Michelle Grimes

Experienced fitness professional and educator known for dynamic service and motivation to the profession. A strong leader and seasoned in group exercise programming. Demonstrates strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results through adaptive and flexible approaches. Skilled in program development, team management, and client engagement, with natural ability to inspire and motivate others. Known for reliability and fostering a positive, results-driven environment.

• 2023-present. NASM Club Connect (NASM/AFAA)
• 2022-present American College of Sports Medicine Alliance Member (ACSM)
• 2020-present American Sports & Fitness Association (ASFA)
• 1993-present Society of Health & Physical Education (SHAPE AMERICA)
• 1993-present Kansas Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (KAHPERD)
• 2009-present American Red Cross (ARC)
• 2011 Zumba International
• 2009 Kansas National Education Association (KNEA)
• 2009 National Education Association (NEA)
• 1999 YMCA of the USA Program Directors Association(YMCA of the USA)
• 1996 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• 1991-1994 Aerobic Fitness Association of America (AFFA)

• 2025 NASM Recovery: The Forgotten Training Variable Certificate
• 2025 NASM Advanced Cardio Training Programming Certificate
• 2025 AFAA Practical Yoga Instructor Training Certificate
• 2025 NASM Personal Trainer workshop certification
• 2025 NASM Corrective Exercise certificate
• 2025 NASM Insights into Youth Resistance Training and Early Sports Specialization certificate
• 2025 NASM HIIT & Circuit Training Evidence review certificate
• 2025 NASM Diet Impact on Cholesterol and Heart Disease Certificate
• 2025 NASM Emotions and Motivation Certificate
• 2025 NASM Fat Metabolism Certificate
• 2025 NASM Functional Yoga for Athletes certification
• 2025 NASM/AFAA/ASTI First Aid/CPR Certification
• 2025 NASM Train Station/Circuit Certification
• 2024 NFL Harassment & Discrimination Certification Training (Kansas City Chiefs)
• 2024 NFL Sensory Inclusive- Certification (Kansas City Chiefs Venue Training)
• 2023 NFL Gambling Policy Training Certificate (Kansas City Chiefs Venue Training)
• 2023 NFL Preventing Harassment & Discrimination Certificate (Kansas City Chiefs Training)
• 2023 NFL Sensory Inclusive- Certification (Kansas City Chiefs Venue Training)
• 2023 NFL Alcohol Awareness Certification (Kansas City Chiefs Venue Training)
• 2023 ACSM American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Alliance member
• 2021 CPO- Certified Pool Operator’s Course
• 2020 Certified Group Fitness Instructor (ASFA) American Sport & Fitness Association
• 2020 Certified Boot Camp Instructor (ASFA) American Sport & Fitness Association
• 2019 Licensed Physical Education Teacher K-12 (State of Kansas, -current)
• 2009 Certified Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (American Red Cross-current)
• 2009 Certified First Aid/ CPR/AED Instructor (American Red Cross-current)
• 2011 Certified Zumba Instructor (Zumba International)
• 2006 Certified Rule 10 Coach (American Sports Education Program)
• 1999 Certified Program Director (YMCA of the USA)
• 1998 Certified Aerobics Instructor (YMCA of the USA)
• 1995 Health and Fitness Member (ACSM) American College of Sports Medicine
• 1995 Certified Personal Trainer (AFAA) Aerobic, Fitness Association of America
• 1991 Certified Aerobic Instructor (AFAA) Aerobic, Fitness Association of America

2024 Outstanding Alumni Spotlight, Health, Human Performance & Recreation Department, Pittsburg State University, 

2023 American Red Cross Outstanding Instructor Award, 

2023 Wayne Osness Professional Award KAHPERD’s highest ranking award for the state of Kansas,

2020 KAHPERD Dance Teacher of the Year (TOY) -Collegiate,

2015 Athletics Council Outstanding Faculty Award (Softball Team) Pittsburg State University, 

2015 Athletics Council Outstanding Faculty Award (Basketball Team) Pittsburg State University, 

2015 KAHPERD Vicki Worrell Service Award Winner (KAHPERD Convention), 

1995 Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year Award. Pittsburg State University

