossFit Weightlifting Certification
Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer Certification
CrossFit Scaling Certification
CrossFit Kids Certification
CrossFit Spot the Flaw Certification
CrossFit Gymnastics Certification
CrossFit Masters Certification
CrossFit Nutrition Level I Certification
First Aid/CPR/AED

Andy Lonsky

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

Fitness. It has a different meaning to everyone. I found CrossFit in 2013 and it became another outlet for not only overall fitness but competition. CrossFit became a source of daily competition between just myself and those in class. As time went on, I found a coaching role in 2014 and began to realize there was another side to CrossFit. Coaching allowed me to be more involved with athletes whether they were there for the best hour of their day or to push themselves through a challenging workout.

CrossFit has now become less of a competitive nature and more of “How can I use this functional fitness in my daily life?” “Move well to live well” emphasizes this, as CrossFit Vertical wants you to not only become fit but to use that fitness in your daily lives. Whether it’s out playing a sport, picking up your groceries or out hiking a high peak, this is something we believe in and want you to be a part of.

When I’m not coaching, I can be found working for Cornell University in the Alumni Affairs and Development division researching for prospective donors to help the university. We have three talented kids. I love spending time with our 2 dogs and 2 cats, hiking the local gorges or high peaks in the Adirondacks along with traveling for new adventures!

I look forward to meeting each of you that comes through our gym doors and helping you along your fitness journey!

Certifications:
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
CrossFit Weightlifting Certification
CrossFit Gymnastics Certification
CPR/AED
CrossFit Scaling Certification
CrossFit Masters Certification
Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer Certification

Laura Hayduchok

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

Every day, I’m blown away by the determination shown by every member who walks through the door. There’s nothing like seeing a room full of people dig deep and find the will to do one more rep when their lungs are on fire and muscles are screaming.

Growing up, sports were always my main after school activity. I enjoyed learning new skills and working together during matches or to survive a grueling practice. Following college, I suddenly found myself in a much more sedentary lifestyle and missing the team camaraderie when I did make it to the globo gym.

After a few years of failing to keep up with a running program, I was encouraged to try CrossFit where I found the same physical, mental, and social stimulation I had missed from team sports. While I was initially intimidated to join, I quickly got hooked on challenging myself during workouts (to the best of my ability; CrossFit can be for anyone, given good coaching and the right scale) and the downright outstanding community.

Wanting to give back to the community that has given me so much, I completed my L1 in 2018 and began coaching. Every day, I’m blown away by the determination shown by every member who walks through the door. There’s nothing like seeing a room full of people dig deep and find the will to do one more rep when their lungs are on fire and muscles are screaming. I’ve found the incredible grit that CrossFit builds in people translates beyond the gym. It squashes that self-doubt and proves you can do more than you ever thought you could.

Outside of CrossFit, I work as a Software Engineer, primarily coding in C++ and C#. I have two dogs, Callie and Tucker (fondly called Thing 1 and Thing 2), and like to spend my time in the vegetable garden or tending my chickens.

Certifications:
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CrossFit Weightlifting Certification
First Aid/CPR/AED
CrossFit Scaling Certification

Heather Cooper

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

I am excited to know that with CrossFit, I will be able to take care of and play with my grandchildren without the typical limitations that aging can impose.

I’ve been involved with some type of fitness for my entire life and have engaged in almost every fad fitness that has spanned the last 30 years: high impact, low impact and step aerobics, Bootcamp, kickboxing, P90x, Spartan races, long-distance running, etc.. But as with all fads, they come and go when the shininess wears off and that brand of fitness gets monotonous and uninspiring. That is what is completely different about CrossFit and why, even after 7+ years of experience, I am still excited to engage with, talk about, read about, learn more about, coach, etc. CrossFit. It has completely flipped the mindset of what I thought fitness and working out should be and what the results of fitness should look like. I am excited to know that with CrossFit, I will be able to take care of and play with my grandchildren without the typical limitations that aging can impose.

Certifications:
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
CrossFit Weightlifting Certification
First Aid/CPR/AED
CrossFit Scaling Certification
CrossFit Spot the Flaw Certification
CrossFit Teaching Movement Certification

Stacey Caskey

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

My goal in becoming a coach was to expand upon my knowledge of functional fitness so that I could enhance my own programming but in doing so I am now inspired to share this wealth of information with people like me, people who might be intimidated to take that first step.

