Our Trainers

How and/or why did you get into fitness?

I grew up very active, playing baseball and soccer as a child. In high school, I stopped playing baseball and soccer and started wrestling. I really enjoyed the intensity of training for and competing in wrestling. I wrestled all 4 years in high school and had a regimented strength and conditioning program in the off season. I didn’t play any sports in college but I stayed very active and continued with a consistent strength and conditioning program, going to the gym 5 days a week.

When I began my career as a firefighter I was looking for a training regimen that would take my fitness to the next level. I wanted to be able to perform my job and serve my community to the best of my ability. That is when I started CrossFit, which elevated my fitness to a level that I never thought possible and ignited a passion inside me to pursue my highest potential. 

What year did you start coaching/training athletes?

I started as a peer fitness trainer in the fire department in 2008 and started coaching CrossFit classes, group fitness classes, and personal training in a gym in 2013.

Why did you become a coach/trainer?

I first became a trainer to help other firefighters improve their fitness to better perform their jobs. The more I trained others the more I realized the positive impact that fitness could have on people (beyond just the physical effect). I experienced people taking on challenges that they never would have before, building confidence, and changing their lives. This is when I knew that I wanted to share this with as many people as possible, and, what better way to do that than to become a coach and open a gym?

What’s your favorite exercise, lift, or movement to coach and/or perform and why?

I love coaching and performing the Olympic lifts (the snatch, the clean, and the jerk). When performed correctly, these lifts require 8 out of the 10 general physical skills that comprise physical fitness. Through practicing the Olympic lifts, athletes develop strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. Through coaching the Olympic lifts, coaches will develop the ability to assess all 8 of these general physical skills simultaneously so that they can coach an athlete in the area where they can make the most improvement. This combination of so many skills makes the Olympic lifts a very effective training tool for athletes to become better athletes and coaches to become better coaches. 

What do you do for fun outside of the gym?

I love going to “work” at the firehouse. I use quotations because… is it really work if you love to do it? I also love to travel, cook, and share good food and good times with family and friends.

Who is someone that you admire or look up to (real or fictional) and why? 

My father, David Morisi. My dad is the best example of a man that I could have ever asked for. He has an incredible work ethic, he is always honest, and he stands by his beliefs and principles. He is a man of tremendous confidence and character who also has a great sense of humor and knows how to have fun. I attribute much of my own character to having such a great role model and for that I am very grateful.   

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
• CrossFit Gymnastics Certification
• USAW Level 1 Sports Performance Coach
• CPR Certification

Accomplishments:

• BS in Marketing from Florida State University
• Career Firefighter with Orange County Fire Rescue Department
• Husband
• Career Firefighter with Anne Arundel County Fire Department
• Gym Owner

How and/or why did you get into fitness?

I have been athletic and involved in sports since I was a kid. After high school I worked in construction and home improvement but realized I had no real passion behind it. I knew I still enjoyed being active and working out. I was in the market for a new job so one day I decided to check out a gym close to my house. They said they were hiring personal trainers so I applied knowing nothing about coaching or training anyone besides myself. They hired me and it changed my life. Over the years I have soaked up as much information about health and fitness as possible and have tried to share my knowledge with as many people as possible. 

What year did you start coaching/training athletes?

In 2008 I became a certified personal trainer.

Why did you become a coach/trainer?

To help people become a better version of themselves and increase their quality of life.

What’s your favorite exercise, lift, or movement to coach and/or perform and why?

I really enjoy coaching and performing power based movements, especially the squat and deadlift. These are two of the most fundamental movements we use in everyday life and that everyone can do. Being strong in these two specific exercises will allow people to maintain a solid baseline of strength as they age. In the gym there is always a lot of energy around these lifts and it is super fun to watch people break their previous records regularly.

What do you do for fun outside of the gym?

Spend time with my wife and kids! We love to be on the water and like to jet ski. 

Who is someone that you admire or look up to (real or fictional) and why? 

My Father! From childhood into my adult life my father has always been there every time any one of us needed him. Raising 3 knucklehead boys is not an easy task and he did it with grace setting the perfect example of how to be a man. He is now POP and has become an incredible grandfather who my children adore. 

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
• USAW Level 1 Performance Coach
• NFPT-CPT
• CrossFit Football Certification
• CrossFit Strongman Certification

Accomplishments:

• Dad
• Husband
• Coach/Business Owner

How and/or why did you get into fitness?

