Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Tara Sweet-Flagler

Cold Spring,NY

Summary

I am an accomplished Exercise Science Professor and Program Chair at Dutchess Community College. I developed the program 20 years ago and have enjoyed every moment of watching it grow and watching students progress into their careers and their lives. I leveraged critical thinking and peer collaboration to enhance student success rates and retention. Spearheaded innovative curriculum development, significantly improving learning outcomes. Renowned for fostering a dynamic, inclusive learning environment, my approach has been pivotal in establishing industry connections, benefiting students' practical experience and career readiness. I have since retired to enjoy another journey.


Since 2019 I have successfully opened three business and taken over two others. I am experienced with overseeing all aspects of spa management, from daily operations to client services. I utilize leadership skills to enhance team performance and ensure top-notch client experience. I have a strong understanding of staff training, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.


I am looking for a new experience to utilize my skills, my experience, and my community connections.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Professor Exercise Science/Program Chair/Supervisor

Dutchess Community College
08.1998 - 01.2025
  • Enhanced student understanding by designing interactive and engaging lectures.
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
  • Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Evaluated student progress using both formative and summative assessments to provide targeted feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Ensured curriculum alignment with academic standards through regular course review and updates.
  • Instructed and evaluated students in classroom in alignment with college mission by incorporating innovative teaching and learning strategies.
  • Increased course relevance by incorporating real-world examples and case studies into lesson plans.
  • Graded tests and assignments and uploaded to school database.
  • Established and maintained inclusive, collegial and collaborative culture within classroom.
  • Maintained regular office hours to provide struggling students with additional course help.
  • Provided students with constructive, encouraging and corrective feedback.
  • Facilitated cross-disciplinary learning opportunities for students by collaborating with colleagues from other departments.
  • Used different learning modes and types of technology to engage students in achieving learning outcomes.
  • Developed innovative teaching methods tailored to diverse learning styles, enhancing student comprehension and success rates.
  • Developed diversified course curriculum to meet regulatory standards and support learning objectives.
  • Improved student retention rates through proactive communication and support.
  • Established industry connections for students by organizing guest speaker events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
  • Strengthened department reputation by presenting at conferences, serving on committees, and participating in professional organizations.
  • Advised students on academic planning, career goals, internships, research opportunities, and graduate school applications to foster successful outcomes postgraduation.
  • Expanded program offerings by proposing new courses based on current trends within the field of study.
  • Developed partnerships with industry leaders to provide students with real-world learning opportunities and internships.
  • Developed and delivered comprehensive curriculum in Exercise Science that aligned with university standards and student learning outcomes.
  • Contributed to academic community by serving as peer reviewer for academic journals and as committee member for scholarly conferences.
  • Enhanced student engagement and critical thinking skills by implementing interactive learning strategies and technology in classroom.
  • Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
  • Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant and accurate.
  • Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
  • Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
  • Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
  • Developed semester outlines and instructional plans for each class session to comply with stated course objectives.
  • Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
  • Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.

