Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Leanne Mitchell

Leland,NC

Summary

Passionate and mission-driven health and wellness leader with 20 years of progressive experience in fitness education, program development, and multi-site operations. Proven ability to cultivate lasting relationships with members, build strong community programs, and lead high-performing teams. Holds a master's degree in Sports Psychology with a focus on motivation, performance, and engagement. Seeking to bring deep experience in wellness programming and a commitment to service as the next Health and Wellness Engagement Director at the YMCA.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director

The Little Gym
08.2005 - Current
  • Company Overview: Leading children's physical development franchise.
  • Oversaw multiple gym locations in North Carolina
  • Promoted from Program Director to Area Director due to consistent leadership and impact on enrollment and team performance.
  • Directed all operational aspects of multi-site gym programs including staffing, safety, enrollment growth, and member experience.
  • Led recruitment, hiring, training, and development of diverse teams across multiple locations.
  • Created and implemented curriculum enhancements rooted in Sports Psychology to increase child and family engagement.
  • Fostered strong parent relationships through ongoing communication, coaching, and parent education workshops.
  • Led gyms to top national rankings for enrollment and retention performance.
  • Organized and promoted special events and seasonal campaigns that drove community engagement and increased membership.
  • Delivered staff training and parent workshops on child motivation, mindset, and resilience.
  • Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.

Community Relations Intern

University of Tennessee Athletics
09.2004 - 05.2005
  • Worked with student-athletes and community partners to design and execute service-learning initiatives.
  • Designed and led outreach programs to connect student-athletes with underserved elementary schools.
  • Spearheaded the 'Read With Me' initiative in Knox County, improving community literacy engagement.
  • Managed all phases of service project life cycles, including planning, implementation, and impact evaluation.

Graduate Teaching Associate

University of Tennessee
08.2003 - 05.2005
  • Taught undergraduate wellness and fitness courses in weight training, tennis, bowling, and stress management.
  • Infused Sports Psychology principles into instruction to enhance student motivation and self-efficacy.
  • Managed up to 25 students per class with a focus on individualized coaching and well-being.

Education

Master of Science - Sport Studies (Sport Psychology Emphasis)

University of Tennessee
05.2005

Bachelor of Arts - Exercise and Sport Science, Psychology

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
05.2003

Skills

  • Health & Wellness Program Development
  • Community Engagement & Member Retention
  • Multi-Location Leadership & Staff Development
  • Youth Fitness Instruction
  • Psychology-Based Coaching & Motivation
  • Strategic Planning & Operational Oversight
  • Budget Management & Reporting
  • Team Building & Relationship Management
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Program management

Certification

  • CPR/AED & First Aid Certified
  • Ongoing Leadership Development & Coaching Workshops


Timeline

Director

The Little Gym
08.2005 - Current

Community Relations Intern

University of Tennessee Athletics
09.2004 - 05.2005

Graduate Teaching Associate

University of Tennessee
08.2003 - 05.2005

Bachelor of Arts - Exercise and Sport Science, Psychology

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Master of Science - Sport Studies (Sport Psychology Emphasis)

University of Tennessee

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE