Meet the CrossFit Invoke Team!
CHRISTMAS ABBOTT – OWNER, HEAD COACH 
Certifications/Credentials
- CrossFit HQ Trainer 2011
- CrossFit Coaches Prep Course 2010
- CrossFit HQ Training Seminar 2011
- CrossFit Level 1-2007
- USAW Olympic Lifting Sport Coach 2007
- ACE Personal Training Certification 2007
- CrossFit Goals Trainer Course 2012
Personal Accomplishments
- 16th Place in Reebok CrossFit Games Affiliate Cup 2011
- 3rd Place in Reebok CrossFit Games Mid Atlantic Regionals Affiliate Team 2011
- LuluLemon Ambassador 2011
- 2Pood Competition Team Member 2011
- Qualified for Nationals in Olympic Lifting 2011
- Opened CrossFit Invoke 2010
- CrossFit Games Affiliate Team member 2010
- 20th Place Dirty South Regionals 2010
- 5th Place CrossFit Games NC/SC Sectionals 2010
Goals and Aspirations
- Reebok CrossFit Games individual competitor 2014
- 170 lbs Snatch
- 200 Clean & Jerk
- Marathon 2012
- Non-Profit promoting health and community goodwill together 2012
- Inspirational Public Speaker
Goofy Toofy
I have an English Bulldog named Fran. Yes. Fran. She’s just like me; annoyingly happy, chill then really crazy, demanding, loving, food driven, and wants to run wild any opportunity possible. I love chocolate but have given it up for performance. Yes, I love CF so much I forfeited chocolate. I am a recovering chocoholic…and my only release is to WOD. I’m a thug, love doing silly dances, getting tattooed, and being underestimated for my size. “All who have achieved great things have been great dreamers.”
MITCHELL ROSSER – OWNER, COACH, MANAGER 
Certifications/Credentials
- BA Psychology NC State University
- Co-Owner Crossfit Invoke
- CrossFit Powerlifting Trainer Course 2012
- CrossFit Level 1 2011
- CrossFit Mobility 2010
- CrossFit Nutrition 2010
- CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting 2009
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer 2008
- NESTA Certified Personal Trainer 2008
Personal Accomplishments
- 2012 Graduated as a commissioned officer from US Army Officer Candidate School, Fort Benning, Georgia
- 2012 Co-Owner Crossfit Invoke
- 2011 Top 50 finish Rugged Maniac Ashboro NC
- 2009 2nd Place (Age Group) Run For the Roses 5k
Goals and Aspirations
- Crossfit Level II Trainer
- Write something and publish it
- Learn to swim proficiently
- Learn to throw a javelin, discuss and shotput
- Fire the main gun of an Abrams tank
Goofy Toofy
I grew up in Olympia, WA but graduated from NC State in 2007. I’ve been a personal trainer and coach since 2008. I ran across Crossfit late and 2008 and fell in love. I am especially passionate about posture, movement and mobility. I have a lot of hobbies and I’m as likely to be reading or playing Xbox as I am to be crushing/being crushed by a WOD, playing at a gymnastics gym or doing something adventurous outside. I graduated from the Federal Officer Candidate School Fort Benning, GA and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the North Carolina National Guard in January 2012, so I have a new hobby of playing with machine guns and tanks. Get better every day, mentally, physically or spiritually. Paleo/Primal food is the only way to eat if you care about your health at all. Raphael was the best Ninja Turtle. Sarcasm isn’t a tone, it’s an art form.
