Meet our coaches
Ayron Walker
"My journey in fitness started at the age of 12 when I started playing volleyball and I still play today! I started at Crossfit back in 2013 when a teammate introduced it to me. Some of my favorite movements are deadlifts, rowing, biking, and cleans. I love Hellbender for the community-focus and inclusivity. I coach because I love teaching the importance of form in weightlifting. Also, I want to encourage body diversity and help make all people of all body sizes feel welcomed and able."
Fun Fact: "I am ambidextrous"
Certification: CF1
Matt Wisneiski
Matt is the Head Strength and Conditioning coach at Lees-MacRae College in Banner Elk, NC. He has a bachelors and masters degree in Exercise Science with a specialization in Strength and Conditioning. Matt has experience coaching group led fitness classes and designing class programming.
Certification: CSCS
Lewis McCallister
"I recently joined the coaching staff. While initially playing college soccer at Spartanburg Methodist, I attained my B.S. from Appalachian State. I moved back to Boone after enjoying all that the Northern Rockies had to offer for years, splitting my time between Jackson Hole and Bozeman. I believe that the NCFit programming boost my abilities in outdoor sports, and I am eager to share knowledge and enthusiasm with members!"
Fun Fact: "I backcountry skiing, trail running, and backpacking"
Certification: USA Weightlifting Level 1
Ray Reid
I'm Ray Reid, a 62-year-old retired mail carrier and coach at Hellbender Fitness. I've been active in functional fitness for 11 years and a semi-competitive cyclist for nearly 30 years. I joined Hellbender Fitness after COVID restrictions lifted, drawn by their programming and manageable class sizes. I became a coach to promote fitness as essential for overall health. Whether you aim to be a competitive athlete or simply start an exercise routine for independent living, Hellbender Fitness offers the resources for lifelong wellness.
Fact: "I have been active in functional fitness for 11 years and a semi-competitive cyclist for nearly 30 years"
Certification: CF- L1
Josh Platt
"Growing up as an active child, I gravitated towards team sports like soccer until I discovered mountain activities like trail running and rock climbing. Realizing I needed structured training, I joined a friend's gym focused on functional fitness, later expanding into CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting. At Hellbender, it seems like every athlete has an outdoor sport they are passionate about outside of the gym. It's inspiring to see everyone progress in the gym and those activities."
Fun Fact: "I have met Dolly Parton"
Certification: CF- L1
Tammy Kowalczyk
"As athletes get older, participating in functional fitness becomes even more important to prevent injury and enable us to continue doing the things we love to do. What I enjoy the most about coaching is helping new members see that anyone can do these classes and everyone is an athlete at Hellbender.
FUN FACT: I used to teach aerobics and step aerobics in the early 90's and had to make my own music tapes :)
Certification: CF-L1
Jerry Miller
I have a long history of success in multiple sports, starting with wrestling, running, ice hockey, swimming, and biking, and progressing to triathlons, CrossFit, and finally Olympic-style weightlifting. In this latest sport, I hold three 2023 national and international championships and records for my age, weight, and sex. I earned my USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coaching Certificate and now offer personal strength and conditioning training for weightlifting and other sports, in addition to coaching group classes at Hellbender Fitness.
Certification: USAW-L1
Lisa Phinney
Lisa is a CrossFit Level 2 coach, and has been coaching for many years. She owned her own gym and has also done personal training and nutrition consulting.
Greg Cox, Personal Training
PROFILE IN PROGRESS