Meet Your Tuff Girl Coaches

(SHE/HER)
MS, SFGII, SFB, SFL

FOUNDER, OWNER, COACH SINCE 2009

Christa Doran, the visionary behind Tuff Girl Fitness, has transformed her deep-seated passion for fitness into a sanctuary for empowerment and community. Since her start in 2002, Christa has been reshaping the fitness landscape, driven by a desire to offer a space where strength is celebrated in every form. At Tuff Girl, the harsh mantras of the fitness world are replaced with encouragement to show up as you are, fostering an environment where every visit is about gaining strength, confidence, and power.

Christa’s journey through personal tragedy with the loss of her daughter, Lea, deeply informs her approach to training and life. Her resilience has turned personal grief into a powerful message of enduring strength, teaching that true bravery is showing up despite fear, and that power comes from embracing pain and living authentically. Read more here.

(HE/HIM)

FOUNDER, OWNER, COACH SINCE 2011

Mike Doran (known not only as Christa's husband) stands out as a formidable coach with a unique blend of discipline, motivation, and humor. Inspired early on by the capabilities of the human body, Mike combines his love for science and strength training with a flair reminiscent of his favorite 80's rock icons and comedic legends. This eclectic mix makes every training session with Mike not only rigorous but also hugely entertaining.

At Tuff Girl, Mike's coaching style is as much about lifting weights as it is about lifting spirits. He believes strongly that fitness is not about being less but becoming more—more capable, more resilient, and more joyful. His philosophy is that strength training enriches life, empowering individuals to tackle daily challenges with vigor and confidence. Read more here.

(SHE/HER)
MS, CSCS

COACH SINCE 2016

Hillary Maxson combines deep scientific knowledge with a lifelong passion for fitness to empower every member at Tuff Girl. With a Master's in Exercise Science and Nutrition, Hillary's expertise goes beyond the classroom into real-world applications, particularly in strength training for runners—a passion born from her days as a Division I Cross Country athlete at Fairfield University.

Hillary's coaching style is characterized by a blend of positivity and determined grit. She excels in pushing athletes to new limits, always with a supportive smile, especially those new to strength training or who have had past negative experiences in gym environments. She finds profound joy in turning apprehension into achievement, helping members realize their potential through strength that transcends physical bounds. Read more here.

(SHE/HER)
ACSM-CPT, CROSSFIT L1, PRECISION NUTRITION CERTIFIED, GGS PRE & POSTNATAL

COACH SINCE 2021

Lindsay Washbond's journey into fitness coaching is a testament to transformation through strength training. Her path began not from a place of natural athleticism but from a personal challenge that reshaped her life. Lindsay's initial foray into weight training unlocked a sense of power and capability that profoundly altered her self-perception and life direction.

At Tuff Girl, Lindsay brings her extensive expertise in biology, exercise science, and nutrition, coupled with her personal experience, to empower members who might not feel they "look the part" of an athlete. She is particularly passionate about supporting new members, ensuring their first experiences are positive and transformative. Read more here.

(SHE/HER)
NASM CPT

COACH SINCE 2024

Sydney Moody brings a deep-seated passion for showcasing the strength of the human spirit through fitness. Inspired by the capabilities of the body under pressure, Sydney is dedicated to empowering others to realize their strength and surpass their health and fitness goals. Her coaching style is patient, encouraging, and motivating, always attuned to the needs and limits of those she trains.

Read more here.

(SHE/HER)
ERYT500, RYPT

COACH SINCE 2023

Verred Hamenahem brings a deep commitment to mindfulness and physical wellness to Tuff Girl Fitness, combining over a decade of yoga and meditation teaching with her love for dynamic strength training. Her journey as a fitness coach was inspired by the unique, supportive atmosphere at Tuff Girl, where she has been a member and a beacon of holistic health.

Verred's coaching style is deeply influenced by her background in yoga, emphasizing body awareness, breath control, and proper technique. She excels in guiding members to transcend their perceived limits, fostering both physical strength and mental resilience. Her philosophy centers around the integration of strength with softness, ensuring that every workout nourishes the body and calms the mind. Read more here.

(SHE/HER)
COACH SINCE 2025
NSCA-CPT, PILATESFIT CERTIFIED

AJ discovered her passion for fitness in middle school through exercise and strength training, inspired by the exceptional coaches who guided her early on. Combining her love of teaching and coaching, AJ now thrives on helping others push their limits and achieve their personal goals.

Her supportive yet challenging coaching style meets each person exactly where they are, encouraging them to stretch slightly beyond their comfort zones. AJ believes in making workouts enjoyable, emphasizing that while effort and commitment are important, having fun is key to sustainable progress.

AJ loves the diverse and motivating environment at Tuff Girl Fitness, where everyone—from fitness novices to seasoned athletes—cheers each other on. One of her proudest coaching moments involved guiding a client from post-injury fears back to confidently enjoying regular workouts and daily activities.

Outside the gym, AJ spends her time studying and pursuing music, playing both drums and guitar. Her best advice for anyone starting their fitness journey: keep it fun, build connections, and embrace the initial discomfort, knowing it's temporary and part of the rewarding journey ahead.

(SHE/HER)
COACH SINCE 2025

Nicole brings more than 12 years of experience as an NCAA athlete, coach, personal trainer, and small-group fitness instructor. Growing up in an athletic family shaped her passion for fitness, but her true motivation comes from helping others reach their goals, build confidence, and overcome challenges. As a licensed clinical mental health therapist, Nicole deeply values the connection between physical fitness and mental wellness.

Her coaching style is realistic, adaptable, and empathetic. Nicole focuses on tailoring programs to each individual's lifestyle and goals, always providing energetic support and celebrating every success along the way.

Nicole loves the supportive and inclusive community at Tuff Girl Fitness, especially its science-driven approach designed for sustainable strength and longevity. Her fitness philosophy emphasizes joyful, consistent movement that enhances life rather than controls it, building resilience and overall wellness.

Outside the gym, Nicole works at the University of New Haven as a women’s lacrosse coach and mental health and wellness coordinator. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs, Presley and Beux, running, reading, and connecting with family and friends. Nicole's best advice: show up, trust yourself, and discover what you’re truly capable of.