• Grimes, M. “The Loss of Aquatics Programs: What are the Issues?” ”. The Journal of the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD). Vol.96 No. 1. Spring 2024.
• Grimes, M. & Oppliger, J. “Considering the Effects of Covid-19 on Student Success, the Aftermath”. The Journal of the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD). Vol.95 No. 1. Spring 2023.
• Gorman, S, Grimes, S, Ball, S, Hardy. “2020 SHAPE America Professional Recognition Awards”. The Journal of the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD). Vol. 92, No. 1, Spring, 2020.
• Gorman, S, Ball, S, Grimes, S, Shewmake, C. “2019 Professional Recognition Awards.” The Journal of the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD). Vol. 91, No. 1, Spring, 2019.
• Gorman, S., Grimes, M., & Ball, S. (2018). 2018 KAHPERD – Central District- SHAPE America Awards. The Journal of the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD). Volume 90 No. 1, Spring 2018. p.19.
• Grimes, M. and Lattimer,J. (2015). Quidditch P.E. Game: Equipment, Set Up, Rules and Regulations. The Journal of the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD). Volume 87, No. 2, Fall 2015. p. 29-32.

• 2025 Salvation Army- St. Patrick’s Day Parade-walking member/recruiter
• 2025 Super Bowl 59 Host Committee Ambassador (New Orleans, LA)
• 2024-25 Special Olympics Impact Volunteer SE Kansas region: Fitness integration
• 2024-25 Salvation Army “Down for the Challenge” Fund Raiser (rappelling off Arrowhead stadium)
• 2024 Super Bowl 58 Host Committee Teammates Volunteer (Las Vegas, NV)
• 2023 Super Bowl 57 Host Committee Volunteer ( Phoenix, AZ)
• 2022-present Salvation Army Volunteer/ Bell Ringer/parades
• 2022-2023 KAHPERD Fall Student Workshop Planning Committee
• 2022-2023 KAHPERD State Convention Host Site Planning Committee
• 2020-2023 KAHPERD Advocacy Committee Member
• 2011-2024 HHPR Club Students Sponsor
• 2011-2024 SHAPE America active professional member
• 2011-present American Red Cross Volunteer/ Instructor
• 2011-2021 Special Olympics Volunteer and Volunteer Recruiter/ Southeast Kansas
• 2018-2023 HHPR Scholarship Committee Member
• 2018-2023 Pittsburg State University Recruiting team member
• 2014 & 2019 KAHPERD- PSU committee member for convention host site planning
• 2018-2019 Pittsburg State University Student Health Clinic Committee
• 2017-2019 KAHPERD Young Adult Advocacy Committee
• 2017-2019 KAHPERD 50 million strong committee
• 2017-2019 Pittsburg State University Faculty Senate sub-committee member
• 2017-2018 KAHPERD committee young professional organization leader
• 2012-2018 Pittsburg State University HHPR Homecoming Coordinator
• 2015-2018 Pittsburg State University Athletics Game Day Committee Member
• 2013-2018 Athletics Dept. Game Day Committee for Football and Basketball
• 2013-2014 HHPR Recreational Search Committee Member
• 2013-2014 HHPR Scholarship Committee Member
• 2013-2014 Governor’s Council on Exercise Cherokee County Team Leader
• 2009-2010 USD # 508 School District Site Council Committee member
• 2007-2010 USD #508 School District Wellness Committee member
• 2005-2009 USD # 508 School District PTO member
• 1996-2004 Freeman Hospital YMCA building committee
• 1998-2004 Freeman Hospital YMCA program development committee
• 1998-2004 Freeman Hospital YMCA fitness/aquatics Sub-Committee Chair

