About
Our Gym

Derek is the Operations Director and one of the lead coaches at CrossFit Fortis, bringing more than seven years of coaching experience and a passion for helping people become stronger, healthier, and more confident through consistent, purposeful training.

Known for his attention to detail and calm coaching style, Derek believes that lasting results aren’t built through quick fixes, they’re built through great coaching, smart programming, and showing up consistently. Whether he’s coaching a first-time member, an experienced athlete, or someone preparing for a HYROX event, his goal is always the same: help each person leave a little better than when they arrived.

As Operations Director, Derek also helps ensure every member experiences the high coaching standards, welcoming culture, and supportive environment that define Fortis.

How I Can Help

Derek has coached a wide variety of members, including beginners, teens, masters athletes, and competitive athletes. His coaching focuses on helping people build confidence, improve movement quality, and make steady progress toward their goals, one workout at a time.

Areas of focus include:

• Building strength safely and effectively
• CrossFit and functional fitness
• HYROX preparation
• Powerlifting fundamentals
• Long-term health and longevity
• Accountability and consistency
• Creating sustainable training habits

Certifications & Education

• CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• CrossFit Programming
• CrossFit Weightlifting
• Project Fitness Powerlifting Certification

Beyond the Gym

Outside of Fortis, Derek continues to challenge himself through training and competition. His athletic background includes competitive powerlifting, completing a sub-60-minute 10K, and finishing his first HYROX race. He believes that continuing to train not only improves his own health and longevity, but also helps him become a better coach for the members he serves.

A Thought from Derek

“Real progress isn’t about being perfect. It’s about getting just 1% better every time you walk through the doors. Great coaching helps you stay consistent, and consistency is what delivers lasting results.”

Steph has a passion for helping people build confidence through movement, healthy habits, and great coaching; whether they’re taking their very first steps into fitness or navigating a completely new stage of life.

She plays a leading role in many of Fortis’ specialty programs, including Kids, Teens, MomStrong, Diapers & Dumbbells, Nutrition Coaching, and StrongHER, helping members of all ages develop the knowledge, confidence, and habits that support lifelong health.

As both a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer and Registered Social Worker, Steph brings a unique perspective to coaching. She understands that lasting change isn’t built through perfection or willpower alone. It comes from creating realistic habits, building confidence, and helping people feel supported every step of the way.

Whether she’s coaching a child through their first burpee, helping a teenager discover confidence through strength, guiding a new mom back to exercise, or supporting women through perimenopause and menopause, Steph’s goal remains the same: help people become healthier, stronger, and more confident in themselves.

How I Can Help

Steph loves working with people at every stage of life, helping them build confidence, strength, and sustainable habits through supportive coaching and education.

Areas of focus include:

• Kids and Youth athletic development
• Teen strength and confidence
• Nutrition coaching and healthy habit development
• Pregnancy and postpartum fitness
• Women’s health, including perimenopause and menopause
• Functional fitness and strength training
• Long-term health and healthy aging

Certifications & Education

• CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
• Registered Social Worker (RSW)
• Girls Gone Strong Menopause Coaching Specialist
• Nutrition Coach

Beyond the Gym

Outside of Fortis, Steph is a dedicated wife and mother who understands firsthand the challenges of balancing family, career, and personal health. Her experiences shape the way she coaches, allowing her to connect with members through empathy, encouragement, and practical solutions that fit real life.

She believes fitness should be something families can enjoy together and is passionate about helping children, parents, and adults build healthy habits that last a lifetime.

A Thought from Steph

“The strongest people aren’t the ones who never struggle, they’re the ones who keep showing up. My goal is to help every person build the confidence, habits, and support they need to become healthier for life.”

D’Arcy brings a unique combination of coaching experience, education, and genuine enthusiasm to every class at CrossFit Fortis. Since 2018, he has coached a wide variety of individuals, helping people build confidence, move better, and improve their health through thoughtful coaching and meaningful relationships.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics and experience coaching in both CrossFit and military settings, D’Arcy believes that great coaching is about far more than leading a workout. It’s about teaching movement clearly, creating an enjoyable experience, and building the trust that helps people stay consistent over the long term.