BRANDON GARNER – OWNER, COACH 
Certifications/Credentials
- Owner- Gracie Raleigh
- BS/BA Economics and Finance – Appalachian State University
- Black Belt under Royce Gracie (training since 1999)
- Pro MMA fighter 8-1 pro record (17 total fights)Collegiate soccer playerArmy Special Forces Hand to Hand Combat Instructor- 2004 to Present
- 2012 NC Olympic Weightlifting State Champion 69 kg class
- Carolina Fight Promotions Bantamweight Champion
- The Ultimate Fighter Season 8 participant
- Level 2 Army Combatives Instructor
- SOCP (special operations combative program) – Instructor
- Level 1 CrossFit Certified
- 2011 Reebok CrossFit Games Competitor
- Coach of Strikeforce title contender Tim Kennedy
- 11 years kickboxing and wrestling experience
- 2012 NC Olympic Weightlifting State Champion 69 kg class
- 2012 Raleigh Olympic Weightlifting Championships 1st place
- 2012 Athletic lab Open Oly comp- 1st place in 69 kilo weight class
- 2012 Garage Games: War of the Wods 2nd place
- 2012 Crossfit Games Open: 39th place
- 2011 Reebok CrossFit Affiliate Team regional competition- 3rd place
- 2011 Reebok CrossFit Games Affiliate Cup- 16th place
- 2011 APC Warrior Challenge – 1st place team
- 2011 Carolina Fitness Challenge- 7th place
- 2011 City of Oaks Marathon- 4:00
- 2010 NC/SC sectionals 2010- 8th place
- 2010 Dirty South Regionals- 38th place
- 2010 No Gi Pan American Games – Bronze medal
Goals and Aspirations
Be the new Chuck Norris.
Goofy Toofy
Coach Brandon is either A) Always goofy or B) Never goofy. You decide!
ANNA JOHNS – COACH 
Certifications/Credentials
- CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Trainer Course 2012
- CrossFit Level 1-2011
- Olympic Weightlifting Seminar via CrossFit Wilmington staff @ CrossFit Durham- 2011
- USAW Sport Performance Coach-2012
Personal Accomplishments
- CrossFit Games alternate team member-2011
- CrossFit Regionals Team Competitor-2012
- Rome, Italy full marathon with Team in Training for Leukemia and Lymhoma-2005
- Grand Canyon Hike for Discovery with Team in Training for Leukemia and Lymphoma-2007
- B.S Healthcare Leadership/Administration
Goals and Aspirations
- CrossFit Games Competitor-2013
- Bodyweight Snatch-2012
- Olympic Lifting Competition-2012
- Triathlete-2013
- Half-marathon 2013
- Masters Degree 2015
Goofy Toofy
“Happiness is the key to being successful!”MEAGAN BURNS – COACH, ASSISTANT MANAGER 
Certifications/Credentials
- CrossFit Headquarters Seminar Staff member 2013
- CrossFit Level 1 Certified 2011
- CrossFit Goals Trainer Course 2012
- CrossFit Coach’s Prep Course 2012
- CrossFit Kids Certified 2012
Personal Accomplishments
- Coach at CrossFit Invoke 2011
- Sang National Anthem at State Fair, Hurricanes Game and Durham Bulls Game
Goals
- Reebok CrossFit Games 2015
- Bodyweight snatch by 2013
Goofy Toofy
I am originally from San Jose, CA but grew up in Raleigh. I am currently a coach at CFI. I am very goal oriented and by pursuing my goals I have landed myself in one of the most amazing jobs with some great people! I love seeing people succeed and helping them reach their full potential which is why I sought out to be a coach. I am always looking for ways to develop myself as an athlete and a coach in hopes to grow better and stronger everyday. Random fun facts: I am absolutely addicted to sweets of all kinds, especially Gigi’s cupcakes, Ferris Bueller’s day off is my favorite movie, cats are better than dogs, and I like the Spice Girls.
MATT VANANTWERP – COACH 
Certifications/Credentials
- CrossFit Level 1 2011
- CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certification 2011
- CrossFit Movement and Mobility Trainer Course 2012
- Certified Law Enforcement Physical Fitness, Firearms, Patrol Rifle and Subject Control instructor
- Two years as the Training Corporal at the Raleigh Police Academy.