• 2023 Michelle Grimes. GenYouth NFL Flag in Schools Grant. NFL Flag Football Kit. Pittsburg State Physical Education Department. August 2023. valued at $600
• 2023 Michelle Grimes. Professors Beyond the Classroom Grant. KAHPERD Convention student travel funds. Pittsburg State University Student Government Association. April 2023. $875
• 2022 Michelle Grimes. KAHPERD Project Incentive Grant. “Saving One Life at a Time”. American Red Cross Training. Kansas Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. October, 2022. $325
• 2022 Michelle Grimes. Pritchett Trust Grant. Pittsburg State University, “Archery Program Development”. September, 2022. $9,533
• 2020 Michelle Grimes. Pritchett Trust Grant. Pittsburg State University, “Fuel Up to Play 60 with the Chiefs and mobile unit lab”. $3,000
• 2020 Michelle Grimes. KAHPERD Project Incentive Grant. “Fuel Up To Play 60”. Kansas Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. $660
• 2020 Michelle Grimes. Professors Beyond the Classroom Grant. Pittsburg State University, Student Government Association. $1,000
• 2019 Michelle Grimes. Pritchett Trust Grant. Pittsburg Family YMCA. Aquatics program development. $16,000
• 2010 Michelle Grimes. Healthy Habits Grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield. “Walk Across Kansas with Pedometer Training”. $500
• 2010 Michelle Grimes. Healthy Nutrition Cherokee County Grant. “Watermelon Extravaganza for Elementary Students”. $500
• 2009 Michelle Grimes. Healthy Habits Grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield. “Combating Childhood Obesity among Elementary Kids: “Dance, Dance Revolution”. $1,000

