Trainers
All of our trainers are CrossFit certified, which means they’ve been trained in anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. They understand that no two bodies are alike and will work with you to get fit at the right pace.
•CrossFit
•boot camp
•kids program
•nutrition program
•individualized programming
•personal training
Nate Yoho
Specializations
Sports Conditioning
Weight Management
Strength Training
Nate Yoho is from West Des Moines, Iowa. He attended Valley High School and holds a degree in health and sport studies from the University of Iowa where he also competed in baseball. He was a four-year starter for the Hawkeyes and earned All-Big Ten honors. The Milwaukee Brewers signed him after his college career and he played two years in the minor leagues. In 2007, Yoho left baseball and began his career in personal training. He was introduced to CrossFit by a former Hawkeye teammate and CrossFit Games athlete Michael Mogard. It was during this time Nate decided he had found a better approach to helping others find their health and fitness. Along with assisting others in their fitness journey, Nate was part of the team that won the North Central region and qualified for the CrossFit games in 2013. Inspired by the profound experience he had with CrossFit, Nate opened CrossFit Merle Hay in the spring of 2013. His passion for helping others and teaching is the driving force behind what makes CrossFit Merle Hay the open and inviting atmosphere it is today. Nate is resident of Grimes and father to his daughter Caralyn.
Thomas Oertli
Specializations
Weightlifting
Strength Training
Senior Fitness
Thomas Oertli is a Des Moines native and U.S. Army veteran of the global war on terror who served multiple deployments. In his most recent deployment to Afghanistan, Thomas discovered his love for helping others get fit, feel and move better. Thomas returned to Des Moines and started working as a personal trainer, eventually joining CrossFit in 2012. Thomas was a standout prep soccer player at Dowling Catholic High School. He turned down a scholarship to Colorado State University to serve his country in the armed forces. Thomas played for the Des Moines Menace soccer club as a goal keeper and travelled the world for soccer activities. His driving passion is his love for helping people achieve their goals and challenge themselves to live healthier lives.
Van Marshall
Specializations
Functional Training
Fitness & Nutrition
Yoga
Marathon Training
Van Marshall is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, and alumnus of Rockhurst High School. He attended the United States Naval Academy for three semesters, where he played Rugby and studied engineering. He transferred to Drake University where he graduated with his bachelor's degree in business in 2013. During his time at Drake he found a passion for fitness after being introduced to a Navy SEAL fitness program that he discovered was CrossFit. Upon graduation he moved back to Kansas City and immediately began coaching classes at CrossFit Lee's Summit. In fall 2014, Van received his CrossFit Level 1 Certification and also began to work with personal clients. After a year, he moved back to Des Moines where he began teaching at CrossFit Merle Hay. He is CPR certified and attained the USA Weightlifting Level 1 certification. He continues to compete in CrossFit and trains to one day compete on a team at the CrossFit Games.
Caileen Seguin
Specializations
Gymnastics
Sports Conditioning
Strength & Resistance Training
Orthopedic Exercise
Caileen Seguin, a Chicago native, graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where she interned with their strength and conditioning program and competed in the pole vault for the school's track and field team. Upon graduation, Caileen spent a semester interning with Western Michigan University’s strength and conditioning program before moving back to Dubuque. She started CrossFit in July 2015 at CrossFit Restoration and shortly after received her Level 1 certification. Caileen coached classes, helped manged the CrossFit Program and planned events at CrossFit Restoration during her time there. Caileen is currently working on her Opex CCP Level 1. She is excited to be a part of the CrossFit Merle Hay team and continue growing as a coach and athlete. Her favorite movie is "The Lion King," french fries are her weakness and she loves lifting weights.