CrossFit Valiance

Jerusha walked into her first CrossFit gym ten years ago, eight months postpartum, with no athletic background and every reason to be intimidated. She thought CrossFit was only for the elite—the already-fit. But what she found changed everything.

Now, nearly a decade later, she’s a Level 3 CrossFit coach, USAW Level 1 certification, Burgener Level 1, Precision Nutrition Level 1, and the owner of CrossFit Valiance—a gym built to empower anyone ready to change their life, whether you’re chasing your next PR or stepping into fitness for the first time.

Jerusha is passionate about helping people find their fire—from first-timers who just need the courage to show up, to seasoned athletes looking to take things to the next level. Her coaching is grounded in experience, empathy, and an obsession with growth. With certifications in personal training, nutrition, kids fitness, and wellness, Jerusha leads with both heart and expertise.

At CrossFit Valiance, she’s created a space where intensity meets humility, and every athlete is challenged to rise—with support, grit, and zero ego.

Coach Emily was introduced to CrossFit back in 2014 as a distance runner who tried a “3 month transformation” at a local box in improve her running pace. She had a great experience and saw huge gains in that short time, not only with her running, but also with general strength. After taking a few years off to focus on family, she got back into CrossFit in 2019 and fell in love with the community, opportunities, and level of fitness all over again. Being a competitive personality, Coach Emily found her happy place in the box being driven daily with friendly competition every day pushing her to do better, be stronger, and get faster. CrossFit really show you where you stand out and where you need work. It’s the most honest form of fitness there is, because it makes you do it all. She got her Level 1 in 2024 and her favorite thing about coaching is that she gets to help people improve mechanic and have fun doing it. Her favorite WOD is CHAD, or really anything with a box!

Jake Derse is a seasoned Olympic lifting coach with a no-nonsense approach built on precision, safety, and rock-solid technique. As the former head of Operations for Milwaukee Barbell (2017–2023), Jake has trained athletes from all backgrounds to move better, lift smarter, and build true strength.

With a degree in international business, marketing, and spanish, Jake brings both analytical insight and years of hands-on coaching experience to every class. He earned a USAW Level 1 certification and has earned a reputation as a meticulous, detail-driven coach who knows how to get results.

Jake discovered CrossFit after college while chasing better cardio and overall fitness—and he’s been hooked on fitness ever since. Now a father of three young boys, Jake brings discipline, efficiency, and purpose into every training session. Whether you’re refining your first clean or chasing a national-level snatch, Jake’s technical eye and steady presence will help you break through your next barrier—with confidence and control.

I recently earned my Associate of Applied Science degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and am currently working toward my CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1) certification. My CrossFit journey began nearly four years ago when my brother and sister-in-law introduced me to the sport. What started as workouts in my basement quickly grew into a deep passion for fitness and overall well-being.

I’m excited to continue learning and growing as a coach so I can empower others on their fitness journey and help them discover what they’re truly capable of—both in and out of the gym.

Coach Emele has been immersed in CrossFit for over 8 years and brings a dynamic mix of experience and energy to every class.  With certifications in CrossFit, yoga, personal training and nutrition counseling, she’s passionate about helping athletes of all levels build confidence, move better and break through mental and physical barriers.
As a mom of three and an outdoor enthusiast, Emele loves hiking, exploring new adventures, and bringing that same spirit of fun and resilience  into the gym.  She has competed in CrossFit competitions, and regularly volunteers at both local and national CrossFit events.

With 18 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and a current role as a firefighter at Milwaukee Airport, Coach Drew brings a deep commitment to discipline, resilience, and performance under pressure. He discovered CrossFit while deployed, introduced to the grind through hero WODs that tested both his physical limits and mental grit. It stuck.

Now a Level 1 CrossFit coach, CPR/AED certified, and a trained first responder, Drew is the kind of coach who understands the demands of real life—and how to train for them. His coaching style is clear, grounded, and mission-driven. Whether you’re a high performer in the boardroom, in uniform, or just ready to level up your life, Drew will challenge you to push past excuses and perform at your highest potential.

After the close of a successful collegiate soccer career, there was a noticeable void.  A lifetime of training with purpose, being part of a team, and pushing limits had become second nature to her.  It was simply part of who she was.  The structure, intensity, and daily drive had suddenly disappeared, but CrossFit quickly filled that gap with purpose.  It reignited the challenge, rebuilt the camaraderie, and offered a new space to grow both mentally and physically.  Continuing to train as an athlete, and now lead as a coach has brought a whole new fire to a lifelong passion for movement, growth, mindset and resilience.

Dr. Jacob Poches brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and athletic passion to the CrossFit Valiance community. As a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, Jacob is deeply committed to helping people move better, feel better, and live healthier lives. He has been an avid CrossFitter since high school, and his firsthand experience with functional fitness has shaped his approach to holistic wellness, integrative medicine, and healing through movement. Jacob believes that true health goes beyond symptom management — it comes from addressing the body as a whole and empowering people to build strength, resilience, and longevity from the inside out.

Anna Smith has been immersed in fitness from a young age and brings both experience and energy to every class she coaches. She earned her CrossFit Level 1 certification and has been doing CrossFit since she was just 12 years old. With a competitive background in Olympic weightlifting as a teenager, Anna developed a strong foundation in technique, discipline, and performance early on. Her passion for CrossFit and movement shines through in her coaching, and she loves helping athletes of all levels build confidence, improve their skills, and discover what they are capable of.