Personal Accomplishments
- Member of the first place finishing team in the N.C. Justice Academy S.W.A.T. competition in 2009, 2010,and 2011
- His team placed 2nd in the Southeastern S.W.A.T. competition 2009 and 2010. Competed in the U.S.A.S.O.C. Sniper Competition in 2010 and
- 2011, placing 1st and 2nd respectively in the Law Enforcement category
- Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.in 2010 with a finishing time of 3:38
Goals and Aspirations
Continue to learn and grow as a Police officer and a CrossFit coach
Goofy Toofy
Matt has been a Raleigh Police officer for 14 years. He is currently assigned to the Selective Enforcement Unit. (S.W.A.T. Team) Matt is passionate about teamwork as it is vital in his profession, and brings a unique perspective to team training at CrossFit Invoke. He is a wanderer among the CrossFit gyms in the Raleigh area and can be spotted at many of the affiliates in the area.
BEN DZIWULSKI – COACH 
Certifications/ Credentials
CrossFit Level 1 2012
Olympic Weightlifting Seminar via CrossFit Wilmington staff @ CrossFit Durham- 2011
Personal Accomplishments
- 2011 Adventures In Missions- Team Leader- Missions trip to Rainsville, Alabama
- 2011 FLW National Guard College Fishing National Championship- 4th Place
- 2010, 2011 FLW National Guard College Fishing- First Team All-American
- 2010 Founded, Owned, Operated Surf Sharkin’ Adventures LLC out of Bethany Beach, DE (Caught, tagged, and released over 100 sharks 7+ft long)
- 2010 FLW National Guard College Fishing Northern Regional Championship- 3rd Place
- 2009 FLW National Guard College Fishing Northern Regional Championship- 1st Place
- 2008 National Guard College Fishing Junior World Championship- 2nd Place
- 2008 Williams Cup Scholarship, Integrity, and Athletics Award
Goals and Aspirations
- 2012 ACE Personal Trainer Cert.
- 2013 CrossFit Games Competitor
- 2013 300lb Clean& Jerk
- 2013 225lb Snatch
- Open/Own/Operate CrossFit Box
- Start Non-Profit to promote healthy habits for low-income communities.
- Qualify for the Bassmaster Classic
- Dive with Great Whites
Goofy Toofy
I was born and bred in Woodbine, Maryland. I spent most of my childhood with dreams of becoming a professional snake-wrangler like Steve Irwin (RIP). That obsession was eclipsed by Basketball. I played basketball at a high level through my middle school and early high school days, playing alongside several College and NBA players. When I peaked at a whopping 5’9.634” tall, I started leaning on my other passion – fishing. Bass fishing has taken me to Arkansas, Nevada, Alabama, Texas, New York, Tennessee, Kentucky and everywhere in between. I came to NC State purely to fish on their top-ranked Bass Fishing Team, and that has worked out well. In 2009 one of my old High School teachers told me about CrossFit…he said something about weird pull-ups. It has been all downhill from there. God has put amazing people in my life, and I owe all of my blessings to him. My favorite bible verse is Colossians 1:17. I love my Family, Ice Cream, my boat, home-baked cookies, sharks, and funny movies. I want to learn to serve others more every day.
ELIZABETH UPCHURCH – YOGA, KETTLEBELL INSTRUCTOR, ASSISTANT COACH 
Certifications/Credentials
- Kettlebell Instructor, Kettlebell Concepts (KBC) 2010
- Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), Yoga Alliance 2010
- 200 Hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training, Rolf Gates 2010
- Personal Fitness Trainer, National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) 2011
Personal Accomplishments
Rank II Long Cycle Clean and Jerk, World Kettlebell Club (WKC) – 2011
Goals and Aspirations
To receive a CrossFit KB Certification by 2013 as well as instruct a Kettlebell Skill class at CrossFit Invoke to aid cf athletes in proficient kettlebell lifts. Also to offer a variety of strength yoga classes for CrossFit Invoke athletes that will utilize body mechanics previously learned as well as increase flexibility.
