We
have some FANTASTIC instructors and employees at the MAC and
Hemenway.
Every
month we choose one of each to feature on our website. Meet this
month's picks below!
Instructor of the Month November 2011: Sarah
Speltz
1. What brings you to Harvard? I was lucky
enough to get a job in the Marshal’s Office a few years
ago. This past year we got to work on planning the
375th Anniversary!
2. How long have you been working here?
MAC/HEM, 2 years
3. Where are you originally from? Winona, MN
4. What's your
favorite mode of exercise? DANCE, definitely.
5. What classes do you teach? Do you have a
favorite? I teach Aqua aerobics weekly at the MAC,
plus I teach Zumba, step, cardio kickboxing, muscle conditioning,
interval training, good old fashioned aerobics, and dance
classes.
6. What's your favorite sport? Tennis
7. What athletic
accomplishments are you most proud of? I played college
tennis, which was a great experience. And I survived two days
of training for a class called Body Attack, including a ruthless
fitness test, which I passed! Ultimately, I think I’m
just really proud, and incredibly grateful, that I can still run
around a tennis court like I did in the 90s!
8. What do you love
the most about teaching? I love taking everyone in
class on journey. It may only be an express class, but
it’s a few precious minutes when everyone in the room (or the
pool) is doing something positive for themselves, away from the
stress and craziness of the outside world. From the warm-up
to the final stretch, I try hard to always make it a fun,
challenging experience.
9. Outside of fitness
what other hobbies/interests do you have? theatre,
movies, and the ballet -- I try to take in as many shows as I
can.
10. When you are not
teaching/working out what do you do? Free time is spent
with my friends, attempting to get through the entire Sunday
newspaper, or doing mountains of laundry from all the working
out!
Employee of the Month
November 2011: Kathy Ferguson
WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY
FROM? Sturbridge, MA
WHAT BRINGS YOU TO HARVARD?
I have loved Aerobics since the days of Richard
Simmons and always wanted to teach. When I heard about Dawn,
I knew I had to meet her and get involved in Harvard Rec's world of
group ex.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT
HARVARD? I love the attitude. Harvard's sassy,
knows it's #1, and works hard to stay there.
FAVORITE
BOOKS/MUSIC/MOVIES: Nicole Krauss is my
favorite contemporary author, I highly recommend. My love for
music is epic and huge - I dj and love to dance, and soul, funk,
hip-hop, latin beats and house music are usually what get me
going. As for movies, give me high school drama and/or
anything with Christina Applegate.
FAVORITE SUMMER
ACTIVITIES: Going to islands, worshiping the
sun, epic bike rides, sweating.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN
THE SQUARE? When in doubt, Berryline.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE
SPORTS TEAMS OR ICONS? I think Tom Brady's
hot. That's about all I know about sports.
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE MODE OF
EXERCISE? I love any kind of group ex class,
particularly ones involving struggling with 8-pound free weights or
dancing. I also love yoga (and yes, I ride a pretty bicycle
and shop at farmers markets, but I swear I'm not a hipster!)
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING HERE
SO MUCH? Everyone is so nice!
WHAT'S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU
THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW? I can tap dance and
play the clarinet at the same time.
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU
HAVE? I'm a writer. I love haikus (though
that's not my only format). I'm also a non-profit consultant
on the side (social entrepreneurs, feel free to hit me up).
IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER
POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE (BESIDES FLYING!)? Superhuman
strength, so I can stop trying to so hard to get arms like Linda
Hamilton in Terminator II.
Instructor of the Month
October 2011: Xu Simon
Employee of the Month
October 2011: Whitney Kennedy
WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY
FROM? Mississauga, Ontario Canada
WHAT BRINGS YOU TO
HARVARD? Hockey and i mean its harvard...
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT
HARVARD? The atmosphere and the incredible diverse group
of people you meet here - and i guess it can be fun
FAVORITE
BOOKS/MUSIC/MOVIES: book - a million little pieces;
music- i love everything, but I'm a die hard country fan;
movies-anything with ryan reynolds or matthew mcconaughey
FAVORITE SUMMER
ACTIVITIES: going to the beach, enjoying the heat and
grilling
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN
THE SQUARE? There are just so many to choose from... i
love the upstairs at the new starbucks, its just too crowded.
