Meet the Team

Values

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. 

Name and Logo: CrossFit Vertical

CrossFit is functional fitness. Its primary goal is to improve the health and quality of a person’s life through constantly varied movements that aim to make everyday tasks, like carrying groceries or getting yourself up from the floor, manageable, even as we age. 

Vertical stems from several different aspects of who we are. 

The five peaks… Jana and Andy are fortunate to have three amazing, intelligent, funny, charismatic and spirited children.  The five peaks represent their family of five.

Meet Team Vertical

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

Co-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 an adventure with Andy, 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

Co-Founder, CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

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.

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. Jana and I 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

Jon Husson

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

I look forward to being part of this community’s fitness journey and helping every member conquer their own unique challenges.

I first learned about CrossFit back in 2015 from one of my strength coaches at Ithaca College.  In my off-season from swimming, he suggested I come give it a try.  I immediately found a place in the sport.  When I completed my undergraduate degree in Clinical Health Sciences in 2016 I began to take more time to learn the CrossFit movements and found that I was really enjoying it.  I got my CF-L1 in Fall 2017 and began working with personal training clients as well as using these new skills to coach the strength and conditioning programs for the men’s and women’s varsity swimming and diving teams at Ithaca College.  I have continued to further my education in this sport as well as Olympic Lifting since then and have gotten to the point of receiving my CF-L2 and USAW-L2 back in the Fall of 2019.  Due to COVID, I made the decision to move some of my time away from my coaching hours and this eventually led me to my current position as a Fire Fighter for the City of Ithaca.  I have continued to work with many of my personal training clients and cannot be happier to be getting back into coaching CrossFit in the group setting with CrossFit Vertical!  I look forward to being part of this community’s fitness journey and helping every member conquer their own unique challenges at our gym.

Certifications: 
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
USA Weightlifting Level 2
CrossFit Nutrition Level I Certification
CrossFit Scaling Certification
CrossFit Teaching Movement Certification
First Aid/CPR/AED
 

Heather Cooper

CrossFit Level 1 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 1 Trainer
CrossFit Weightlifting Certification
First Aid/CPR/AED
CrossFit Scaling Certification
CrossFit Spot the Flaw Certification
CrossFit Teaching Movement Certification

Melissa Brechner

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

I always walk out of the gym happier than when I walked in, and it is because of the people that are there with me. As a coach, I love to watch people work hard and make progress regardless of the amount of CrossFit experience they have.

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

I grew up on a farm and had to have functional strength to move hay bales and other tasks that are involved in having farm animals.  I played sports in high school and college. When I moved to Ithaca for graduate school and tried to find something for exercise, I floundered. I tried long-distance sports like road biking, running, and triathlons but I was not able to be competitive in those sports, and I didn’t love them enough to embrace them just to have something to do.

I first heard about CrossFit in 2009 while teaching an athletic performance enhancement class at YMCA where I had very little equipment and searched the internet for bodyweight workouts. I stumbled upon a compilation of CrossFit bodyweight workouts that looked impossible! I started CrossFit in 2010 when I was pregnant with my second child and wanted to be active throughout that pregnancy under the guidance of a coach. I loved the diversity of exercises. It gave my inner athlete something to strive for again. There is always something new to work on because even when you can perform any given exercise, you can progress to more repetitions, or a heavier load, or doing the same work faster. 

The community that is created in most CrossFit gyms and especially at CFV makes it such that I happily attend classes even when my body and mind would rather skip it. I always walk out of the gym happier than when I walked in, and it is because of the people that are there with me. As a coach I love to watch people work hard and make progress regardless of the amount of CrossFit experience they have.

Outside of the gym I work for Cornell at the research greenhouses. I live in Newfield with my husband and three children. Our family hobby is exploring theme parks and finding new favorite roller coasters. I love outdoor sports like hiking, bike touring, backpacking, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and climbing mountains.

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

Lisa Snyder

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

The friendships I’ve made are lifelong, and the camaraderie that comes from within the four walls of the gym is unlike anything I have ever experienced.

I was introduced to CrossFit in 2012 while working out with a group of friends at my local gym. Picking through hero work outs that we found online, we decided to try incorporating a CrossFit workout to our routine once a week. I was intimidated and nervous to perform the workouts but intrigued and up for the challenge. At that time, I was 50 years old and a trainer at the gym said to me “CrossFit is only for athlete-athletes”, in other words “not for you”. That was just the push I needed to prove that CrossFit was for all ages! Since then, I’ve been devoted to CrossFit and have surprised myself both physically mentally with what I have accomplished. The friendships I’ve made are lifelong, and the camaraderie that comes from within the four walls of the gym is unlike anything I have ever experienced.

In 2022, after a career shift, I decided I wanted to take my passion a step further and help people in their fitness journey to find functional fitness through CrossFit. CrossFit has done, and continues to do, that for me, so why not share that love with others?! When I’m not at the gym you’ll find me being a wife, a mom, and a Nana to four wonderful grandchildren. I love cooking, reading, laughing and being outdoors.

