The Hill

Caring | Honest | Driven

These are the values we hold as a team.

Jay exemplifies “Caring, Honest & Driven” with authenticity and grace.
Jay started coaching at The Hill in May and he couldn’t be a better fit for our team. He opens the doors for our 6am crew and makes sure to have them ready to take on the day. Jay loves yoga, a good dance party and his rambunctious puppy. We are so lucky to have Jay coaching at The Hill!

Let’s get to know Coach Jay a little better…

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?  Olympic speed skater, but I probably should have learned how to skate to make that one happen.

Where did you grow up? Overland Park, KS

Favorite class or activity in high school? Broadcasting.

Voted in high school most likely to..? Most likely to change the world (high expectations, I know…).

Most interesting part time job? I worked as a camp counselor in northern Wisconsin one summer in college.

Got any hidden talents? I took a hip hop dance class in college, so I’ve got a few moves I can pull out if the right song comes on. And  I can rap all the words to Baby Got Back and HeadBands, and probably most other 2000’s hip hop.

What do you like about KC? BBQ, Boulevard, and the people that call it home!

Coaching: Your Job Title at The Hill. 6am Group Coach

How & when did you get connected to The Hill? When I moved back to KC after college in May of 2018 I knew I wanted to keep coaching and I instantly felt at home with the community at The Hill so here we are!

How long have you been coaching? Since May of 2017.

Why Coach? – what motivates you personally? CrossFit was the first thing that made me think I’m strong, and the physical and mental benefits of that realization have changed my life.

What do you love about your job? First and foremost, the people that I get to work for and with. Seeing people wake up early to work hard in the gym inspires me to be the best coach I can be for them that day. Also, I get to dance and listen to music during work, so that’s pretty awesome too.

What certifications do you hold and which are you most proud of? BS in Kinesiology, CF – L1 and RYT 200. Probably should say I’m proudest of the degree since it cost by far the most!

What continuing ed are you planning or currently doing? Currently completing my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at KU Med, and aiming to get my CrossFit Level-2 by the end of 2019.

How would you describe your coaching style? Laid-back, personal, and encouraging.

What’s something you wish everyone knew about health and fitness? I wish everyone knew that you don’t have to be the fastest or the strongest to fit in at the gym. No one is judging you because we’re all just trying to become the best versions of ourselves, and even just showing up proves that you’re already a badass.

What is something you are working on improving as an athlete personally? Focusing on weightlifting currently, and having a positive mindset going into every workout and lift.

Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family? I’m a new dog dad to a black lab, so if you have any tips on how to get him to stop chewing on everything please let me know.

 

 

Caring Honest Driven
These are the values that we hold as a team at The Hill.

This month we are getting to know Hollie Siegel!
Miss Hollie is a ray of sunshine and encouragement. She is always caring for others in any way she can. Adding her to the team was an easy decision. Front Desk and Maintenance Maven, she does it all. Plus, she got us all lifting pumpkins at our first Boo Bash!

 

Let’s get to know more about Miss Hollie…

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to work in a marketing department of a major movie studio.

Where did you grow up? Lenexa (KS)

Favorite class or activity in high school? Study Hall, hahaha! In all seriousness, I liked English because I enjoy writing.

Most known for growing up? Go my own way, be my own person — being an individual, better to be true to myself.

Most interesting part time job? I did an internship at a market research company and the owner (Gerry Cain) was a visionary, a genius, and a very good person. Great training for my future.

Share a movie or show you can quote… Movie: “Star Wars” (that’s an easy one!}; TV: “Seinfeld” and “Miami Vice”.

Got any hidden talents?  I am an expert party/event planner, master Lego video game player, voracious reader, and I can spend hours diving off a diving board and spending time in the deep end of a pool. And I know more about movie music/soundtracks than you can shake a stick at. Truth!

What do you like about KC? Really like the variety of people, parts of town and cultures. Love that it’s so easy to get around town, there’s lots to do, some special restaurants, and let’s be real . . . the barbecue!

