Amy Farmer
Head Coach & Owner, CF-L3, CCFT
Amy isn’t just the founder of CrossFit Underdog Union—she’s living proof that it’s never too late to transform your life through fitness and nutrition.
Starting her own journey at 34, after having two children, Amy understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs of embarking on a fitness journey later in life.
Amy brings a wealth of expertise to every session:
- Certified CrossFit Trainer, CCFT
- Certified Nutrition Coach
- Adaptive and Inclusive Trainer
- Burgener Weightlifting Certified
- Certified Personal Trainer (ACE)
At CrossFit Underdog Union, Amy’s approach is simple: work hard, but have fun doing it. She believes that a great workout doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a meticulous focus on proper form and a commitment to safety, Amy creates a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
When she’s not empowering others at CrossFit Underdog Union, Amy embraces an active lifestyle that extends far beyond the gym walls:
- Proud mother of two boys, Jack and Brady
- Dog mom to Malcolm and Ruby
- Enthusiast of running, hiking with her family and dogs and most recent activity, pickleball!
- Likes to move her mental muscle with board games (Chess in particular)
- Always up for any activity that gets her moving!
Amy’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of fitness at any age. She’s passionate about helping others discover their strength, regardless of where they’re starting from. At CrossFit Underdog Union, you’re not just getting a workout—you’re joining a community led by someone who truly understands your path.
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Sarah McConnell
Coach, CF-L1
Coach Sarah McConnell embodies the transformative power of CrossFit. Her CrossFit journey began in 2014 at the age of 40, building upon a lifelong passion for sports and fitness.
After a decade of dedicated CrossFit training, Sarah found her home with us at CrossFit Underdog Union, quickly becoming an part of our community and a founding member of our gym.Sarah’s journey is a testament to the life-changing potential of consistent dedication to fitness. She attributes her strength, vitality, and ability to give back to others to her unwavering commitment to the sport of fitness. Sarah’s enthusiasm for CrossFit is contagious, and she considers it a privilege to share her passion with our members.
She has two sons, Owen and Emmett, and a loyal yellow Labrador retriever, Rocky. Balancing her roles as a mother, coach, and professional, Sarah also serves as a full-time law professor at Roger Williams University School of Law.
Sarah’s story proves that it’s never too late to start your fitness journey and that with dedication and the right community, you can achieve remarkable things. Join one of Sarah’s classes to experience her motivating energy and expert guidance firsthand!
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Melissa “Missy” Hoyt
Coach, CF-L1
Meet Coach Missy, who proves yet again, that it’s never too late to discover your passion! Having spent 25 years as a dedicated special education teacher, Missy found CrossFit at age 50 and recently earned her CrossFit Level 1 Trainer at age 55.
Her journey into fitness brings a unique perspective to coaching, emphasizing that strength and wellness are achievable at any stage.
As a mother of four, grandmother of seven, and devoted dog mom to two sweet and adorable Old English Bulldogs, Missy understands the challenges of balancing fitness with a full life. She’s passionate about helping others discover their own strength and potential, drawing from her extensive background in education to create supportive, encouraging environments for athletes of all levels.
When she’s not coaching, you’ll find Missy exploring the outdoors through walking and hiking, or enjoying her favorite kind of run—splashing through puddles in the rain! She treasures quiet mornings with a good book and loves traveling with her husband Keith of 33 years—with Aruba holding the top spot as their favorite destination.
Take one of Coach Missy classes and experience her patience, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm!
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Lori C
Certified Nutrition Coach
Like many of us, Lori has navigated her own ups and downs with nutrition and fitness over the years. As she hit her late 40s, she had a big realization: the way we treat our bodies — how we move, how we eat, how we care for ourselves — matters more than ever as we age. When January 2025 rolled around, she made the commitment to get serious and consistent with her approach.
The results speak for themselves – she’s down over 20+ pounds and 20″ inches all around! More importantly, she’s discovered the sustainable habits and mindset shifts that have transformed not just her body, but her entire relationship with food and wellness.
Now, as she steps into her role as a nutrition coach, Lori brings that real-world experience and genuine understanding of the challenges we all face. She knows what it’s like to struggle, to start over, and to find what actually works – because she’s lived it.
Oh, and don’t be surprised if you meet her adorable sidekick during your gym visits! Sophia, her 13-year-old Yorkie/Shih Tzu mix, occasionally makes guest appearances at the gym and despite her senior status, still has the boundless energy and curiosity of a puppy.
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