• 2024 Grimes, M. “Throw and Don’t Go!” KAHPERD State Physical Education Convention, Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas. November 7, 2024. Lead Aquatics Presenter
• 2024 Grimes, M. “Winning Big” The Trifecta! Women in Business Fall Conference, Miami, Oklahoma. October 24, 2024. Lead presenter
• 2024 Grimes, M., Hutchens, S., Oppliger, J., Shewmake, C. “Discovering the All New World of NFL Flag”. Share the Wealth Conference, Georgia State Physical Education Convention, Jekyll Island, Georgia. January 27, 2024. Lead presenter
• 2023 Grimes, M., Oppliger, J., Sedbrook, S., & Washburn, E. “Kansas Kids Fitness Day”. KAHPERD Convention, Century II, Wichita, Kansas. November 9, 2023. Co-presenter
• 2023 Grimes, M. Gorman, S., Hutchens, S., Oppliger, J., Shewmake, C., Spresser, J. “NFL Flag in Schools”. KAHPERD Convention, Century II, Wichita, Kansas. November 9, 2023. Lead presenter
• 2023 Grimes, M. “Stressing Down”. Women in Business Luncheon, Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce, Miami, Oklahoma. July 17, 2023. Lead Presenter
• 2022 Grimes, M. “NFL Flag Play 60”. KAHPERD Student Convention, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. October 18, 2022. Lead Presenter
• 2022 Grimes, M. “Partner Yoga”. KAHPERD State Convention, Hyvee Arena, Kansas City, Kansas. June 24, 2022. Lead Presenter
• 2022 Grimes, M.“Fueling Up With The Chiefs Sports Lab & Mobile Unit”. KAHPERD State Convention, Hyvee Arena, Kansas City, Kansas. June 24, 2022. Lead Presenter
• 2022 Grimes, M., Shewmake, C., Oppliger, J. “We ‘Play 60’ at My School With NFL FLAG … You Can Too”! SHAPE AMERICA National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana. April 22, 2022. Lead Presenter
• 2022 Grimes, M., Shewmake, C., Oppliger, J. “Adding Fuel Up To Play 60 To Your PE Program”. Share The Wealth Physical Education Convention, Jekyll Island, Georgia. January 22, 2022. Lead Presenter
• 2020 Grimes, M. Spresser, J. “Partner/team Yoga”. SHAPE AMERICA National Convention, Salt Lake City, Utah. April 2020. Lead Presenter
• 2020 Grimes, M., Hardy, J., Jewett, J., Ball S., Shewmake, C., Spresser, J., “Elementary games around the world”. SHAPE AMERICA National Convention, Salt Lake City, Utah. April 2020. Lead Presenter
• 2019 Grimes, M., Spresser, J. “Partner/Team Yoga”. KAHPERD State Convention, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. October,2019. Lead Presenter
• 2019 Grimes, M. “SUP” (stand-up paddle board and water yoga). KAHPERD State Convention, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas.October,2019. Lead Presenter
• 2019 Grimes, M. “Fuel up to play 60 flag football”. KAHPERD State Convention, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. October 2019. Lead Presenter
• 2019 Grimes, M. “Cardio-core Circuit Training”. KAHPERD State Convention, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. October 2019. Lead Presenter
• 2019 Grimes, M., Hardy R., Shewmake, C., Spresser, J. “Elementary Activities from Around the World”. SHAPE AMERICA National Convention, Tampa, Florida. April 2019. Presenter
• 2019 Grimes, M., Spresser, J. “Partner/Team Yoga”. SHAPE AMERICA National Convention, Tampa, Florida. April 2019. Lead Presenter
• 2019 Gorman, S, Hardy, R, Jenkins, D, Grimes, S. “3D Archery & Bowhunting Basics.” KAHPERD Conference, Pittsburg, Kansas. Oct. 2019. Co-presenter
• 2019 Gorman, S, Hardy, R, Grimes, S. “Flyfishing Basics.” KAHPERD Conference, Pittsburg, Kansas. October, 2019. Co-presenter
• 2018 Gorman, S, Ball, S, Grimes, S, Hardy, R, “ Yabadabadoo Adventure Activities” KAHPERD Conference, Emporia, Kansas.October, 2018. Co-presenter
• 2018 Gorman, S, Barry A, Shewmake, C, Miller, L, Grimes, S. “Secrets of the KAHPERD, Central District and SHAPE AMERICA Awards Unveiled: The Mystery Is Solved .” KAHPERD Conference. Emporia, Kansas. October 26, 2018. Co-presenter
• 2017 Gorman, R, Grimes, S, Ball, S, White, D. “Juggling Basic- As Easy As 1- 2-3!” KAHPERD Conference, Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas. October 26, 2017. Co-Presenter
• 2018 Grimes, M. “Cardio-Kickboxing”. KAHPERD State Convention, Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas. October, 2018. Lead Presenter
• 2017 Grimes, M. “Cardio-Kickboxing”. KAHPERD State Convention, Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas. October, 2017. Lead Presenter
• 2017 Gorman, R., Grimes, M. “Fly Fishing”. KAHPERD State Convention, Washburn University, October 2017. Topeka, Kansas. Co-Presenter
• 2014 Grimes, M. “Cardio-Core Workout”. KAHPERD Convention, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. October, 2014. Lead Presenter
• 2014 Grimes, M. “Multi-Cultural P.E. Games.” KAHPERD Convention, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. October, 2014. Lead Presenter
• 2014 Spresser, J., Grimes, M. “Zumba”. KAHPERD Convention. Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. October, 2014. Co-presenter
• 2013 Gorman, R. Scott, Grimes, M. “Yabadabadoo Adventure Activities”. KAHPERD Conference, Emporia, Kansas, November 26-28th, 2013. Co-Presenter
• 2012 Spresser, J., Grimes, M. “Zumba”. AAHPERD/SHAPE AMERICA Convention. Boston, Massachusetts. April 2012. Co-Presenter
• 2011 Gorman, R., Grimes, M. “Knots, Knots, and more Knots”. KAHPERD Convention. Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. October 2011. Co-Presenter
• 2011 Gorman, S. Grimes, M. “Adventure Ropes Course Workshop, low –elements”. Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. Co-Presenter

