About
Iron Jungle CrossFit
At Iron Jungle CrossFit, we are most proud of our amazing community of people. We have class options from kids & teens all the way through Longevity. We believe in fitness as a lifestyle. Our team of fitness and nutrition professionals are invested in your health. We make every decision with our members’ well-being in mind. Achieve your goals with us!
The Team
Mike Ambrosino
Owner
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
Mike has been a dedicated member of Iron Jungle CrossFit for over 7 years, with a long-standing passion for weightlifting and fitness. Now living his dream as the owner of Iron Jungle CrossFit, Mike’s journey began at the Cherry Hill location before making the move to Mt. Laurel, and now Moorestown, where he’s become a familiar face—often seen in the 9 AM class!
A true family man, Mike cherishes spending time with his wife Pam and their two children, Cole and Mia. Outside of the gym, Mike runs his own successful HVAC business, Therm Arye. As a CrossFit enthusiast, his favorite lift is the clean & jerk, and he’s always eager to connect with current and new members alike.
Be sure to say hello when you see him around the gym—he’s excited to meet you!
Heather Sponseller
Coach & GENERAL MANAGER
M.S. Exercise Science; CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
I have always had a love of fitness. I grew up dancing and competing in dance. I ended up getting a BS in accounting and I knew quickly that was not what I wanted my career to be. After taking a college course in nutrition, I decided to go for an MS in exercise science. I worked in many gyms as we moved around for my husband’s military career, holding jobs managing gyms as well as working in group exercise teaching yoga, Pilates, spin, and boot camp.
Even though I was very involved in fitness, I had never done any Olympic lifting prior to trying CrossFit. I was interested in trying it because I wanted a new challenge. Being in my late 30’s at the time, my first impression was that it would be a really great workout, but there was no way that I was going to climb that rope…or ever be able to do a double under…or even think about doing a handstand pushup. Now I can do all of those things and I actually really love all three! There are so many exercises that I am still working on and I always hope to improve, but CrossFit has given me a sense of accomplishment and motivation to encourage others that they will be able to do it!
The CrossFit Level 2 training was amazing and I love constantly learning and improving for myself as well as being able to help others on their fitness journey. I started our current kids & teens program in September 2019 and it was so awesome to watch all of the kids come in and have fun with fitness. We laughed and had fun but I was also helping kids who wanted to improve their sports performance as well as help kids who have not found a sport that they like learn to be confident in themselves and be healthy. Fitness & nutrition for lifelong health is my passion and I love that I get to share my passion with others every day!
Sam Farina
HEAD COACH
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, NSCA CSCS, NASM-CSNC, USAW-L1
I have been captured by health and fitness from a very young age; I can remember making myself little workouts from as young as 2nd grade, where I’d see how fast or how long I could run around my house while also swimming numerous laps in my above-ground pool.. that was what I did for fun. In high school I was not much different, I continued to find not only entertainment, but also relief from the outside world through fitness, more specifically Track and Cross Country. I attended Ocean County Vocational School for 2 years in the Health & Fitness program, which is where my educational background officially started. From there I attended Rowan University where I earned my Bachelor’s in Exercise Science while running competitively on the Track and Cross Country teams. To me, health and fitness was more than just sports, it was an outlet and therapeutic in countless ways; I knew I wanted to be able to share that experience with as many people as I could, which is why I am in this field.
Upon completing college, I went on to acquire my NSCA-CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist) while frequently continuing my credentials through earning my USAW L1 certification, as well as my NASM-CSNC (Certified Sports Nutrition Coach). What I find fascinating about nutrition and exercise is that it is constantly evolving; we are always researching to help enhance our health and I am also committed to doing so. My main goal as a fitness professional is to help spread the positive impact of exercise and proper nutrition to as many members and clients as I can. It is not always about a fit, toned body or being able to squat 3x your bodyweight; sometimes it’s about proving to yourself that you can show up for yourself and do hard things!
Tony Nelsen
COACH
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
I’ve always had a passion for sports and fitness. Growing up, I played football and ran track and field in high school, laying the foundation for my love of athleticism, competition, and working with others. In college, I took that passion further by playing club rugby, where I continued to build the values of teamwork, discipline, and pushing my limits.
