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MEET

THE a2o Fit TEAM

WE ARE PROUD TO BE KNOWN AS
Dunkirk'S MOST DEDICATED COACHING STAFF.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS.
WHETHER YOU NEED HELP WITH FITNESS OR NUTRITION,
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

Aaron Blake

COACH

“Be stronger than your excuses.”

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Amanda Peretich

COACH

“It always seems impossible until it is done.”

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Andrea Melbourne

COACH

“Peace and love.”

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Drew Sekely

COACH

“You said tomorrow yesterday.”

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Jen Howell

COACH

“Wake up beauty, it’s time to beast.”

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Tereka Clark

COACH

“Push Yourself & Love Yourself

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Mel McCamley

COACH

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KARLI SUTHERLAND

Coach (vs. Intern)

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JUSTIN ELCANO

Coach (vs. Intern)

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Shannon Gavin

Kids Coach

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Liz Willhide

Intern

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WE ARE

sTRONGER TOGETHER

READ OUR AMAZING REVIEWS

5/5

“Everyday presents a challenge, and the community you share it with is amazing. The coaches know how to push you to improve each day. Highly recommended.”

LIZ W.

a2o Fit MEMBER

5/5

“All of the coaches are top notch and push me to do more than I EVER thought I would be capable of. A great place to be a part, It has truly changed my life.”

KARLI S.

a2o Fit MEMBER

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WE WANT YOU TO SUCCEED

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

1. SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST VISIT

Talk with A Coach About Your Goals and Learn How We Can Get You To Your Best Self.

2. START YOUR TRAINING

You have defined your goals and you are ready to begin your journey. We will start you strong by taking you through the fundamentals of training and sound habits putting you on the road to success!

3. HAVE FUN REACHING NEW LEVELS

Once you have the basics down you’ll book classes easily on our app, enjoy the workouts with awesome people and reach your goals in no time!

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a2o Fit

OUR CURRENT SCHEDULE

WE HAVE A WIDE VARIETY OF EXPERT LED GROUP CLASSES SO YOU CAN WORKOUT DURING THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY

WE HAVE A WIDE VARIETY OF EXPERT LED GROUP CLASSES SO YOU CAN WORKOUT DURING THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY

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a2o Fit

WHERE TO FIND US

TEXT US HERE
(443) 684-7907

CALL US HERE
(443) 964-4583

10406 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk, MD 20754 (BEHIND PetSmart & Mr. Tire)

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a2o Fit

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WE ARE PROUD TO BE VOTED
the Southern Maryland Reader Approved BEST GYM for 2020.

POWERED BY:

OUR PARTNERS:

Aaron Blake

COACH

Aaron was raised in Woodbridge, VA and graduated Longwood College with a degree in Business Administration. This is also where he met his wife, Megan. You might see her at the facility as well. They have an amazing son, Zachary, and a pretty good dog, Scout. Aaron found CrossFit in the fall of 2016. He had always lived an active lifestyle but had never found something that he was consistent with. CrossFit gave him the structure, intensity and community that had not been there in the past. He earned his CF-L1 in the summer of 2018. “CrossFit has been such a positive force in my life and I enjoy helping others to achieve similar success. I hope to continue my progress towards a healthier life and look forward to helping others do the same.”

What I try to do is make the time the athletes are there fun and engaging. It is their choice to come do something that many times is hard and uncomfortable. I hope I am giving them the energy and guidance they need to come back the next day.

I really enjoyed seeing how others were seeing “gains”. Confidence in body awareness, strength, endurance. I was seeing the same in myself and wanted to take it to the next level and see where that would take me.

Not sure I have one specific movement, but I tend to enjoy and like the challenge of the gymnastics movements.

It’s a tie between thrusters and any burpee that requires jumping on something.

I enjoy projects around the house. Remodeling, upgrading, yardwork, etc.

You are there for you. We keep track of times and weights so you can see your personal improvement not how you compare to others.

Knock Knock

Who’s there?

Art

Art who?

Art you going to ask me about by “Fran” time?