Whether he’s coaching someone through their very first class or helping a seasoned athlete refine a movement, his goal is always the same: help every member leave feeling successful, supported, and excited to come back.

How I Can Help

D’Arcy has worked with a diverse range of members, including beginners, youth, teens, military personnel, and the general population. His coaching focuses on helping people develop confidence through quality movement while creating a fun, welcoming environment where everyone can succeed.

Areas of focus include:

• Functional movement and proper technique
• Building confidence through coaching
• General health and fitness
• CrossFit fundamentals
• Youth and teen development
• Strength and conditioning
• Long-term health and disease prevention

Certifications & Education

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting
• CSEP Certified Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Specialization in Human Kinetics

Beyond the Gym

Outside of coaching, D’Arcy continues to prioritize his own training through discipline and a commitment to lifelong health. His athletic background includes competitive football and track & field, experiences that shaped his appreciation for hard work, resilience, and the value of being part of a team.

A Thought from D’Arcy

“Fitness is one of the best investments you can make in your future. It’s not just about looking better today, it’s about building the strength, health, and resilience to enjoy life for years to come.”

Despite being one of the younger members of the Fortis coaching team, Eve brings a level of confidence, professionalism, and attention to detail that quickly earns the trust of the members she coaches.

Eve believes that great coaching starts with helping people feel comfortable, supported, and confident in their abilities. Whether she’s working with someone brand new to fitness or coaching experienced members through a challenging workout, her focus is on creating an environment where everyone feels encouraged to learn, improve, and enjoy the process.

Known for her positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm, Eve leads by example. She continues to challenge herself in her own training while constantly developing her coaching skills, bringing that same passion and commitment into every class she coaches.

How I Can Help

Eve enjoys working with members of all experience levels, helping them develop confidence through proper movement, consistent coaching, and encouragement.

Areas of focus include:

• Building confidence in the gym
• CrossFit fundamentals and movement quality
• Functional strength and conditioning
• Creating positive training habits
• Encouraging long-term consistency
• Helping members enjoy the training process

Certifications & Education

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Beyond the Gym

Outside of coaching, Eve enjoys continuing to develop her own fitness and embraces the challenge of constantly learning and improving. She believes that being an active athlete herself allows her to better understand the challenges members face and coach them with empathy, patience, and authenticity.

A Thought from Eve

“Confidence doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from showing up, learning something new, and becoming just a little better each day.”

Hannah brings a unique combination of healthcare experience, coaching, and genuine enthusiasm to the Fortis coaching team. As a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and Registered Midwife, she’s passionate about helping people discover that fitness can be enjoyable, empowering, and accessible at every stage of life.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Hannah found more than a gym when she joined Fortis, she found a community. That experience continues to shape the way she coaches today. She believes everyone deserves to feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged, whether they’re stepping into a gym for the first time or working toward a new personal best.

With a professional background in maternal healthcare and a growing specialization in athletic pregnancy and postpartum coaching, Hannah is especially passionate about helping women train safely and confidently through every stage of motherhood. At the same time, she loves coaching members of all ages and abilities, bringing positivity, encouragement, and a genuine belief in every person’s potential.

How I Can Help

Hannah enjoys helping people build confidence through movement while making fitness something they look forward to, not something they feel they have to do.

Areas of focus include:

• Pregnancy and postpartum fitness
• Women’s health and wellness
• Kids and teen fitness
• CrossFit fundamentals
• Building confidence through coaching
• Functional fitness and healthy habits
• Creating a positive relationship with exercise

Certifications & Education

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• HATCH Athletic Perinatal Coaching Certification (in progress)
• Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours), United Kingdom
• Registered Midwife (UK)
• Civil Expert Witness Certificate

Beyond the Gym

Outside of Fortis, Hannah is a proud mom who understands firsthand the importance of balancing family, health, and everyday life. She continues to train because she wants to lead by example for her son and show that taking care of yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can give both yourself and your family.