I love bolocco for their jimmy carters. But I do love
berryline
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE
SPORTS TEAMS OR ICONS? I am a huge sports fan,
especially the NHL. My favourite team is the detroit red
wings. I know, I'm not from detroit, but I grew up watching
them and that's how I actually got into playing hockey. My
favourite player of all time, hands down is Steve Yzerman.
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE MODE OF
EXERCISE? I love doing anything active, but
definitely playing hockey. Although who doesn't love running
along the river when it's nice out
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING HERE
SO MUCH? I love the people that work here and hearing all
the funny interactions that go on between members when they don't
think you're listening.
WHAT'S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU
THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW? When I was younger my
sister and I went to an all french school (we were taught
everything in french, with only 1 class of english a week). I
went to that school up until grade 5 and then my parents decided to
send me to a different school because my english wasn't very good.
My parents would get us to speak english at home but because
it wasn't very good, most of what we said we come out in
french.
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU
HAVE? napping, winning jenga, making up fun games to play
at the front desk
IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER
POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE (BESIDES FLYING!)? Definitely
teleportation, because then you could just go wherever whenever you
want
Instructor of the Month September 2011: Sandra
Kim
1. What brings you to Harvard? I was once a grad
student here at the Ed school, and wanted so badly to teach classes
at the gyms (esp. as a California girl, I love group fitness
classes!) Once I graduated and found a side-gig teaching
kickboxing at Boston Sports Club, I had this terrific opportunity
to teach at Harvard as well, both Hemenway and MAC.
2. How long have you been working here? It's
only been a year and a half!
3. Where are you originally from? I am originally
from sunny Southern California, namely, Orange County, home of the
original Disneyland, Huntington Beach, and the TV show, the
O.C.!
4. What's your favorite mode of
exercise? My favorite mode of exercise is jumping,
kicking, and dancing (i.e. cardio kicks, Zumba, etc). Anything more
cardio based that uses great music!
5. What classes do you teach? Do you have a
favorite? I currently teach Cardio Kicks, Zumba, and
Total Body Conditioning, but also have taught Dance, Step and Yoga!
My favorites are kickboxing and Zumba and dance!
6. What's your favorite sport? Gymnastics!
7. What athletic accomplishments are you most proud
of? I think being able to teach 5 classes in one day
(however tiring), is something I've very proud of. I haven't been
in this good of shape since high school Track and Field!
8. What do you love the most about
teaching? I absolutely love the members!! (of
course!!!!) I also love a good song - good rhythm, beats and
sounds, and the feeling you get after a nice, good workout.
9. Outside of fitness what other hobbies/interests do
you have? I also teach private voice, piano and
flute lessons on the side, perform in community theatre groups
throughout New England (currently in rehearsal for A Chorus Line),
and lead Bible Study through Citylife Church in Boston.
10. When you are not teaching/working out what do you
do? I am currently working in Student Life in Higher
Education, and just completed my time working at Wellesley College
this summer. I am now looking to go back to school and get a degree
in Counseling and/or Ministry. Yay, back to school for me!
Employee of the Month
September 2011: Daniel Golliher
WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM? Dublin,
Indiana
WHAT BRINGS YOU TO HARVARD? Like Elle
Woods, I come to learn and be fabulous in the process.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT HARVARD? I don’t
love the 15 month winter, but I do enjoy both the campus-wide wifi
and being immersed in one of the best academic environments in the
world.
FAVORITE BOOKS/MUSIC/MOVIES: Atlas
Shrugged, Gone with the Wind, Harold and Maude, Dark
Knight, Independence Day, All of the Brandenburg Concertos by J.S.
Bach
FAVORITE SUMMER ACTIVITIES: Marching Band, Wayne
County 4-H Fair
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN THE SQUARE? I
don’t really like the square; I prefer a small town main
street setup myself. I feel surrounded when I’m there.
However, I do like to be in my room in Currier eating ice cream
from the square.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS OR
ICONS? I may or may not know what sports are. Is
that a food or a disease?
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE MODE OF EXERCISE?
Running. Why? Because #1 you look like a gazelle, which is awesome,
and #2 running is extremely applicable to life both as an exercise
and an escape mechanism (you never know).
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING HERE SO MUCH? I like the
culture of fitness that I’m around all of the time, as well
as chatting up the locals / other employees. Also when you come
into the gym with people you know who don’t work there and
the people behind the counter know you your friends are all
impressed because you’re known.
