
Cathy Richards, M.A.

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About me
Workplace Wellbeing Strategist, Healthy Aging Advocate, Author, and Speaker
Education

University of Maryland College Park
-Master of Arts (M.A.) Exercise Physiology
University of Maryland College Park
-Bachelor of Science (BS) Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Experience

Marriott International
Jan 1989 - Jan 2001Provided overall strategic planning, communication, implementation, and evaluation for Marriott's worksite wellness program with a target audience of 4,000 corporate headquarters associates. Recipient of the C. Everett Koop National Health Award for outstanding worksite wellness program. Created and presented original seminars and classes on fitness, nutrition, weight loss, and stress management. Chaired committees and led project teams for fundraising and wellness champions. Trained and evaluated group exercise instructors according to safety and quality guidelines. Managed class schedule, program policies, guidelines, and promotion. Taught group exercise classes such as step aerobics, cardio-kick-boxing, and strength training.
Wellness & You! Health Promotion Program Manager
Jan 1993 - Jan 2001Group Exercise Coordinator and Instructor Trainer
Jan 1989 - Jan 2001

Adventist HealthCare LifeWork Strategies
Jan 2005 - nowPresenterIndependent contractor providing motivational wellness seminars to corporate clients as well as one-on-one wellness coaching in areas of fitness, stress, and weight management.

Asbury Communities, Inc.
May 2009 - Jul 2017Director of Lifestyle and WellnessCampus-wide leader for lifestyle and wellness culture, brand identity, and strategic planning for six dimensional wellness program for 1200 residents with an average age of 85.Created annual strategic plan and implementation of the "WOW" employee wellness program for 800+ associates. Designed the award-winning "clubWOW" specialty focused program featuring teams and individual coaching that resulted in an average weight loss of 9.5 pounds per person and significant fitness improvements.Program oversight for fitness/wellness center, off-campus trips and cultural arts, on-campus entertainment and wellness educational classes, 30+ fitness classes per week, massage program, healthy hearing clinic, post-rehabilitation program, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) and numerous specialty programming for assisted living and skilled nursing. Budgeting, staffing, and management of wellness center and pool, including a full-time staff of eight and numerous sub-contractors.Created unique programs such as Full Circle Success Elective Surgery Preparation Program, Floor Freedom: How to Get Up From the Floor, and numerous Healthy Hearing Initiatives.Significant public speaking and media experience including presenting at national conferences for Leading Age and ICAA, media spokesperson for wellness-related culture and programming, and host for on-campus TV interview program.Chair multiple committees including resident health and wellness committee, health services advisory committee, nutrition sub-committee, and healthy hearing sub-committee.Recipient of four Azzy awards for successful media appearances and innovative programming. Show less

Sodexo
Feb 2011 - Feb 2013Area General Manager, HealthAbilityProvide strategic support and reporting on results for Asbury Communities system-wide wellness initiatives including five continuing care retirement communities. This was a dual role while serving as Director of Wellness for Asbury Methodist Village.

Inspiring Vitality
Jan 2017 - nowWorkplace Wellbeing Strategist, Author/Speaker, Healthy Aging AdvocateDevelop and present motivational keynotes and programs addressing stress, employee burnout, fitness adherence, and healthy aging for businesses, women's organizations, and senior services industries. Consult on strategy and design for corporate, senior, and individual wellness and fitness programs. Author of Amazon Bestseller "BOOM: 6 Steps to a Longer, Healthier Life". Provide online courses and monthly membership program called the "Forever Fit Club" including online group coaching and fitness training for "smart, busy women". Visit me @InspiringVitality on Instagram. Show less

Montgomery College
Jan 2019 - May 2021Adjunct ProfessorDepartment of Health Enhancement, Exercise Science, and Physical Education

Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Jan 2019 - nowPresenterDevelop and present programs to Vistage CEO Roundtable groups in areas of productivity, wellness and resilience. Provide follow-up wellness program consulting for select clients upon request.
Licenses & Certifications
- View certificate

Certified Brain Fitness Facilitator
Senior Fitness Association - View certificate

Certified Dementia Practitioner
National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners - View certificate

Certified Senior Fitness Instructor
Senior Fitness Association - View certificate
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Certified Group Fitness Instructor
American Council on Exercise (ACE Fitness) 
Functional Aging Specialist
Functional Aging InstituteAug 2022- View certificate

Certified Virtual Presenter
ESpeakersAug 2020 - View certificate

Certified Exercise Physiologist
American College of Sports Medicine - View certificate

Certified Fitness Coach
Wellcoaches Corporation - View certificate

Certified Perinatal Fitness Instructor
Healthy Moms Fitness Programs - View certificate
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Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Honors & Awards
- Awarded to Cathy Richards, M.A.The Azzy Award for clubWOW - 2016 Along with the entire Wellness Team, clubWOW was recognized for making significant wellness improvements for associates.
- Awarded to Cathy Richards, M.A.ICAA Innovator Award for "Brain Waves" ICAA 2015 This award recognized my team for the creation of this unique program addressing Brain Health for Older Adults. My role included strategic leadership and marketing of the program.
- Awarded to Cathy Richards, M.A.The Azzy "Initiative" Award - 2014 This Azzy Award was awarded to me for creating the unique "Full Circle Success" Elective Surgery Preparation Program, providing linkage between multiple departments to offer proactive services that would be seamless to residents both before and after an elective surgery to speed recovery.
- Awarded to Cathy Richards, M.A.The Azzy "Story of the Year" Award - 2014 The Azzy Story of the Year was awarded to me for our Annual snow tubing trip which was picked up by the Washington Post that year for a full front page metro section spread.
- Awarded to Cathy Richards, M.A.The Azzy "Visionary" Award - 2013 The Azzys are awarded annually for outstanding performance by Asbury Communities. This "Visionary" award was awarded to me for assistance garnering media attention to Asbury for wellness.
- Awarded to Cathy Richards, M.A.The C. Everett Koop National Health Award The Health Project, Office of the Surgeon General 1995 The C. Everett Koop National Health Award is given annually to worksite wellness programs for demonstration of success and results for participants.
Volunteer Experience
Guest Speaker
Issued by PRS, Inc. on Jan 2018
Associated with Cathy Richards, M.A.
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