Our Ashlar Team
These are our hand picked, community grown coaches that will help you at CrossFit Ashlar. Our talented trainers have years of CrossFit experience, plus the knowledge, insight and compassion they need to help you reach your goals. They are dedicated to helping every member achieve their personal best in fitness, performance and improved overall quality of life. Meet the team that will take you there!
Tarra Hall
Hometown: Farm-kid from Wishart, SK (very small town between Wynyard and Yorkton)
1. Something interesting about yourself? I have played almost every sport possible and I was a competitive Figure Skater from age 3-24.
2. Favorite YXE Restaurant? Honestly...I just love going anywhere with good company.
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be? Ill get back to you on that!
4. Favorite WOD? Cindy, Murph, Barbara (those are 3 of my top 50 :)
5. Favourite CrossFit movement? Pull-ups..I will never forget the day I got my first one.
6. What is your go to work out song? Anything with a good beat pumps me up!
7. Favorite super hero and why? The Hulk...the more he is challenged...the stronger he becomes!
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes? I am definitely an extreme extrovert?..so along with coaching you..I'm probably asking how your day was! :)
9. Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time so far with Ashlar? I have many because I have been around for a very long time...taking pictures of members signing our accomplishment board fires me up! I also love hearing how peoples lives have changed over the years of being with us. Watching my Mom join the Ashlar Legends program and also watching all the babies grow up in Ashlar.
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit? My two daughters Addison & Taisley keep Glendon and I on our toes....they both do 2-3 sports each...and we love every minute of it.
Glendon Hall
Hometown: Farm-kid from Wishart, SK (very small town between Wynyard and Yorkton)
1. Something interesting about yourself? use to play the fiddle.
2. Favorite YXE Restaurant? Samurai
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be? My Grandpa Geda who recently passed
4. Favorite WOD? Holleyman, SHIP......any long grinder with heavy weights.
5. Favourite CrossFit movement? Cleans.
6. What is your go to work out song? Anything heavy metal to drown out my exploding heart :)
7. Favorite super hero and why? Superman
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes? Little humor, little attitude and overall a really good time.
9. Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time so far with Ashlar? Helping to grow such a great community! The people and the vibe everyone brings each day is amazing.
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit? My two daughters Addison & Taisley..My wife Tarra. I have a full time job at Nutrien and farming with my Dad and Brother.
Hannah Verity
Hometown:
1. Something interesting about yourself?
2. Favorite YXE Restaurant?
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be?
4. Favorite WOD?
5. Favourite CrossFit movement?
6. What is your go to work out song?
7. Favorite super hero and why?
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes?
9. Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time so far with Ashlar?
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit?
Tessa Briscoe
Hometown: Meadow Lake, SK (Treaty 6 Territory)
1. Something interesting about yourself?
I grew up on a cattle ranch. I spent a lot of my childhood chasing after my older brothers on dirtbikes, bottle feeding baby calves, and helping out during haying season once I was old enough to drive a tractor. I'll never forget accidentally running my dad's old Volvo (that didn't have any brakes at the time) into the trees after coming down a hill. Thankfully he just laughed and helped me back it out
2. Favorite YXE Restaurant?
Prairie Sun Brewery! I love the pet-friendly patio, and they keep my fav cider from Crossmount on tap.
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be?
Likely my Grandpa Briscoe. He was many things including a salesman, school bus driver, rancher, and small-town curling legend! He also published a book and was a writer for the Western Producer for many years. He always had so many stories and loved to entertain us.
4. Favorite WOD?
I look forward to Murph every year. I also like anything with heavy squat cleans or snatches!
5. Favourite CrossFit movement?
Oly lifts for sure! HSPU and strict pull ups are up there as well.
6. What is your "go to" work out song?
Mutt by blink-182
7. Favorite superhero and why?
Venom! He's not really a "superhero" but I like that he's kind of a bad guy who turns out to have a soft heart and decides he wouldn't want to hurt innocent people! He's also super strong, funny, and has some neat tricks
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes?
I like to keep things light-hearted and celebrate everyone who comes to class!
9. Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time so far with Ashlar?
Oh I just love the Ashlar community! I think what's most special is getting feedback from members. I've had a few folks tell me that they feel really great about themselves after they leave my classes, and I love that! I've been integrating a trauma informed lens to my coaching practice, and am really interested in taking courses in Trauma Informed Weight Lifting.
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit?
My two dogs, family/friends, and my job! I'm a Registered Social Worker
Lariene Blackburn
Hometown: Yorkton, SK
1. Something interesting about yourself?
During my years at the U of S, I ran track with the Huskies. I have a husband, 3 kids (ages 20, 17, and
15) a dog and a cat. I have a teaching degree and taught grades K-3 for about 10 years.
I quit teaching when my youngest kid was born, and I have been a stay-at-home mom
for 14 years.
2. Favorite YXE Restaurant?
Restaurant? I don’t eat out a lot, but a sure
thing restaurant for me is going to The Keg, Cactus Club, or Chop restaurant.
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be? I would love to
interview my Grandma who passed away 14 years ago.
4. Favorite WOD? I don’t have a favourite really, but I like any workout
that has gymnastics movements in it.
5. Favorite CrossFit movement? Bar muscle ups and
handstand push ups
6. What is your go to work out song? This is a tough one., I could workout without music actually. However, I like playlists where I know the
words and can sing along to in my head especially when I’m on the echo bike
7. Favorite super hero and why? I’m more into the
tragic/sympathetic hero character in books and movies. But I do love watching the
female superheroes kick everyone’s butt!
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes?classes? I hope that people would see a happy smiling
coach! I try to give lots of cues so members can leave class maybe learning 1 thing/cue
that helps them with a movement and/or just to power through a workout.
I also try to check in with everyone during the class at least once, but if I don’t, call me
over! Also, you might need to remind me to turn on the music or turn it up.
9. Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time so far with Ashlar?with Ashlar? Lots of them actually! Being welcomed so warmly into the gym
community, meeting and getting to know lots of new fit people personally and continuing
to develop friendships. I love coaching at the gym and am so thankful to be a part of
this crew of coaches. As for achievements, I would say that coming from a competitive
athletic background (and personality), being at Ashlar and the culture that Tarra,
Glendon and all the coaches have created allow me to give myself permission to listen
to my body more, be kinder to myself mentally, and focus on life long fitnessing and
wellness.
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit? Aside from doing the normal
domestic duties at home, and working out at the gym, I am my kids’ biggest fan. I love
going to watch them practice and compete in all their sporting activities. Track, football,
and basketball are huge at our house. I also help out around Aden Bowman by
managing the football team and coach track in the spring.
Jesse Dziad
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
1. Something interesting about yourself? I love learning and education as such I have spent many years in school. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, a Masters in Occupational Therapy and an Advanced Diploma in Gerontology.
2. Favorite YXE Restaurant? Odd Couple
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be? RuPaul because “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”
4. Favorite WOD? Filthy Fifty, I love long gritty workouts
5. Favorite CrossFit Movement? Double Unders
6. What is your go-to work out song? We Got Love – Sigala & Ella Henderson
7. Favorite Superhero and why?
My superheros are all of the healthcare workers who came to work every day during this pandemic. We would not be where we are today if it were not for them. Every single person played a critical role and I am proud to call many of those people friends and colleagues.
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes?
My classes are all about high energy and the music to match. The hardest part of working out is getting to the gym; once you’re there it’s my job to make sure you have some fun or at least motivate you to get through the workouts that we throw at you!
9. Special memories/achievements?
I've been doing CrossFit longer than I would like to admit and I have very fond memories of coaching bootcamps. Many of my bootcampers transitioned into the regular CrossFit Program and many of them are still working out at Ashlar. This is a testament to the amazing community and environment that we have at Ashlar.
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit?
As my Instagram will tell you I am a traveler, fitness enthusiast and coffee fanatic, as such I am someone who is always on the go. I am an occupational therapist by training. I have an amazing partner, Josh, and the cutest French bulldog, Victor, who are on this journey with me whether that is weekends at the lake, sipping wine on a patio, running down along the river or jet setting to a warm tropical destination.
Laurie Meschishnick
Hometown: Aberdeen, SK
1. Something interesting about yourself:I have never had a cup of coffee.
2. Favorite YXE Restaurant? Laurie fact - I rarely eat out so this is tough to answer.
I love Swan Pizza cauliflower crust.
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be?
Paul the Apostle
4. Favorite WOD? Fight Gone Bad
5. Favorite Crossfit movement? Pegboard even though I'm not that good at it. It's a very cool movement. I will NEVER forget falling from the top.
6. What is your go-to work out song? Anything by 2Cellos
7. Favorite superhero and why?
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes?
Care & attention with a good dose of bad jokes.
9. Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time so far with Ashlar? Coach Kristy continually putting away my handstand walking markers because she thought someone left it out and me wondering where in the heck is that maker as I'm walking for miles.
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit? Full time work, 3 wonderful adult children and one granddaughter. Working to get my black belt in Taekwondo. I cannot wait to try my new cross country skis this winter.