WHAT'S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T
KNOW? I am a triplet. The three of us (all brothers)
are three of eight total siblings. And if you’re into
profiling (I’m looking at you, over 60 crowd [which my father
belongs to and I kind of do]), I will answer this question
preemptively for you: my family is not Catholic.
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HAVE? I play the piano
and saxophone primarily, but also the flute only in the band. I
speak Spanish and German as well as English. I do metal engraving
in aluminum and copper. Also, I can eat large amounts of steak.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE (BESIDES
FLYING!)? Pssssh. Flying is for n00bs. It would have
telekinesis BECAUSE: 1) You can use that power to fly by levitating
yourself (see Jean Gray / X-men); in other words, so many other
superpowers that are in themselves standalone can simply be
derivative of telekinesis. This may seem like I am violating the
“’You only get three wishes.’ ‘My first
wish is for infinite wishes!’” logic, but I’m
totally not. See me for full extrapolation on the logic on why that
is so. 2) Other superpowers are lame in comparison because they are
so limited in their scope. And I will not have lameness. I will not
have it.
Employee of the Month August
2011: Chris Ludlow
What are your favorite
pastimes? Basketball, Football, Baseball, and Hockey
Where are you originally
from? White plains, NY
What’s something about
you that most people don’t know? My favorite movie
character is the Joker
Why do you love working here
so much? I love it because it’s a friendly place,
and the people that I work with are great! The members are very
nice too.
What specials skills do you
have? Great organization skills and seeing things that
needs to be cleaned or brought to the manager’s
attention.
What brings you to
Harvard? It’s my favorite place in the world.
If you could have one super
power, what would it be? Teleportation
If you could visit anywhere
in the world, where would it be? Citi Field
What’s your favorite
spot in the square? The Mac!
What do you love about
Harvard? It’s a beautiful area; love the people, and
lots to do.
What’s your favorite
mode of exercise? Swimming
Favorite
books/music/movies? SI, Mix 104.1, The Dark Knight
What’s your favorite
thing about the fall? It’s cooler outside, and
closer to the holidays.
Employee of the Month July
2011: Tiffany Cott
WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY
FROM? I grew up in VA outside of DC but was born in
Kansas.
WHAT BRINGS YOU TO HARVARD? I work full
time at the Graduate School of Education as a Grants and Contracts
Manager.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT HARVARD? It's a great
place to work with a lot of benefits - like the gym!
FAVORITE BOOKS/MUSIC/MOVIES: My most recent
favorites have been - Hunger Games for a book - Mumford and Sons
for music - and Bridesmaids for movie.
FAVORITE SUMMER ACTIVITIES: Drinks on a
patio!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN THE SQUARE?
The Sunken Garden on the GSE campus - it's not too far from HEM you
should check it out on the corner of Appian Way and Garden
St!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PASTIMES? I love to
travel and spend my time volunteering.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS OR
ICONS? Boston sucks you in - ever since I moved here
I find myself rooting for Boston teams!
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE MODE OF EXERCISE?
ZUMBA!
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING HERE SO MUCH? The
people!
WHAT'S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T
KNOW? After college I lived in a townhouse in a big
housing development and one of my roommates brought home a duck as
a pet - we had to move it to the back yard to make room for my
brother to move in! The duck eventually went to live at a
lake.
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HAVE? Is sarcasm a
skill??
IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE
(BESIDES FLYING!)? photographic memory - is that a
superpower?
IF YOU COULD VISIT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT
BE? I just booked my trip to Australia/New Zealand/Fiji
for Dec 2011 that was definitely at the top of my list!
Employee of the Month June
2010: Justin Tetreault
WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY
FROM? Framingham, MA
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING
TO DO IN THE SUMMER? Beach pretty much being outside
enjoying the nice weather while it lasts
WHERE DID YOU DO YOUR UNDERGRAD/GRAD
WORK?
Johnson & Wales University where earned a bachelors degree in
Sports Managmen
WHAT BRINGS YOU TO HARVARD? Internship with
the Athletic Communications
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT
HARVARD? They have so many sports to choose from
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN
THE SQUARE? Crazy Dough's
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PASTIMES? Baseball
and going to the Cape
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS OR
ICONS? I am a huge Boston sports fan, but I
would say I love the Red Sox the most. Favorite player would
be Big Papi
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? Shrek
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MODE OF
EXERCISE? Weight lifting or playing basketball
WHAT'S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T
KNOW? I am boys with Jerry Springer and I have had 3
near death experiences. And not to mention I am the dopest
rapper on the planet.
