Our Coaches

Michael Papes: Co-Owner, CrossFit Level II Coach, Personal Trainer

Michael Papes explored a broad spectrum of sports while growing up, from performing as the lead squirrel in the Ice Capades at just four years of age to later avidly playing ice hockey and soccer. While earning his Bachelors degree from the University of Michigan, Michael became a devotee of Taekwondo and has attained the level of Master.

His extensive experience teaching martial arts along with an apprenticeship in Iyengar Yoga at the Yoga Circle of Chicago has given him a level of knowledge and dedication unmatched by most.

A personal trainer for over a decade, Michael has distinguished himself from his peers both through his dedication to his clients and his extensive skill set. Never completely understanding or embracing the “fitness” industry model, Michael found salvation in the CrossFit method. An instant convert from the moment of exposure, Michael quickly immersed himself in CrossFit and its methods. Taking all he has learned and pouring it into CrossFit, Michael has a unique and clear direction for the future. “I will pursue excellence in teaching CrossFit and will literally make the world a better place”

Aside from teaching CrossFit, Michael’s greatest joy comes from spending time with his young daughter Charlotte and lovely wife Elizabeth.

Coach Michael is Level II CrossFit certified and is certified in the following CrossFit methodologies:

  • Nutrition
  • Science of Exercise
  • Gymnastics
  • Olympic Lifting
  • Chasing Performance: Movement, Mobility & Maintenance

Michael’s favorite exercise – today: Jerk
Michael’s least favorite exercise – today: Wall Balls
Michael’s favorite “treat”: my daughter’s mac & cheese

For personal training with Michael please email: Michael@TamCrossFit.com

Meshelle Mifsud: Owner, CrossFit Coach

Meshelle has been doing CrossFit for 3 years and after participating in the 2009 CrossFit Games on an affiliate team, where the team came in 11th place, she decide to start coaching.

When daily visits to a regular gym became mundane, Meshelle discovered CrossFit and the results were spectacular, both mentally and physically. Meshelle partnered with Michael and in January of 2010 they opened Tamalpais CrossFit. With the support of their spouses and friends, TCF has grown far beyond imagination and they are proud to have a gym full of strength and determination.

“When you suffer through a workout with your classmates, you know that everyone is going through the same pain you are, no matter how fit or un-fit they are…It just brings everyone closer together and that is the best part of being a gym owner… Watching people accomplish things they never thought they could do and having a full class there to support them through it!”

Meshelle is a certified massage therapist, has run a marathon and several half marathons, holds a Pacific Weightlifting Association record and has competed at the National Level in Olympic Weightlifting. She has been lifting weights since her early 20’s and has been a vegetarian for more than 30 years.

She is CrossFit Level 1 Certified and has CrossFit specialty certifications in Barbell and Olympic lifting as well as a certification for USA Weightlifting Level I Sports Performance.

Meshelle’s favorite exercise – today: the Snatch
Meshelle’s least favorite exercise – today: Rowing/ Double Unders/Box Jumps
Meshelle’s favorite “treat”: Nachos

Meshelle’s specialty is teaching the Olympic Lifts, for help with your Olympic Weightlifting, please email: Meshelle@TamCrossFit.com

Corey Barnes: CrossFit Coach, Personal Trainer

Corey Barnes has been a personal trainer for 14 years with a focus on strength training.  She helps clients of all ages and abilities meet their fitness goals.  Whether you haven’t exercised in years or are physically fit and ready to take your workout to the next level, Corey can work with you on an individually tailored exercise program.  Corey’s enthusiasm for fitness is contagious.  She will keep you engaged and motivated through varied exercises and new challenges.

Corey is CrossFit Level 1 Certified and has Specialty CrossFit Certifications in Barbell and Olympic Lifting.  She has attended specialty clinics in areas including Pose Running, Hip Movement/Injury, and Sports Injury Prevention.

Corey doesn’t just talk the talk.  She has been lifting weights since 1986 focusing on strength training.  Corey has run a marathon and several half marathons.  Her passion is CrossFit, which she has been doing for two years.  Corey’s husband and two sons share her enthusiasm for CrossFit as well.

Corey’s favorite exercise – today: Jerk
Corey’s least favorite exercise – today: Press
Corey’s favorite “treat”: Cracker Jack

For personal training with Corey please email: Corey@TamCrossFit.com

Tommy Moran, Intern

Tommy has enjoyed a life-long experience with competitive sports having played high school soccer as well as basketball and volleyball which he also played at the collegiate level.  Since graduating from Sonoma State he continues to participate in competitive team sports but without experiencing the same level of fulfillment that he previously enjoyed.

Tommy was searching for something challenging and different.  He trained and fought in a couple of amateur Muay Thai events but something was still missing…….. then he found Crossfit!  Since joining TCF in March of 2011 Tommy has not just enjoyed the physical challenges but a passion for the competitive aspect and camaraderie of the Crossfit experience.  He hopes to instill that passion in others.

When he’s not working or training Tommy most enjoys spending time with his five year old daughter, Ella.

Tommy’s favorite exercise – today: Double Unders
Tommy’s least favorite exercise – today: the Snatch
Tommy’s favorite “treat”- Fro-Yo