Meet the Iron Hero CrossFit Team

Encounter the fitness professionals dedicated to assisting you in reaching your goals.
woman doing leg extentions with dumbbells

Our Story

Movement has always been a big part of Chris’ life. After instructing TaeKwonDo for over a decade, he moved onto Personal Training upon graduating from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2008 with a degree in Exercise Science. Since founding Iron Hero in 2015, he has focused on fostering a healthy, happy, and hard working group of like-minded people.

“You are only as resilient as your support system allows you to be, after all. Every person has the ability, and the right, to improve themselves physically and emotionally and we are here to act as a guide. We have an amazing group of qualified coaches, and amazing humans, who use a variety of approaches to connect and support their clients. Our goal is to help you achieve yours, step by step!”

Chris Suiter

Founder

Bachelor's in Exercise Science
Functional Movement Specialist Level 2
USAW Level 2 Sports Performance Coach & Club Coach
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
CrossFit Gymnastics
NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist
TaeKwonDo Instructor
Formerly HKC Certified (Hardstyle Kettlebell)
“My first CrossFit workout [in 2012] found me wondering, “what the heck just happened? At that point, I knew what path I wanted to follow as it was the most engaging training modality I had ever stumbled across. It also happened to be the most complete, functional, and inclusive way of training as anyone… absolutely anyone… can do CrossFit. And as there are fewer things more exciting and fulfilling than witnessing one of our clients achieve something they’ve never done before. It is even more exciting [for me] when they realize it was due to their own effort and consistency. I am just along for the ride. Growth is important in all aspects of life and that is what I’m here to help you achieve!”

Andrea Lange

Coach

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
Precision Nutrition Master Health Coach
Burgener Strength Weightlifting Level 2
NASM-CPT
Two Brain Coaching First Degree
NASM - Sport Nutrition Specialist
“I started CrossFit in 2009 after a friend of mine relentlessly asked me to come with her. I finally gave in, little did I know that one decision would change the track of my life. I was in the US Air Force for 20 years. My workouts consisted of running and bodyweight movements to keep me ready for my fitness test every year. As I progressed through my CrossFit journey I realized that there was so much more to fitness than just what I was doing on my own. I used what I learned in CrossFit to help me help others that were struggling with their fitness. Years later, it was time for me to retire from the USAF. That was when I decided I wanted to train people for a living and I started at Iron Hero in 2018. This is my dream job and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Emily Fie

Coach

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
“I was introduced to CrossFit in 2015 as a freshman in college. Prior to that I ran track and cross country, with a very limited amount of lifting to supplement both. CrossFit provided so many different areas of fitness to improve on, and it’s what kept me coming back. I was previously a track and cross country coach where the highlight was working alongside young athletes to build their base of fitness. I loved being a coach and wanted to pair that with my admiration for CrossFit. I want to help everyone find a way to make fitness part of their daily life, and for members to look forward to class every day.”

Katie Thomas

Coach

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

“As a former college soccer player and powerlifter searching for a fitness path, I stumbled upon CrossFit in January 2023. This sport, once just a childhood curiosity, has transformed my life remarkably in just a year. Not only has it quickly improved my physical health, but the most significant impact was on my mental well-being. CrossFit became my journey to holistic wellness. Becoming a CrossFit coach was my way of sharing the transformative impact this sport had on me. I’m driven to witness others thrive, stay committed, and forge connections while guiding them toward a happier, healthier life.”

Liz Chvatal

Coach

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
“I’ve been in the CrossFit world for 10 years now. In that time, I’ve been in many CrossFit competitions and everyday classes. I love the adrenaline of a competition but I love the community of classes. As a coach, I love seeing the connections people make with others and with themselves. Seeing the growth in confidence, physical, and mental strength is amazing. I can honestly say that going from everyday gym goer to being a coach was one of my favorite CrossFit decisions I’ve ever made.”

Taylor Jackson

Coach

In November 2020, I joined my first CrossFit gym in Iowa City. There, I built strength, found community, and achieved incredible goals with the support of my coaches. I was invited to join the coaching team in March 2022 and received my CF-L1 and CF Scaling certifications in July 2022. As a coach, I am motivated by connecting with athletes, learning about their goals, and ensuring they have an encouraging fitness environment, whether they are training for sport or life. For training, I most enjoy lifting and received my USAW-1 Coach certification in September 2023.

Stephanie Davis

Client Success Manager

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