IF YOU COULD VISIT ANYWHERE
IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE? Amsterdam
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY?
Halloween
Employee of the Month May
2010: Katie Kuzma!
WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY
FROM? Sarasota, Florida
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN THE SUMMER?
Lounging on the beach
WHERE DID YOU DO YOUR UNDERGRAD/GRAD WORK?
Harvard
WHAT BRINGS YOU TO HARVARD? College, although I
don't know if I couldn't made it here without the soccer team
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT HARVARD? The weather is so
great... NOT. Maybe the crazy mixture of people you find when
walking through?
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN THE SQUARE?
Definitely Nochs pizza, can't have a good day unless you stop
in!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PASTIMES? Watching a
disgusting amount of television
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS OR ICONS?
Manchester United is the only team I really follow, and I usually
pretend I like teams from Tampa
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? Way to many to start
naming, but Little Giants is the first one to come to mind
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? Tough call between
Harry potter and Twilight. I'm obsessed with both series. Or
anything by Jane Austen
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE MODE OF EXERCISE? I like
group classes, big fan of total body conditioning with Kerry
Antunes!
WHAT'S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T
KNOW? I can only breathe out of out nostril, and I have
the biggest sweet tooth of anyone I know
IF YOU COULD VISIT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT
BE? Probably Austrailia
Instructor of the Month May
2010: Andrea Braham!
1. What brings you to
Harvard?
Harvard is an amazing place filled
with wonderful people. I’m very lucky to say that
Harvard was my first job right out of College and I’ve been
here ever since. Coming to work here is indeed one of the
best decisions I’ve ever made.
2. How long have you been working here?
I have been at Harvard for almost 6 years.
3. Where are you originally from?
The City of Champions – Brockton, MA
4. What's your favorite mode of exercise?
Anything that combines boot camp type workouts and boxing.
5. What classes do you teach? Do you have a
favorite?
Indoor Cycling on Monday nights!!!
6. What's your favorite sport?
I absolutely love basketball.
7. What athletic accomplishments are you most proud
of?
The athletic accomplishment that I am most proud of is
running in the 2007 Chicago Marathon. Even though the race
was stopped due to weather conditions (88 degrees and sweltering
humidity!) it was an experience that I will never forget.
8. What do you love the most about teaching?
The thing I love most about teaching is the connection that I have
with the class. I feel that as a whole we motivate and push
each other to work harder.
I love to look out into the class and see faces smiling back at
me, I love to hear (not just myself) singing to the songs and I
definitely love feeling the energy!
9. Outside of fitness what other hobbies/interests
do you have?
Although fitness is my number #1 hobby I also love to read book
series, like Harry Potter.
10. When you are not teaching/working out what do you
do?
When I’m not teaching/working out I love to spend time with
my family.
Employee of the Month May
2010: Andrew Knapp
WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY
FROM? Duxbury, Mass
WHAT BRINGS YOU TO
HARVARD? Trying to get an education.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT HARVARD? The people
here are awesome.
FAVORITE BOOKS/MUSIC/MOVIES: I'll read just about
anything my mom gives me.
FAVORITE SPRING AND/OR SUMMER ACTIVITIES:
Duxbury has the nicest beach in Massachusetts. I'm a huge
beach bum.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN THE SQUARE? B.
Good, but Al's might be giving it a run right now.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PASTIMES?
Wrestling
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS OR
ICONS? I have a deep romantic interest in Tom
Brady. Unfortunately, he has yet to answer my numerous
calls/emails.
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE MODE OF EXERCISE?
Anything that isn't running.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING HERE SO MUCH? I
have really great coworkers.
WHAT'S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T
KNOW? I am a co-author on a paper in the Journal of
Biological Chemistry.
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HAVE? I am a
pretty solid towel folder, thanks to this job.
IF YOU COULD VISIT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT
BE? I'd love to visit Australia. I've never
been, and it seems really fun.
Employee of the Month April
2011: Caitlyn Bolton
WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY
FROM? Michigan City, Indiana
WHERE DID YOU DO YOUR UNDERGRAD/GRAD WORK?
University of Colorado at Boulder
WHAT BRINGS YOU TO HARVARD? My affinity for name
dropping.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN
THE SQUARE? The Yard in Spring
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE
PASTIMES? Many a campfire
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE
MOVIE? Labrynth
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE
BOOK? Still Life with Woodpecker
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE MODE OF
EXERCISE? Volleyball (pref beach, 4's)
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING HERE SO MUCH? Interacting
with people who care about their bodies!
