Cathy Richards, M.A.

Cathy Richards, M.A.

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  • Timeline

  • 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 2001

      Provided 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 2001
      • Group Exercise Coordinator and Instructor Trainer

        Jan 1989 - Jan 2001
    • Adventist HealthCare LifeWork Strategies

      Jan 2005 - now
      Presenter

      Independent 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 2017
      Director of Lifestyle and Wellness

      Campus-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 2013
      Area General Manager, HealthAbility

      Provide 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 - now
      Workplace Wellbeing Strategist, Author/Speaker, Healthy Aging Advocate

      Develop 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 2021
      Adjunct Professor

      Department of Health Enhancement, Exercise Science, and Physical Education

    • Vistage Worldwide, Inc.

      Jan 2019 - now
      Presenter

      Develop 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

    • Certified Brain Fitness Facilitator

      Senior Fitness Association
      View certificate certificate
    • Certified Dementia Practitioner

      National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners
      View certificate certificate
    • Certified Senior Fitness Instructor

      Senior Fitness Association
      View certificate certificate
    • Certified Group Fitness Instructor

      American Council on Exercise (ACE Fitness)
      View certificate certificate
    • Functional Aging Specialist

      Functional Aging Institute
      Aug 2022
    • Certified Virtual Presenter

      ESpeakers
      Aug 2020
      View certificate certificate
    • Certified Exercise Physiologist

      American College of Sports Medicine
      View certificate certificate
    • Certified Fitness Coach

      Wellcoaches Corporation
      View certificate certificate
    • Certified Perinatal Fitness Instructor

      Healthy Moms Fitness Programs
      View certificate certificate
    • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

      National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
      View certificate certificate
  • 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
      PRS, Inc.Associated with Cathy Richards, M.A.