Her own experiences as an athlete, healthcare professional, and parent continue to shape the compassionate, encouraging approach she brings to every class.

A Thought from Hannah

“Fitness shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should help you feel stronger, healthier, more confident, and more capable of enjoying every stage of life. My goal is to help people discover that movement can be something they truly enjoy.”

Jerome brings a lifelong passion for athletics and personal growth to every class he coaches at CrossFit Fortis. As a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer with additional certifications in weightlifting, he believes that fitness should be challenging, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone, regardless of where they’re starting.

For Jerome, coaching is about much more than helping people complete a workout. It’s about helping members discover what they’re capable of, build confidence through consistent progress, and create healthy habits that support a stronger, healthier life.

Known for his positive attitude and encouraging coaching style, Jerome creates an environment where members feel supported, motivated, and excited to keep improving. He believes some of the biggest transformations happen when people simply begin to believe in themselves.

How I Can Help

Jerome enjoys coaching members of all experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced athletes. His coaching focuses on making fitness approachable while helping members develop confidence, improve movement, and build strength that carries into everyday life.

Areas of focus include:

• CrossFit and functional fitness
• Olympic weightlifting fundamentals
• Building confidence through movement
• Strength development
• Long-term health and consistency
• Supporting beginners through their fitness journey
• Encouraging lifelong healthy habits

Certifications & Education

• CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
• CrossFit Weightlifting

Beyond the Gym

Outside of Fortis, Jerome continues to challenge himself through his own training and athletic pursuits. He believes that continuing to learn, train, and improve allows him to better understand the journey every member is on and helps him become a stronger coach.

When he’s not coaching or training, Jerome enjoys spending time with family and friends and embracing opportunities to stay active and continue growing both personally and professionally.

A Thought from Jerome

“Fitness is often much simpler than people think. Start where you are, stay consistent, and trust the process. Small improvements made every day can completely change your life over time.”

Jon brings a thoughtful, patient, and movement-focused approach to coaching at CrossFit Fortis. As both a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and Registered Massage Therapist, he combines his understanding of human movement with practical coaching to help members move better, feel better, and build confidence through exercise.

Jon believes fitness should improve your life, not leave you feeling broken. Whether he’s coaching someone through their first squat, helping a member overcome movement limitations, or leading one of our SilverStrong classes, his focus is always on creating an experience where people feel successful, supported, and encouraged to keep progressing.

His calm coaching style, attention to movement quality, and genuine care for every member make him a trusted coach for athletes of all ages and abilities.

How I Can Help

Jon enjoys working with members from every stage of life, helping them improve movement, reduce discomfort, and develop confidence through safe, effective coaching.

Areas of focus include:

• Functional movement and technique
• Healthy aging and longevity
• SilverStrong coaching
• CrossFit fundamentals
• Mobility and movement quality
• Building confidence through coaching
• Creating sustainable fitness habits

Certifications & Education

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)

Beyond the Gym

Outside of Fortis, Jon continues to expand his understanding of movement and human performance through his work as a Registered Massage Therapist. His experience working with people experiencing pain, injury, and movement restrictions gives him a unique perspective that he brings into every class he coaches.

He believes that helping people move well today creates the opportunity to continue doing the things they love for years to come.

A Thought from Jon

“Movement is one of the greatest investments you can make in your future. When you move well, you feel better, build confidence, and create the freedom to keep doing the things you love throughout life.”

Chantal brings a lifetime of athletic experience and a genuine passion for helping people succeed to every class she coaches at CrossFit Fortis.

Before discovering CrossFit, Chantal spent years competing in figure skating and synchronized skating at both the national and international level, experiences that taught her the value of discipline, teamwork, resilience, and continuous improvement. Since joining Fortis in 2015, she has embraced the challenge and variety of CrossFit while discovering an even greater passion for coaching others.

For Chantal, coaching is about much more than helping people exercise. It’s about helping members believe in themselves, celebrate progress, and build the confidence to accomplish things they once thought were impossible.