Red Cross Instructor/Daycare owner/Personal Trainer

Self Employed
06.1996 - 07.1998

*Taught CPR and First Aid to military family members

*Ran an in home daycare for 6 military family children

*Performed in home personal training


Exercise Physiologist

Riverdale YMHA and 92nd Street YMHA
08.1991 - 05.1996
  • Reviewed medical records to determine exercise precautions and contra-indications prior to patient visit.
  • Provided exercise information for patients, peers and community through public speaking and education classes.
  • Observed and recorded patients' responses to therapies and exercises to report to practitioners and recommend adjustments to treatment plans.
  • Recognized contraindications and abnormal patient responses to exercise and revised plan accordingly.
  • Recorded patient prognosis, treatment, and responses into reports and patient charts.
  • Promoted a healthy lifestyle within the community by conducting informative workshops on exercise physiology, nutrition, and stress management.
  • Monitored patient for ECG changes, cardiac arrhythmias, blood pressure and symptoms before, during and after exercise.
  • Tested and measured patients' strength, motor development and function, sensory perception, functional capacity and respiratory and circulatory efficiency.
  • Developed and implemented personalized fitness and therapeutic programs.
  • Achieved positive outcomes for individuals with chronic medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension by developing specialized exercise interventions under physician guidance.
  • Interpreted results and proposed intervention plans incorporating short and long-range goals.
  • Monitored patient blood pressure, ECG and distress levels during exercise.
  • Worked with cardiac patients to develop exercise recovery plans, deliver education on exercise and nutrition and monitored physical endurance and progress.
  • Increased client retention through consistent progress tracking, regular program adjustments, and clear communication of results.
  • Planned and taught exercise therapy for patients utilizing test data, patient status, and current medication regimen.
  • Demonstrated proper form and monitored patients during exercises.
  • Planned and administered range of treatments and therapeutic exercise programs involving active and passive ranges of motion and muscle reeducation.
  • Expanded client base through active participation in local health fairs, corporate wellness events, and social media marketing efforts.
  • Developed risk factor modification strategies, counseling plans and nutrition education for cardiac patients.
  • Developed age-appropriate fitness programs targeting youth populations that resulted in improved motor skill development and physical literacy.
  • Tested patients using various exercise and physical testing protocols for cardiac and pulmonary evaluation.
  • Established credibility as a subject matter expert by authoring articles on exercise physiology, fitness tips, and wellness strategies for various online platforms and print publications.
  • Recorded, analyzed and prepared patient progress notes to be interpreted by physician.
  • Ensured safe workout environment by enforcing proper exercise techniques and maintaining up-to-date equipment in the facility.
  • Facilitated strong relationships between clients and trainers through open communication channels, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Collected and documented patient vital signs and monitored telemetry.
  • Contributed to the growth of a successful exercise physiology practice by implementing strategic marketing efforts such as website design updates, search engine optimization, and targeted advertising campaigns.
  • Carried out non-invasive cardiopulmonary tests with respiratory gas measurements (VO2, VCO2, VE) to cardiac patients post-event.
  • Contributed to team meetings and collaborated with management in patient recovery program decision-making process.
  • Observed patient safety, risk management, and infection control policies and procedures.

Exercise Physiologist

Total Fitness Center-Temporary Commission
09.1993 - 12.1993
  • Reviewed medical records to determine exercise precautions and contra-indications prior to patient visit.
  • Provided exercise information for patients, peers and community through public speaking and education classes.
  • Observed and recorded patients' responses to therapies and exercises to report to practitioners and recommend adjustments to treatment plans.
  • Recognized contraindications and abnormal patient responses to exercise and revised plan accordingly.
  • Promoted a healthy lifestyle within the community by conducting informative workshops on exercise physiology, nutrition, and stress management.
  • Developed and implemented personalized fitness and therapeutic programs.
  • Interpreted results and proposed intervention plans incorporating short and long-range goals.
  • Demonstrated proper form and monitored patients during exercises.

Education

Master of Science - Health Education

Columbia Teachers College
NYC
05-2004

Master of Science - Exercise Physiology-specialty in Cardiac Rehab

Queens College
Queens, NY
05-1996

Bachelor of Science - Human Performance Science And Health Education

Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
05-1991

Skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Team leadership
  • Student mentoring
  • Course planning
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Peer collaboration
  • Creative instruction
  • Remote instruction
  • Active listening
  • Motivation
  • Project management
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Expertise in subject matter
  • Flexible schedule
  • Personable and approachable
  • Schedule management

Timeline

Professor Exercise Science/Program Chair/Supervisor

Dutchess Community College
08.1998 - 01.2025

Red Cross Instructor/Daycare owner/Personal Trainer

Self Employed
06.1996 - 07.1998

Exercise Physiologist

Total Fitness Center-Temporary Commission
09.1993 - 12.1993

Exercise Physiologist

Riverdale YMHA and 92nd Street YMHA
08.1991 - 05.1996

Master of Science - Health Education

Columbia Teachers College

Master of Science - Exercise Physiology-specialty in Cardiac Rehab

Queens College

Bachelor of Science - Human Performance Science And Health Education

Adelphi University
Tara Sweet-Flagler