Club Managers - Cross Gates Family Fitness

Jake Berman

Military Rd. Club Manager

Jake was born and raised in Slidell and started his career at Cross Gates in 2005 as a lifeguard (his very first job!). After working as a Lifeguard, Head Lifeguard, at the Cafe and Front desk, Jake went to Louisiana State University where his passion for Aquatics led him to a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology with a Minor in Business. He worked for the LSU Swim Team and coached University High School to two State Championships. After college, Jake lived his dream of being a Dolphin Trainer where he met his lovely wife Jessica. He's excited to be back in the Health and Fitness industry and for the opportunity to re-vamp and re-imagine the Aquatics programs at Cross Gates Family Fitness!

Megan Greul

Pontchartrain Dr. Club Manager

Megan is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana who moved to Slidell in 2008. Not long after her move, Megan joined the Cross Gates Family Fitness team. Megan started at Cross Gates in our Youth Activity Center & has since taken on more responsibilities. While working, Megan pursued her degree in Marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University. Currently the Pontchartrain Dr. Club Manager, Megan has a passion for making members feel welcome & offering her services wherever they are needed.

Larry and Merryanne Welch

Club Owners

Since purchasing the club in 1997, Larry and Merryanne have lived and worked in the Slidell Community. After meeting at Elmwood Fitness in New Orleans and discovering their joint passion for the Fitness Industry, they moved to the Northshore and purchased Cross Gates Athletic Club. Since then, we have seen the club grow and evolve into Cross Gates Family Fitness and have helped people just like you live fit, live better. Together, they are active in the day to day operations of all of our clubs and raising their 3 children.

Greg Johnson

Marketing Director

Greg has a Master’s Degree in English with a Concentration in Professional and Technical writing. As marketing director for Cross Gates Family fitness, he is responsible for creating all internal and external marketing and communication for the club. Greg started working with Cross Gates Family Fitness in 1997. His career began in the Youth Activity Center where he has developed many children’s programs including Slidell’s finest Summer Camp. Greg is still actively involved in managing the club’s youth programs. In addition to Marketing and assisting the Youth Activity Center, Greg is also a group fitness instructor at the club. He teaches Body Pump, Spinning, Yoga and Group Training programs.

Heather Arnold

Fitness Consultant, Military Rd.

Heather joined the Cross Gates team in 2006 working in our Youth Activity Center. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She quickly realized her passion was for the social well-being of children/families rather than their education which led her to pursuing her Master’s degree in Family and Marriage Counseling from Liberty University. Nutrition and exercise have always been part of Heather’s personal life but it wasn’t until she discovered CrossFit that she developed a passion for leading others in their health goals. She has her personal training certification through AFAA and is currently an L-1 Crossfit trainer and leads our CrossFit kids program at Forged Steele CrossFit. Her background makes her the perfect fit as our Fitness Consultant as she is able to teach as well as counsel new and existing members in reaching their health goals through the many fitness programs Cross Gates offers.

Kembra Smith

Fitness Consultant, Gause Blvd.

Kembra had been a member with us for over 10 years before deciding to come on staff as part of the Cross Gates Family. Formerly, one of our Club Managers, her love of personal health and fitness lead her direction to getting more involved in Personal Training. Now, as the Fitness Manager she is able to work more hands on with members to design plans that work specifically for them. With a degree in Psychology and Personal Training Certification through AFAA, her passion lies in encouraging and helping others to figure out what their personal goals are, and then set their mind to achieve them.

Michelle Marques

Fitness Consultant, Pontchartrain Dr.

Michelle started with Cross Gates Family Fitness as a Body Motion fitness coach. It was there that she found a love for health and wellness and how it can help members look and feel their best. She has her personal training certification with NASM, and is currently working with members as a trainer and fitness consultant. Michelle believes that there is a fitness program for everyone and dedicates her time to finding the best fit for each member.

Courtney D’Amelio

YAC Manager, Military Rd.

Courtney has been with Cross Gates Family Fitness since January of 2011. She started out as a Helping Hands teacher with the 2-year old and 3-year old classes, worked as a Summer Camp Counselor for Cub Camp and in July of 2013 was promoted to Youth Activity Center Assistant Manager . In May of 2014 , she was promoted to full time Childcare Manager and was more then happy to take on the job. Children of all ages are her passion and she loves that she can offer them a place to go that is fun, safe and secure.

Tammy Phillips

YAC Manager, Gause Blvd.

Tammy Phillips started with Cross Gates Family Fitness in 2000 as our Childcare Manager. She has worked with children her entire adult life and her passion for working with the families of our community has allowed her to become even more involved in all areas of the club. In 2016 she joined the Gause Blvd management team as Club Manager while continuing to manage our children's programs. As a club manager, child care manager and even a certified personal trainer, Tammy uses her passion for the fitness industry to support and encourage everyone in their fitness undertakings. She wants everyone to feel welcome at Cross Gates Family Fitness and looks forward to meeting new people and helping them in their journey. In addition to her roles at CGFF, Tammy is also the owner or Slidell Gym Rompers and teaches the Gym Rompers classes as well.