Meet Our Team
Melani Buchanan Farmer, PhD
Owner * Head Trainer
With a background of 24 years as an educator, Melani also started the nonprofit Running 505 (www.running505.com) in 2014 to support our kids in the 5th- 8th grades. Her education ranges from BS Education/Bilingual/TESOL, MA Curriculum & Instruction, PhD in Transformative Studies, Focus: Youth and Adult Wellness.
Melani is CF Level II, Kids CrossFit, and Adaptive Athlete Trained.
When not in the gym, running on trails, working in schools, and hanging with friends and family, you'll probably find her in hiking in the mountains or traveling the world.
Royce Farmer
Trainer
Royce started CrossFit in 2012 as an additional training while playing soccer and rugby. After completing his degree in business and finance, he currently holds a position with the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
When not at the box, you'll find Royce camping, hiking, hunting, and spending time with friends and family.
Rick Buchanan
Trainer
One of our most motivational and inspirational trainers in the box: Coach Rick. Rick started CrossFit in 2013, as a way to stay moving and strong for his love of hiking. A Marine, a Singer, a Motivational Speaker, and a CrossFitter- Rick in his 76 years has accomplished a lot!
Retirement brought him additional time to engage in the community by singing in retirement homes, and starting a peer hiking group. Rick has completed 6 Bataan Death March Memorial Rucks, competed in local CrossFit competitions (Boxtoberfest, Festivus) and in 2023 summitted his first 14k peak in Colorado.
Rick has completed his Lvl I as well as numerous online seminars on coaching. He enjoys pushing others, especially those who are over 60yrs.
When not at the box, you'll find Rick hiking the Abq. foothills, or writing his book project.
Heather Seuss
Trainer
Heather walked into our original location in 2021. A natural athlete, CrossFit came second hand. Heather is an avid tennis player, competing in many tournaments throughout the year, has found a passion for pickle ball, and is a hard core sand volleyball player.
During the week, Heather is also an Environmental Engineer, and awesome mom of two.
After understanding the benefits of lifting and conditioning at the gym to her other sporting endeavors, Heather participated in the CF Level I and co-coaches our Phoenix program. She also completed her first CrossFit competition in 2022 as a Festivus Games Athelete.
Matthew Mallary
Lead Trainer, The Phoenix Partnership
With a background in training, CrossFit, and resilience, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the box. He comes to us from Colorado, and brings his passions of Wellness, CrossFit and Boxing. He's also our gym fix-it guru!
When coming to a class led by Matthew, you'll be introduced to some fun ice-breaking/team building activities, getting to know you, and a place to push yourself with guided coaching.
When not at the gym, you'll find Coach Matthew as a federal prosecutor. Fun stuff too! Matthew has a fur buddy who he adventures with back and forth from Abq. to CO.
Victoria Nagelis
Trainer
Vikki's CrossFit journey began on the East Coast, where she joined Tolland CrossFit in Connecticut in 2018. As a dedicated member of the 5:30 am workout crew, she was a regular until 2022, when life brought her to Boise, ID. After a brief stay, Vikki relocated to Albuquerque, where she joined BFit505 in December 2023. Over the years, Vikki has participated in numerous mud runs and obstacle course races, a Tough Mudder, and a few CrossFit competitions. With a history of a right total knee replacement in 2015 and three back surgeries, she deeply understands the importance of modifying workouts to prevent injury and ensure longevity in fitness. Vikki is also a lifelong learner, currently pursuing a master’s degree in mindfulness and working towards certification as a Death Doula. Her commitment to serving others extends to her role as a hospice volunteer, and she is actively involved with the local Recovery Dharma group, celebrating eight years of being alcohol-free. In her free time, Vikki enjoys meditation, hiking, road trips, camping, and exploring new places. A serious college basketball fan, she’s a passionate supporter of the UConn Huskies, though she’s also embraced the local love for the Lobos and looks forward to cheering them on.
Mason Bryan
Trainer
Mason has been an on-again-off-again CrossFit athlete for many years, training in gyms in cities as far flung as Cusco, Peru and Santiago, Chile. A journalist and editor by trade, he enjoys working one-on-one with people. In his coaching, he hopes to help people stretch their limits and reach their potential — at a safe and responsible pace that meets the athlete where they're at. CrossFit has always been a source of mental and physical health for Mason, and he hopes to provide others with a calm and supportive space to clear their mind, ease their anxiety, and improve their overall wellbeing. Mason grew up in New Mexico and recently moved back after ten years away.
Paula Jackson
Lead Yoga Instructor
We're excited to have Paula with her years of experience in the fitness industry, as a physical education Golden Apple awarded teachers, and practicing yogi. Her gentle presence help you relax, stretch and recover. Paula has great knowledge in focusing on the 'whole person'.
When not teaching yoga, you'll find Paula traveling, and enjoying the outdoors, while visiting friends and family.
Jessie Jones
Kettlebell & HYROX COACH
Jessie has been working with kettlebells for over 12 years, first picking them up as a new mom looking for an efficient way to build strength and move well. That early training sparked a deep love for lifting, and today, kettlebells remain one of her favorite tools for helping people develop strength, resilience, and confidence.
With a background in personal training, kettlebell coaching, and yoga, Jessie prioritizes good movement patterns and progressive challenges in her classes. She loves working alongside CrossFit members in WODs and volunteers with Running 505, a nonprofit encouraging youth to enjoy running in a fun and supportive environment.
Outside the gym, you'll find Jessie hiking, biking, climbing, and camping—or soaking in a sunny run in the foothills near home.
DOMINICA CHAVEZ
TRAINER
SONYA BRYAN
STRETCH/YOGA TRAINER
VALENTINA MOHORIC
HYROX COACH