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Improving quality of life through mental and physical intervention

Home: Welcome

Who I Am

I got started in the fitness industry because someone believed and invested in me. I quickly found not just a profession, but a passion and purpose. Over ten years later I've been blessed to have the opportunity to educate and inspire others to pursue their passion and own their health.

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From curriculum development to instruction and education; from fitness professionals to military members to mainstream fitness, I have a diverse background that has provided me with strong leadership skills and abilities. 

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Scroll down for more on my background, or use the menu at the top of the page to learn about my mission, values, leadership approach, communication, and core values.

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Home: About Me

My Experience

What I've Done

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June 2018 to Present

Director of Education, National Exercise Trainers Association

​Responsible for the creation and ongoing update of curriculum for fitness professionals and the training, development and inspiration of future industry leaders.

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May 2015 to Present

National Presenter, National Exercise Trainers Association

Provide live training and education for NCCA-accredited personal training and group exercise instructor certification candidates and specialty certifications to include wellness coach, senior fitness, youth fitness, kettlebells, indoor group cycling, barre, yoga, and pilates.

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November 2014 to June 2018

Combat Fitness Coordinator, Marine Corps Community Services

Provide comprehensive fitness training specific to the needs of active duty military members, nutrition counseling for increased performance of elite combat athletes, and nutrition, fitness, injury prevention, tobacco cessation, and disease prevention education to service members in one-on-one settings, small group settings, and large class settings.

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January 2012 to July 2014

Program Manager of Group Exercise, YMCA of the Twin Cities

Oversee group exercise program to include class scheduling (average of 120 classes per week), special event programming, budgeting, and instruction; provide group exercise instruction, personal training, and small group training services.

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August 2008 to August 2011

Assistant Director of Health Promotion, Marine Corps Community Services

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Provide education to active duty service members and family members regarding nutrition, fitness, injury prevention, tobacco cessation and combat readiness; design curriculum and instruct a summer nutrition program for children ages 4 to 12; program physical training sessions for Marine and Navy units​; publish bi-monthly articles in local magazine, and host a monthly Health Matters radio segment.

Home: Experience

Education

What I’ve Learned

January 2019 to December 2020

Doctor, Health Science and Exercise Leadership

September 2012 to December 2013

Post Graduate Certificate, Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Rehabilitation Science

January 2010 to May 2012

Master of Science, Human Nutrition

August 2004 to May 2007

Bachelor of Arts, Spanish

Home: Education

Certifications

What I've Earned

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CSCS, TSAC-F

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National Strengh and Conditioning Association

CES

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National Academy of Sports Medicine

CPT, CGFI, CMES, CHC

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American Council on Exercise

Sports Performance Coach

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USA Weightlifting

In addition to the primary certifications above, I have obtained the following:
 

*TRX Force Operator, Levels 1 and 2
*Orange Kettlebell Club Instructor, Levels 1 and 2
*Indoor Group Cycling (ICG) Indoor Cycling Instructor
*Cooper's Institute Health Promotion Director
*High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) Instructor, Levels 1 and 2
*200-hour RYT

NETA Specialty Certifications in:

*Barre Connect Instructor

*Yoga Foundations

*Fitness Yoga

*Yoga Strong

*Kids Yoga

*Senior Yoga

*Yoga for Special Populations

*Becoming a Yoga Professional

*Prenatal Yoga

Home: Skills

Recognitions

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of receiving several recognitions and awards for my hard work. I've been published in several different fitness magazines and online platforms, as well as acted as a subject matter expert. I've been presenting nationally for NETA for nine years, and presented at IDEA World in July of 2023 and the 2024 NIRSA National Conference. Please feel free to reach out for more information on any of these!

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Home: Recognitions

John Pat Harden Practitioners Award

October 2010

Armed Forces Recreation Society recognition of top influential health and fitness professionals worldwide.

Employee of the Quarter

1st Quarter, 2009

Marine Corps Community Services
Semper Fit Division

Employee of the Year Nominee

2010

Marine Corps Community Services
Semper Fit Division

Letter of Appreciation

September 2017

Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations West for contributions to the 2017 High Intensity Tactical Athlete Championships.

"I recently took a three classes through NETA at the YMCA in Appleton WI. I am a NETA certifie[d] Personal Trainer for about 4 years now. As usual I was totally enthralled with the information that was provided by the instructors. Jon and Darci were not only very knowledgeable about the info they were providing, they also delivered it with a substantial amount of passion and excitement. They kept the classes interesting by adding their own personal experiences and were very helpful with any questions we had regarding proper technique or protocol . I would strongly urge anybody who was interested in becoming a Personal trainer to check out what NETA has to offer. They are an industry leader for a reason." 

M.S.B.

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Home: Quote

Let’s Connect

Minneapolis, MN

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