Coaches
Ashley Cullen

I’m Ashley Cullen proud owner of Big Gratitude CrossFit and co-founder of Big Gratitude, our registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Fitness and health have always been integral to my life, inspired by my mother, a bodybuilder, who immersed me in sports and activities from a young age.
I began my professional fitness career in 2007 as a personal trainer and nutrition consultant. My journey with CrossFit started in 2008 with famous girl workout “Cindy”, and I was hooked. By 2009, I had joined my first CrossFit gym. I coached CrossFit passionately in 2015-2016 . I had a brief hiatus for the birth of my two youngest children. Despite this break, my dedication to CrossFit never wavered.
I hold several certifications, including CrossFit L1, Burgener Weightlifting, and TGC Gymnastics. I am constantly in the process of educating myself and never stop learning, and I can’t wait to continue on that track.
Married to a retired Marine Corps veteran, I am a mother of six wonderful children. My husband and I have always dreamed of giving back to our community, a vision that led to the founding of Big Gratitude CrossFit and our nonprofit. Our mission is to assist economically disadvantaged children , while also supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life by providing them with essential skills for the workforce. What sets our gym apart is our commitment to reinvesting 100% of our profits into our nonprofit initiatives.
We are a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. We want people who have never stepped foot into a CrossFit gym and might feel scared to know this is a place for them. Whether you’re new to fitness or an elite athlete training to compete at a high level, we welcome you with open arms.
This venture is a dream come true, and I am thrilled to share it with you all. Come be part of our journey, where fitness meets purpose.
Hannah Constable

I’m Hannah Constable, Head Coach and Operations Manager at Big Gratitude CrossFit.
I found CrossFit in 2013 after I graduated college. As someone who grew up always playing team sports, I was intrigued by the community aspect and competitive atmosphere that CrossFit had to offer. The sport changed my philosophy of health and fitness completely, and for the better. It didn’t take long for me to see the myriad of benefits it had on my physical and mental health. I was especially inspired by the women in CrossFit who I saw celebrating their strength and all that their bodies were capable of doing. I knew right away that I wanted to be part of this movement for our next generation of female athletes!
I began coaching in 2015 and have been in the gym ever since. It is my passion to help others recognize their potential, identify their goals, and tackle those goals together as a team.
I am elated to be part of the Big Gratitude team, and for the opportunity to give back to our community.
Mia Brady

Hi, I’m Mia Brady, one of the coaches here at Big Gratitude CrossFit. Growing up, I was always involved in sports and loved staying active. Eventually, I had to choose between pursuing sports or my career, and I chose my career in musical theater, which took me to NYC.
Living in New York was an incredible experience and I learned a lot, but it also led me down a path of partying and alcohol, leaving me feeling lost. In 2016, I discovered CrossFit, and it changed my life. From that moment on, my goal was to become the best version of myself, and CrossFit enabled me to do just that. I am now five years sober.
The coaches who guided me at the beginning of my CrossFit journey inspired me to strive for greatness, and it has been my mission to help others in the same way they helped me. Serving the CrossFit community for almost a decade has been an honor, allowing me to witness countless life-changing transformations.
I hold several certifications, including CFL1, USAW1, Kinstretch Certification, and NASM, which equip me with the knowledge and skills to help you reach your fitness goals.
I am committed to supporting our members and contributing to the Big Gratitude nonprofit and Big Gratitude CrossFit gym. Together, we are here to change lives, and I am excited to be part of your journey.
Michael Higgs

I’m Michael Higgs, one of the coaches here at Big Gratitude CrossFit.
I was introduced to CrossFit in 2020. I had friends who always talked about this sport and the amazing community that came with it and after a few classes, I was hooked. I had always played sports and CrossFit was the closest thing I could find to that competitive atmosphere and have the camaraderie you find with a team.
CrossFit challenges you every single day and it pushes you to be the best version of yourself. It was in 2022 when I truly understood the impact CrossFit can have on a persons life. I moved to Richmond in 2022 and through joining a box I was able to find my community and make a new city my home. I met amazing people like Ashley, Mia and Hannah which has led me to this amazing opportunity to be a coach at Big Gratitude.
I hope to help future Big Gratitude members not only feel at home but become the best version of themselves. CrossFit is a challenge everyday but I can tell you first hand that the benefits make it worth it.
Nate Chua

I’m Nate Chua, one of the coaches here at Big Gratitude CrossFit. Fitness was instilled in me from a young age; striving to win those Presidential Fitness tests in middle school. Although I was below average at the time, I was hooked and exercise has been part of my identity for the last 20+ years.
I found CrossFit in 2015 after watching the CrossFit Games on ESPN 2. The CrossFit methodology taught me how to be more in tune with my body; focusing less on the look and more on performance. The community aspect that is built into the fabric of Crossfit is what separates it from all the other gyms I’ve tried. On top of all that, I met my now wife at my first Crossfit gym almost a decade ago. CrossFit shaped my fitness and the course of my life forever.
Today, I have two beautiful kids and my passion for fitness has grown to include mental wellness. I believe that parents are among the folks that need Crossfit the most. I’m here to represent for the overstimulated and forever exhausted moms and dads out there giving it their best every single day.
Movement is a blessing and I can’t wait to share my passion for health and wellness with you all!
Makenzy Vazquez Ederra

I’m Makenzy Vazquez Ederra, one of the new coaches at Big Gratitude CrossFit! I’ve been a long time fitness enthusiast involved in competitions, coaching and other sports.
CrossFit has been a big part of my life for the past decade. I started training in CrossFit during my early college years and really enjoyed the community aspect of the sport. Having a community of like minded athletes around me drove me to become more passionate about coaching and competing on a higher level. Four years ago I obtained my L1 CrossFit certification which provided me the chance to enjoy the coaching aspect of fitness. I’ve since amassed over 2,500 hours in the coaching space, helping people of all ages achieve their fitness goals.
Watching my clients develop in the gyms I’ve coached in, and to see them become happy with how they’ve pursued their fitness goals, has driven me even more to pursue coaching. That’s why I couldn’t be more ecstatic to join the team at Big Gratitude CrossFit! More importantly, I’m excited to watch your development directly impact your life through our community.
Patrick Dane

I’m Patrick Dane, I am one of dedicated CrossFit coaches at Big Gratitude CrossFit. I have a lifelong passion for fitness and helping others achieve their goals. As a military child, I grew up with a diverse and disciplined upbringing that instilled in me a strong sense of dedication and resilience.
Having spent my formative years in a CrossFit gym, I developed a deep understanding and love for the sport from an early age. My journey in fitness also includes my time as an instructor at Spartan Core group, where I honed my skills and broadened my expertise in functional fitness and high-intensity training.
This unique background has equipped me with the skills and insights necessary to excel as a coach. I emphasize the importance of proper coaching cues and individualized training plans. My true goal in CrossFit is to empower individuals to surpass their fitness aspirations. I’m committed to providing the guidance and support needed to help each person reach their full potential, fostering a community of success and well-being.
Kelly Foti

I’m Kelly Foti, one of the dedicated coaches at Big Gratitude CrossFit! I started CrossFit in 2014 at my first duty station with the Air Force. Through 8 moves with the military, I was able to meet many like minded individuals who turned into family because of the CrossFit community!
I have always been involved in team sports, growing up in a big family. The competitive spirit was instilled in me by my family and CrossFit challenges me daily to reach a higher potential. I started coaching CrossFit in 2016 and found joy in helping others reach their full potential while getting healthy!
I’m am grateful to be part of this incredible gym and non-profit that helps veterans like myself! Big Gratitude is a special place and I am excited to welcome you into our community!