My functional fitness journey began in September of 2020 when I started personal training sessions with Jana at her home gym. I realized, mid pandemic while working at home sitting in front of a computer all day, that I needed to actively focus on my health and well-being and personal training was the best option since most gyms were closed. To say that this journey has been life-changing and eye-opening is an understatement. I barely made my way through the warm-up during my first session and debated whether or not I would come back. I honestly thought I would go for a few sessions and that would be it but the inner athlete in me wouldn’t give up and I stayed on for seven months. I quickly discovered that I am stronger than I gave myself credit for. In watching my coach inspire others to become one percent better day after day I was inspired to do the same. My goal in becoming a coach was to expand upon my knowledge of functional fitness so that I could enhance my own programming but in doing so I am now inspired to share this wealth of information with people like me, people who might be intimidated to take that first step.

CrossFit offers a built-in community of support that has now become like family. I have reconnected with classmates from high school and college as well as old colleagues I have not seen in several years. This community inspires me to be the best version of myself that I can be for my family. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker living in Ithaca with my husband of 21 years and our 2 kiddos. My daughter, Isabella is 15, nonverbal, and has Down syndrome. My son, Caleb is 13 and has Autism. I am a mama bear who is an advocate for the special needs community and I love how functional fitness is being incorporated into rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities. Every move and workout program we do in CrossFit is scalable to meet the ability of the athlete which is what keeps me coming back day after day.

My goal is to have the most positive impact on the lives of the people that I work with; helping them become the healthiest, happiest versions of themselves. This goes beyond the physical benefits that CrossFit has to offer and encompasses a healthy balance between performance, mindset, motivation and lifestyle. I am honored to be part of the CrossFit Vertical coaching staff and can’t wait to be a part of your own health and wellness journey.

Certifications:
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CrossFit Scaling Certification
CrossFit Spot the Flaw Certification
Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer Certification
First Aid/CPR/AED

Christina Hernsdorf

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

I’d been curious about CrossFit for years, so when CrossFit Vertical opened up in my neighborhood in 2021, I knew I had to check it out. At the time, I was looking for structure and accountability in my fitness routine. I found that at CrossFit Vertical, and so much more: rediscovering my ability to push my physical and mental limits toward the end of a tough workout; gaining confidence with new, scary tasks like throwing a heavy barbell overhead; reframing my thinking around the whys of exercise and nutrition. And all that alongside friendly people from all walks of life.

As I was experiencing this personal transformation, I saw CrossFit changing the lives of the folks around me, too—both inside and outside the gym. Several times per week, I see my fellow athletes carve time out of their busy lives to show up at CrossFit Vertical. And every time they show up, bit by bit, I see them becoming stronger, healthier, more agile, more confident in their abilities. I get a little teary-eyed when a fellow athlete makes it to the top of the rope for the first time, works up the strength and courage for their first box jump, or hits a big personal best on a lift. This is why CrossFit is more than a team sport—it’s a community sport.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be more involved in this community as a coach at CrossFit Vertical, and I’m eager to meet our athletes wherever they’re at—in their fitness journeys and their lives—to help them reach their goals.

When I’m not moonlighting as a CrossFit coach, I’m a lawyer in Cornell Law’s First Amendment Clinic, where we provide free legal representation to individuals and organizations facing threats to their First Amendment rights of free speech and free press, as well as hands-on learning opportunities for law students. Outside of work and CrossFit, I enjoy exploring outside year-round: finding swimming holes in the summer, cross-country skiing in the winter, and hiking, biking, and camping in the shoulder seasons.

Certifications

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CrossFit Teaching Movement Certification
First Aid/CPR/AED

Tara Birkmeyer

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

When I think of CrossFit, I think functional fitness, fun, and family, especially at CrossFit Vertical. Becoming a coach has allowed me to take my knowledge of the movement and methodology deeper and help others do the same, while reaching their own individual goals. This has added a whole new level of passion and enjoyment to being a member of this gym.

I’ve always been very active, having played soccer since the age of 8. My CrossFit journey started back in 2016 when I was looking to gain strength for collegiate level soccer. I joined a small gym (which has since closed) with several of my family members, which felt like a home away from home, and was something I missed after having to take some time off due to a soccer injury. Eventually, I found CrossFit Vertical and immediately knew I had found the gym I’d been looking for. Walking through the doors and working out in such a supportive environment is the best hour of my day, especially when I get to share the experience with people who all have a common goal: Work out, socialize, have fun, and leave happier!

Outside of CrossFit, I’m an elementary school teacher and enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors.