Coaching: Your Job Title at The Hill? Head of Facilities & Special Projects Coordinator. Front Desk Smiles. 

How & when did you get connected to The Hill? My husband and I met Brian “Z.” in May 2015 and then I met with Coach Joshy in October 2015 for my first “no sweat” session. I joined The Hill the first week of November 2015.

CrossFit goals? Completed my internship at The Hill in December 2017 and plan to take the CrossFit Level 1 exam by April 2019. After that, I am so excited to eventually join the coaching staff.

Why Coach? – what motivates you personally? I love helping people, I really do. It can be explaining a movement, but I really like to connect personally — I want to know what makes people happy and excited, I want to know about them. I am motivated to help people love their time at The Hill (keeping them safe, making sure they have fun and support, and that it’s the best hour of their day). If I can make one person smile, I’ve accomplished something special.

What do you love about your job? Everything! Seriously and really! I’ve found my tribe and there are so many opportunities to engage with both the great people that work at The Hill and all the fantastic members. I also love, love, love that I am being given opportunities to take on new projects that play to my strengths (marketing, writing, etc.).

Education: Masters of Degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas.

What continuing ed are you planning or currently doing?  I am studying for the CrossFit Level 1 Exam, which I will take in the first quarter of 2019. Best possible outcome is that I am coaching by end of 2019. So exciting!

How would you describe your coaching style? Enthusiastic, driven, positive — I want the best out of each athlete and the best for each athlete. I have their best interests at heart.

What’s something you wish everyone knew about health and fitness? It’s all about nutrition — that’s the key to everything. You can exercise all day, but it’s the fuel that matters. You can go run a mile and then eat a snickers or two cookies and you’ve negated the good work you did. It’s all about nutritious intake now, tomorrow, next week, next year, next ten years, etc. Consistency is crucial.

What is something you are working on improving as an athlete personally? I’m working on a few things — I am not a good runner (I would rather walk, lol!), so everyday I run/walk a mile, and then walk a second mile to improve my cardio endurance. I want to be able to run an entire mile with no breaks in 6 months, hopefully sooner.

Also want to get back to being able to dead lift 200 pounds, which is doable, and surpass my current back squat PR of 190 pounds. In 2019, I will take on learning double-unders, rope climb progression, and improving my burpee technique to get faster (and breathe at the same time!).

What are you looking forward to? So many positive, happy things — becoming a stronger runner, bringing more intensity to the daily WODs, continuing to learn French (through Duolingo), going on vacation with my husband (John), and finding ways to add meaning and value to everything I do at The Hill.

Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family? From the moment I joined The Hill almost three years ago, I knew this is where I wanted to spend the rest of my career. I found my tribe of people, a family where I fit in and am accepted for who I am. And The Hill is the place where I can maximize my skill tool set and continuously learn. The people are the difference maker — so many great, amazing and wonderful people that are a joy to be around. I love what I do. I love my husband. I love The Hill. And I love life.

CARING | HONEST | DRIVEN
These are the core values we hold as a team. Part 9 of our “Getting to Know The Hill” series..

This month we are getting to know our owner Matt Scanlon.

“Leadership not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in our charge.”
– Simon Sinek

Scanny is always looking out for the best interest of his athletes and team. Eager to develop them into the best version of themselves, he creates space for people to learn and grow. A true entrepreneur, it would take all day to list everyone he’s currently collaborating with, and  everything he’s working on. Matt is always developing business tools at the 321GoProject to benefit other gym owners, but the thing that excites him the most, is developing the talents and skills of his staff team at The Hill.

We are all lucky to have such a leader.  Let’s get to know more about Matt…

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? An Architect.

Where did you grow up? Salina, KS.

Favorite class or activity in high school? Woodshop.

Most known in high school for..? Definitely being the class clown.

Most interesting part time job? Probably telemarketer when I was 15 or working as a horse guide in CO.

Most Quotable movie? “Tommy Boy” for sure.

