Meet The chalk TEAM

 

Crystal Heinatz - OWNER & HEAD COACH

Crystal 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)

 
 

RICHIE GRIFFIN - COACH

In 2010, Coach Richie left his career in marketing to pursue his passion for the fitness industry. He began his coaching journey leading bootcamps and personal training, which eventually led him to a CrossFit gym—where he found his stride as a coach. In 2021, Richie joined the Chalk team and has been an integral part of the community ever since. Helping people become stronger, healthier, and more confident is what drives him every day, and it’s a role he truly loves.

 

alisia shannon - coach

Coach Alisia began her journey at Chalk as a member, where she discovered a passion not only for training but for helping others feel stronger, more confident, and capable in their bodies. Through her own transformation and commitment to learning, she naturally grew into a coaching role—turning firsthand experience into empathy, encouragement, and effective guidance for others on the same path.

Alisia is deeply passionate about supporting people wherever they are in their fitness journey and believes in meeting individuals with understanding, patience, and positivity. She’s excited about her future as a personal trainer and coach, and is committed to continuing her education while making a meaningful impact within the Chalk community.

stone talamantes - assistant coach and frc mobility specialist

Coach Stone found Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) and mobility work through his own journey with injury recovery after years of skateboarding. Experiencing injuries firsthand sparked a deep interest in understanding how the body heals and moves, and how to help both himself and others get out of pain and move better. He is an FRC® Specialist and Kinstretch® Certified instructor, and he’s passionate about teaching people how to take ownership of their mobility and joint health.

In addition to mobility, Coach Stone has a strong love for strength training—not only to stay resilient enough to jump high and absorb impact, but also for the confidence and mental benefits that come with getting stronger. He also genuinely enjoys public speaking and education, making mobility classes a perfect blend of his expertise, experience, and passion for helping others move and feel their best.