Meet The chalk TEAM

 

Crystal Heinatz - OWNER & HEAD COACH

Crystal Heinatz has been a leader in the fitness industry for nearly two decades, combining her competitive athletic background with a passion for holistic wellness. As the owner of Chalk Training in Austin, TX, her mission is to empower others to better themselves in all areas of their life and achieve lasting results through strength training, mobility, nutrition, and support. Her personal journey overcoming an autoimmune disease early in her career fueled her dedication to nutrition and its role in health and performance. Over the years, she has shared her expertise as a speaker on nutrition and wellness, inspiring others to take control of their health, and worked with hundreds of clients. 

Philosophy & Personal Journey

Crystal believes that strength isn’t just physical—it translates into all areas of life. Strength training has been a cornerstone of her journey, helping her overcome adversities and emerge stronger, both mentally and emotionally. Her holistic approach to fitness empowers clients to cultivate resilience and confidence that extends beyond the gym.

Beyond the Gym

When she’s not lifting weights Crystal enjoys spending time with her 2 Aussie Shepherds (Ryder and Maggie), her two cats (Sophie and Charlotte), horse riding, and hiking in Colorado. She also loves a good steak dinner paired with a glass of red wine and cherishes time with friends and family. 

Education & Certifications

Crystal holds dual degrees from Minot State University:

  • B.S. Corporate Fitness, Exercise Science (2007)

  • B.S.E. Physical Education (2007)

Her professional certifications include:

  • Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTA, 2012)

  • Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) Mobility Specialist (Functional Anatomy Seminars, 2020)

  • Kinstretch Certified (Functional Anatomy Seminars, 2021)

  • CrossFit Level 1 (2008) & Level 2 (2010)

  • Specializations in CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting, Mobility, Endurance, Kettlebell, and Nutrition

  • Underground Strength Coach, SSPC Certification (Zach Even-Esh, 2010)

  • Strength & Conditioning Seminar (Jack Lovett of Spartan Performance, London, UK, 2013)

  • Level 3 Yoga Instructor

Athletic Achievements

Crystal’s competitive success spans multiple disciplines:

  • Angelo State Cross Country, Track & Field athlete, 2003/2004

  • Colorado Marathon (2008)

  • 2009 International CrossFit Games (Team: 10th Place)

  • 2010 International CrossFit Games

    • Sectional (Individual: 3rd Place, Austin, TX)

    • Regionals (Team: 1st Place, Dallas, TX)

    • Finals (Team: 4th Place, Los Angeles, CA)

  • 2011 CrossFit Games Regionals (Team: 4th Place, Dallas, TX)

  • 2012 The Fittest Experience, Austin, TX (Individual: Top 10)

  • 2012 The London Throwdown, UK (Individual: 6th place)

 

MARY DE’SCACCHI - ASSISTANT GYM MANAGER & INDOOR COACH

Coach Mary’s passion since she began coaching in 2010 is to help her clients technically move well when lifting weights, get stronger and stay active. Her passion in the gym is anything with a barbell, including Olympic lifting. Daily you will find her throwing weights around, playing tennis, hanging with her 4 legged besties, or planning her next trip.

 
 

RICHIE GRIFFIN - INDOOR & OUTDOOR COACH

In 2010 Coach Richie left his job in marketing to further pursue a career in the fitness industry. He started his coaching journey running bootcamps and personal training and eventually found himself in a CrossFit gym. In 2021 he joined the Chalk team and has been here ever since. Being able to help people become better is what motivates him to do what he does and he loves it!!

 

HANNAH BAROSH - INDOOR & OUTDOOR COACH

Coach Hannah has always been passionate about fitness, as she has been an athlete as long as she can remember. She played 5 years of indoor and beach volleyball in college before wrapping up in 2022. She began her career by working in physical therapy for a few years before finding her passion in coaching. Outside the gym, Hannah enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, reading, or hanging out with her boyfriend and little pug Tito.

 

SHAYNE CEREBE - INDOOR, OUTDOOR & NUTRITION COACH

Coach Shayne has been teaching and training in Austin since 2020 and started at CHALK in December 23'. Shayne specializes in strength training, nutrition coaching, yoga & Pilates. She leads various fitness events in Austin and loves doing handstands and playing volleyball in her free time. 

 

alisia shannon - outdoor & accountability coach