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU
HAVE? I am crafty, also a wicked Hearts player.
IF YOU COULD VISIT ANYWHERE
IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE? Africa- before all the
big stuff dies.
Instructor of the Month
April 2010: Lynne Mullen!
1. What brings you to
Harvard? Originally came to Harvard for my Ph.D in
Biology, and since I’ve graduated am now working in an
academic position here.
2. How long have you been working here?
I’ve been an indoor cycling instructor since September of
2008.
3. Where are you originally from? My Dad was in
the military when I was a kid, so I’m not really from any one
place. When I recite the list of places to new acquaintances, most
people just remember Alaska, although I spent much more time in
California!
4. What's your
favorite mode of exercise? Indoor Cycling.
5. What classes do you teach? Do you have a
favorite? I teach indoor cycling, and
don’t really have a favorite. I love any class where students
show up regularly—they seem very committed to improving their
fitness and it’s so nice to build a relationship with
them.
6. What's your favorite sport? My favorite sport
is cycling, but also am fond of baseball. I love watching the Tour
de France!
7. What athletic accomplishments are you most proud
of? I’m actually most proud that I’ve gone
from the kid who’d be one of the last to be chosen for
kickball because I looked too delicate, to being a cycling
instructor. People now tell me that I look like an athlete!
8. What do you love the most about
teaching? I love helping people reach their
fitness goals. Teaching classes gives me the ability to be creative
and share my passion with people who are looking to improve their
fitness. I am so happy when I hear people tell me that they feel
like they’ve become stronger and fitter (and, of course, that
they liked my music and the ride). I often forget that I’m
paid to do something I love!
9. Outside of fitness what other hobbies/interests
do you have? I love hiking, being outdoors, and
reading about just about anything. I’m currently addicted to
crossword puzzles! Since becoming an instructor, my interest in
music has increased and I’ve had a lot of fun finding new
genres of music that I had never listened to before.
10. When you are not teaching/working out what do you
do? For work, I run a life sciences course at Harvard that
has over 400 students. Keeping up with the latest information
about fitness and cycling takes up a fair amount of time, but
generally I spend most of my time with friends and family, and also
meeting new friends!
Employee of the Month March
2010: Kristan Strout
WHERE DID YOU DO YOUR
UNDERGRAD/GRAD WORK? Stonehill/Husson/Northeastern
WHAT BRINGS YOU TO HARVARD? A grad school
internship
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT HARVARD? The people I've
met, the tradition, and the square!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN THE SQUARE? Any
place that has outdoor seating in the summer!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PASTIMES? Kickball,
running the Charles, playing with my golden retrievers, oh and
trivia nights :)
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS OR ICONS?
Boston Pro Teams & Maine hockey
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE MAC OR
HEMENWAY...? Tough call, I don't want to hurt either one's
feelings
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE MODE OF EXERCISE? Boot camp,
spinning, or a long run
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING HERE SO MUCH? I've made
some great friends (and I like to keep Ed on his toes!)
WHAT'S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T
KNOW? I did a couple of commercials when I was in grade
school
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HAVE? I'm pretty good
at dodging (in dodgeball, that is) and... I have really neat
handwriting - is that a skill?!
IF YOU COULD VISIT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT
BE? Any where there's warm weather and a beach after this
winter!
Instructor of the Month
February 2010: Seth Federman
1. What brings you to
Harvard? I came to Harvard to work on my
Masters in Language and Literacy with the Graduate School of
Education. I had previously received my Bachelors in English
Education from Florida State University. Currently I am wrapping up
my Masters before I start my residency with the Boston Teacher
Residency project with Boston Public Schools, and teaching and
creating more fitness classes!
2. How long have you been working here?
I’ve been with the Harvard Recreation team since October
2010.
3. Where are you originally
from? While both of my parents are from New York, I was
born in Miami, Florida. I grew up however in Tampa, FL. After
completing my undergrad in Tallahassee, FL, you could say I have
seen all parts of Florida.
4. What's your favorite mode of
exercise? My favorite mode of exercise would
have to be dancing with a strength workout. It allows me to be
artistic while focusing on the muscles that I need to engage when
doing difficult moves. It’s something that I take the most
pride in and consistently work on to make my workouts more
challenging, engaging, and most of all FUN!