Got any hidden talents? I initially went to college to play drums. I also play guitar.

What do you like about KC? KC definitely has an entrepreneurial energy amongst 30-somethings. I’ve really enjoyed watching the development of the city since we moved here 7+ years ago.

Coaching: Your Job Title at The Hill. Owner.

How & when did you get connected to The Hill? At its founding in 2011-2012.

How long have you been coaching? I think I started coaching my first 1-on-1 client 12 years ago.

Why Coach? – what motivates you personally? When I first started coaching, I was really motivated by helping people “get healthy.” Nowadays I’m increasingly more interested in the change that occurs in athletes’ minds; seeing them become better humans as they practice making positive choices, helping others, and developing delayed gratification.

What do you love about your job? 100% the people I get to work with everyday. Our staff are easily the best coaches in Kansas City (and arguably the country) but moreover they are some of the best humans I know.

What certifications do you hold and which are you most proud of? I have my CF L1, CF L2, and Movement and Mobility certificates.

What continuing ed are you planning or currently doing? I’m increasingly more interested in getting more education on what motivates people. 

How would you describe your coaching style? It really varies with the athlete. Anywhere from “super positive-everything is awesome” to being a real hard-ass. It really depends on how much trust we have built and the headspace they seem to be in that day.

What’s something you wish everyone knew about health and fitness? Health and fitness is the simplest thing in the world. It is also the most difficult thing in the world. Simple, not easy. Breathe hard, move weight, and stretch – several hours a week. Eat real food, lots of vegetables, and adequate protein – but not too much. There is no magic pill, no “30 pounds in 30 days”, no “secret workout routine” you’ve yet to discover. Just years of consistent work, that is best enjoyed with friends.

What is something you are working on improving as an athlete personally? Having fun. I’m really working on working out hard, competing with myself, and being grateful for movement. As I get older, I realize that some of my best Olympic lifts may be behind me – and that’s OK. I feel super thankful that my body works well, that I can carry big Costco boxes up the stairs to the condo. And that I wake up feeling great.

What are you looking forward to in 2018? I’m excited to create opportunities for our athletes to begin to give back; to invest in one another and their communities. I feel that, through fitness and nutrition, people are learning real self-care for the first time. The continuation of that self-care is building up others along the way. I see great opportunity for that in our community.

Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family? The members at The Hill are the best people I know. I’m so thankful and happy to be able to see them on a daily or weekly basis. I don’t know of any other situation – ESPECIALLY in a “gym” – where each member would confidently refer one another personally or professionally without hesitation, and we see that everyday. 

 

This month we are getting to know Dr. Heather Bourdon from UNBROKEN Chiropractic

It’s no secret that we are so lucky to have Dr. Heather at The Hill!

Heather doesn’t want to just crack, snap see you back. She finds the root of the issue, makes adjustments and gives you movements that help you actually heal. Not only does she take excellent care of her clients, (which include many members of our team and athletes) but when you are with Heather, you often find yourself smiling and laughing. In her calming and patient presence, you start to relax and feel that everything will be ok.  We believe this is the mark of a true Healer.

Let’s get to know more about Dr. Heather!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be? I wanted to be a Police Detective.

Where did you grow up? Duck Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Favorite class or activity in high school? Science and P.E.

Known in high school for? Being strong and beefy.

Most interesting part time job? During my summers in college, my sisters and I worked as “beer cart” girls at a local golf course!

Favorite Movie  to quote: A League of Their Own. And I can rap along to “Ice Ice Baby”

Got any hidden talents?  When I was in high school I was a podium finisher for the Western Canadian badminton championships. This was a serious sport growing up in Canada. The competition was serious; only 4 out of 500 girls made the team (3 out of 4 were my sisters and I). We played in special clubs and badminton gymnasiums with special lighting and fan placement to not affect the flight of the birdie (shuttlecock). When I came to the United States and saw ya’ll playing it outside on the lawn at backyard BBQs, my mind was blown! LOL. As an adult, I’ve realized by this question, that I need to find a hobby.

