About Us
What is CrossFit Jackson?
CrossFit Jackson is a health and fitness coaching facility. We affiliated with CrossFit in 2007 as the 4th CrossFit gym in Tennessee. There are currently less than 110 affiliates in the world that have been open longer than us. We’ve been active in CrossFit for over a decade and have years of experience in transforming lives!
We have a team of CrossFit L1 and L2 coaches with decades of combined experience. Our team is passionate about helping you reach your personalized goals and giving you the best hour of your day!
Our Staff
Our team of coaches combines for decades of CrossFit experience. Each coach brings a different skill set and style to class, but all share a common goal: improving the lives of our members.
Rachael Harrison
Gym Manager
& CF-L2
ABOUT RACHAEL
She helps with our kids and team training as well as regular classes.
- Level 1 CrossFit
- Former coach of nationally ranked competitive cheerleading squad
- Union University Graduate (Chemistry)
- University of Memphis (Masters of Education)
“I’m married to a wonderful man and have a sweet baby girl. I’ve taught high school chemistry for 7 years and coached cheerleading and gymnastics for 10 years. I recently took a break from teaching to stay with baby Lydia and work for my in-law’s business. The past 4 years, I’ve loved getting to hang out with kids from Jackson every Sunday through a ministry called Mission Jackson. God has given me so much, and my goal in life is to honor Him in everything I do.
Since starting in 2014, I have become addicted to CrossFit. Although I was a former gymnast, competitive cheerleader, runner, and fitness class instructor, I have never been in as good of shape as I have been since starting CrossFit.
CrossFit has made working out FUN. Yes, I did associate working out with fun! I look forward to the hour that I get to spend at the gym every day, and I dread missing a day. I love the challenge CrossFit offers. It is weightlifting mashed with cardio and gymnastics. There is always something that I want to be better at. CrossFit trains my focus and mental drive as well. CrossFit Jackson is more than a place to workout, it’s community. Being around people who challenge and encourage me is the main reason I love CrossFit.
In life I don’t want to settle, I want to always be getting better mentally, spiritually, and physically. As a coach, I want to always be improving, and my goal is to challenge you to do the same.”
Jessica Sadler
CF-L1
ABOUT JESSICA
Level 1 CrossFit
University of Tennessee for undergrad and masters in Education.
Elementary school teacher for 7 years. Jessica has worked part-time for Young Life since 2014.
“I am happily married to, Luke Sadler, who is the Young Life Area Director in Jackson. We both met Christ through Young Life and have been apart of the ministry ever since. We have three wild and joyful young boys that keep us on our toes. Part of why I CrossFit is to keep up with my boys. I enjoy growing in my faith, relationships with others, & challenging myself physically. I love the outdoors and I love to read.
Luke, my husband, introduced me to CrossFit when we first got married and I became hooked. Initially I was intimidated by CrossFit but the more I learned and grew in my fitness journey, I realized CrossFit is for anyone. It has taught me that I can do hard things. I can do hard things with a great community of people that support each other. I am thankful for the many ways CrossFit has pushed me to give it my all & persevere in all areas of my life.”
Brett Christensen
CF-L2
ABOUT BRETT
He holds specialty certifications in Gymnastics and Mobility and enjoys competing in the sport of CrossFit.
“What’s up y’all? I’m Brett Christensen and I’ve been working out at CFJ for just over 6 years. In August of 2013 I went to CrossFit Mayhem to get my CF-L1 from an awesome group of seminar staff members. A month or two after that I started shadowing classes and moving towards the coaching side of the class. Since then I’ve gone on to get my CrossFit mobility certification, CrossFit gymnastics certification, and most recently my CF-L2. I really enjoy coaching and watching people learn while learning from them; it’s a lot of fun here.
Outside of CFJ I’ve got an undergrad in business management and am currently finishing my MBA at Union. Also, I’m in the Tennessee Army National Guard (TNARNG). Due to the relationships I’ve built within the gym, I’ve been mentored and motivated to join the aviation branch, where I’ve become a Warrant Officer and a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot locally in Jackson.