5. What classes do you
teach? Do you have a favorite? The joke around the
Rec is what classes don’t I teach. I currently specialize in
Total Body Conditioning, Body Bar, Hard Core Abs/Back, Zumba,
High/Cardio Low Intensity classes, and my own specialty
aerobic/strength class: Rock like a Rockstar. I am currently
learning how to teach Step, Aqua Fitness, Zumba for Kids, Pilates,
Yoga, and eventually will try to tackle Cycling. In my opinion, the
more you can do, the more fun you have with teaching.
6. What's your favorite
sport? I would have to say tennis is my favorite sport.
Ever since I met Pete Sampras (one of the greats from the Open
Court era), I have constantly enjoyed playing tennis. Tennis, in my
opinion, is such a challenging sport because it’s a test of
strength, endurance, and also mental strength. Constantly, a player
is always trying to outguess their opponent and trying to look for
gaps they can hit the ball to. It’s also a great core workout
and a great leg workout as well. Other than tennis, I love
swimming, baseball, football, gymnastics, and curling.
7. What athletic
accomplishments are you most proud of? I have to say my
biggest accomplishment would be losing 30 lbs when I was 19 and
decreasing my body fat from 20 percent to 12 percent. Most people
think that it’s all about the number of pounds you lose, but
it’s really the body fat percentage that matters the most. I
was so proud of both my dedication and success that it motivated me
to continue working on my fitness and eventually going into group
fitness instruction.
8. What do you love
the most about teaching? The best part of
teaching will always be the participants. They come into every
class ready to receive my 110 percent and match me. When I started
teaching, I was constantly a nervous wreck but the members’
trust helped me relax and have fun with them. I also love the
fellow instructors I get to work with. Every time we have a
professional development or get together for a rehearsal, we
constantly give each other helpful suggestions and try new moves
together. It truly feels like we’re a family together.
9. Outside of fitness
what other hobbies/interests do you have? This
is always a fun question to answer. Outside of fitness, it seems
like my time is always consumed by graduate work. However, I always
strive for balance. I love reading, writing, singing (if you come
to my class, get ready to sing with me!), politics, education,
advocacy for minority rights, health education, world politics,
Broadway musicals, movies! I also love doing outdoor activities and
am currently training for a half marathon which will take place in
April. I also enjoy travelling down to Provincetown to see my
partner and we love taking walks around the neighborhood with his
loveable dog Yuri!
10. When you are not
teaching/working out what do you do? It feels like
I’m always working out. When I’m not working out,
I’m usually going to class or working on my field project at
Blackstone Elementary in the South End. On days that I don’t
have anything going on, I indulge in watching my guilty reality
series, The Real Housewives of New York or New Jersey or Atlanta. I
also love hanging out with my friends, talking about Lady Gaga
(yeah I’m obsessed) and other pop culture stuff, and watching
Glee or The Good Wife.
Employee of the Month
February 2010: Maris Pritchett
WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY
FROM? Jamestown, RI
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO HARVARD? Originally, an illegal
family membership. But then when I started grad school it just
seemed like working at a gym would be a great part-time
job.
WHERE DID YOU DO YOUR UNDERGRAD/GRAD WORK? Undergrad at
Skidmore College and Graduate at Massachusetts School of
Professional Psychology
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN THE SQUARE? I can't think of
a favorite spot... maybe Cambridge One?
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PASTIMES? Cooking, doing anything
active outside, going out with friends, and doing
puzzles.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS OR ICONS? Since
moving to Boston I've been pretty into the Patriots and the
Celtics. And the Red Sox during the playoffs (but baseball is
generally too slow for my attention span).
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE MAC OR HEMENWAY...? I'm
open to both, but i think i prefer working at Hemenway and working
out at the MAC.
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE MODE OF EXERCISE? Skiing.... but
since i can't do that all the time, I like running and
rowing.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING HERE SO MUCH? I love cleaning the
lint screen in the dryer. It makes me feel complete. I
also like my coworkers... they're a close second. Folding
towels is pretty fun too.
WHAT'S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW? I
worked as a landscaper for 4 summers and almost went to school for
landscape architecture.
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HAVE? I'm pretty good at
puzzles. I'm also tall so i can reach things that most people can't
reach. And if you consider sarcasm a skill, then I have that
skill too.
IF YOU COULD VISIT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT
BE? Anywhere in South America. And Italy. And
Greece.... you get the idea - I've been a poor grad student for way
too long.
