Meet the CrossFit Veneration team

At CrossFit Veneration in Johnstown, OH, we are dedicated to creating a fitness community where everyone can thrive. Our gym combines expert coaching, cutting-edge facilities, and a supportive environment to help you reach your fitness goals. Discover a place where your fitness journey is guided by passion and professionalism.

Our Coaches

Our coaches at CrossFit Veneration in Johnstown, OH, are more than just trainers; they are passionate professionals committed to your success. Each member of our team brings a wealth of experience and a personalized approach to help you achieve your fitness objectives. With diverse specialties ranging from strength training to wellness, our coaches are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.

Steele Strout

Coach

Steele Strout is a dedicated fitness professional with a passion for helping hard-working adults achieve remarkable milestones, both physically and mentally. Steele is grateful for the opportunity to be a positive constant in his clients’ lives, guiding them through their fitness journeys and celebrating their successes. Steele’s mission as a coach is to make fitness both effective and enjoyable. He strives to create an atmosphere that draws you to the gym and makes challenging workouts something to look forward to rather than just another item on your to-do list. Over the years, Steele has played a crucial role in fostering a supportive culture at Veneration, where both coaches and peers are invested in each other’s success. One of the most rewarding aspects of Steele’s role is witnessing the culmination of years of hard work as his clients achieve long-term goals. These moments of triumph reflect the dedication and effort that both Steele and his clients put into their training. Outside of the gym, Steele enjoys spending time with his family, as well as indulging in his hobbies of golfing and playing poker. His advice to those contemplating a fitness journey is that motivation is not something you can simply wish for; it is created through results. Results come from taking action, and Steele encourages you to take that first step toward improving your life.

Gabriella Strout

Coach

Gabriella Strout is a heart-forward fitness professional who thrives on building deep, meaningful connections with her clients. Her energy is infectious, her encouragement unwavering, and her commitment to helping others feel their absolute best shines through in everything she does. Gabriella’s mission as a coach is to make every member feel seen, supported, and celebrated. She believes fitness should be more than just reps and results-it should be a source of joy, empowerment, and personal growth. From the moment you walk through the doors at Veneration, Gabriella creates a warm, uplifting environment where you’re motivated to show up not just for the workout, but for yourself. Known for her sincere care and high energy, Gabriella helps her clients unlock both physical breakthroughs and mindset shifts that carry over into every area of life. Whether she’s leading a session, offering a listening ear, or cheering you on mid-workout, Gabriella is a constant source of positivity and purpose. Outside the gym, Gabriella values time spent with her family and enjoys embracing the simple, beautiful rhythms of intentional living. Her encouragement to those beginning their fitness journey: “You don’t have to be perfect-you just have to start. We’ll take it one step at a time, together.”

Chris Paye

Coach

Chris Paye brings a powerful blend of experience, humility, and heart to the Veneration community. With over 12 years of fitness experience and more than 7 years as a coach, Chris has a sharp eye for movement and a deep passion for helping people unlock their potential-one small step at a time. Chris’s coaching philosophy is centered around meeting you exactly where you are and guiding you forward with purpose, patience, and positivity. Whether you’re working toward your first push-up or chasing your next PR, Chris is there to help you move better, recover smarter, and pursue progress with clarity and confidence. Chris and his wife, Heather, along with their beloved fur babies, have relocated from Tiffin Ohio to make Johnstown their new home and continue building a life rooted in service and growth. Beyond the gym floor, Chris is a dedicated Buckeye fan, a lover of sunshine-filled vacations (especially wherever Heather picks!), disk golf, and working with his hands. His all-time favorite movie? Remember the Titans-fitting for someone who shows up every day to help others rise to their full potential. Chris’s advice to anyone beginning their fitness journey: “Don’t get overwhelmed by how far you think you have to go. Just show up, trust the process, and take it one rep, one day at a time. The results will come-and I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

