PARK NEWS

FIND A PARK

FIND AN ACTIVITY

ADMINISTRATION

Online Services

Our Government

News and Events

Maps, Facts & Stats

State & Federal

 

Fitness Directors Fitness Directors play an important role at our Fitness Centers. In addition to supervision of personal training staff and fitness room volunteers, they oversee fitness room operations and programs. This includes everything from the maintenance of fitness equipment to ensuring that you receive high quality service on a daily basis. Our Fitness Directors are available by appointment to give you an orientation to the fitness equipment and the FitLinxx system. After you begin your exercise program, your Fitness Director will provide you with feedback, both in person and via FitLinxx, to monitor your progress, and will stay in direct communication with you for continual support and encouragement. They truly make our RECenters a place for community interaction AND a great workout! Audrey Moore RECenter Elizabeth Ittner (Liz) graduated from George Mason University in 2004, with a B.S. in Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources, concentration in Exercise Science and from Ithaca College in 2005, with an M.S. in Exercise and Sport Sciences, focus in Sport Psychology. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Liz is also a certified Level-II Coach with USRowing, a Club Coach with USA Weightlifting, and a Reebok Cycle Instructor. She has worked as a Personal Trainer, Sports Performance Coach, Fitness Specialist, and Lecturer over the past eight years, and looks forward to bringing these experiences to the Audrey Moore and FCPA teams. Liz enjoys sports and fitness endeavors of all kinds, and has been involved everything from running to rowing (crew) to Olympic lifting. She is so excited to get to know the people at Audrey Moore and help them to achieve their fitness goals. Shannon Wolcott Audrey Moore's Assistant Fitness Director, is a graduate of George Mason University receiving her MS in Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion, and of Lycoming College where she received her BA in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing and international business. She left her corporate position to pursue a career involving fitness, health and athletics - her true passion. While attending GMU, Shannon was a group fitness instructor and a personal trainer and started her new position with Audrey Moore shortly after graduating in May 2007. Shannon has always been involved in athletics and fitness in some way and looks forward to sharing her love and passion for it with the community at Audrey Moore. back to top Cub Run RECenter Ryan Taber is a graduate of West Virginia University (WVU), where he earned a BS in Physical Education and Health. While at WVU, Ryan was of member of the Men's Track and Field team. Before coming to Cub Run, he was an elementary physical education teacher as well as a track and field coach for 4 years. Ryan is a certified personal trainer, performance enhancement specialist through National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is also certified in USA Track and Field Level 1, Gravity, and Yoga Fit Level 1. His specialties include youth and teen training; speed, agility, and quickness development; and working with individuals new to fitness. “Make health and fitness part of your daily routine, your body will thank you later.” back to top Lee District RECenter Marie Vasquez-Cropper graduated from the University of Toledo, with both a BS in Exercise Science and a MEd in Physical Education. She took specialized studies and worked in the early childhood field for eight years, and has held various personal training and fitness instructor positions throughout her college career. Marie holds certifications in Pilates Mat and Reformer, Yoga, and SPINNING. From 1992 to 1994, she worked for the YMCA of Greater Toledo, Ohio, as the Fitness and Aquatic Director of a site with two pools and full fitness offerings. "I personally enjoy practicing both Yoga and Pilates daily", Marie says. A distance cyclist from her high school years, she also enjoys centuries and competing in triathlon relay teams. Marie's family consists of three "grown-up" kids and an eleven year old, who keep her busy. Marie enjoys the variety of activities and community adds, "Each and every person that we meet plays a tremendous role in our lives. I relish the adventures that every meeting brings." back to top Mount Vernon RECenter Mary Malof has been a personal trainer with the Park Authority since December 2001. Prior to her current position, Mary worked for the Department of Recreation and Community Services as a facility attendant in the Employee Fitness Center. She's currently certified as a personal trainer and nutrition consultant through American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA). Mary believes in leading by example, "Physical fitness is the key ingredient in reaching your lifetime goals. Begin slowly, maintain focus and attitude and always remember to make it fun." She enjoys working with older adults and individuals new to "working out." Sports and fitness have always been a dominant part of her life. Mary grew up playing team sports and went on to play NCAA softball in college. She stays active today by cycling, hiking, running or just keeping up with her three dogs. back to top Oak Marr RECenter Kwame Brown graduated from Hampton University in 1995, with a B.A. in Molecular Biology and from Georgetown University in 2003, with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He also sits on the Founding Affiliate Board of Directors of the International Youth Conditioning Association, which offers a certification in youth training and has written chapters on Motor Skill Development for the textbook Developmental Essentials. He specializes in motor skill development and in speed and agility training. Kwame also continues to work as a consultant for Cris Carter's FAST Program in South Florida where he worked with many youth, college and professional athletes. Kwame's interest in fitness began with his own quest as a teenager to become a better athlete. He has worked since the age of 17 to gain as much knowledge in the fitness field as he can, so that he can serve others in accomplishing their fitness goals. A former martial artist, Kwame is still a competitive athlete, enjoying tennis and basketball. Kwame is ready to serve the community in his position as the new Fitness Director at the Oakmarr RECenter. He believes that every individual has something truly amazing inside of them, and no one finds out what that is without hard work. back to top Providence RECenter Providence RECenter's Acting Fitness Director, Jennifer Leeds graduated from Lynchburg College with a BA in Sports Management. Jennifer is an ACE Certified Trainer and a Reebok Cycle Spin Instructor. She has always been involved in sports, playing baseball or softball from the time she was 4 years old. She was also a swimmer for ten years. When not directly involved in sports she coached both softball and swimming. Jennifer's goals are to complete a sprint triathlon by fall, 2006, and then to complete an Olympic length sprint by next year. Her philosophy is that working out has to be fun for people to stay with it for life. If fitness is not fun then it's just a chore and nobody wants to do chores for life! "I love showing people they can do something they never thought they could do," says Jennifer. "I love to watch their reactions when they see results they've accomplished." back to top South Run RECenter South Run’s Fitness Director, Laurie Strickland, graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Developmental Psychology after transferring from Kent State University in Ohio. She worked for eight years teaching physical education in the Arlington Diocese and for over 6 years as a personal trainer before beginning her position as the Fitness Director at South Run. She was inspired to become part of the fitness field as a result of her personal love of fitness, exercise and health. Laurie is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer and by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America as a group exercise instructor. She also holds specialty certifications as a Yogafit and Golf Conditioning Specialist. Her personal achievements include winning two D.C. area body-building competitions and placing eighth in her first duathalon. Laurie believes in the Holistic approach to health and fitness which includes taking care of the mind as well as the body. To this end, she uses her Psychology background to help others with the mental aspects of fitness and health. She teaches by personal example, almost always riding her bike or running to work! Her goal is to help others live a more healthy and active lifestyle. back to top Spring Hill RECenter John Bartok is a graduate of the University of Rochester where he earned a B.S. in Environmental Science and graduate-level management certificates. He moved to Fairfax County where he worked for the Federal Government. His environmental efforts led him to a greater interest in human ecology and nutrition. In 1996, he completed the Marine Corps Marathon, his first, and later earned a Personal Trainer certification from bodybuilding-focused Parrillo Performance, along with completing a masters coaching program at Coach for Life. John combined his education and his passion to support at-risk youth and helped found a local charity that provides mentoring and training to adolescents. With a Youth Fitness Instructor certification from the International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA) and a BOSU Integrated Balance Training specialty certificate, John focuses much of his personal training on enhancing the fitness and wellness of youth at the RECenter. As Spring Hills Fitness Director, John enjoys sharing his knowledge and sense of humor with the diverse community. "I love helping people strengthen and balance their body, mind, and spirit to create greater health, wellness, and a sense of fulfillment." John often refers to the brain as the strongest "muscle" in the body and reminds patrons that "whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right!" back to top