Vanessa Wexler

Education

            2011-Present

            Pikes Peak Community College

Double majoring in Biological Sciences and Dance degrees

            2008-2009

            NYU Division of the Professions

            Career Progression Program

Ophthalmic Dispensing License Program

            2003-2004

            Stratford Career Institute

Veterinary Assistant Certification Awarded (3.9 GPA)

            2002

            Falcon High School

High School Diploma Awarded

*Current Adult/Child/Infant CPR and AED Certified with a practical skills component via American Red Cross. Valid through 04/04/2013.

*Zumba Fitness Certification awarded 4 November, 2011.

*Current ZIN (Zumba Instructor Network) Member, ensuring continued education for Zumba.

*Currently working towards Certification in Personal Training.

Professional Experience

April 2010 to Present

Champions Martial Arts

ZUMBA Fitness Instructor, Sensei & Professional Athlete

            My passion for dance has spilled over into my love for fitness!  Several years ago, I began attending Zumba classes as a “break” from the crushing cardio-intensity training I was enduring for competitions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts.  I enjoyed it so much that I fell in love with the moves, the community, and the unexpected physical benefits.  November 4^th, 2011 I obtained my certification, and taught my first Zumba class on November 13^th!  My heart, energy, and happiness continue to show through every class, leading to giggles, wiggles, and an amazing workout!  With over fifteen years of dance experience, my choreography is fun, easy to learn, and crafted to gain the most out of specific movements.  My goal is to become certified in EVERY form of Zumba Fitness (Gold, Aqua, Zumbatomic, Sentao, and Toning) to better help our community become happier and healthier!

Prior to becoming a certified Zumba fitness instructor, I taught a rigorous CardioKickboxing class several days a week.  Combining a decade of martial arts experience and high-energy music, my class had fun blasting calories while learning great moves!  It was at this time that I was simultaneously the Sensei of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts coach as well.  I participated in teaching at Self Defense Seminars for women and children.  I have provided private Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense lessons to women, children, soldiers, and athletic training for competitors.

April 2010-Present

Compassion International

Volunteer

Being a volunteer at Compassion, my tasks are varied depending on the greatest need.  This includes:  correspondence, child letters, advocate packets, marketing campaigns, "flipping" money, and running the Opex.

I also sponsor four amazing children through Compassion.   I hope to make a positive difference in their lives, share in their dreams and struggles, and encourage them in everything they do!

February 2012-Present

Lucky Dog Rescue

Volunteer

            I get to play with groups of rescue dogs during their scheduled times, take them for walks, and introduce them to possible future families!   

Awards & Recognition

~With Stranger Than Fiction Ent. (V.P. from 1999-2005), we birthed an Independent animated short film "The Finger" that has won numerous Film Festival Awards from Colorado, to California and even Canada.  Upon request from a high school in eastern Colorado, Stranger Than Fiction Ent. produced and educational video partnered with students in an advanced Spanish class.  This video received an award at the local school, and was sent to Barcelona, Spain where is still being used as a fun learning tool for an English class to this day.

~With America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, I was recognized for performing perfect "call shops", and awarded for performance and patient service.

~For my Volunteer service with Compassion International lasting over one year, I was formally recognized for "Making a Difference".

~As a student and sensei of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I am so proud to say that I have won over a dozen medals, two trophies and currently hold an MMA official record of 1:0:0.  These accomplishments were recognized on television, in local newspapers, and on the Internet.  I am currently a professional level athlete, competing in tournaments for submission grappling and jiu-jitsu.