What do you like about KC? I love that it is like a small town in a big city. You have the luxuries of the city but I don’t feel like I am a small fish in a big bowl! I love KC!

How and when did you get connected to The Hill? Very early on, I started seeing a few patients from The Hill, and one by one I began seeing more patients as the months/years went on. I established relationships with each of the coaches as we worked toward the same goals with their clients who would come to see me. After time, we began working more together from a coaching perspective and I realized what kind, generous, and determined individuals I was working with at The Hill. It has been nothing but pure motivation, and inspiration being a part of The Hill. I am SO happy to be here!

How long have you been a Chiropractor? I have been practicing for 5+ years. I was a coach and personal trainer prior to my chiropractic education.

Why Practice? What motivates you personally? I am motivated by seeing the drastic and vast improvements with patients. Seeing how it affects their lives, their relationships and friendships, and how they see their own bodies. I love to educate people on how their body works, and how to help them help themselves.

What do you love about your job? Working with self motivating patients, seeing excited (painfree) expressions on faces after treatment, working in a gym and seeing patients workout between treatment sessions (to gather more information on their care), and education.

What certifications do you hold and which are you most proud of? “D.C. Chiropractic, B.S. Kinesiology, DACBSP (Certified Sports Physician), Associates in Religious Studies :), Rock Tape, Kinesiotape 1-3, FMT1, Several Nutrition Courses.
Of course I am very proud of all the certifications I receive. I think  education is an integral part of being a professional. However, the certification I am most proud of is actually a certificate I received by my educating body while in clinic. I received the “”Clinic Service Award”” which is an award given to an individual who provides great care to their patients, their patients like them as a provider, they show respect to other students, clinicians and the institution. I am most proud of this award because of what it states about my goals of being personal and professional in providing patients with great, quality care. That is my main goal.”

What continuing ed are you planning or currently doing? I plan to take the next steps to work on my Diplomate for my Chiropractic Sports Physician degree. Dry Needling/Acupuncture. I am also extremely interested in female hormone regulation.

How would you describe your coaching style? I practice with a mindset of being efficient, direct and understandable with a chill and easy going vibe behind the surface.

What’s something you wish everyone knew about health and fitness? You don’t have to live with chronic pain! We should live WELL into our older ages feeling vibrant and pain free!

What is something you are working on improving as an athlete personally? The seasons of my training are ever evolving. My practice has always taken precedence over my own training goals since I have started. My biggest goal in this season is to stay active most days of the week (if not all 7), by doing CrossFit, or other forms of weight training, cardio, swimming, biking, and walking (occasionally with a 20 or 40lb vest on) for overall health.

What are you looking forward to in 2018? Personal and Professional growth. I feel like moving to the Hill has given me new perspective on life. Professionally, it’s incredible to be surrounded by such self motivators. Its infectious! How can one NOT grow in this environment. Personally, learning what balance truly is in life, setting realistic goals for myself, not beating myself up about achieving every single goal but letting life happen and learning to adapt!

Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family? My experience here thus far, has been incredible. I enjoy coming to work everyday, and EVERYONE is friendly. There motivating people surrounding me which gives me this safety net to lean into if need be. As I get to know more and more of the members, I am intrigued by their stories. What makes them who they are, what they do for their job and hobbies and what motivates them. Which motivates me. I am just so happy to be a part of this gym and I am proud to call it home!

Follow @unbrokenchiropractic

CARING | HONEST | DRIVEN
These are the core values we hold as a team. We are so fortunate to have such highly skilled & passionate Coaches at The Hill.
Part 7 of our “Getting to Know The Hill” series..

Laura loves to connect with people. She is a lifelong learner and believes the best in people. She loves playing board games and having fun with friends easygoing and loves her two dogs.

Let’s get to know more about Laura…

Your Job Title at The Hill:  Director of Corporate Partnerships.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Bad A$$ Business Woman/Boss Lady.

