A small community.
A personal standard.

Born and raised on the island of Sardinia, Italy, I developed a love for sports, movement, and competition early in life. I studied physical education at ISEF in Cagliari before moving to Milan in 2002, where I began building my career as a personal trainer and coach.

After competing in track and field, basketball, and volleyball, I discovered American football in college. It quickly became a major part of my life for the next ten years, taking me from games with hometown friends to competing in Italian and European championships.

When my playing career ended, I continued coaching and personal training, but I missed the challenge, camaraderie, and sense of purpose that competition had always given me. In 2009, a friend introduced me to CrossFit at a small garage gym in Southern California, and I was hooked.

CrossFit brought together many of the things I valued most: athletic development, constant learning, community, challenge, and the opportunity to keep discovering what the body can do. It changed the way I trained and coached, and in 2012 I moved to California and opened CrossFit Santa Ynez Valley.

Today, my favorite part of coaching is helping people accomplish things they once thought were beyond them, whether that means getting their first pull-up, becoming stronger, learning a new skill, or simply feeling more capable and confident in everyday life. After decades of coaching, that is still what keeps me excited to come to the gym every day.

Outside the gym, I love the outdoors, the sun and sea, traveling, good food with friends, reading, learning new things, experiencing different cultures, and taking on new challenges.

“Helping someone discover that they’re capable of more than they thought is still the best part of coaching.”

Education & Certifications

• ISEF Cagliari
• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Trainer
• CrossFit Level 1
• CrossFit Coach’s Prep Course / Level 2
• CrossFit Olympic Lifting 1 & 2
• USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach
• CrossFit Endurance
• CrossFit FreeStyle Connection Gymnastics
• CrossFit Aerobic Capacity
• CrossFit Gymnastics

I've been a dedicated CrossFit coach for over 13 years. As a kid growing up in La Jolla California, I was extremely active. playing softball, karate, club and high school soccer making First Team All American for soccer. I also spent as much time as allowed at the beach.

For many years, I ran marathons, eventually wanting more. I love seeing how we can push the body and mind, so I took up ultra running and became obsessed. The camaraderie, drive, perseverance, and mental strength it took filled my cup. For many years, it was my passion… But then I found CrossFit!

What an amazing way to push limits both mentally and physically while garnering an incredible community of friends. While running filled my soul, CrossFit opened me up to a whole New World of Fitness. CrossFit makes for a well-rounded athlete that has applicable movements and functional fitness gains. Coaching has been an absolute joy for me. Witnessing people hit their personal goals and exceeding them is an amazing thing to be a part of. I feel very passionate about each individuals journey and learning how to help them reach their potential through push, compassion, and direction, humility and laughter.

Professionally I started my career working with chimps in Africa then transitioned to a zookeeper for the Santa Barbara Zoo. The second half of my life has been spent as an interior designer, remodeling and designing homes. Both professions have helped me be a creative coach helping athletes build strong foundations from the ground up.

“I thoroughly enjoy getting to know somebody and how to help them improve their mental and physical strength”

Education & certifications

• CrossFit L-2

Before CrossFit, much of Heather’s life revolved around horses. She trained and competed in Western equestrian events and used running primarily as a way to stay fit and lean for riding.

CrossFit changed the reason she trained. What began as exercise to get better at running developed into a deeper focus on gaining strength, embracing the aging process, and moving well for a better quality of life.

After years as a CFSYV member, Heather realized her eye for technique, shaped in part by her equestrian background, paired naturally with her interest in helping others improve. She became a CrossFit coach in 2020 and joined the CFSYV coaching team in 2021. She especially enjoys helping people move well and learn new things.

Outside the gym, Heather enjoys spending time with her family and pets, gardening, baking, and learning more about health and longevity. She is continually studying nutrition, Olympic lifting, technique, and the connection between physical capacity and overall well-being.

“I am so grateful I get to do this every week. I get to help people change, watch them experience progress and take meaningful action. It is so fun!”

Education & certifications

• CrossFit L-2
• CrossFit Gymnastics Certification
• CrossFit Weightlifting / Burgener Strength Certification
• PN Level 1 Nutrition

Abby is the newest member of the CFSYV coaching team, but she has been part of the community since beginning CrossFit in November 2019. She is friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable about CrossFit standards, movement, and technique.

She loves heavy lifting and is competitive with herself, but is just as happy to see someone else hit a PR. As a coach, she wants everyone to feel welcome in class and encourages people to work hard and stay safe.

Outside the gym, Abby enjoys spending time with her family, coffee, mountain biking, camping, reading at the beach, and creative projects.

Education & certifications

• CrossFit L-1