Shane Carriere
Hometown: Sweet ol’ PA (Prince Albert), SK
1. Something interesting about yourself? I’ve bungee jumped 3 times (1 of which was the 3rd worlds longest free fall), swung on the worlds highest swing, swam with sharks twice, skydived and ate street meat in Mexico.
2. Favorite YXE Restaurant? Lavva or Las Palapas
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be? Maybe Robin Williams or Dave Chappelle just to have a good laugh.
4. Favorite WOD? I’d have to say wods like Holleyman, Ship or wods that have ladders(not real ones).
5. Favorite CrossFit movement? The clean along with things like yolk carries, parrellette HSPU and Overhead squats.
6. What is your go to work out song? Stadium Pow wow or Beast
7. Favorite super hero and why? Other than Graham Blue, The Hulk because Hulk.
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes? I usually have 3 agendas in class, 1st is make the environment as comfortable as possible. 2nd is to help people move better, I find the better they move, the more they enjoy the experience. 3rd is to push people out of their comfort zones. I believe that you will build more confidence when you can prove to yourself that you are able to do something you weren’t sure you could, even if it is just getting one more burpee.
9. Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time so far with Ashlar? My wife and I used to bring our now 3-1/2 year old to the 6am class, back when we used to sit around the whiteboard “listening” to Coach Glendon go over the workout. Our son, Chance, was just learning how to walk but had not taken more then a step or two. He then decided to leave mom and walk a fair distance towards the middle of the circle before falling. Everyone cheered as this was the first time they all had seen him walk at all. This story comes to mind because it goes to show that Ashlar has created a place where the community is more like family.
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit? When not coaching, I’m busy alongside my wife(Tami) raising our 2 boys, Chance and Zeke.
Treana Tuchscherer
Hometown: Saskatoon, SK
1. Something interesting about yourself? I like being creative, building and making things….usually out of concrete. I have taken up pottery recently which I really enjoy.
2. Favorite YXE Restaurant? Its hard to pick a favorite since YXE has so many great places to eat. For something quick, Lebanese Kitchen. The spinach pies are great!
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be? My grandma, because she always had the answers and the best advice.
4. Favorite WOD? SHIP
5. Favorite CrossFit movement? Squat Clean
6. What is your go to work out song? Any music is fine, but I'm going to say Ride the Lightning -- Metallica really gets me going.
7. Favorite super hero and why?
I'm not really a superhero person-- but my mother is pretty much a superhero, she can do anything!!!
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes?
I enjoy interacting with the athletes. You can expect to work hard and have fun!
9. Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time so far with Ashlar?
Ashlar has been part of my life for so many years and I have so many great memories!
Aside from the health and fitness, I have met so many awesome people and developed great friendships. I'm very proud to be part of this community!
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit?
I enjoy hanging out with family and friends. Enjoying the great outdoors!!!
Braiden Dull
Hometown: Meadow Lake, SK
Something interesting: I played Trombone in band class!
YXE restaurant: The Odd Couple.
If you could talk to anyone alive or dead who would it be: The GOAT, Matt Fraser
Favourite WOD: Toughest question ever but, probably Murph. I love the hype leading up to the wod.
Favourite CrossFit movement: Any type of squat; back, front, over head. Love them all.
Go to workout song: Remedy by Seether always gets me going.
Favorite super hero and why: Thor. He's funny, handsome, and has cool powers.
What can someone expect: I hope that everyone has a good time and maybe learns a new trick.
Special memories or achievements: I've hit so many pr's because of the awesome coaches. The excitement and support during the open was one of my favorite memories.
What keeps me busy: Nursing school mostly. Tessa and the dogs also keep me on my toes.
Graham Blue
Hometown: Saskatoon, SK
1. Something interesting about yourself: I was a beekeeper in New Zealand and on a pacific island called Niue when I took a year off of University.
2. Favourite YXE Restaurant: LasPalapas is kind of the go to. It used to be Mr. Rizo's but since they closed we haven't found a suitable replacement yet.
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be? Ben Bergeron immediately comes to mind... however he posed an interesting thought recently on one of his own podcasts- imagine what you could learn from yourself 5 to 10 years from now? So it would be pretty cool I think to interview a 50 year old myself.
4. Favourite WOD: any grinder-type wod greater than 20 minutes. I love to challenge my mental capacity in this time domain.
5. Favourite Crossfit movement: I could list many, but heavy thrusters are fun.
6. What is your go to workout song? Any kind of heavy metal. The heavier the better!
7. Favourite super hero and why? Im not really a superhero guy but when I think of people I look up to it would be my wife and kids- they teach me SO much! They teach me to love life and enjoy the moment.
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes? I really enjoy refining movement. I do my best to connect with each athlete in every class to refine something in their movement and body awareness. It could be a really small tweak, but every little tweak helps!