Certifications

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CrossFit Teaching Movement Certification
First Aid/CPR/AED

Cody Dettlaff

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

I find sense of purpose helping others in their fitness journey whether it’s a brand-new athlete looking to be functional, a seasoned athlete needing to be pushed, or
somewhere in between.

Community is what many seek (including myself) as they break out to explore their locality, and what better place to find that than in their local gym.

CrossFit is a community haven as I discovered over a decade ago. I was greeted by coaches and members alike with smiles and an eagerness to help me be the best me. I left as quickly as I joined due to a nine-year career in the Marine Corps. However, during that time I always found myself searching for a fitness outlet that possessed community and coaches/members that built each other up.

Coming to my senses, I came back to CrossFit in August of 2021 and hit the ground running. I loved it so much upon returning that in November 2021 I completed my CF-L1 and began coaching at my local box. I coached the beginner’s class for nine months, which I found difficult
but extremely rewarding.

I find sense of purpose helping others in their fitness journey whether it’s a brand-new athlete looking to be functional, a seasoned athlete needing to be pushed, or
somewhere in between.

Outside of coaching, I am a student at Cornell where I’m studying marine biology. Also, I work in Admissions as a Peer Counselor and with the Physical Education department as a Divemaster where I teach others how to scuba dive. I enjoy spending much of my time on Cayuga lake doing water sports such as wakeboarding, surfing, or foiling. Not to mention bike-n-brews around Ithaca and Trumansburg!

Certifications

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer Certification
First Aid/CPR/AED

Laura Sullivan

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

I find sense of purpose helping others in their fitness journey whether it’s a brand-new athlete looking to be functional, a seasoned athlete needing to be pushed, or
somewhere in between.

Growing up I played a lot of different sports and was always very active. However, after college, I struggled to find a fitness routine that I enjoyed and could commit to until I tried CrossFit in 2022. I was able to push myself both physically and mentally in CrossFit workouts while constantly learning new skills. Most importantly CrossFit Vertical provided a supportive environment in which to workout and gave me the community that I missed from playing team sports.

One of my favorite things about CrossFit is that it is for everyone. There is always a way to scale a workout to meet an athlete where they are on that day and help them achieve their goals, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to do just that and help others in their fitness journeys.

Outside of CrossFit, I am a graduate student in public policy at Cornell and enjoy spending time with friends and watching basketball.

Certifications

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
First Aid/CPR/AED

Louiza Easley

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

What drives me as an athlete and a coach is the opportunity to inspire others along their fitness journey. Through CrossFit, I’ve learned that the true measure of strength isn’t just found in the weight on the barbell but in the camaraderie, perseverance, and shared victories within our community.

My journey into the world of CrossFit has been nothing short of amazing. From the very first day I stepped into the gym with Andy and Jana during my onramp, I knew I had found a workout routine, but more importantly, I found a lifestyle and a community that resonated with my core values.

When I’m not working out or coaching, I love rock climbing, hiking, camping, and playing with my two mischievous cats. For work, I own an online co-curricular institution focused on teaching debate and public speaking to kids.

Certifications

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
First Aid/CPR/AED

Meg Reichert

National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach

As a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and a holistic nutritionist, Meg is committed to guiding individuals through every stage of life on their journey to optimal health. With a master’s degree in counseling and a diverse range of certifications, including Integrative Nutrition Coach, Holistic Health Coach, Lifestyle Medicine, Weight Loss Specialist, and Culinary Coach and Chef, Meg brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.

Meg’s approach is rooted in Intuitive Eating and the transformative power of nourishment through high-quality, whole foods. She goes beyond conventional nutrition advice, focusing on helping clients re-learn how to eat without restrictions while achieving their health and wellness goals. Meg employs cognitive behavioral coaching and a person-centered approach, ensuring a personalized and effective strategy tailored to each individual.

Meg’s philosophy transcends the mere physical aspects of nutrition—she believes that food is not only a source of nourishment for the body but also for the mind and heart. Her passion lies in creating a harmonious balance between health and flavor. For Meg, food should be a delightful experience that contributes not only to physical well-being but also to mental and emotional satisfaction.

Our Canine Team Members

Ellie
Oly

Meet the Team…

Jana Leyden

Founder, CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

Andy Lonsky

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

Laura Hayduchok

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

Heather Cooper

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

Stacey Caskey

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Christina Hernsdorf

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Tara Birkmeyer

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Cody Dettlaff

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

Laura Sullivan

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

Louiza Easley

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Meg Reichert

National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach

Our Canine Team Members

Contact us today!

Hours of Operation

A Registered CrossFit Affiliate