Certifications
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
First Aid/CPR/AED

Christina Neitzey

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

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’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
First Aid/CPR/AED

Flynn Kelleher

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

I am a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and have been competing in CrossFit for the past four years. Fitness is also an outlet where I can spend time with those I value most. I have run a half marathon with my father every year since I was nine years old, and these runs were valuable times for me to spend time with my dad as quality time became scarce in my older years.

I am an Australian import who grew up in Houston, Texas.
I am currently a freshman at Cornell University studying Operations Research and Engineering. My passions lie in the intersection between finance and technology, and I hope to apply my engineering skill set to solve real problems in the world of finance. My ideal career path would use quantitative trading methods to inform investment decisions.
I value fitness very dearly and many of my extracurricular involvements center around athletics. At Cornell, I am the Vice President of Cornell University Men’s Rugby as well as
an active player for the team. Rugby has been integral to my life up until this point and I have played the sport for nearly 13 years. In Houston, I played for the West Houston Lions, a top 10 team in the nation as well as for the Houston SaberCats’ professional development team.

I am also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and have been competing in CrossFit for the past four years. Fitness is also an outlet where I can spend time with those I value most. I have run a half marathon with my father every year since I was nine years old, and these runs were valuable times for me to spend time with my dad as quality time became scarce in my older years.
I am also an alumnus of the Awty International School where I successfully completed the IB Diploma and was valedictorian of my class. At Awty, I learned to value diversity and community and I plan to keep these values with me at Cornell and beyond.
If you run into me on the street, feel free to strike up a conversation about any of my interests. While fitness is of course one, I am frequently described as a coffee snob (I guess being a classically trained barista will do that to you), I am also a part-owner of the only publicly traded NFL team, the Green Bay Packers. The first item on my bucket list is to visit all 7 continents (I only have Antarctica to go)!
Please reach out if you have any questions about Cornell or my career interests, or if you just want to chat!

Certifications

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
First Aid/CPR/AED

Midge Doyle

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

One class and I was hooked!  CrossFit has really found the key to keeping people of all skill levels engaged and excited about showing up, setting goals, smashing goals and having a really good time with an outstanding community. I have always loved sharing this sport with new people and coaching seemed like an obvious fit.  

Fitness became a huge part of my life until after becoming a mom and feeling the need to find an outlet that would enable me to be a better mom.  Group fitness has always been my calling, and I was an aerobics instructor until a friend of mine challenged me to try a CrossFit class in 2013. 

One class and I was hooked!  CrossFit has really found the key to keeping people of all skill levels engaged and excited about showing up, setting goals, smashing goals and having a really good time with an outstanding community. I have always loved sharing this sport with new people and coaching seemed like an obvious fit.  

Outside of CrossFit Vertical I am a mom to two teenage girls who keep me ON MY TOES!!  I’m also a realtor, and I absolutely love what I do.  

Certifications

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
First Aid/CPR/AED

Nancy Webster

Yoga & Prenatal Yoga Instructor

I took my first yoga class in college, but felt a spark when I returned to my mat in 2015 as an aspiring marathoner looking to build core strength. My experience with CrossFit has been similar…

I love that yoga is a balance between challenge and play, meeting me where I need each day. I took my first yoga class in college, but felt a spark when I returned to my mat in 2015 as an aspiring marathoner looking to build core strength. My experience with CrossFit has been similar, since I tried a class, then got pregnant and didn’t return until BirthFit in late 2019/early 2020. As the community aspect decreased during the pandemic, so did my routine. Struggling to “do it all” made my focus on health even more important.

CFV opening in my neighborhood was a game changer. Not only was it convenient, but the atmosphere is so inviting and inclusive, it helped dissolve some fears I had about returning to group exercise, and assumptions I had about CrossFit. I love that coaches encourage scaling, being competitive with yourself, and showing up for each other. I’ve regained strength, confidence, and community. The variety in workouts keeps me interested, and the diversity among athletes and coaches fosters a safe space that is so important for our community. I’ve come to learn that I am fueled by movement, and CrossFit offers challenging, yet adaptable workouts that keep my energy flowing.

I completed my 200 hour training at Mighty Yoga in 2018, and added prenatal and postpartum yoga certification from Bliss Baby Yoga in 2019. Now, I teach a variety of classes from heated vinyasa to slow flow and prenatal. Offering opportunities to explore strength and mobility, all of my classes offer a safe space for self-exploration with invitations to make each practice your own.

Outside of the gym, I can be found walking my mini Doodle or using functional fitness to keep up with my three boys. My husband and I love to tend our urban permaculture garden, eat local foods, travel, and soak in the seasons outdoors.

Certifications

Registered Yoga Teacher, 200 hour (RYT-200)
Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga Certification (RPYT)
Adult, Child, and Infant
First Aid/CPR/AED

Our Canine Team Members

  • Gym Dod Ellie
    Ellie
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