CrossFit has been a natural extension of my athletic journey, and I love helping others experience the same excitement and progress I’ve found over the years. I started CrossFit in 2016 and appreciate the community and intensity that CrossFit brings, and that’s what drives me to help others reach their fitness goals, no matter where they’re starting from.
When I’m not coaching, I pastor in Mt. Holly and study law at Rutgers, and you’ll probably find me playing with my kitties, being involved in my community, or trying out fun and new recipes. I’m all about balance, progress, and holistic health. I aim to create a welcoming, fun, safe, and challenging environment where you can push yourself and have a great time. Can’t wait to help you achieve your goals!
Mike McHugh
COACH
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
For as long as i can remember I have always has a passion for sports. Growing up I was a two sport athlete playing both ice hockey and lacrosse all through high school and into college.
Once I was finished organized sports I had to find a new way to fuel my inner athlete and my competitiveness, being anything from surfing and rock climbing to golf and anything in between. Which led me to finding CrossFit in 2020.
After coaching lacrosse for many years I transitioned into a Strength & Conditioning/CrossFit coach. In my years as a coach I have had the privilege of coaching a number of high level athletes from professional hockey players, and D1 college athletes to games level CrossFit athletes.
I am excited to be joining the Iron Jungle family and sharing my experience as both an athlete and a coach with community!
Kristina Kelley
Coach & NUTRITION COACH
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
A lifetime athlete, I joined the CrossFit community in 2012. At the time I was a distance runner who had found fitness, friendships and fun running marathons. I added CrossFit to improve core strength and longevity on the course but quickly fell in love with the sport and culture.
Within a few years I was competing at local competitions and in 2023 switched gears and joined a Masters group vying for the next level. In tandem, I retired from a career in automotive and was the head coach at an affiliate in Seattle.
I’ve also enjoyed teaching (since 2005) as a firearms/tactical instructor and am fortunate to have worked/trained alongside elite tacticians. I have a green thumb, love to garden and I also raise mason bees!
In 2025 I relocated to New Jersey with my amazing husband and dogs. We enjoy exploring the parks and natural spaces in the area with our pups and finding coffee shops.
Joyce Brady
Longevity Coach
B.A in Education, Masters of the Arts in Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
As a recently retired teacher of 30 years and member of Iron Jungle CrossFit for 10 years, I made the decision to learn more about the sport. I became certified in CrossFit, earning my CF-L1 certification. Since joining I have become a power lifting enthusiast with a recent one rep deadlift of 300 pounds. Through my journey with CrossFit I have learned how being strong can offer so many more daily benefits than one may realize for people of all ages.
Currently, you can find me coaching the Longevity program, as well as personal training and coaching fundamentals sessions. These specialized programs were designed to improve strength and conditioning and are scalable for all fitness levels. I enjoy helping different age groups focus on proper techniques that will assist them to be more empowered, confident, and capable individuals in their daily lives.
I love being a member and a coach in this wonderful community that we have built over the years. You can find us supporting each other both in life and in the gym. Come join us for CrossFit, lots of fun, and most of all, friendship!
Ryan Leafey
KIDS & TEENS COACH
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
With a BA in education from Rowan University, I spent three years as a teacher before discovering my love for functional fitness during off-season football training. In 2013, I opened CrossFit Northwood and have been dedicated to serving the community for over a decade.
My passion for working with youth is unwavering, and I’ve had the privilege of coaching multiple regional-level and CrossFit Games athletes. With consistency as my cornerstone, I take pride in holding athletes and clients accountable, guided by the HERE acronym: H for habits, E for every day, R for rituals and routines, and E for elevate and meditate.
My overarching goal is to contribute to the community’s well-being, aiming to help as many people as possible lead healthy, happy lives using fitness as a transformative tool. I’m thrilled to be part of the Iron Jungle CrossFit community, and I look forward to our journey together.
Take the first step.
We can’t wait to meet you
Chat with a coach at our gym to learn more about what program will fit your goals.