9. Do you have any special memories/ achievements during your time so far with Ashlar? I've been around for a while, so there are many celebrations of other athlete's PRs, my PRs, but the best memories are from when we can get together as a broad community. Be it an Open workout, a gingerbread house competition or any other event where we get to hang out with members from the entire community.
What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit? My kids Ian and Emeryn (who many members in the evening know) with my wife Megan and our two dogs. Whether it's just hanging out with them at the park, going to the lake or the mountains to hike or just being outside as a family. Monday to Friday I keep busy as the Executive Director of Acute Care in the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Laurie Thomson
Hometown: Born in Edmonton but Saskatoon is home.
1. Something interesting about yourself? I can clap with one hand (haha)
2. Favourite YXE Restaurant? I am a bit of a homebody, but a place we order from when the family is tired and enjoys a bit of comfort food would be the fries from five guys.
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be?
4. Favourite WOD? Annie. It was one of the first work outs I can remember doing when I started. I have some great memories doing it with friends, having a blast.
5. Favourite CrossFit movement? Pull ups/ chest-to-bar
6. What is your go to work out song? Currently the Cyril remix of the sound of silence . Or just something with lyrics and a good beat haha.
7. Favorite super hero and why?
Spider-Man. Im not sure how useful the powers would be on the flat prairie but I feel like that “spidey sense” would be pretty cool, and he’s my daughters favourite.
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes? Enthusiastic high kicks and a few dance moves along the way.
9. Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time so far with Ashlar? During a class when I see someone hit their next goal or push a little harder and hit that next target. There’s something about seeing that and being a part of it that just lights you up as well.
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit? Two boisterous young kiddos that love to adventure, keep me busy during any downtime.
Kristi Jorgenson
Hometown: Saskatoon, Sk
1. Something interesting about yourself? I love hiking, biking, snowshoeing,etc. up mountains but coming down is not so fun. I’m usually riding my brakes hard to whole way or crawling down😳😂.
2. Favorite YXE Restaurant? It’s a toss up between Odd Couple and October.
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be? Gil Hedley - He is an anatomist, dedicated to exploring the inner space of human form. He has an awesome perspective of the human body.
4. Favorite WOD? AMRAPs coupled with an ascending ladder rep scheme.
5. Favorite movement? Power snatch
6. What is your go to work out song? Anything from the Beastie Boys!
7. Favorite super hero and why? Dominio from Deadpool 2 - Always lucky! 😁 In real life: My girls!😻
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes? I like to empower people to make the choices that best fits them in the moment while still honouring their fitness goals.
9. Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time so far with Ashlar? I have loved watching all of the expectant moms crush their workouts and then seeing them back in the gym with their newborn! I love seeing the members signing Ashlar’s achievement board!
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit? My family!
Tara Bryant
Hometown: Saskatoon, SK
1. Something interesting about yourself? I love to read. I sometimes read 2-3 books a week!
2. Favorite YXE Restaurant? Leyda’s! 100% gluten free!
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be? My grandma! I miss her so much!
4. Favorite WOD? Murph
5. Favorite CrossFit movement? Hang clean
6. What is your go to work out song? Sandstorm: gets me pumped up!
7. Favorite super hero and why? The Hulk. I love that he isn’t afraid to smash stuff 😂.
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes? I coach the Cubs class so lots of laughs and lots of stickers!
9. Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time so far with Ashlar? I feel like every workout is an achievement! My favourite memory is my first time doing Murph. I was so clueless :)
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit? Family time, reading, and being creative!
Julius Villanueva
Hometown: Saskatoon
1. Something interesting about yourself? I’ve travelled to 26 countries.
2. Favorite YXE Restaurant? KoLab kitchen
3. If you could interview anyone alive or dead for a podcast or talk show, who would it be? Brene Brown, one of my favorite authors and speakers. Her research on shame, vulnerability, and courage in today's world can help communities that suffer from mental health issues and/or individuals whom search for wholeheartedness compassion.
4. Favorite WOD? Amanda
5. Favorite CrossFit movement? Snatches and Muscle Ups
6. What is your go to work out song? Anything 90s-00s Hip-Hop
7. Favorite super hero and why? Spider-Man. He’s my earliest encounter with comic books. Down to earth and relatable.
8. What can someone expect when they come to one of your classes? The basics. Never underestimate 2.5# plates, resistance bands and tempo work.
9. Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time so far with Ashlar? Being humbled by seemingly simple movements, most recently the distanced front rack carries. Those are tough!!
10. What keeps you busy when you are not coaching CrossFit? You can find me with my 2 dogs exploring all the different trails around Saskatoon and area or on my bicycle.