about us
homegrown strength and conditioning
our Mission.
We take a lot of pride in our programming and athletes. You are not just another number at our gym. Your personal goals, safety, and happiness are our top priority. Alex, our co-owner and head programmer, takes into account each and every athlete when programming for the gym. With over 12 years of experience, Alex has built athletes from the casual gym go-er to quarter final qualifying and podium finishers! Alex, along with our coaches, want YOU to succeed, in whatever way that means to YOU.
Coaches
Alex Bookout
Owner, Head Coach & Head Programmer
Certifications:
- CF L-2
- Conjugate Powerlifting Certification
- CrossFit Gymnastics Certification
- L-1 USA Weightlifting
Alex grew up playing tons of sports as a child – baseball, football, basketball, you name it – he was always doing something! He has been coaching & competing in CrossFit for over a decade at the local, regional and games level! His favorite thing to do is coach — athletes of all types & backgrounds. He’s best known for his programming that keeps pushing his athletes to the next level. Anytime you take a class from Alex, it’s guaranteed to be a memorable experience!
Jannelle Bookout
Owner, Head Nutrition Coach & Coach
Certifications:
- Purdue University; B.S. in Management
- Working Against Gravity Nutrition Certification
- CrossFit L-1 Certification
Jannelle grew up cheerleading and doing gymnastics and has been a CrossFit athlete since 2013, when she discovered it through a Groupon in Charlotte, NC. Since then, CrossFit has brought her some of her best friends—and even her husband, who is also her coach!
She loves the competitive side of CrossFit, from friendly gym trash talk to local competitions and the big stage. Jannelle is passionate about helping others become the best versions of themselves through fitness and nutrition, with a goal of helping every client learn to love, fuel, and take care of their bodies.
Sara Menendez
Manager & Coach
Certifications:
- Miami University – Oxford; B.S. in Kinesiology & Health, Dietetics & Clinical Nutrition Services
- CrossFit L-1 Certification
Sara grew up playing soccer and variety of other sports in Cincinnati, Ohio. After a lifetime of sports, she found CrossFit in 2013 and never looked back. Now a mother to 2 daughters, her passion for fitness means even more. Sara’s favorite part of coaching is witnessing athletes accomplish a goal they didn’t think was possible. In her spare time, you can find her in the kitchen cooking and making cookies!
Joey Garro
Coach
Certifications:
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University of Cincinnati; B.S. Exercise Science
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University of Florida; MS in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
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Integrative Strength and Conditioning Sciences Certificate
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CrossFit L2 Certification
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USA Weightlifting L1 Certification
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Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer Certification
Joey grew up playing hockey and soccer, at 18 he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he found his true passion for fitness, which at first came through bodybuilding, powerlifting, and then ultimately CrossFit. His passion for coaching and competition is what drives him to not only be the best athlete he can be, but also the best coach he can be for anyone who walks through the doors of Homegrown. His ultimate goal is to help anyone who walks through those doors unlock a potential better version of themselves.
Jessica Ferguson
Coach
Certifications :
- PhD in Communication Studies, Ohio University
- Crossfit L-1 Certification
- USAW Level 1 Certification
- CrossFit Advanced Judges Course
Jessica grew up loving and playing sports including softball, volleyball, and track and field. She started CrossFit in grad school after a period of inactivity and was immediately hooked. As a college professor and former debate coach, coaching was an easy choice for Jessica and something she is deeply passionate about. She enjoys competing locally, particularly in powerlifting, and believes that being strong and moving regularly is the best thing you can do to live a long and healthy life. You will often find her in the gym with her daughter Charlie who’s already aspiring to be as fit as the grownups at HGCS.
Colin Coplen
Certifications: CF L-1
Colin grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and an MBA. Before finding CrossFit in 2022, Colin played goalkeeper in soccer. Colin’s CrossFit coaching career started in 2024 and he found his way HOME to coach in 2026. Colin loves being able to assist athletes of all skills and abilities in achieving their goals! “When people come to my CrossFit class, I hope to make it their best hour of the day by helping them get better at a skill, improve their technique in lifts, or even just being there to motivate them through hard workouts.” Outside of CrossFit, Colin likes to dominate the game table in party style games!
Caleb Farrell
Coach
Certifications:
- CrossFit L-1 Certification
- Conjugate Powerlifting Course Certification
Caleb grew up playing all kinds of sports but he eventually focused on basketball and CrossFit. He’s been active in CrossFit for 9 years and has been coaching in the space for nearly 4. He enjoys competing in local competitions with and against friends!! What motivates him to coach is building meaningful relationships with members and creating an environment where people get fitter with a smile on their face.