Goofy Toofy
PHILIP MILLER – COACH 
Certifications/Credentials
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer 2012
- Honors Graduate of University of TN 2004
Personal Accomplishments
- 2011 USTA Team State Singles Champion(4.0) Level
- 2006-2011 USTA State Playoffs
- 1996-2000 Tennessee 4A High School Football Semifinalist
- 2000 Tennessee AAA High School Basketball Sectional Champion
- 1981-Present Still Alive
Goals and Aspirations
Goofy Toofy
TANYA JESSEN – COACH 
Certifications/Credentials
- BA University Of Washington
- Double Black Diamond Level Snowboarder
- Durham A League Co-Ed Softball
- Cary C League Co-Ed Volleyball
Personal Accomplishments
CrossFit Invoke 2012 Regionals Team Alternate
Have lost over 95 pounds since college through proper diet and exercise
Named by Develop Magazine as one of 30 Game Developers under 30 years old to watch
Lived/Worked in Warsaw, Poland 50% of the time over 3 years
French Horn Performance Scholarship awarded from the University of Washington
Graduated from the University of Washington with a BS degree at the age of 19
Goals and Aspirations
Crossfit Team Regionals in 2013
Muscle up by the end of the summer, 2012
One unassisted HSPU before Dec 31st 2012
280 lb deadlift by September 22nd, 2012
Never stop learning and doing!
Goofy Toofy
While new to crossfit, my commitment to fitness has been strong after the realization that I was obese and decided to change it. In college, maxing out at 235 lbs, I saw a picture of myself and had the sudden realization that I wasn’t just ‘pleasantly plump,’ but instead on a very unhealthy path. Crazy enough, a video game (REALLY 
) called Dance Dance Revolution kick-started my activity levels, helped me lose that initial weight, and made me realize that even though I would have a rough road ahead, I could get healthy again.
(Trying not to sound like an infomercial here ;D) After years of extreme calorie counting, costly personal training, 6 day/week + 1.5 hour gym sessions, I had kind of given up because it just wasn’t maintainable. I needed motivation through community, encouragement, and the love of fitness – not just to fit in a certain size of clothing. That’s when I decided to give Crossfit a try, and have never turned back.
I’m a video game producer by day, and spend any free time I have with my fiancée, dog, and three cats. I’m also a huge music nerd, so if I happen to play something in the gym you’ve never heard; don’t hesitate to ask what it is!
AMANDA STREET- COACH 
Certifications/Credentials
- Bachelor of Science, Exercise Physiology
- Masters of Science, Food and Nutrition
- USA Rugby; Rookie Rugby Certified Coach -2012
- American College of Sports Medicine; Health Fitness Specialist – 2009
Personal Accomplishments
- 2012 Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union Select Side Player
- 2012 USA Rugby Eagle 15′s Pool Player
- 2012 USA Rugby Eagle 7′s Pool Player
- 2011 USA Rugby Div. II National Champion
- 2010 USA Rugby Div. II 4th Place Finish
- 2009 USA Rugby Div. II National Champion
- 2007 Scholarship Athlete; Shepherd University Women’s Basketball
Goals and Aspirations
Reebok CrossFit Games Competitor
Becoming “Capped” – First International Game as a United States Eagle
USA Rugby 7′s World Cup Team – 2013
USA Rugby 15′s World Cup Team – 2014
USA Rugby Olympic Team – 2016
Goofy Toofy
I love extreme sports and anything that gets my adrenaline pumping. Especially wake boarding, snowboarding, and surfing. I jumped head first into the sport of Rugby after my college basketball career ended. Luckily my rugby team participates in CrossFit and I was hooked immediately. When I’m not crushing a WOD or traveling for rugby I like to float in the pool with my Pitbull Rue (named after Rue McClanahan ,who played my favorite “Golden Girl” Blanche Devereaux).
JOSH LANGDON- COACH 
Certifications/Credentials
- Bachelor of Arts- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
-
Crossfit Level 1No felonies
Personal Accomplishments
- Went from ZERO pull ups to a 3:00 Fran in 19 months
Goals and Aspirations
- Begin competing in 2013
- Receive Oly and Rowing certs 2013
- Become a better leader, coach, and Crossfitter
Goofy Toofy
I like to pick things up and then put them down.