Instructor of the Month
January 2011: Katharyn Hurd!
1. What brings you to
Harvard? I'm finishing my masters in urban
design in 2012.
2. How long have you been working here? I started
as soon as I arrived in Massachusetts in August 2010.
3. Where are you originally from? I was born and raised
in semi-rural Bloomington, IL and more recently lived in Chicago
before heading east.
4. What's your favorite mode of
exercise? When the weather is good, I love to
run along the Charles River, but I will happily hit the gym for
some KICKBOXING any day!
5. What classes do you teach? Do you have a
favorite? I teach Cardio Kicks. I'm
expanding my resume to teach more classes in the future, but
kickboxing will always be my first love!
6. What's your favorite sport? I'm not a big sports
watcher, but I love to play. Playing sports as a teenager
brought me to the fitness world in the first place, so I love any
sport that can get your heart rate up and improve teamwork and self
esteem. Soccer has always been a big favorite,
though.
7. What athletic accomplishments are you most proud of?
While I can't say that I've had any one big achievement, I am proud
to have been able to use fitness as a productive outlet as a part
of a healthy lifestyle. It's not always easy to make
healthy choices, so taking it one step at a time is an
accomplishment for anyone pursuing fitness and health.
8. What do you love the most about
teaching? I love the moment at the end of class
when people are tired and sweaty but still smiling as they leave
the gym! I feel good about us going on with our days knowing
that we did something that was good for our bodies and
minds.
9. Outside of fitness what other hobbies/interests do you
have? I have been an amateur artist for a long
time, so I like to draw, sketch, and paint watercolors. When
I have a bit more time I bust out the oil paints Bob Ross
style.
10. When you are not teaching/working out what do you
do? I spend a lot of time in studio working on
school projects, but every once in a while I get to head out and
explore Boston.
Group Exercise Instructor of
the Month December 2010: Kaitlin Murphy!
1. What brings you to
Harvard? I work in the FAS Development
office. We raise money for the College and Graduate School.
2. How long have you been working here? I’ve
worked at Harvard for 5 years. I’ve taught spinning for
a year but have been loyally working out and attending classes at
Hemenway and the MAC.
3. Where are you originally from? Westfield,
MA. It’s truly Western Mass—exit 3 on the
Pike!
4. What's your favorite mode of
exercise? I’d have to say it’s a
tie between running and weight training. They complement each
other so well!
5. What classes do you teach? Do you have a
favorite? I only teach spinning and obviously,
that’s my favorite!
6. What's your favorite sport? I’m not big into
sports. But really, who doesn’t love a good Red Sox
game?!
7. What athletic accomplishments are you most proud of?
Running the Chicago Marathon. It was an amazing experience
and it was definitely the hardest I’ve ever pushed my
body. I look forward to running more in the
future!
8. What do you love the most about teaching?
I love motivating people to achieve their personal best and
inspiring them to channel their inner rock star. It’s
great to have first timers come to class and then watch them
improve over time. Anyone can be a fantastic
spinner!
9. Outside of fitness what other hobbies/interests do you
have? I love to cook and am always trying new
recipes. I’m a Food Network junkie!!
10. When you are not teaching/working out what do you
do? On any given weekend you can usually find me
going on adventures throughout the city and beyond. In
fact, I think there’s a new ICA exhibit I need to check
out!
Employee of the Month
December 2010: Ed Kelly
How Long Have You Been At
Harvard? Since 1959
What initially brought you here? A job
If you had to choose between the MAC and Hemenway…
I enjoy working at both gyms
What’s your favorite part about working here?
Teasing all the new students
What’s something about you that most people don’t
know? I am not nice all the time– I often get my
Irish temper up!
You’re pretty well know around Harvard– what do you
attribute your infamy to? Not minding my own
business– I ask a lot of questions.
Where do you see your team finishing in the Fantasy Fitness
challenge between Hemenway/MAC employees? “WE
PLAY TO WIN”
What’s your favorite sport? Baseball and
Hockey
Do you have a favorite team? Red Sox
Where is your favorite vacation destination and why?
Aruba; for the water and slot machines
Group Exercise
Instructor of the Month November 2010: Joe Williams
1. What brings you to
Harvard? I am a graduate student at GSAS. I am
a PhD candidate in Political Science with a focus on American
politics in general and the Congress in particular.
2. How long have you
been working here? I have been employed at
Hemenway for three years.