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AMANDA PERETICH

COACH

Amanda both owns and coaches at the facility. As a previous high school science teacher, she loves to travel and has spent many summers with some awesome teacher research experiences (working on a fisheries research vessel in the Bering Sea, touring around Germany when they won the 2014 World Cup in soccer, or exploring the west coast by hiking Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens after working at Pacific Northwest National Lab). Amanda moved to southern Maryland in 2012 and joined Calvert CrossFit when it opened in early 2013. She struggled to jump on a 6-inch box or complete push-ups on her knees when she first started, but found it oddly exhilarating to be laid out on her back day after day at the end of a WOD wondering what just happened. She completed her Level 1 certification because she wanted to start a CrossFit Kids program and found herself wanting to coach everyone from kids to teens to adults. After co-owning and running Calvert CrossFit North from 2016 to 2019, she opened a2o Fit: home of CrossFit Panthera in July 2019 to expand coach-led classes in northern Calvert County/southern Anne Arundel County. CrossFit changed her life and she wants to help others discover the same passion and love for a balanced, healthy lifestyle that may involve kicking butt.

I’d like to think that I motivate and encourage athletes to be their best self. But I also want to keep people safe and minimize injuries. If you’re hurt, you tend not to workout, and then we miss seeing your beautiful face! I’ve also been there – out of shape, couldn’t do XYZ when I started, had shoulder surgery, worked full time, etc. So when I say “I get it”, I usually mean it.

I originally wanted to start a CrossFit Kids program and wound up teaching adult, teen, tween, and kids classes. Everything happens for a reason!

I love overhead squats and deadlifts. I also love snatches because they are so technique-driven. “Annie” (50-40-30-20-10 double unders & sit-ups), “Grace” (30 clean & jerks), and “Karen” (150 wall balls) are my top three favorite workouts.

Anything with pull-ups, toes to bar, or handstand push-ups. Oh, and front squats. They’re terrible. One day I hope to be able to complete my namesake workout, “Amanda”, as written because it has ring muscle ups.

I like to be outdoors or traveling when I’m not at the facility. Sometimes I run races. Sometimes I stay at home with my cats.

Just get started. You don’t need to “get in shape” to join us. It will suck at first, but as time goes on, you’ll learn to love the things you hate.

I’m pretty obsessed with organization when it comes to everything at the facility having a “place” to be, but my house is an absolute disaster 99% of the time (much to my husband’s dismay).

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Andrea Melbourne

COACH

Andrea has been in the fitness industry over 35 years. Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, GroupX Instructor, Pro-Trainer, SUP COACH, and Business owner. Andrea discovered CrossFit in September 2016 and attends CrossFit classes for her own workouts. Andrea has worked with all ages, from kids to seniors. She leads an early morning outdoor fitness Beach Bootcamp year round in North Beach. Additionally, she owns and operates a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) business in Deale, Maryland.

Connecting with people – discovering their goals and helping to overcome obstacles.

It was a natural progression from personal training and leading group fitness classes to coaching.

Deadlifts & workouts with man-makers.

Overhead squats.

Sailing (I race every Wednesday night during the summer), paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, camping!

The hardest part is getting to the facility. All of the workouts can be scaled to meet you where you are today!

My life is full of extremes: I meditate, practice peace & love, yoga & drink green tea; but I enjoy extreme sports, challenging workouts, and competition (with myself). I also love a good dark beer!

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Drew Sekely

COACH

Drew has been doing CrossFit since about 2014. He grew up in Woodbridge, VA and recently moved to SoMD to be closer to his fiance. Drew loves to play hockey and ride motorcycles.

Years of experience with CrossFit movements.

Wanting to help others become the best athlete they can be.

Clean & Jerk

Running!

Play ice hockey

Stick with it! Don’t give up. Everyday is going to get better.

“Life is not about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving.”

