Coaches

Zak Reifsnider

I started my true love for fitness in the Marine Corps. The 6 years I served gave me the opportunity to work with and train people of all shapes and sizes. During those years physical fitness was a part of my job. That responsibility opened my eyes to how important it is to take ownership of your health. I honestly started like most, doing some form of strength training and bodybuilding. Once I left the Corp I was no longer required to go on runs, or do obstacle courses, or to grapple like we always did. This left me no longer feeling like the athlete I remember. I had always heard how fun and rewarding CrossFit could be. The funny part of the story is that my wife took her first class, and then came home and told me how much I would love it. So the next day I went in, and it was all the things I had missed about being in the Corps. Since that day I have been so lucky to have the opportunity to work with so many people and watch them overcome all kinds of huddles. Coaching CrossFit helped me find my calling, and I Love each and every time an athlete gets a new skill, or meets a nutrition goal, or simply makes a personal record. Those are the reasons I get out of bed in the morning.

Chris Arcure

Jacquie Calender

I moved to Michigan in 2010 from Seattle, WA. I have a natural love for the outdoors, and enjoy adventures involving fitness, family, and friends! When I’m not in the gym, you’ll probably find me exploring the woods with my ruck! In 2015, I became an ACE certified group fitness instructor, and dove into instructing cardio classes. In 2018, a friend invited me try CrossFit. The blend of cardio endurance and strength training quickly humbled me as an athlete. It was a challenge, and I loved it! I signed up right away. CrossFit is scalable to any and all fitness levels, and I love the community it brings together. It quickly became my passion, so I went for the CrossFit L-1 course in 2021, and started coaching at Mastodon!

Lydia Goodman

I have lived in Michigan my whole life and moved back to Monroe after living in Mount Pleasant and getting my Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies. My passion for fitness started in college when I began my journey to transform into a healthier version of myself. I am a certified AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, certified in Zumba, STRONG by Zumba, Zumba Kids, POUND, and personal training. I started CrossFit in 2019 and the variety and challenge of the workouts hooked me, but what I love the most is the supportive community and Mastodon is the best! When I’m not at the gym, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and going for walks with my dog, Maizy.

Melisa Dunsmore

Born and raised in Argentina, my journey towards embracing fitness didn’t truly begin until I found myself in the heart of the US. After going to UCLA in California, I joined the Navy. In the middle of nowhere, stationed on a carrier, where fancy gym equipment was a luxury and machines were mere fantasy, I found something better: a group of determined sailors and CrossFit. With nothing but determination and a shared commitment to self-improvement, we built strong connections and improved our physical fitness through challenging workouts. Form there, there was no turning back. I was hooked.

After the Navy, I was determined to maintain my newfound motivation. Joining my first official CrossFit gym, I quickly realized that fitness is not a privilege reserved for the elite nor the genetically gifted; rather, it is an attainable goal for anyone willing to put in the work. Guided by dedicated coaches who met me where I was and believed in my potential, I started a journey of growth and achievement that exceeded my wildest dreams. Inspired by the transformative potential of CrossFit, I wanted to help others in their journey to become a better version of themselves which led to obtaining my Level 1 in 2014 and recently achieving my Level 2.

What drives me is not just personal accomplishment, but the joy of witnessing others from all walks of life achieve their fitness goals. From seasoned athletes to first-time gym-goers, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing individuals accomplish feats they once deemed impossible. Whether it’s crushing a workout, setting a personal record, or simply reclaiming their health and vitality, each success story reaffirms my belief in people’s boundless potential.

As I continue on my own fitness journey, I remain grateful for the lessons learned and the friendships forged through CrossFit. It’s not just about building strength or sculpting a physique; it’s about embracing a mindset of resilience, determination, and limitless possibility. And through it all, I’m honored to play a small role in empowering others to unlock their full potential and live their best lives.