Where did you grow up? Sweet Home Alabama.

Favorite class or activity in high school? Volleyball.

Voted in high school most likely to…? Or known for ? Most Athletic.. heck yeah!

Most interesting part time job? Lifeguard.

What’s a movie you can quote? I have probably watched the movie Bridesmaids a zillion times.

What do you like about KC? KC has everything you need from a City (culture, arts, food) without all the bad stuff like traffic or high cost of living.

How & when did you get connected to The Hill? I joined CFMH when I first moved to KC in 2012 and have remained connected ever since.

How long have you been working at The Hill? May 2018!

Why is developing Corporate Partnerships important to you personally? I want to change the way our society thinks about health and wellness in the workplace. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your customers and your business will take care of itself. It’s time to shift the paradigm!

What do you love about your job? Do you guys have all day? No seriously, if I had to pick one thing it would be the people of The Hill KC. It doesn’t get any better. 

What certifications do you hold and which are you most proud of? Certified Personal Trainer.

What continuing ed are you planning or currently doing? Currently working on my Behavior Change Coach certification through ACE.

How would you describe your coaching style? Trial and Error. lol

What’s something you wish everyone knew about health and fitness? “Small changes lead to lasting change. Don’t try to do too much at once. You could be setting yourself up for failure. Forget about everyone else. Are you doing better today than you did yesterday? That’s all that matters. “

What is something you are working on improving as an athlete personally? Listening to my body.

What are you looking forward to in 2018? Getting The Hill KC Corporate Wellness Program off the ground and running like a well oiled machine!    

 

CARING | HONEST | DRIVEN
These are the core values we hold as a team. We are so fortunate to have such highly skilled & passionate Coaches at The Hill.
Part 6 of our “Getting to Know the Coach” series..

Matt is patient thoughtful and has a 100$ smile. He’s a team player, super hardworking and very kind. Matt studies each movement and helps our athletes make those detailed improvements every day. We are so glad to have Matt coaching at The Hill!

Let’s get to know more about Coach Matt…

Where did you grow up? Blue Springs, MO

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Astronaut.

Favorite class or activity in high school? Science.

In high school I was most known for…? Being an identical twin with Nick.

Most interesting part time job? Construction high school summers with my friends’ family business.

TV show you can quote? The Office.

Got any hidden talents? I can salsa dance, and I am learning to play the guitar. 

What do you like about KC? It has a little bit of everything and you don’t have to worry about tsunamis. 🙂

How & when did you get connected to The Hill? In November of 2016, my mentor challenged me to look for an internship and The Hill was just launching the program. I know God had a hand in connecting me here. 

How long have you been coaching? 1 year.

Why Coach? – what motivates you personally? Getting to help others realize their potential. Sometimes God gives me the ability to see something in someone they don’t yet see, and there’s nothing better than being able to encourage them. I love helping people do things they didn’t think they could do.

What do you love about your job? I work with one of the best teams around. They constantly challenge me and help me grow. I love to compete, be challenged, and fitness. I get all of that here. 

What certifications do you hold? CF-L1 and planning to get my CF-L2.

What is something you are working on improving as an athlete personally? Rehabbing my right shoulder and Olympic weightlifting. 

What are you looking forward to in 2018? God has been doing a lot. It’s been a season of rebuilding and solidifying that foundation. 

How would you describe your coaching style? Relentlessly fun! 

What’s something you wish everyone knew about health and fitness?

Two things. First, it’s a lifestyle, not just a goal. Just like all areas of life, we tend to work from the outside-in. But when you focus on who you are, and then what you do, the results follow. 

Secondly, I believe there’s more to health and fitness than just the physical aspect, and that Jesus is the ultimate source of fitness. We’re more than physical beings. If you’re struggling mentally and emotionally, it will affect your body. Fitness applies to the whole person. Body, mind, soul. You can’t separate them.

Anything you’d like to share with the whole #fitfam? The Hill is an amazing place and I am grateful for each of you!