– Rocky Balboa

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Jen Howell

COACH

Jen Howell grew up in Calvert County. She graduated from Northern High School and decided to continue to make this her home. After high school, she continued her education by receiving her Associates from The College of Southern Maryland in Biotechnology, a Bachelors from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) in Environmental Management with a minor in Biology, and then a Masters from UMUC in Secondary Education. Jen is currently a science teacher for Calvert County Public Schools. Her love for teaching, as well as learning new things for herself, continued in deciding to earn her CrossFit Level 1 certification. She shares her love of fitness with the rest of her family, including her husband (coach Brian Howell) and her three children. She started CrossFit in January of 2017 when her husband talked her into joining right before the CrossFit Open and then was eager to join in on the fun. For her, spending an hour at the gym is not just time to strengthen your body, but also your mind. “Allowing time to decompress and enjoy time with your community allows for you to step away for your stresses for at least an hour a day.”

I love to learn new things myself so being open to learning something new or extending my knowledge as well as wanting to share that with others can be very beneficial.

I love to help people learn new things and get better at things. Coaching is a great way to do both of those.

Clean or deadlift.

Snatch.

Spend time with my family and be outdoors.

When they say it is for anyone, they are telling you the truth. All ages and all backgrounds can benefit from CrossFit or exercise in general.

I can juggle.

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Tereka Clark

COACH

Tereka Clark is from Florida. She is currently working as a respiratory therapist in hospitals. Before joining CrossFit, she was doing these cardio kickboxing classes and saw a video of this guy she knew at a CrossFit gym doing pull-ups and lifting weights and was like “Hey! I want to do that." So she joined a CrossFit gym in 2013 in Florida, took a travel assignment to Washington, D.C. in 2014, and hasn't left since. She loves CrossFit so much that she decided during the COVID pandemic to become a coach at CrossFit Panthera and earned her CrossFit Level 1 in September 2020.

I like to have fun. I want people to enjoy working out and have a good time doing it.

I want to help people reach fitness goals and crush them!

DT

Anything with the assault bike

Go eat at restaurants with friends

Stick with it. It will get better, YOU will get better!

What do you call a dog with no legs?     

It doesn’t matter what you call him he ain’t coming :rolling_on_the_floor_laughing:

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Mel McCamley

COACH

Mel started CrossFit back in 2012 or 2013. She has three girls and a husband that all love fitness as much as she does. Mel is also one of our nutrition coaches and enjoys helping clients find what works best for them to reach their nutrition goals, which in turn will ultimately help support their fitness goals during workouts.

I try to find as many ways as possible to say the same thing. Most people won’t understand “triple extension” right when they start CrossFit but they might understand “make yourself an inch taller,” “squeeze your butt,” or “jump tall then get small.” Everyone learns a little differently.

I grew up a swimmer and fell into coaching and teaching swim lessons very young. I actually spent over 20 years coaching or teaching before I “retired” from the pool. I was asked almost 10 years ago if I would be interested in coaching CrossFit. It was a bit of an adjustment because I worked with kids for so long but now I get a little nervous teaching a kids class. 😉

Anything with handstands and overhead squats.

20 second Assault Bike sprints.

I love hiking and going to the beach with my 3 girls and my husband.

Don’t compare your beginning to where anyone else is. We have all been on the CrossFit journey for a different amount of time and everyone’s goals are different. We have all made mistakes and that is how we learn.

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” -Theodore Roosevelt

Fun fact: A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21 inch tongue!

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KARLI SUTHERLAND,

Coach (vs. Intern)

Karli joined CrossFit as a member in May 2017. Her very first workout after Foundations was Karen – 150 wall balls for time! She has worked hard over the years to dial in her nutrition and become healthy to chase around her four kids and care for her farm full of animals. She is also one of our most meticulous coaches when it comes to class preparation notes! Outside of the gym, she enjoys time with family and friends and works as a nurse in a medical office setting.

I have been there. As a coach, I get what it is like to come to class and worry about “will I be able to do this based on my current fitness level?” We all have to start somewhere and wherever we are at that moment is the perfect time.

My love for helping people. As a nurse for over 20 years, I gravitate to want to help people get better. Coaching allows me to help them be the best person they can by getting some fitness in.

Grace

Burpees

Outside of the facility I enjoy watching my 3 boys play sports or my daughter ride ponies. We live on a farm and we have chickens, goats, pigs, cats and our dog Maggie. Taking care of them keeps me busy.