Growing up I was very active and was a child with a lot of energy. In high school, I played basketball and softball. I loved the team aspect of both sports, working for a common goal. I was introduced to strength and conditioning when I began my softball career in college. My journey towards being a fitness professional took off in college when I learned the benefits of fitness for a person. I wanted to be a part of improving people’s lives and keep them functional in everyday life. 

What year did you start coaching/training athletes?

I started coaching in the summer of 2018 and working with personal training athletes in fall of 2019.

Why did you become a coach/trainer?

I became a coach/trainer to help people better themselves both mentally and physically. I feel like many people have so much potential and ability just waiting to be unlocked. I want to help them see their potential and understand that their goals are in reach. 

What’s your favorite exercise, lift, or movement to coach and/or perform and why?

My favorite exercises to coach are any of the gymnastic movements. Many people believe that once they get to a certain point in their lives things like pull-ups are out of their reach. It’s exciting to watch athletes move through each progression achieving movements they never thought possible. I also enjoy coaching gymnastic movements because it also teaches athletes how to train their core. 

What do you do for fun outside of the gym?

Outside of the gym, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, as well as, eating all the food. 

Who is someone that you admire or look up to (real or fictional) and why? 

Two of the people I admire most are my parents. My dad is the epitome of a self-less, hard working person. He’s taught me the value of working hard through obstacles and to do it with a smile. My mom is the face of perseverance; she has never let any setback hold her down. She taught me to always hold my head high; move with confidence and know that the sky is limit. 

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Certification
• CrossFit Kids Certification
• CPR Certification

Accomplishments:

• BS in Exercise Science
• Master in Special Education
• Special Educator
• Coach

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2012

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

I competed in judo for 15 years. Then I moved to a location without a judo studio anywhere close by. So I saw a replay of the CrossFit Games one day on ESPN and for some reason it appealed to me. Looked up the closest box and haven’t looked back.

Why did you become a trainer?

I coached judo for a long time and it was something that always appealed to me. Now, four years into CrossFit, I feel the same way. I love being able to help others achieve their goals and help become a better version of themselves.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

Cleans and hand stand push ups (t-rex arms).

What is your favorite cheat food?

Pepperoni/bacon pizza and a diet coke.

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

The Hulk, totally unassuming scientist most of time, until it’s time to throw down and then it’s total beast mode!

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

How and/or why did you get into fitness?

I’ve been involved with fitness and athletics from a young age. My mom first got me into swimming when I was 6 by bribing me with a trip to Chuck E. Cheese if I joined the swim team. No surprise, it worked and I stuck with the sport for 12 years. I found Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit after working at the school gym in college. Since then, it’s become a very important way for me to maintain a healthy lifestyle as well as scratch that competitive itch.

What year did you start coaching/training athletes?

I’ve been a swim coach since 2013 and coached at Michael Phelps Swim School, NBAC, and the Institute of Notre Dame. I started officially coaching weightlifting athletes at Baltimore Built in 2019 after completing my USAW Level 1 and Level 2 certifications.

Why did you become a coach/trainer?

I’m super passionate about weightlifting and wanted to become more involved with the sport outside of training and competing myself. I LOVE helping others move well, lift well, and experience the same joy that I find in lifting!

What’s your favorite exercise, lift, or movement to coach and/or perform and why?

My favorite lift is the snatch! It’s the perfect combo of strength, speed, and skill. I love coaching it because of all the little nuances that go into the execution of a snatch. It’s exciting when even a little adjustment or cue clicks and makes a big difference for an athlete!

What do you do for fun outside of the gym?

I’m a sucker for any kind of outdoor activity and love a good, challenging hike or paddle in a kayak! I’ve started dabbling in triathlons too and have really enjoyed learning a new sport (even though running is my least favorite form of exercise…) 

Who is someone that you admire or look up to (real or fictional) and why?

I’m a bit of a science nerd so I really look up to a lot of female scientists like Jennifer Doudna, Rachel Carson, Jane Goodall, and Rosalind Franklin. Their work changed the world and they serve as incredible examples of strong, capable women in STEM!

Qualifications:

• USAW Level 2
• USAW Referee

Accomplishments:

I have a nice pile of medals to my name from local weightlifting and CrossFit competitions but one of my biggest accomplishments will *fingers crossed* be coming in May 2022 when I graduate with my Masters in Laboratory Animal Science!