About Us

Coach Nick Birdsall
Founder | Head Coach | CrossFit Level 2 Trainer | Paramedic

Nick Birdsall is the founder and head coach of CrossFit Acadia, where he brings more than 17 years of coaching experience and a deep passion for helping people live stronger, healthier lives. Nick discovered CrossFit in 2007 while managing his family’s heating oil business and looking for a way to rebuild his own health. What began as a personal journey quickly grew into a calling to serve others—leading him to open CrossFit Acadia in 2010.

Nick holds a CrossFit Level 2 certification and has completed multiple specialty courses including Olympic lifting, gymnastics, powerlifting, endurance, kettlebell, nutrition, running mechanics, and more. He’s known for his ability to coach all fitness levels—from beginners finding their first pull-up to competitors preparing for the CrossFit Games or Masters Championships.

As a full-time firefighter and paramedic, Nick brings a unique perspective to fitness and wellness, prioritizing functional strength, injury prevention, and the ability to thrive under stress. He believes fitness is a lifelong journey and that showing up consistently—especially on hard days—is the secret to success.

Nick’s coaching style is straightforward and encouraging. He values progress over perfection and believes that every athlete, regardless of background, can become the healthiest and happiest version of themselves. Whether you’re walking through the door for the first time or chasing a competition podium, Nick is committed to helping you become more capable inside the gym—and out.

When he’s not coaching or on duty, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids, developing wellness tools, hiking in the Maine woods, and pursuing personal growth. His personal mantra—“Do Hard Things Daily”—is the heartbeat of everything he teaches.

Coach Jamie Birdsall
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer • USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach

Jamie Birdsall has been an integral part of the CrossFit Acadia community since 2014. As a certified CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach, Jamie brings a blend of technical knowledge, patience, and genuine care to every class she leads.

Her coaching style is rooted in building confidence and competence through consistent effort. Whether she’s helping someone achieve their first barbell lift or fine-tune their Olympic technique, Jamie’s goal is always the same: to help athletes move better, feel stronger, and enjoy the process.

Jamie’s journey began as a member who simply fell in love with the training and the community. That perspective gives her a unique ability to meet athletes where they are, celebrate their wins, and guide them through the challenges that come with growth.

Outside the gym, Jamie is known for her warm personality, supportive spirit, and ability to make anyone feel welcome. She’s a leader in building the tight-knit, encouraging environment that makes CrossFit Acadia special.

Step into one of Jamie’s classes and you’ll find a coach who is passionate, focused, and fully committed to helping you become the strongest version of yourself—one rep at a time.

Coach Bobbi Thornton
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer • Member Experience Specialist

Coach Bobbi Thornton is a vital part of the CrossFit Acadia community—both as a coach and as our dedicated Member Experience Specialist. With a welcoming presence and a genuine passion for helping others, Bobbi is often the first smile you see when walking through our doors—and one of the biggest supporters in your corner as you grow.

Certified as a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Bobbi brings energy, encouragement, and attention to detail to every class she leads. Her coaching style is approachable and uplifting, with a strong focus on building confidence, proper movement, and consistent progress. She believes that everyone deserves to feel strong, supported, and capable—no matter where they’re starting from.

In addition to her role on the coaching floor, Bobbi manages our member experience—checking in with new members, offering support during transitions, and making sure every athlete feels seen and valued. Her role is key in creating the welcoming, inclusive environment that defines CrossFit Acadia.

Bobbi has also taken a special interest in women’s health and is actively expanding her expertise in perimenopause and menopause. She is currently completing specialized certifications to better support women navigating these chapters of life—bringing both compassion and science-based tools to help them thrive in and outside the gym.

Whether you’re brand new to fitness, returning after time away, or working through big life transitions, Coach Bobbi is here to walk with you—cheering you on, coaching you up, and reminding you that strength is for every season of life.

Coach Sarah Joseph brings positive energy, a strong sense of community, and a passion for helping others to every class she leads at CrossFit Acadia. As a certified CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Sarah combines knowledge with approachability—creating a space where athletes of all backgrounds feel empowered to grow, move well, and challenge themselves.

Sarah’s own fitness journey fuels her desire to give back. She understands what it feels like to be new, to struggle, and to overcome—and she uses that perspective to guide athletes with compassion, patience, and encouragement. Her coaching is rooted in connection: learning each athlete’s story, meeting them where they are, and helping them move forward with confidence.

Whether she’s guiding a foundational movement or pushing a group through a tough metcon, Sarah is there with clear cues, steady support, and a belief that effort always beats perfection. She loves seeing members hit milestones, big and small, and celebrates every step in the process.

Outside of class, Sarah is a trusted presence in the community—always up for a conversation, a shared laugh, or helping someone navigate a tough day. Her impact at CrossFit Acadia goes far beyond workouts; she helps people feel like they belong.