Just do it. You will be glad you did, both mentally and physically. CrossFit is for everyone – there are scaling options for every movement.

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” -Babe Ruth

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JUSTIN ELCANO

Coach (vs. Intern)

Growing up in Dale City, VA and graduating from VCU with a degree in Sport Management, Justin is a lifetime “recreator.” After being a PE teacher for over a decade, he made the transition to the world of parks and recreation. He has always loved working out in the weight room and playing sports, and CrossFit has combined those two hobbies for him in many ways. He’s been doing CrossFit since 2018 and coaching here at the facility since 2021.

I love to watch someone get a PR!

I wanted to help spread the CrossFit love as the other coaches at the facility did for me.

Clean & Jerk

Burpees

Coach youth sports

Stick with it and you’ll become comfortable being uncomfortable.

Embrace the (daily) soreness!

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Shannon Gavin

Kids Coach

Shannon has a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland. She is an ER nurse by day and a kids personal chauffeur by night.

I love learning more about the mechanics of the movements to be able to coach kids of all ages (and maybe adults in the future). And make sure they have a good time doing it!

I want to get more kids involved in fitness and have them really enjoy it!

I like any type of cleans. My favorite workout is Murph.

Snatches and Overhead Squats.

Play softball, run, read, relax on the beach with a margarita, and watch my kids play lacrosse.

Listen to the coaches, learn, and listen to your body. It’s a process and everyone is on their own journey – don’t compare yourself to others.

“You can do anything for a minute!”

Fun fact: I am not a fan of mayonnaise!

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Liz

Intern

Liz moved to the DMV area in 2007 after graduate school to start her career in government. A former competitive dancer for 15 years, she found it difficult to find a consistent fitness program that challenged her and kept her committed. She met Coach Kayla and regularly took her group fitness classes and finally followed her over to CrossFit in 2018. “The gym is my happy hour” is a true statement. Coming to the gym for at least the hour each day has become the outlet for maintaining not only physical health, but mental health as well. Eventually, Liz’s fascination with the movements, constantly seeing progress, and curiosity around all things CrossFit led to getting her CrossFit Level 1 in August 2021. Liz lives in Owings with her husband, son, and cat. She is a fan of all Pittsburgh sports.

I love learning about the technique and logic behind all things (especially movement) – I look forward to sharing that with others.

One of my favorite things is to see people’s excitement when they accomplish something they have worked hard to attain. Coaching will allow me to help others reach fitness and personal goals and share in that excitement with them.

Clean & Jerk.

Wall Balls.

Finding new places to do trail walks with my family, learning about dinosaurs (or sharks, or reptiles) with my son, picking up fresh berries from the farm by our house. We also recently starting trying to fill the National Park passport book with stamps (we’re up to 5).

Just start. That’s the hardest part. It will eventually become familiar, a habit, a routine. You will have an amazing support crew behind you to help along the way. We all had to walk in for the first time at some point.

Fun fact – I lived in Las Vegas for high school and college. I did not live in a casino, but I did race at the drag strip.

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GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

Simply fill out the form below and then schedule your FREE No-Sweat Intro on the next page.
Shortly after that, we will be in touch with you to confirm your intro consultation. We are excited to meet you!

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Kayla Schell

COACH

Kayla is currently focusing her time and efforts at the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Training Academy, but plans to return to coaching in 2021. Kayla has been in the fitness industry for quite some time. She is a certified personal trainer and teaches various group fitness classes. Kayla discovered CrossFit while living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and takes an hour a day for herself at CrossFit Panthera. In high school, she danced, played softball, and did some weightlifting. She brings a wealth of knowledge to our facility along with a big smile, a hard work ethic, and great coaching.

My years of being in the fitness industry gives me more insight on the average person and why most people are here for fitness. Whether it be getting back into shape, or getting over a plateau, you’ve gotta see fitness from all angles.

I have been active all my life, so it’s been easy for me, so trying to help other people to change their lifestyles is so much more rewarding.

All the cleans

Anything in a snatch grip

Dance, bike, and paddle board

Go slow, you’ll be great at some things and terrible at others, keep pushing yourself to get better everyday.

I clean and I jerk and I have a nice snatch

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