MIKE ENGER – ASSISTANT COACH
Certifications/Credentials
- CrossFit Level One Trainer 2013
- Graduated UTI NASCAR Technical Institute 2003
Personal Accomplishments
- Body weight snatch 2013
- Designed logos for 3 separate companies
Goals and Aspirations
- Continue to learn and become a better coach
- CrossFit Gymnastics Trainer Course 2013
- CrossFit Movement and Mobility Trainer Course 2013
- Enter and compete in first competition 2013
Goofy Toofy
I was born in California and have lived in New Jersey, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and finally North Carolina, all before entering the third grade. I played soccer for ten years growing up including high school where I also played football and wrestled. I love being underestimated because of my size. I discovered CrossFit a year ago (actually my wife did and signed me up). I can’t possibly say enough about the community at Invoke and how they inspire and motivate me. I’ve discovered a new passion for helping others succeed and reach their goals. A few side notes; I’ve worked as a BMW technician for the past 10 years. I love tattoos and want more. I have moderate/severe asthma, on a good day my lunges function at 80%. My right leg is significantly shorter than my left. The scar on my lip is from a dog bite and the one on my head is from a go-kart accident, a bolt from the roll cage dented my skull. I eat paleo/primal Mon – Fri, Sat and Sun all bets are off. I put ketchup on my grilled cheese. I like my cereal soggy and my cheetos stale. I submerge my oreos in milk until mushy. I drink directly from the container. Zombies are real and the apocalypse is coming. I am half Norwegian and probably a descendant of the vikings, which makes me a beast by default.
KATHRYN VOLPE – ASSISTANT COACH
Certifications/Credentials
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer 2013
- Outlaw Way Training Camp 2012
Personal Accomplishments
- Graduated from reading novels on the elliptical to actually working out (i.e., doing CrossFit) in 2011
- Inspired several friends (and my parents!) to incorporate CrossFit and/or the paleo diet into their daily routines
- B.S. Human & Organizational Development; M.Ed. Human Resource Development
- Continue to learn from the inspirational coaches and athletes at CrossFit Invoke
- Open a bakery that offers traditional (and perhaps paleo) goodies
- Coordinate a challenge that incorporates eating sweets while WODding =)
Goofy Toofy
I moved around a bit while growing up (both of my parents served in the USAF), and I love to travel
I love all sweets, especially cookies and ice cream
NATHAN HANSEN – ASSISTANT COACH
Certifications/Credentials
-
Crossfit Level 1 certification
-
PADI certified
-
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
-
Multi-systemic Therapy Intervention
-
Psychoeductional Treatment
-
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
Personal Accomplishments
-
Masters of Science Behavioral Psychology
-
Masters of Science Clinical Psychology
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Trained under world record holder in Olympic lifting- Rick Bucinell
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Training experience over various Crossfits throughout the nation.
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Learning to take everything one day at a time and not becoming stressed over things out of your control.
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Cross-Country things.
Goals and Aspirations
-
Continue to grow as a person and a coach.
-
Help provide desire and motivation to those looking to change their life.
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Receive my P.Hd…eventually (no rush towards this one).
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“When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful.” -Eric Thomas.
Goofy Toofy
I love paranormal research. I have been on a few sessions and cannot wait to get back to it. I will also start my search for the elusive Sasquatch. Those big hairy creatures do not stand a chance with my tracking skills. Do not fret; for I will not harm this creature, I just want to take a picture of it. I do not believe in the Lockness monster, that is just silly.
I am a true believer that one must have fun when taking on life. When you lose the ability to have fun, you are unable to obtain your goals. I want to ensure that you always have fun when pushing yourself to the extreme. Be prepared for amazing Disney music and other shenanigans.
HARVEY – MAYOR, SUPERHERO
Official Bio coming soon, but his titles above should let you know Harvey’s jobs. He helps out with everything! Coaching, construction, greeting, motivating everyone, etc!
