Alyssa Parson
Summary
Health and wellness professional with proven ability to guide clients towards healthier lifestyles through tailored wellness strategies. Known for fostering collaboration and driving team success while being adaptable to evolving needs. Expertise in holistic health approaches and client-centered counseling.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physical Health and Wellness Coach
Wounded Warrior Project
07.2024 - Current
- Deliver personalized 1:1 health coaching to 28 veterans and family support members per quarter, focusing on behavior change, goal setting, and sustainable wellness practices
- Plan, lead, and facilitate quarterly 3-day Physical Health & Wellness Expos for each new cohort, integrating education, movement, and community connection
- Maintain a 97% client retention rate throughout the full program lifecycle, from initial recruitment through post-program follow-up
- Design and instruct two virtual, research-based health and wellness education classes per quarter, with a focus on nutrition, fitness, and sleep health
- Organize and execute two local wellness events per quarter to increase access to inclusive, adaptive fitness opportunities for veterans
- Established and sustained partnerships with adaptive sports organizations, including adaptive golf and rock-climbing programs, expanding wellness options for veterans of all abilities
- Piloted value-based goal setting curriculum at national expos, introducing a holistic, ownership-driven approach to personal health and wellness
- Appointed as Office Wellness Coordinator, initiating walking groups, gym tutorials, and team wellness activities to foster a culture of health
- Developed and integrated mind-body connection modules into national expos, including mindfulness, breathwork, and somatic education to support emotional and physical well-being
- Took initiative in creating new processes for Salesforce use, event communication, and resource sharing, enhancing both client and teammate experiences
- Led follow-up efforts post-program to ensure client needs were met, modeling exceptional care and personal accountability
- Frequently recognized by teammates and clients for positivity, professionalism, and diplomacy
Senior/Lead Program Instructor
Tara’s Chance Therapeutic Riding Center
06.2022 - 12.2023
- Instructed individual and group lessons to improve client proprioception, muscle function, and neuromuscular efficiency
- Designed weekly lesson plans to comply with riders’ ongoing physical and cognitive goals
- Oriented coaching style to support people of all abilities
- Collaborated with physical and occupational therapists to ensure alignment with overall care
- Directed routine guardian and facilitator meetings resulting in improved program quality
- Composed thorough session notes to develop client database
- Utilized Salesforce platform to better integrate fundraising campaigns and donor communications
- Initiated weekly instructor meetings to increase colleague communication and problem solving
- Managed volunteer team of 20+ resulting in more cohesive lessons
- Curated new volunteer training material to maximize lesson safety and efficiency
- Mediated tense situations to maintain a professional and empathetic environment
- Assisted with planning fundraising events to raise community awareness and involvement
Flexologist
StretchLab Newport Beach
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Evaluated clients via Functional Movement Screening (FMS) to identify muscular imbalances
- Worked directly with athletes to expedite recovery and performance
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to build client rapport and enhance program design
- Implemented goal setting and evaluation to support behavior change and motivation
- Articulated plan of action to clientele for the purpose of patient education and adherence
- Provided one-on-one assisted PNF stretching sessions to support 40+ client goals
- Adjusted Physmodo capturing system and Hyperice percussion tools to individual needs
- Referred clients as needed to appropriate medical professionals to maintain scope of practice
- Assigned necessary strengthening exercises to improve movement quality
- Fostered regular opportunities for client feedback and evaluation to ensure program adaptability
Equine Therapy Riding Instructor
Green Acres Interactive Therapy
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Conducted initial client evaluations to assess physical and cognitive responses
- Individually directed 25+ clients through dynamic stretching and strengthening activities
- Guided Veteran, PTSD clients through equine care and riding lessons
- Advised in the creation of new session exercises resulting in overall program growth
- Matched clients with instructors based on current needs to provide the best quality of care
- Promoted open and professional communication with guardians to ensure clients’ goals are met
- Aided in volunteer and equine training to create a safe work environment
- Conceptualized novel fundraising methods to grow community outreach and client involvement
- Organized comprehensive client notes to monitor progress
Corrective Exercise Specialist
ASIS Physical Therapy
06.2020 - 03.2021
- Worked directly under Doctor of Physical Therapy to provide feedback on patients’ progress
- Instructed and managed therapeutic exercise programs in a one-on-one environment
- Coached pelvic floor, pediatric, geriatric, plyometric, agility, and vertigo specific exercises
- Incorporated TRX, ViPR, Bosu, Airex, stretch cage, and percussion tools to adhere to patient goals
- Administered modalities such as cold laser, lumbar traction, and TENS unit to enrich session experience
- Completed FMS and FCS movement screenings as directed to continue patient progression
- Introduced new exercises to colleagues to incorporate into future prescriptions
- Assisted with front desk scheduling to promote a cohesive work atmosphere
Education
Master of Science - Applied Physiology and Kinesiology-Human Performance
University of Florida College of Health & Human Performance
Gainesville, FLGraduate Certificate - Integrative Strength and Conditioning Science
The College of Health and Human Performance
Gainesville, FLBachelor of Science - Exercise Science
California Baptist University School of Health Science
Riverside, CASkills
- Health Coaching
- Wellness Program Development
- Behavior Change
- Client relations
- Adaptive exercise
- Chronic disease prevention
- Health education
Certification
- NBC-HWC (Projected May 2026)
- Living Works-Applied Suicide Intervention Training
- ACE-Trauma Informed Coaching
- ACSM-Exercise Physiologist
- NASM-Corrective Exercise Specialist
- NASM-Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM-Women’s Fitness Specialization
- AHA CPR/AED with BLS
Timeline
Physical Health and Wellness Coach
Wounded Warrior Project
07.2024 - Current
Senior/Lead Program Instructor
Tara’s Chance Therapeutic Riding Center
06.2022 - 12.2023
Flexologist
StretchLab Newport Beach
08.2021 - 06.2022
Equine Therapy Riding Instructor
Green Acres Interactive Therapy
08.2020 - 08.2021
Corrective Exercise Specialist
ASIS Physical Therapy
06.2020 - 03.2021
Graduate Certificate - Integrative Strength and Conditioning Science
The College of Health and Human Performance
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
California Baptist University School of Health Science
Master of Science - Applied Physiology and Kinesiology-Human Performance
University of Florida College of Health & Human Performance
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