• 2024 American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Water Safety Training, First Aid/CPR, and AED. Briarbrook Country Club & Golf Resort. Carl Junction, Missouri.
• 2024 American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Water Safety Training, First Aid/CPR, and AED. Twin Hills Golf & Country Club Resort. Joplin, Missouri.
• 2024 American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Water Safety Training, First Aid/CPR, and AED. Five Mile Camp Quapaw, Oklahoma.
• 2024 Staff training for First Aid, CPR, AED, & emergency services. Pittsburg State University Athletics Dept. Pittsburg, Kansas
• 2024 American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Water Safety Training, First Aid/CPR, and AED. Columbus, Kansas Aquatics Center.
• 2024 American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Water Safety Training, First Aid/CPR, and AED. Coffeyville, Kansas Aquatics Center.
• 2024 American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Water Safety Training, First Aid/CPR, and AED. Galena, Kansas City Pool.
• 2024 American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Water Safety Training, First Aid/CPR, and AED. Baxter Springs, Kansas City Pool.
• 2023 Aquatics water safety training, lifeguarding, and first aid/CPR staff training. Five Mile Children’s Camp. Quapaw, Oklahoma
• 2023 American Red Cross Aquatics water safety training, lifeguard staff training, and facility consulting. City of Coffeyville Aquatics Center. Coffeyville, Kansas
• 2022 Aquatics safety training, lifeguard staff training, first aid/CPR. Galena City Pool. Galena, Kansas
• 2021 Kansas City Chiefs Fit Gym First Aid/CPR/AED staff training. Overland Park, Kansas
• 2021 American Red Cross Water Safety Training and Lifeguarding. First Aid/CPR/AED Trainings. Pittsburg Aquatics Center. Pittsburg, Kansas
• 2020-2023 Lake Quivera Resort open water safety training and lifeguard training. Lake Quivera, Overland Park, Kansas
• 2009-2024 Aquatics water safety, and lifeguard training. Five-Mile Camp for Children, Quapaw, Oklahoma
• 2009-2024 Staff training for First Aid, CPR, AED, & emergency services. Pittsburg State University Athletics Dept. Pittsburg, Kansas
• 2012-2023. Staff training for the Health care provider in CPR, AED, & First Aid. Leisure Living Home Center & Featherstone Care Center. Miami, Oklahoma
• 2019 Worksite Employee Health & Safety Training First Aid/CPR/AED. Kendall Packaging Corporation. Pittsburg, Kansas
• 2019 Aquatics facility directing and consulting for staff and administration. Pittsburg YMCA. Pittsburg, Kansas
• 2019 Grant Writing and Aquatics facility directing, consulting, and planning. Pittsburg YMCA. Pittsburg, Kansas
• 2017-2019 Aquatics Center staff, lifeguard team, and facility safety training. City of Lockwood, Missouri
• 2016-2023 Aquatics Center Staff training in water safety & lifeguarding. City of Columbus, Kansas
• 2014-2023 Aquatics Center staff training in lifeguarding and facility safety. City of Baxter Springs, Kansas
• 2018 Aquatics Center staff, lifeguard team, and facility safety training. City of Greenfield, Missouri
• 2017-18 Aquatics Center staff, lifeguard team, and facility safety training. City of Lamar, Missouri
• 2015-2018 Staff training for the American Red Cross Health Care Provider. Pinamonti Sports Medicine and Wellness Center. Pittsburg, Kansas
• 2013-2018. American Red Cross Water Safety Training and Lifeguarding. First Aid/CPR/AED Trainings. Pittsburg Aquatics Center. Pittsburg, Kansas
• 2015 Aquatics Water Safety Training and Lifeguarding. Sky Ranch Camp and Resort. Wyandotte, Oklahoma
• 2010 Program design & consulting for Aerobic Dance Programs. Spring River Wellness Center. Riverton, Kansas
• 1996-2000 Fitness/Wellness/Aquatics/Weight Rooms building design, Equipment selection and purchasing, Fitness, Aerobic Dance, Aquatics and Weight training programs consultant. Freeman Hospital YMCA. Joplin, Missouri
• 1999 Technogym training & purchase selection of equipment and software packaging for YMCA South Branch. Seattle, Washington
• 1998 Chicago Fitness & Trade Show McCormick’s Place. Selection of Technogym and Cybex Equipment for all new YMCA South Branch. Chicago, Illinois
• 1998 Building design & Fitness programming. Grove Athletic Club. Grove, Oklahoma