Coaches

Crystal Rubenstein Owner/Coach

Crystal began her fitness journey in 2014.  The first time she stepped into a CrossFit box she was hooked!  Not growing up athletic, CrossFit made a huge difference in her life.  It showed her that she was capable of doing so much more than ever imagined.  

Since then she has seen so many lives change from Crossfit and the sense of community is amazing.  A teacher by trade Crystal decided to get CrossFit Level 1 certified to combine her passion for teaching and fitness.  

In 2019 she joined the CrossFit Wauconda Ownership.  

Joel Avitia Owner/Coach

Joel was raised in Wauconda and graduated from DePaul in 2015.  He grew up playing soccer most of his life along with participating in extreme sports, such as, BMX and Dirtbike racing.  When he walked into CrossFit Wauconda he found the challenge and healthy competition he always loved growing up.  

Since that time Joel has become a CrossFit Level 1 trainer and is Certified as a USAW Level 1 weightlifting coach.  

Joel loves the community aspect CrossFit provides and thrives on witnessing the progress of his athletes along with the friendships he has made along the way.

Travis Guy-Coach

Travis has been involved in sports and athletics dating back to Pee Wee football and park district basketball. Summers were consumed with sports camps and specialized positional camps. This helped Travis become a two year starter and senior captain of the Loras College Basketball team in Dubuque Iowa.

After graduation Travis gained 60 lbs and found the sport of CrossFit to try and shed that weight. CrossFit helped not only lose the weight, but led to a lifelong lifestyle.

Travis earned his L1 in CrossFit to help inspire others to find the potential they may not see in their self.

Nika Kuchaidze-Coach

Although I tried traditional training methods in the past with some results, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that they were only at best marginally effective or efficient. How could bicep curls or cable flys make me, the complete me, more dynamic, more fit, more prepared for anything life throws at me? Then in 2015, I stumbled across CrossFit and it made immediate sense. This was it; this was the training style I've been looking for. I found CrossFit Wauconda and I've been a part of it ever since.

Of all the things that have acted as catalysts for positive change in my life, CrossFit ranks somewhere towards the top. Not only has it positively affected my health and fitness, but the lessons I learned through that process have carried over into many aspects of my life; CrossFit's effects are truly wholistic.

Now, as a coach, instead of just being the beneficiary of this positive change, or witnessing it among my fellow CrossFitters, I can proactively help CFW's members benefit in the same way as so many us have already.

Josh Lewis-Coach

Josh has always been an athlete. Throughout high school in Wauconda, he played baseball, basketball, football, track, and cross-country. Even as a kid, Josh had a pretty healthy mindset, and knew that fitness was imperative to a healthy lifestyle.

Josh first began CrossFit in 2013 and knew instantly this was something he would enjoy. Realizing that CrossFit would help him with the competition aspect he’d been missing since high school athletics, he hit the ground running. He feels that CrossFit has made him the healthiest and fittest of his life. Josh received his CrossFit Level 1 Certification in 2019 after realizing that he really enjoyed helping out the other members in the box. He is grateful to be able to share his love of CrossFit with others and watching them succeed.

Corrina Vaughn-Coach

Growing up with 4 older brothers I was always very competitive and active. My parents got me involved with park district basketball when I was in first grade and I fell in love. Through out middle school and high school I participated in 3 sports and was so used to having someone coach me through programming and workouts. I went to state meets numerous times for shot-put and discus and was given opportunities to play sports in college but I turned them down. I immediately regretted it because I missed being on a team and having a coach guide me. I had numerous gym memberships to try to stay healthy and active afterwards but I found myself being lazy and not accomplishing any of my goals. That’s when I found CrossFit and my life has never been better. I have fallen in love with the community and support that CrossFit Wauconda has.

Recently graduating as a nurse, I spend many hours of my job educating people on how to live healthy lifestyle. I decided to get my L1 to expand my knowledge of health and fitness and now be that influential coach to help guide people reach their own personal goals. I am so excited to now be a part of the coaching team!

Alyssa Bingham-Coach

Alyssa was extremely active growing up. She played soccer for as long as she can remember.  However, as she got older and stopped playing soccer her lifestyle changed.  Her eating and drinking habits changed and before she knew it so did her self confidence.  At 25 she was also diagnosed with Lyme Disease and a few other autoimmune diseases and that was a real wake up call for her.  She realized it was time to start taking care of her body.  She was tired of always feeling sick.  Soon after the diagnosis she found Powerlifting.  It helped her feel better and built strength along the way, however it was not something that kept her motivated.  

She then found CrossFit, at first it was intimidating but it made her feel badass at the same time.  She found the motivation to workout she was missing with Powerlifting.  Alyssa loved not only the constantly varied movements but the community as well.  CrossFit not only helped her to become more active, it also helped her change her diet.  She was living a healthier lifestyle and in return she saw a huge difference in not only her body but the way she felt.  As a coach she wants to help others see the changes she has and improve their fitness journey.