Upon graduating from Stratford High School in Stratford, Connecticut, I enrolled at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. I knew was place was really on the water and applied for enrollment at the US Coast Guard Academy. I wanted a degree in Engineering, and my love for the water drew me to the Naval Architecture/Marine Engineering curriculum offered at USCGA. I was accepted into the Class of 1998. I spent four years learning about the missions and history of the US Coast Guard, earning my degree as the only female in the Class of 1998's Naval Architecture/Marine Engineering division, and racing for our Offshore Sailing Team. I stayed active every day: running, lifting weights, and swimming.
Upon graduation, I started my Coast Guard career on a 378' high endurance cutter, SHERMAN, patrolling the west coast, venturing from the Bering Sea down to Hawaii. I qualified to drive the ship from the bridge and the engineroom. As the Damage Control Assistant, I was second to the Engineering Officer during emergencies, education and leading the crew of 180 personnel in putting out shipboard fires, abating shipboard flooding, and controlling any other casualties that might occur on board the ship. One of my collateral duties aboard ship was to manage the Health & Wellness Program aboard ship. I provided information on healthy living, healthy eating and other healthly lifestyle choices. I exercised daily, even when the ship was away from homeport. Prior to transferring, I won a grant for the ship's crew that enabled them to purchase a new weight lifting modular system.
I transferred to land after completing my tour on the ship, and became a project manager for US Coast Guard ship repairs and overhauls on the US west coast, approximately 68 ships. Contractor specification packages I managed ranged from several $100,000 to nearly $2M in repairs. I travelled frequently and worked with many members of the US Coast Guard and contractors to affect shipboard repairs. As the Morale Officer, a collateral position, I created and managed morale events for my division's 130+ personnel. I organized two successful Coast Guard Day at the Oakland A's events, as well a 5K Fun Run for the immediate area's Coast Guard personnel. I volunteerily separated from the US Coast Guard with an Honorable Discharge in 2003.
At ABC Supply Company, I utilized my management and leadership skills. I took a break from the sea, and learned about the roofing industry. I provided customer support as well as managed over $1M in roofing material inventory. I worked closely with commercial vendors and roofing company owners. I continued to exercise frequently during this time, becoming a yoga practioner and kickboxing fan.
Upon moving east, as my husband is still an active duty member of the US Coast Guard, I became a member of the local gym, the Salem Athletic Club. After having my second child, I knew I wanted to work in the fitness industry. I was always active growing up, interested in healthy living, and educating others. I renewed my lifeguarding certification, as it had lapsed from my high school days. I also became a certified Water Safety Instructor. I taught children and adults how to swim. I soon moved into the personal training realm, earning my Personal Training Certification. Never settling for the minimum, I also earned my certification as a Group Exercise Instructor and Kickboxing through AFAA. I continued to teach in the pool, as well as take group exercise classes, specifically yoga and kickboxing (BodyCombat), and train members. I also earned my certification in YogaFit Level 1, and moved out of the pool. I continued to train members, as well as teach yoga. My BodyCombat (kickboxing) certification was earned soon thereafter. I currently teach yoga and BodyCombat twice a week. I also substitute teach any freestyle interval training and core conditioning with Stability Ball classes, when needed. I will be taking a core conditioning certification (Les Mill's CX30) at the end of May to improve my skills and learn new exercises.
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Last Login: May 23rd, 2011