Maria Tassoni

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS • Extraordinary interpersonal skills and a positive attitude which contribute to the ability to establish an instant rapport with people of all ages and backgrounds. • Skilled teacher and trainer, with four years of experience, able to inspire others to reach their goals. • Gifted athlete in a variety of sports. • Committed to supporting and encouraging the health and well-being of others through exercise. EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS Wellcoaches, Certified Wellness Coach – February, 2008 The Pilates Coach Certified Reformer Trainer – July 10, 2007 Columbia University, New York, NY Master of Arts, Applied Physiology – Teachers College. May, 2006. Maintained 4.0 average. National Strength & Conditioning Association, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist – December, 2006 American College of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer – May, 2004 National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer – December 2004 University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA Bachelor of Music, Magna Cum Laude. • Major: Music Therapy. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Plus One Fitness, Goldman Sachs Fitness Exchange, New York, NY 2004-Present Personal Trainer/Pilates Instructor, and Rock Climbing Instructor (September 2004-June 2006) • Successfully maintained 75% of all clients for one year or more. • Facilitated substantial strength gains sought by male client (mid 30s) – Within 18 mos. incr. - Biceps: 100% Chest: 440% Legs: 700%. • Helped realize weight loss goal of female client (late 20s) - 5.25 lbs in 3 mos. Within 2 mos., BMI decreased from 22 to 21. Body fat decreased from 20% to 17%. • Enthusiastically introduced indoor rock climbing to dozens of clients. Simplified climbing technique in easy to grasp steps. Patiently encouraged clients to climb through their innate fear of height. Fostered feelings of pride and accomplishment in all clients. ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Project NYCope, New York, NY 2002-2003 Outreach/Education Counselor Initiated outreach to support city employees, small business owners and other individuals in Lower Manhattan dealing with the aftermath of 9/11. Explained Project NYCope’s crisis counseling services, and distributed psycho-educational brochures on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Also, conducted seminars on wellness-related topics. • Quickly and effectively engaged the trust of clients by creating a calm and caring presence. • Assessed the client’s functioning, coping skills and resources available to him/her. • Educated clients about ways to manage their distress and care for themselves as they pursued recovery, with a heavy focus on physical fitness. • Respectfully and sensitively followed-up with clients who requested additional support and, when appropriate, offered gentle encouragement in taking advantage of Project NYCope’s services. Audience Coordination and Supervision Consultant, New York, NY 1991-2002 Generated audiences for prime-time network launches of shows, including “Politically Incorrect,â€Â “The Dana Carvey Show,â€Â “Spin City,â€Â and “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.â€Â • Consistently procured audiences under budget constraints and tight deadlines. Implemented an effective and creative strategy, and tenaciously saw the project through until its completion. • Attracted target audiences using overall marketing strategies, which included the use of internet, television and print advertising, and ongoing and persistent follow-up with media and special interest groups. • Successfully supervised staff of ten, and coordinated audience-related logistics by using polished interpersonal skills, and by deftly handling multiple roles, tasks and deadlines in an organized and efficient manner. VOLUNTEER WORK New York Children’s Hospital – Pediatric Physical Therapy Department (100 hrs.) 2006 • Expertly assisted in all administrative duties pertaining to both in/outpatients. • Assisted therapists while they were with patients in ways which greatly facilitated their work. St. Paul’s Chapel (A respite center at Ground Zero) – Food Captain/Volunteer Coordinator 2001-2002 • Immediately answered the call to serve the women and men who worked at Ground Zero. • Quickly promoted to Food Captain, in charge of managing a constant influx of volunteers from around the country. • Trained and managed volunteers in all aspects of food preparation and service. • Provided emotional as well as nutritional sustenance to all who entered St. Paul’s. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Gifted and avid road/mountain biker, weight lifter, hiker, rock climber, roller blader, skier (downhill and cross country), and snow boarder. COMPUTER SKILLS Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet savvy.