Staff

As a former competitive figure skater and athlete, Krystyna has consistently integrated fitness in her lifestyle, therefore it isn’t surprising that The Factory Bloomington Normal has been her home for the past decade. The community at The Factory and The Athlete Factory have always been welcoming and consistently promote a network of accountability that has been inspiring, driving Krystyna to join the staff as a coach.

Krystyna has a passion for learning and has sought out education to serve and support members on their fitness and wellness journey.  One of Krystyna’s primary passions, outside as well as inside the gym, is mentoring and helping to develop others. She is passionate about supporting every member’s journey, whether just starting out or looking to step up to get the results they desire.  

• CrossFit-Level 1 Certified
• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)

Zac is the definition of a fitness enthusiast. He has an extensive knowledge base on all things to do with training, nutrition, program design, and supplements. Zac has personal experience with competing in bodybuilding, powerlifting, and CrossFit. Aside from his own competitive experiences, Zac’s clients’ results speak volumes about his training style. Zac has been able to implement the systems that have made him and his clients successful throughout the entire Factory staff making this the most respected, well-educated personal training department in the area.

Aside from being the Personal Training Director, Zac also is our go-to authority for all things dealing with Nutrition. He has proven that he can work with any type of dietary restrictions, weight loss/weight gain, performance increases, and much more.

• CrossFit Level 1 Certified
• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)
• Certified Football Preparation Specialist (CFPS)
• Precision Nutrition Level 1
• Precision Nutrition Level 2
• Certified Program Design Specialist (CPDS)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA CPT)
• Master Trainer (ASFA)

Ashley’s fitness history started when she tried out a CrossFit gym in her hometown in Pennsylvania and was quickly hooked. Since then she has completely changed her life and made her fitness and health a priority. She found that being a woman, there is nothing more empowering than seeing what your body is capable of doing. Now, as a coach, she loves watching new members have those same emotions when accomplishing new goals and hitting PRs for the first time.

• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)

Having always had a passion for fitness Donovan followed a very natural progression and found his calling as a personal trainer. He has been in the Personal Training industry for 10+ years now is committed to constantly improving his craft and focusing on his clients goals. Donovan not only helps his clientele achieve the results they set out for but strives to help them set new goals to prevent stagnation. He also makes clear to anyone one he works with that it is a true partnership and there is a level of personal responsibility and habit forming that have to be accomplished to achieve long lasting sustainable results.

• A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer and Coach for 12 years
• A.C.E. Functional Training Specialist
• National, and a World Champion, Powerlifter with Multiple Records
• Sponsored Athlete
• General Strength Gain and Fat Loss Specialist

During his college years as a manager for ISU baseball, Conner developed a deep understanding of athletic training and performance. His dedication extended to volunteering as a basketball coach for Special Olympics, showcasing his commitment to community and inclusivity. At The Factory, Conner’s passion shines through in his work with both athletes and adults, especially those just starting their fitness journey or recovering from injury. He takes pride in helping individuals achieve their goals and celebrates their progress both in the gym and in their respective sports.

• CrossFit-Level 1 Certified
• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)

Shawn brings a wealth of experience to The Factory, having played two years of college football and serving in the Army before joining our team. His passion lies in seeing both athletes and adults achieve their goals, and he excels in helping them develop a consistent approach to their fitness journey. Shawn is dedicated to guiding individuals through their training, ensuring they build sustainable habits that support their progress and success both in and out of the gym.

• BS in Exercise Science (Illinois State University)
• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

Adam’s care and passion for helping others are evident both through his work with the church and now part-time at The Factory. He is dedicated to supporting individuals in achieving their fitness goals while bringing a compassionate and encouraging approach to his coaching. Adam’s commitment to serving the community extends beyond the gym, making him a valuable mentor and coach.

• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)

Brandi has been a member of The Factory for 9 years. She has a background in running for 30 years and was a competitive equestrian for 10 years. CrossFit quickly became a lifestyle for her, taking her through an entire pregnancy with a quick return back to the gym. She continues to compete in running races and CrossFit competitions. She earned her level 1 CrossFit certification in 2017 and has been a coach since.

• CrossFit-Level 1 Certified
• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)

Jose has always been into fitness.   In high school he wrestled and placed in the state tournament his senior year.  After one year of wrestling in college he focused on his weight training.  He has also done CrossFit, sprint triathlons and road cycling.   When he returned to Bloomington for his third stint he found The Factory family and fell in love with the community at the gym.  He has a passion for  learning and is  always looking to improve his knowledge around fitness and diet.   Jose transfers that knowledge to those he coaches and loves to help the members at the Factory achieve their personal goals through consistent effort in a fun environment.

• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)

• CrossFit-Level 1 Certified
• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)

• CrossFit-Level 1 Certified
• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)

Erik has always had a passion for fitness, initially focusing on the endurance space, where he coached individuals for marathons and triathlons. Now, he brings his expertise to The Factory as a group class coach, while also launching a Hyrox club for members. Erik is dedicated to helping others achieve their fitness goals through dynamic group workouts and innovative training programs.

• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)

In the late 90’s Aron played football at Iowa, where he developed a strong foundation in athletic performance and teamwork. While he has a demanding full-time job, as a part-time coach at The Factory, he is dedicated to helping athletes achieve higher levels of performance and build self-confidence. Aron’s experience and passion for coaching make him a valuable asset in guiding individuals towards their fitness and athletic goals.

• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)

Ryan played college football at ISU and St. Ambrose, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for athletic performance. He now works full-time as an Occupational Therapist, bringing a unique perspective to his part-time coaching role at The Factory. Ryan is committed to helping athletes achieve higher levels of performance and build self-confidence, combining his expertise in therapy and sports to guide individuals toward their fitness and athletic goals.

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (St. Ambrose University)
• Certified Physical Preparation Specialist Level 1 (CPPS)

As a former collegiate basketball player, Mikki has always had a deep connection to movement, performance, and what it takes, physically and mentally, to push through the highs and lows of competition. During her playing days, she found a passion for lifting and strength training, which led her to pursue a more intentional path in fitness and performance. She began working under a mentor who helped her develop a strong foundation in coaching, eventually earning her personal training certification through ACE. Since then, she’s worked with many clients, bringing a personalized and well-rounded approach to every session. With a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology and a graduate certificate in Sport Coaching & Leadership, Mikki believes in coaching the whole person, mind, and body. Whether you’re building confidence under the barbell or learning to reconnect with your competitive edge, she’s here to support your journey.

toward their fitness and athletic goals.

• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• Master’s in Sport Psychology
• Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching & Leadership
• Former Collegiate Basketball Player
• CPR/AED Certified