Christin Burgel

Coach

Like so many of our professional coaches here at Veneration, Christin Burgel was a member long before she became a coach. The atmosphere captivated her, delivering results unlike anything she had ever experienced. It wasn’t long before Christin set her sights on providing that same transformative experience to others. “I feel so passionate about what we do here that I needed to be a part of this team,” she shares. Christin excels at meeting her clients exactly where they are, guiding them to step outside their comfort zones. Her passion lies in finding areas where clients feel unsure and leading them on a journey to surpass their expectations. She is an integral part of what makes Veneration a truly special place, offering hands-on coaching, empathy, and reliability. Christin’s ability to build relationships with her clients leads to results that many thought were unattainable. The most rewarding part of coaching for Christin is witnessing her clients achieve something they once believed was impossible. She has been there for countless “firsts,” and the look of pride on her clients’ faces is the driving force behind her passion for coaching. Outside the gym, Christin is a wife and mother of four. She enjoys camping and traveling the country in their side-by-side with her family, and she finds great joy in watching her kids succeed in their extracurricular activities, a highlight of parenting for her. To those who are on the fence about making a change, Christin has some advice: “I understand. You looked up Veneration online and you’re petrified. It looks hard and scary. But this is for YOU. You don’t have to be in shape – most of us weren’t when we started either. That’s why we exist. I want to help you. This is about moving your body to improve your life. This place will change you if you let it.”

Haylee Frost

Coach

A retired college athlete, Haylee Frost has always been deeply passionate about fitness and health. Now, as a professional coach, she uses her experience to help others add years to their lives by improving their health and fitness. “Big or small, wins are wins,” Haylee says, emphasizing the joy of helping people accomplish goals they never thought possible. The looks on her clients’ faces when they achieve something new are priceless. Haylee was a member of Veneration before joining the coaching team, and the community made a significant impact on her life. “I instantly thought, ‘This would be such a fun place to work’ when I first joined,” she recalls. The friendships she’s built and the personal growth she’s experienced as a member inspire her mission as a coach: to make a difference in people’s lives, create amazing relationships with clients, and help them thrive in and out of the gym. As a coach, Haylee strives to ensure her clients enjoy their fitness journey while reaching their goals – whether that’s mastering new skills, losing weight, or simply moving better in their daily lives. Outside the gym, Haylee enjoys golfing, playing rec league softball, and occasionally riding horses. She also loves playing Yahtzee and Sudoku to unwind. Her advice for those hesitant to start their journey at Veneration? “This is for everyone, whether you think you’re ready or not. There is no better time to start than right now. Everyone at this gym has been in your shoes once, including myself, and this gym will change your life if you let it.”

Alexis Hopper

Coach

A dedicated nurse by profession, Alexis Hopper chose to extend her passion for helping others into nutrition coaching. Guided by her motto, “If you have the ability to help others, you always should,” she is committed to teaching people how to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. For Alexis, seeing clients become better versions of themselves is the most rewarding part of coaching. The sense of community and shared mission at Veneration inspired her to join the coaching team, where she uses her knowledge and experience to positively impact lives – just as others have done for her. With a degree in science and years of experience saving lives, Alexis brings a unique perspective to her coaching. Her mission is to meet clients where they are and guide them forward on their journey toward improved health and well-being. Though she’s new to the Veneration team, she’s eager to help others succeed and reach their goals. Outside the gym, Alexis stays busy with her three young boys and enjoys cooking, baking, and crafting. Her advice to anyone nervous about starting at Veneration? “Don’t hesitate to change your life. There’s no better time than now. Everyone started somewhere, and everyone has a place here.”

Unique Features and Facilities

Veneration offers a bright, open-layout facility designed for high achieving adults who value both comfort and results. Our expansive training floor is immaculately clean, organized, and equipped with top-of-the-line gear to ensure every session is safe, efficient, and effective. We provide pristine locker rooms with showers for those heading straight to work, and private spaces for coaching and progress assessments, nutrition check ins and other meetings with your coach. Every detail of our facility is built to elevate your experience from the moment you walk in.

Top-Notch Fitness Equipment

At Veneration, we pride ourselves on offering premium equipment that supports serious results. Our facility features Rogue barbells, bumper plates, Concept2 rowers and SkiErgs, and Assault AirBikes-trusted tools for building strength and conditioning. We also offer a wide selection of kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, sleds, plyo boxes, and other premier functional fitness equipment seen in top tier CrossFit facilities. Every piece of equipment is meticulously maintained to provide a safe, effective, and elevated training experience.

Book Your Free Intro Session Today

Take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle with a free intro session at CrossFit Veneration in Johnstown, OH! Our team will provide a personalized tour of our facilities, introduce you to our services, and help you start your fitness journey. Schedule your session now and experience firsthand how CrossFit Veneration can support your goals.