Her positive energy, attention to detail, and genuine excitement for every member’s success make her an encouraging and trusted coach for athletes of every age and ability.

How I Can Help

Chantal enjoys coaching everyone from complete beginners to experienced athletes. She believes that with the right guidance, encouragement, and consistency, everyone has the ability to improve and enjoy a healthier, more active life.

Areas of focus include:

• Building confidence through coaching
• CrossFit and functional fitness
• Movement quality and technique
• Strength development
• Creating consistency and healthy habits
• Supporting beginners on their fitness journey
• Helping members reach goals they once thought were out of reach

Certifications & Education

• CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

Athletic Highlights

• National Figure Skating Competitor
• International Synchronized Figure Skating Competitor
• Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Beyond the Gym

Outside of Fortis, Chantal continues to live an active lifestyle and enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her career in surgical sales has given her an even greater appreciation for the importance of maintaining strength, mobility, and health throughout every stage of life.

She believes fitness isn’t about being the best athlete—it’s about giving yourself the opportunity to continue living life to its fullest.

A Thought from Chantal

“Some of the most rewarding moments in coaching happen when someone accomplishes something they never believed they could. Those moments remind us that progress isn’t about being perfect—it’s about believing in yourself and taking the next step.”

With a passion for teaching and a sharp eye for form and technique, Chantal empowers athletes of all levels to move better, train smarter, and grow stronger, together.

Grady believes that great coaching is about creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and confident enough to discover what they’re truly capable of.

As a coach at CrossFit Fortis, he enjoys working with members of all experience levels, helping them develop proper movement, build strength, and create healthy habits that extend far beyond the gym. Whether someone is taking their very first class or working toward a new personal best, Grady’s goal is to make every workout a positive step forward.

Known for his approachable personality and encouraging coaching style, Grady understands that progress looks different for everyone. His focus is on helping members improve consistently, celebrate small victories, and enjoy the process along the way.

How I Can Help

Grady enjoys coaching members of all ages and abilities, creating an environment where people feel comfortable learning, asking questions, and progressing at their own pace.

Areas of focus include:

• CrossFit and functional fitness
• Building confidence through movement
• Strength and conditioning
• CrossFit fundamentals and technique
• Creating healthy habits through consistency
• Helping beginners feel comfortable and supported
• Long-term health and active living

Certifications & Education

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Beyond the Gym

Outside of Fortis, Grady enjoys living an active lifestyle and continues to challenge himself through his own training. He believes that continuing to learn and improve as an athlete allows him to better understand the journey every member experiences, making him a more relatable and effective coach.

Whether training, spending time with family and friends, or enjoying the outdoors, he believes fitness should create more opportunities to enjoy life—not become the only focus of it.

A Thought from Grady

“Everyone starts somewhere. My job isn’t to expect perfection—it’s to help people become a little stronger, a little more confident, and a little better every time they walk through our doors.”

Raul brings more than a decade of coaching experience and an incredible depth of knowledge to the Fortis coaching team. Since 2014, he has coached athletes of every age and ability, from children taking their first steps into fitness to older adults focused on maintaining their independence, as well as adaptive athletes, competitive CrossFit athletes, and Paralympic swimmers.

His coaching philosophy is simple: every person deserves coaching that meets them where they are today and helps them become a little better tomorrow.

Known for his calm, encouraging approach and exceptional technical knowledge, Raul believes that fitness should be accessible to everyone. Whether someone is working toward better health, learning a new movement, preparing for competition, or simply looking to stay active for life, he enjoys helping members discover what they’re truly capable of.

How I Can Help

Raul has extensive experience coaching a wide variety of populations and enjoys adapting his coaching to meet each person’s individual goals, abilities, and experience.

