Maria Parra
Huntington,WV
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience at Marshall Recreation Center, excelling in safety preparedness and staff training. Proven ability to enhance program operations and develop effective emergency action plans. Bilingual in English and Spanish, I foster inclusive environments while driving organizational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Skilled in fitness program coordination and inventory management.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Assistant – Guest & Membership Services
Marshall Recreation Center
Huntington, WV
08.2024 - Current
- Oversee membership registration, waiver compliance, and staff scheduling systems while developing checklists and training resources for part-time and professional staff.
- Strengthen facility readiness by creating safety and operational tools, including a Trauma Bag supply chart, a facility-wide Emergency Action Plan, and updated front desk procedure manuals.
- Advance staff development through leadership training, mental health awareness content, scenario-based learning, and team-building initiatives.
- Support large-scale program operations, including coordination of Indoor Triathlon cycling logistics and pickleball tournament execution.
- Enhance organizational efficiency by designing a Pro Staff structure and supporting role realignment into Welcome Desk Lead and Membership Lead positions.
Safety Team & Risk Management
Marshall Recreation Center
Huntington, WV
08.2024 - Current
- Conduct routine facility safety inspections
- Ensure trauma bags are fully stocked and emergency-ready
- Maintain readiness of AEDs, CPR equipment, and emergency response tools
- Assist in managing inventory systems for critical safety supplies
- Support ordering processes for routinely used medical and safety equipment
- Contribute to standardization of safety preparedness across facility areas
Physical Education Lifetime Activities Instructor
Marshall Recreation Center
Huntington, WV
01.2024 - Current
- Core Conditioning, RAD Self Defense, Intro to Running, Walking for Wellness, Rock Climbing, Basketball, Pilates and Yoga as a co-instructor
- Design and instruct beginner-level Core Conditioning courses for college students
- Conduct pre- and post-submaximal fitness assessments to evaluate functional capacity
- Develop syllabi and manage grade reporting through the campus portal
- Create lesson plans aligned with course learning objectives
- Foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment across diverse activity courses
Personal Trainer
Marshall Recreation Center
Huntington, WV
08.2023 - Current
- Support clients in achieving health and fitness goals through personalized guidance
- Monitor progress and adjust workout intensity accordingly
- Deliver one-on-one training sessions focused on cardio, strength, flexibility, and overall conditioning
- Ensure proper exercise form to prevent injury and optimize results
- Assist PEIA Weight Management participants through monthly check-ins, progress tracking, measurements, and customized 3-week workout plans
Group Fitness Instructor
Marshall Recreation Center
Huntington, WV
06.2023 - Current
- Herd HIIT, Herd Circuit, Cycle, Silver Sneakers
- Lead dynamic group fitness classes that promote overall health and support participants in reaching personal fitness goals
- Design safe, inclusive, and effective workouts for individuals of varying fitness levels
- Plan and instruct specialized classes tailored to diverse populations with unique needs
Aquatics Supervisor and Lifeguard
Marshall Recreation Center
Huntington, WV
05.2022 - Current
- Assist in training 40+ part-time aquatic staff across two facilities
- Respond to medical emergencies and implement safety protocols.
- Ensure staff policy compliance and positive team environment
- Oversee pool operations in both Marshall Rec pool and CAM Henderson pool.
Fitness Program Assistant
Marshall Recreation Center
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Support daily operations for group fitness, events, and personal training
- Assist with hiring and onboarding part-time fitness staff
- Coordinate scheduling through Rec Auto and manage administrative tasks (payroll, marketing, reporting)
- Monitor program effectiveness through attendance and feedback reports
- Develop safety resources and lead instructor training for HIIT programming
Education
MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH -
Marshall University
Huntington, WV05-2026
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Health Sciences
Marshall University
Huntington, WV05-2022
ASSOCIATE OF OCCUPATIONAL STUDIES - Business Administration & Sports Management
ASA College
Miami, FL05-2020
Skills
- Bilingual: English and Spanish
- Safety and emergency preparedness
- Staff training and supervision
- Program operations and scheduling
- Inventory management
- Emergency action planning
- Customer service and membership support
- Policy development and procedures
- Fitness program coordination
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Recreational activities coordination
- Subitup expertise
Certification
- Certified Personal Trainer, 2027
- Certified Group Exercise Instructor, 2027
- Certified Schwinn Instructor
- American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid – Certified
- American Red Cross CPRO Instructor – Certified
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor – Certified
- American Red Cross Lifeguarding - Certified
Timeline
Graduate Assistant – Guest & Membership Services
Marshall Recreation Center
08.2024 - Current
Safety Team & Risk Management
Marshall Recreation Center
08.2024 - Current
Physical Education Lifetime Activities Instructor
Marshall Recreation Center
01.2024 - Current
Fitness Program Assistant
Marshall Recreation Center
09.2023 - 05.2024
Personal Trainer
Marshall Recreation Center
08.2023 - Current
Group Fitness Instructor
Marshall Recreation Center
06.2023 - Current
Aquatics Supervisor and Lifeguard
Marshall Recreation Center
05.2022 - Current
MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH -
Marshall University
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Health Sciences
Marshall University
ASSOCIATE OF OCCUPATIONAL STUDIES - Business Administration & Sports Management
ASA College