Education

M.S., Physical Education, Concentration: Sports Medicine
Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York, December 1993

B.S., Business Administration, Major: Finance
Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, May 1987

Strengths

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Detail oriented, well-organized, and self-motivated
• Proven ability to work with and motivate individuals with varying fitness levels,
  from the physically challenged to the competitive athlete
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Lotus 1-2-3 and WordPerfect

Employment History

Co-owner and Personal Trainer
Fitness on Fifth, Austin, TX

I began accepting clients in Austin in August, 1998. As an independent contractor, I offer personal fitness training to private-pay clients. Services include one-on-one instruction on the various components of exercise: strength training, cardiorespiratory conditioning, and flexibility. My clientele includes the de-conditioned, fitness enthusiasts, athletes, those in need of post-rehabilitation exercise, and those interested in weight management. Additionally, I offer customized fitness program design services for those who need guidance but do not want to work with a trainer on a regular basis.

Fitness Specialist
St. David's Health Care System, Austin, TX

A part-time position which began in August 1998. Responsibilities include conducting new members' health screenings . The screenings include a sub-maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer or a graded exercise test under guidelines set by the American College of Sports Medicine. The screenings also include body composition analysis, flexibility, and muscular strength and endurance testing. Additional duties include blood pressure screenings before, during, and after exercise for at-risk members, and providing instruction on strength and cardiovascular equipment.

Reimbursement Analyst
Total Reimbursement Group, Austin, TX

Responsible for daily accounting functions, including invoicing, accounts receivable and accounts payable, Medicare and Medicaid Cost Reports for skilled nursing facilities, measuring square footage of these facilities to help determine reimbursement rates. The business was dissolved in July 1998. This was my brother's company. I assisted him in March1994 to May 1994 and in July 1997 to July 1998 while exploring fitness career opportunities in the Austin area.

Personal Trainer/Instructor
Wyoming Valley Health Care System, Inc. Dallas, PA
One-To-One Fitness and Rehabilitation Center, Dallas, PA
Odyssey Fitness Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Created, supervised and monitored exercise programs based on the results of fitness evaluations and the individual's needs, goals, and capabilities. Personal training sessions included instruction in strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, and flexibility. Performed fitness evaluations including sub-maximal graded exercise tests, body composition analysis using skin-fold calipers and bioelectrical impedance, flexibility evaluations, and tests of muscular strength and endurance. First became a personal trainer in 1989, moved from one fitness facility to another as my career path changed.

Physical Therapy Aide
Associated Rehabilitation Center, Kingston, PA

Worked with a physical therapist and an occupational therapist in outpatient rehabilitation center. Instructed patients in resistance, range of motion, and cardiovascular exercises. Conducted group flexibility exercise sessions. Evaluated patients using the Lido Lift isokinetic dynamometer. Worked full time from March 1990 to June 1991 and then worked part time during the summer while taking summer classes. Left to attend grad school in the fall.

Assistant to the Controller
Rank Ahnert, Inc., Bushkill PA

Responsible for the daily accounting functions of Leisure Systems, Inc. a subsidiary of Rank Ahnert, Inc. Prepared weekly internal cost reports, handled period-end closings which included the preparation of monthly financial statements, and assisted in the development of the yearly business plans. This was my first full-time job after graduating from college. I joined the company in July 1988 and left to pursue a career and education in fitness in July of 1989.

Graduate Student, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY

Graduate Assistant

Worked for Dr. Rich in the Adaptive Physical Education Department and for Dr. Blann, the Coordinator of the Sports Management Program. Assisted Dr. Rich with a swim program for mentally challenged youth and performed general administrative duties. Assisted Dr. Blann with a study on NCAA hockey players. Duties included coding and preparing data for statistical analysis.

Research Assistant

Assisted in the data collection for a research project which examined the effects of exercise on the aged. Responsibilities included isokinetic strength testing and range of motion analysis.

Thesis

Studied the effects of manipulating exercise order during a weight training session. Examined how muscle performance is affected by training small muscle groups prior to large muscle groups during a training session. Observed the effects of manipulating rest periods during bouts of isokinetic exercise. Researched the changes in muscle performance based on varying rest intervals between sets of exercise using the Biodex System 2 isokinetic dynamometer.

Presentations

Effects of manipulating rest periods on isokinetic muscle performance. Slide presentations at the American College of Sports Medicine National Conference (June 1994, Indianapolis, IN) and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference (November 1993, Ithaca, NY)

Publications

Sforzo, G.A., Touey, P.R. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, vol. 10, 1, February 1996. Manipulating Exercise Order Affects Muscular Performance During a Resistance Exercise Training Session.

Professional Affiliations and Certifications

American College of Sports Medicine, certified health/fitness instructor

National Strength and Conditioning Association, certified strength and conditioning specialist

USA Weightlifting, certified club coach

American Red Cross, Community CPR and First Aid