Areas of focus include:

• CrossFit and functional fitness
• Adaptive fitness
• Kids and youth athletic development
• Olympic weightlifting
• Gymnastics fundamentals
• Endurance training
• Strength development
• Movement quality and technique
• Long-term health and active aging

Certifications & Education

• CrossFit Level 3 Trainer
• CrossFit Kids Trainer
• CrossFit Adaptive Trainer
• International Functional Fitness Federation (IF3)
• Ongoing pursuit of CrossFit Level 4

Coaching Experience

• Coaching since 2014
• Experience coaching athletes ages 5 to 95
• Adaptive athletes
• Paralympic swimmers
• Competitive CrossFit athletes
• General health and fitness populations
• Board Member – CrossFit Association of Mexico

Beyond the Gym

Outside of coaching, Raul continues to pursue opportunities to learn, grow, and expand his knowledge of human performance. His passion for education and professional development reflects his belief that great coaches never stop learning.

Whether coaching a child learning to move with confidence or helping an older adult maintain their independence, Raul is driven by one goal: helping people improve their quality of life through movement.

A Thought from Raul

“Great coaching isn’t about expecting everyone to train the same way. It’s about understanding the person in front of you, meeting them where they are, and helping them discover what they’re capable of achieving.”

Laura believes that fitness should help people build confidence, not intimidation.

As a coach at CrossFit Fortis, she is passionate about creating an environment where members feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged from the moment they walk through the doors. Whether someone is completely new to fitness or looking to take their training to the next level, Laura enjoys helping people develop the confidence and skills to keep moving forward.

She understands that lasting results aren’t created through perfection. They’re built by showing up consistently, learning something new, and celebrating the small victories that eventually become life-changing accomplishments.

With a calm, encouraging coaching style, Laura strives to make every member feel comfortable asking questions, trying new movements, and believing in their own potential.

How I Can Help

Laura enjoys coaching members of all ages and experience levels, helping them build confidence while developing the habits and skills needed for long-term success.

Areas of focus include:

• CrossFit and functional fitness
• Building confidence through coaching
• CrossFit fundamentals and movement quality
• Strength development
• Supporting beginners
• Creating sustainable fitness habits
• Long-term health and active living

Certifications & Education

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Beyond the Gym

Beyond the Gym

Outside of Fortis, Laura enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle and continuing to challenge herself through her own training. She believes that staying active allows her to better understand the experiences of the members she coaches and reinforces the importance of leading by example.

She values spending time with family and friends and believes fitness should create more opportunities to enjoy life—not take away from it.

A Thought from Laura

“Confidence doesn’t appear overnight. It grows every time you show up, learn something new, and realize you’re capable of more than you thought. My goal is to help people experience that feeling every day.”

Carly believes that fitness has the power to change far more than your physical health; it can change your confidence, your mindset, and the way you experience everyday life.

As both a physiotherapist and coach at CrossFit Fortis, she combines her understanding of human movement with a genuine passion for helping people feel stronger, move better, and build confidence through exercise. Her own journey through CrossFit showed her the incredible impact that coaching and community can have, and today she’s passionate about helping others experience that same transformation.

Whether she’s coaching someone through their first workout, helping a member refine their technique, or supporting someone returning from an injury, Carly creates an encouraging environment where people feel safe to learn, grow, and challenge themselves.

How I Can Help

Carly enjoys coaching members of all ages and experience levels, helping them move with confidence while building strength, resilience, and lifelong healthy habits.

Areas of focus include:

• CrossFit and functional fitness
• Movement quality and technique
• Injury prevention and return to exercise
• Building confidence through coaching
• Strength and conditioning
• Supporting beginners
• Long-term health and active living

Certifications & Education

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• Registered Physiotherapist

Beyond the Gym

Outside of Fortis, Carly enjoys living an active lifestyle and believes that fitness should open doors to new experiences—not become another source of stress.

Her work as a physiotherapist continues to reinforce what she sees every day as a coach: people are capable of far more than they often believe, especially when they’re supported by knowledgeable coaching and a welcoming community.

A Thought from Carly

“One of the most rewarding parts of coaching is watching someone realize they can do something they once thought was impossible. Confidence doesn’t come from being the strongest person in the room—it comes from discovering what you’re capable of.”