A Community Built Around Weightlifting
Wormtown Weightlifting is a community-driven Olympic weightlifting club based in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.
We coach athletes of all levels—from people touching a barbell for the first time to lifters competing at the national level.
Our goal is simple: help people get stronger, move better, and grow through the process of training.
Why we do this
Weightlifting may be an individual sport, but no one succeeds alone.
At Wormtown, we believe the best training happens in a supportive environment where athletes show up for one another and commit to the work of improving over time.
The process of training challenges people to grow—not just as athletes, but as people.
our values
The culture of Wormtown Weightlifting is shaped by a few core values that guide how we train and support one another
Your worth here isn’t measured by the number on the bar. What matters most is showing up and giving honest effort.
Effort over outcome
Training is challenging, and no one has to do it alone. We support one another inside and outside the gym.
stand with each other
Progress in weightlifting takes patience and consistency. We focus on long-term development rather than shortcuts.
TRUST THE PROCESS
Growth happens when we stay humble, accept feedback, and take responsibility for improving.
EVOLVE & ELEVATE
our coaches
The people who guide the process
Joe Black
HEAD COACH
USA Weightlifting National Coach
2024 & 2025 New England Weightlifting Coach of the Year
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Joe is the head coach and co-owner of Wormtown Weightlifting. He is a USA Weightlifting National Coach and has been involved in the sport for over a decade.
He is proud to have built one of the largest weightlifting clubs in New England and to have coached athletes of all ages to the national level, while helping many others discover the sport for the first time.
Joe believes that nothing meaningful is achieved alone and that strong communities help people become their best selves.
kati Black
COACH
USA Weightlifting Level 1
Kati has been involved in weightlifting as an athlete for several years. She has competed and medaled at the national level and loves all of the lessons she has learned from the barbell.
She has her L1 USAW certification and continues to learn about the sport through coaching and volunteering in the New England Weightlifting community.
As a high school educator of nearly 20 years, helping others learn comes naturally to her and she is excited to coach others in the sport of weightlifting.
Bethany started her weightlifting journey by taking resistance training classes in college. After graduating, she began training in CrossFit. Through CrossFit, she found her true passion in Olympic Weightlifting.
She was one of the first members of Joe's original barbell club. She has competed in local and national competitions. Bethany finds joy in helping other members have fun with their lifts and improving technique.
Bethany holds a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and is a MA Licensed Practical Nurse.
bethany farrar
COACH
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach
BA Exercise Science
MA Licensed Practical Nurse
nikki ouellette
COACH
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach
Nikki's fitness journey began 8 years ago with CrossFit, where she developed a love of weightlifting. Prior to coaching at Wormtown, she has years of coaching experience in CrossFit and youth sports.
A mother of four and having a profession working in elementary education, Nikki is especially passionate about working with kids. She particularly enjoys coaching the youth and junior lifters, and enjoys seeing them develop the same love for the sport.
lj dickinson
COACH
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach
LJ has been weightlifting for over 3 years and since becoming a coach, she’s fallen in love with the sport on a whole new level.
She enjoys working with athletes to improve their technique and loves seeing them realize their inner and outer strength through weightlifting.
She is a current student at Quinnipiac University.
Ella Gamache
COACH
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach
Ella has been involved in Olympic weightlifting for six years and started coaching in 2024.
She enjoys helping others discover their love of the sport and is committed to helping athletes at every level improve their strength and technique.
Ella is a current student at UNC Charlotte.
caroline kent
COLLEGE COACH
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach
Caroline has been weightlifting for over7 years and coaching for 4. She has her L1 USAW certification and continues to expand her knowledge at Quinnipiac University where she studies Physical Therapy.
As a coach, she loves to watch her athlete’s confidence skyrocket as they progress in the sport. Caroline believes that weightlifting offers many valuable lessons and she enjoys supporting athletes of all ages through their individual weightlifting journeys.
Caroline currently serves as our College Team Coach where she provides remote coaching and support to our college athletes.