A little more about me, I started CrossFit In October of 2012 after watching the 2012 CrossFit Games. At the time I was fairly new to the guard, working through my undergrad, and working out at Union’s gym for 2-3 hours a day to maintain fitness to be able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). I thought I was in good shape until I finally committed to joining CFJ and quickly realized I wasn’t as fit as I thought. 6 years later, any given day despite soreness/fatigue, I can take the APFT without any concern for failure.
I’m a pretty competitive with myself and others. I welcome good competition and enjoy that push that others in the community give. CrossFit is known for the Open and community building throughout that, which is awesome and everyone should do it. However, that is only once a year and there’s other fun competitions that come up year round. I like to encourage people to try competing (once there’s a strong base in the gym/normal class) and have fun with it, because what better way to get to know a bunch of random people with a common interest than to meet somewhere and throw down. Come check us out, you’ll enjoy it. If you have any questions, ask, no matter what it is. Everyone is very approachable and willing to help! Gotta get better somehow! Get after it!”
Bobby Thompson
CF-L2
ABOUT BOBBY
Bobby joined CrossFit Jackson in 2012 and was asked to join our coaching team in 2017.
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (2018)
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (2017)
- CrossFit Weightlifting Certified Trainer (2018)
- Critical Care Paramedic (EMS since 2007)
- BLS Instructor
- TCCC Instructor
- ACLS, ITLS, PHTL, PALS, AMLS, PEARS Certified
“I’m a full time Critical Care Paramedic/Supervisor for Chester, McNairy & Madison Counties. Married to Elisabeth since 2011. We have two awesome kids, Sophia and Graham. I’m sure y’all will see them at CFJ from time to time.
I was first introduced to CrossFit by a couple of firefighters that were working at the same station as I was in Memphis, back in 2011. Prior to that, I had played some soccer and worked out on my own, always interested in health and fitness, but never having much guidance or knowledge of what could be my potential, in the area of fitness. I got hooked after watching the 2012 CrossFit Games and continued doing crossfit.com workouts in the fire department bay that year. In October 2012, my wife Elisabeth and I joined CrossFit Jackson. We have found a second home. A second family that I did not even know existed. The quality of coaching and standard that was held by Jayson & Jennie impressed me. I wanted to be a part of what they had at CFJ. CrossFit Jackson is more than a gym. Its a tribe of likeminded, driven people who hold each other accountable to become better people. We love being uncomfortable and attacking our weaknesses. I have become a completely new person, in more areas than just fitness since starting at CFJ. I continue to find new weaknesses to work on. I have been challenged to improve myself in all parts of my life, to be a better man, husband, father, athlete, coworker.
I was humbled to be asked to be a part of the coaching team in the summer of 2017. I am committed to improving as a coach and to never stop learning. What I’m most passionate about is seeing people walk through the doors and put the effort into become stronger, fitter, better humans. I learn so much from all of you! I can’t wait to experience life with y’all and be a part of that journey! Let’s get after it!”
Doug Barnwell
CF-L2
ABOUT DOUG
Doug started CrossFit in 2015 and has been Coaching at CFJ since 2019.
His certifications include:
- CrossFit Level 1 (2018)
- CrossFit Level 2 (2019)
- Burgener Strength Weightlifting Level 1 (2020)
- Burgener Strength Weightlifting Level 2 (2021)
- The Gymnastics Course (2022)
Doug and wife Julie have been married since 2010 and have two daughters, Cora Mae and Audrey. He serves as the Discipleship Pastor at Fellowship Bible Church and is working toward a PhD in Theology from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
“CrossFit didn’t just teach me about personal health and fitness. It’s introduced me to a community that pushes you to give your best effort and to a method that allows you to accomplish personal goals, regardless of where you start. I love that you can have the most diverse group of people come do the same workout and get better together.” -Doug
Sondra Bruno
CF-L2
ABOUT SONDRA
I found CrossFit later in life and have never looked back. CrossFit Jackson is a pretty special place and I hope you will get to see that for yourself.
