Qualifications

ISSA Certified Nutritionist

The ISSA Nutrition certification focuses on the essential goal of providing the body with the necessary energy and building blocks to enhance physical resilience, enabling us to effectively tackle physical challenges and promote healing from illnesses and diseases. While nutrition plays a vital role in physical resilience, other factors such as genetics, hydration, digestion, exercise, flexibility, energy levels, physical trauma, environmental influences, and rest and recovery also contribute to overall resilience. ISSA nutrition plans are designed to identify and address limiting factors, incorporating elements like exercise, rest, and hydration. By debunking common nutrition myths, as a certified specialist in this field, I can guide you in creating a practical and enjoyable "real world" nutrition plan that aligns with your goals and is sustainable in the long term.

Whether you want to gain muscle, lose fat, or live healthily, your limiting factor usually lies beyond exercise. Poor nutrition is what holds people back. As a certified specialist in this area, I can help you dispel the common myths about nutrition, and then work with you to design a \"real world\" nutrition plan that you can actually stick with and enjoy.

Pursuit UESCA Running Coach: United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy

Currently pursuing:

The UESCA Running Coach certification is a comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become proficient running coaches. This certification covers various aspects of running, including training principles, biomechanics, injury prevention, nutrition, race preparation, and coaching techniques.

Throughout the certification, participants gain a deep understanding of the physiological and biomechanical aspects of running, allowing them to analyze and optimize an athlete's form, efficiency, and performance. They also learn how to develop personalized training plans tailored to each runner's goals, abilities, and specific needs.

The UESCA Running Coach certification emphasizes injury prevention strategies, teaching coaches how to identify potential issues and guide athletes in maintaining proper form and technique to reduce the risk of injuries. Additionally, participants learn about sports nutrition and how it relates to fueling for optimal performance and recovery.

Furthermore, the certification covers race preparation and execution, providing coaches with the knowledge to assist runners in setting appropriate goals, pacing strategies, mental preparation, and handling various race scenarios. Effective communication and coaching techniques are also emphasized to support athletes in their running journey and help them overcome challenges.

By completing the UESCA Running Coach certification, individuals are equipped with the tools and expertise to guide and inspire runners of all levels, helping them improve their running performance, achieve their goals, and maintain a safe and enjoyable running experience.

DEI & B Educator/Advocate

My expertise lies in the development and implementation of Cultural Competency curriculum over the past decade. This curriculum has been pivotal in nurturing understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity among employees. In my role as DEI&B committee lead, I have initiated strategic planning to drive organizational inclusivity and belonging. In my DEI & B training sessions, I guide participants through a journey of self-awareness, expanding their comprehension of diverse perspectives and fostering respectful responses. Through guided exercises, individuals examine personal biases and their impact on communication. The curriculum emphasizes empathy, cultural humility, and the creation of a safe space conducive to growth and learning. Additionally, it delves into the historical and contemporary significance of cultural contexts, shedding light on various forms of oppression and the role of language in perpetuating inequities. My training focuses on promoting equity and inclusion, reducing shaming responses, and facilitating constructive dialogue for connection and healing. My extensive experience in this field positions me as a knowledgeable guide in navigating the complexities of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

AHA Heartssver Certified CPR Instructor

As a certified Heart Saver AHA Instructor, I am equipped to teach the Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course developed by the American Heart Association (AHA). This comprehensive course enables participants to acquire the skills necessary to provide first aid, perform CPR, and effectively utilize an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The training I provide aligns with the latest advancements in science and education, as outlined in the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). By adhering to these guidelines, I ensure that participants are equipped with the most up-to-date techniques and knowledge to respond to emergencies in a safe, timely, and effective manner.

Through my instruction, individuals will gain the confidence and competence to administer first aid, perform CPR, and utilize an AED when faced with critical situations. I am dedicated to equipping participants with the necessary life-saving skills to make a difference in emergency situations and contribute to the well-being of others.

WRAP Instructor - Wellness Recovery Action Plan

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) is a personalized system for wellness and recovery developed by Mary Ellen Copeland, a respected author, educator, and mental health advocate. This approach is designed to enhance resilience and is based on the study of coping and wellness strategies employed by individuals who have faced mental health challenges.

WRAP® is an evidence-based recovery model that aims to achieve several outcomes: 1) decrease and prevent intrusive or troubling feelings and behaviors; 2) enhance personal empowerment; 3) improve overall quality of life; and 4) enable individuals to pursue their own life goals and aspirations. By engaging with a WRAP® plan, individuals can actively monitor uncomfortable and distressing feelings and behaviors and, through intentional responses, diminish, modify, or eliminate those experiences.

A WRAP® Plan also includes provisions for involving others when an individual is unable to make decisions, take care of themselves, or ensure their safety. This collaborative element ensures a supportive network is in place to provide assistance and guidance when needed.

By embracing a WRAP® plan, individuals can cultivate greater self-awareness, develop effective coping strategies, and foster an environment of well-being and recovery. It empowers individuals to actively participate in their own healing process and promotes a holistic approach to wellness.

MIIWRAP Coach: Wraparound & Motivational Interviewing Coaching

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative coaching method focused on exploring and resolving ambivalence about change. By emphasizing intrinsic motivations and values, MI aims to enhance commitment to change. It employs techniques like empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy to evoke and strengthen motivation for change. MI has been effective in various fields, including healthcare and addiction treatment.

Wraparound services offer comprehensive, individualized support to individuals and families with complex needs. They coordinate multiple services around the individual's goals and preferences, aiming for holistic care.

Motivational Interviewing Informed Wraparound (MiiWrap) combines MI principles with Wraparound activities, aiming for a more focused and integrated approach to supporting individuals and families. MiiWrap enhances engagement and collaboration by incorporating evidence-based techniques from MI into the Wraparound process.

CPST Child Passenger Safety Technician

The CPS certification program, known as the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program, provides certification for child passenger safety technicians and instructors. These professionals play a crucial role in promoting child safety by conducting community child safety seat checks. During these checks, parents and caregivers receive hands-on assistance to ensure the proper use of child restraint systems and safety belts.

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) and instructors offer valuable education, support, and guidance to families across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The U.S. CPS certification program is highly regarded as the gold standard globally, reflecting its comprehensive and rigorous training.

To stay updated on the latest advancements and technical information in child passenger safety, CPST technicians and instructors actively participate in seminars and pursue continuing education opportunities. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that they remain knowledgeable and well-equipped to address the evolving needs and challenges of child passenger safety.

Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, University of Tampa, 20 years experience in Behavioral Health Field guiding others to make and maintain healthy choices

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology: Completed in 2003 with 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. I have dedicated my career to working at Covenant House Florida, a crisis shelter that provides guidance and protection to youth experiencing homelessness. Through love, respect, service, advocacy, and support, we strive to make a positive impact on their lives.

Throughout my tenure at Covenant House Florida, I have held various positions including Intensive Case Manager, Independent Living Specialist, Ombudsman, Volunteer Services Specialist, and my current role as Training and Compliance Specialist. These roles have allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by homeless youth and to provide the necessary support and resources to empower them on their journey toward stability and independence.

If needed, I am more than happy to provide professional references upon request.

ISSA Certified Nutritionist

Whether you want to gain muscle, lose fat, or live healthily, your limiting factor usually lies beyond exercise. Poor nutrition is what holds people back. As a certified specialist in this area, I can help you dispel the common myths about nutrition, and then work with you to design a \"real world\" nutrition plan that you can actually stick with and enjoy.