If you’re looking for a coach who leads with kindness, knows how to bring the best out of people, and keeps the vibe positive even when the workout gets tough, Sarah is exactly who you want in your corner.

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer • Licensed Massage Therapist

Coach Heather Alley brings a unique and powerful blend of movement expertise and hands-on healing to the CrossFit Acadia community. As both a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and a licensed massage therapist with years of clinical experience, Heather offers a deep understanding of the human body—how it moves, how it heals, and how to help it perform at its best.

Heather’s coaching style is supportive, thoughtful, and focused on longevity. Her background in massage therapy gives her a trained eye for imbalances, compensation patterns, and mobility issues—making her an invaluable resource for athletes working through injuries or looking to move more efficiently. She’s especially skilled at helping members dial in technique, manage recovery, and train in a way that supports long-term wellness.

Whether she’s coaching a class, offering a mobility tip mid-WOD, or working with someone on the massage table, Heather’s goal is always the same: to help people feel better in their bodies and more confident in their capabilities.

Her calm, grounded energy brings balance to even the most intense workouts, and her ability to connect with people—both as a coach and a therapist—helps foster the trust and consistency that lead to real progress.

With Heather, you’re not just getting a great coach—you’re gaining a guide who understands how fitness, recovery, and daily life all work together to create lasting health.

Coach Europa Haggerman brings a powerful mix of experience, empathy, and purpose to the CrossFit Acadia coaching team. As a certified CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, she’s known for her clear instruction, steady encouragement, and ability to make every athlete feel welcome and capable.

Europa’s passion for fitness extends well beyond the walls of CrossFit Acadia. Outside the gym, she specializes in working with individuals with Parkinson’s disease and elderly populations—helping them improve balance, mobility, strength, and overall quality of life through functional movement. Her work in this space is deeply impactful, and she brings that same thoughtful, individualized approach into every class she coaches.

Her calm presence, attention to detail, and commitment to inclusivity make her especially effective with newer athletes, those returning from injury, or anyone needing thoughtful guidance and support. She meets people where they are—and helps them grow with confidence, safety, and consistency.

Whether she’s coaching a group WOD or supporting someone through movement limitations, Europa is focused on one thing: helping people move better, feel stronger, and enjoy the process. Her work is a powerful reminder that fitness is for everyone—and that strength has many forms.

With Europa, you’ll find a coach who listens, encourages, and inspires—both inside and outside the gym.

Coach Missy Gaston is the heart of CrossFit Acadia. As our longest-standing member and a certified CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, Missy brings unmatched experience, dedication, and wisdom to the coaching floor. She’s been with CFA since the beginning—living proof of what it means to show up consistently, train with purpose, and be part of something bigger than yourself.

Missy’s coaching style is calm, clear, and focused. With over a decade of firsthand experience in CrossFit methodology and a deep understanding of movement, she guides athletes with thoughtful cues and steady encouragement. She has a gift for recognizing the little things that make a big difference—whether it’s adjusting a position, scaling a movement, or just offering the right words at the right time.

As a CrossFit Level 2 Coach, Missy brings a strong technical foundation to every class, but what truly sets her apart is her ability to connect with people. She leads with humility, leads by example, and reminds athletes that consistency and patience are the keys to long-term success.

Missy has seen it all—from the earliest garage gym workouts to packed classes in our 10,000-square-foot facility—and she’s been a guiding presence every step of the way. Her longevity and commitment are an inspiration to new and veteran members alike.

If you’re looking for a coach who embodies the spirit of CrossFit Acadia—resilient, humble, and fiercely supportive—Missy is that and more. Her presence is a reminder that this journey isn’t just about fitness. It’s about community, growth, and staying in the game for life

Coach Meg Bourke brings a vibrant mix of energy, local knowledge, and genuine care to CrossFit Acadia. As a certified CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Meg coaches with a clear passion for movement and connection, making every class feel both challenging and fun.

Meg spends her summers coaching at CrossFit Acadia, where she plays a key role in welcoming visitors and drop-ins from all over. She loves helping traveling athletes get the most out of their workouts and their vacation, often offering insider tips on the best local hikes, bike routes, and scenic adventures in Acadia National Park.

Her enthusiasm for the outdoors is matched by her commitment to fitness. An avid hiker and outdoor explorer, Meg spends countless hours on the trails with her beloved dog, Panda. Her deep appreciation for nature and movement shines through in her coaching, always encouraging athletes to move with purpose so they can enjoy an active life beyond the gym.

Meg’s coaching style is upbeat, approachable, and encouraging. She meets people where they are, helps them feel confident in their abilities, and brings a sense of fun and community to every class. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Meg is the kind of coach who makes you feel like you belong.

With Meg, expect smart coaching, lots of smiles, and maybe even a trail recommendation or two after class.