As one of the older coaches I’ve had the opportunity to wear many hats over the years. I have been a first grade teacher and a fifth and sixth grade science teacher in New York City. I have also taught undergraduate nursing anatomy and physiology labs at Adelphi University in New York. After completing my graduate work I took a position doing surgical research at Mt. Sinai Hospital. My later years of employment were in the pharmaceutical industry in sales and then as a coordinator for continuing medical education in the John’s Hopkins Hospital system.
I’m so excited that my love for CrossFit and Education gets to be poured into CrossFit Kids!
Watching kids learn and their confidence grow as they have fun with fitness is priceless. I am honored to be at the beginning of their journey.”
- BS Education
- MS Biology
- CrossFit L1 trainer
- NETA Certified Personal Trainer
- BLS Provider-AHA
Mary Lawson Day
CF-L2
ABOUT MARY
Prior to CFJ, I was a high school and college multi-sport athlete. After college I participated for years in endurance sports, including 7 marathons (Pikes Peak marathon was the highlight), a half iron man, sprint and Olympic triathlons, and numerous half marathons. In addition to CrossFit, I also train Brazilian Jui Jitsu.
I’ve been a member at CFJ since 2011. In 2016 I got my CFL1, primarily to grow in my own fitness journey. In 2021 I got my CFL2 and realized it was time to start intentionally investing in other’s fitness journeys.
I’m a wife, mother of 3 and breast cancer survivor.
Professionally I am a clinical social worker, trained in EMDR. I am a member of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports and frequently work with college athletes in my practice. I also integrate movement and exercise both in group and individual counseling with all clients. Research touts the efficacy of exercise at reducing symptoms of mood disorders, and increasing productivity and focus. We all feel better when we sweat and move. And it’s even better when we can do that beside someone who is “in it” with us while being encouraged and coached by highly trained coaches.”
Joe Chavez
CF-L1
ABOUT JOE
Jim Droke
CF-L1 and PN Level 1
ABOUT JIM
“I became a member of Crossfit Jackson in 2015 and my reason for joining was to improve health to ensure I could have a high quality of life with my family. I’ve seen what poor health can do to an individual and their the family and I couldn’t accept becoming a statistic associated to neglecting my health. My journey with CrossFit Jackson has provided great progress of loosing weight, gaining strength and increased endurance. It’s also taught me life skills like community, team work and overcoming obstacles. However, I felt like something was missing and I needed help with changing my mindset towards life and fitness. I’ve been mentored with some great people across the health and fitness industry that has really sparked a deep interest of nutrition and behavior. This is now something I want to share with our community and others willing to listen. Reach out to me if you ever want to learn more about my experiences.”
JT DeMar
CF-L1
ABOUT JT
JT graduated from Murray State University with a BS in Agriculture.
“I am a full time Agronomist for First Farmers Co-op in Henderson County, TN. I married my wife, Kaylee, in October of 2021. We have a spoiled dog names Zeus!
Prior to CrossFit, I played high school football and I was your standard “gym goer.” Monday is international chest day, and Friday is leg day (unless you were like me and skipped leg day every week.) In June of 2019 I needed a change, so I signed up for a free trial at MacTown Crossfit in McPherson, KS. I have been hooked ever since!
An intense workout is just a fraction of what CFJ will provide you with. Since joining CFJ in November of 2020, I have a set of friends and family that motivate me and hold me accountable to become a better human. We all come from different walks of life, but have a bond through being uncomfortable and “suffering” through workouts together.
I joined the coaching staff in January of 2022, and committed to the never–ending process of learning and personal development. CrossFit is for anyone and everyone! At CFJ, we value holding a standard and culture that is unlike any other gym. I look forward to meeting you and working out with you at our gym. Let’s get after it! “