3. Where are you originally from? I was a military
brat but call Albuquerque, NM my hometown.
4. What's your favorite mode of exercise?
Step Aerobics...without a doubt
5. What classes do you teach? Do you have a
favorite? Total Body Conditioning, Hard Core Abs,
and I sub Step Intervals as well as the occassional Master
Class.
6. What's your favorite sport? To participate in:
Distance running; To watch: Football
7. What athletic accomplishments are you most proud of?
Completing a marathon in 2008
8. What do you love the most about teaching?
Getting people to be enthusiastic about working out and taking good
care of themselves. I feel as long as people enjoy working
out, they will keep working out. I really enjoy seeing my
regulars reach their goals and progress on to new
goals.
9. Outside of fitness what other hobbies/interests do you
have? I am a complete and total politics
junky. I am also a semi-professional
photographer.
10. When you are not teaching/working out what do you
do? Work on my dissertation.
Employee of the Month
November 2010: Pat Downey
What Brings you to
Harvard? A clerical error that let me slip through the
admissions process.
How Long have you been here? Got here in the Fall of
'07
Where are you originally from? Hanson, MA -- birthplace
of Ocean Spray.
What's your favorite mode of exercise? Mix of weights,
running, playing basketball
Do you have a favorite team or athlete? Love the Sox,
Patriots and Celtics.
Favorite Sport? To play, basketball. To watch,
football.
Favorite Books or movies? Favorite book would either be
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut or All the King's Men by
Robert Penn Warren. Favorite movies would have to be Wedding
Crashers and Good Will Hunting.
If you HAD to choose between the MAC or Hemenway...? The
MAC
What's something most people don't know about you? I'm
divorced and have 3 children. Just kidding, but I did knock
my two front teeth out when I was younger.
What's something interesting you've done? I'm working on
visiting every MLB ball park in the country -- I'm about halfway
there.
What is your favorite thing to do at work? I don't know
why, but I actually like folding towels.
Group Exercise Instructor of
the Month October 2010: Janine Murdock
1. What brings you to
Harvard? My big sister. She rocks. But I
stay because of the awesome staff and members. I've taught at
other gyms, but I always find that no gym compares to this
one.
2. How long have you been working here? I've worked
here in some capacity since 2004, I think. I started as
fitness staff.
3. Where are you originally from? That's a very
good question. . . when I figure it out, I'll let you
know!
4. What's your favorite mode of exercise? I love
running. Most people think I'm crazy for that, but there's
just something about coming home after a long run with a clear
head, tired legs and a sense of accomplishment!
5. What classes do you teach? Do you have a
favorite? I'm currently teaching indoor cycling,
Balletone, Couch to 5K and master class (step and muscle
conditioning). I also teach cardio kickboxing, Pilates,
and sometimes aqua. I don't know that I can name a
favorite. I'll never sweat more than I do in a cycling class
- but Balletone just makes me happy - and I get to share my passion
for running in couch to 5K . . . I could go on for
hours.
6. What's your favorite sport? Soccer to play.
Hockey to watch. GO FLYERS!
7. What athletic accomplishments are you most proud of? I
ran the Baystate Marathon last year. I wasn't sure I could do
it when I showed up to the starting of the race, but I trained, I
got myself there and I ran the whole darn thing. My goal was
to cross the finish line standing. I finished standing AND
smiling. How's that for kickin' it in the pants!!!! In
addition - my inner group exercise instructor kicked in - I slowed
down toward the end to talk to a fellow runner who was struggling -
I distracted him long enough that he also crossed the finish
line. As he did, he yelled, "THANK YOU JANINE!!!" So
awesome.
8. What do you love the most about teaching? I love
hearing people's stories - the hardships and the accomplishments
alike. It's pretty awesome when someone can't wait to update
you on the latest in their lives because they feel you were a
contributing factor. It's also given me the boost I've needed
when life spins a bit out of control. I hope I've made it
clear to the members how much it means to ME that they show up week
after week.
9. Outside of fitness what other hobbies/interests do you
have? Fitness is a big one for me. But my life
revolves around construction and architecture.
10. When you are not teaching/working out what do you
do? My full time job is as a Project Engineer for
Berry (a local construction company). It's very demanding and
takes up a LOT of my time, but it's my dream job. I
read every day. I sing all the time. If there's music
on with a beat, I'll be dancing. My family and friends are my
world, so I try to spend as much time as I can with them. And
I might be a bit of a sports fan!
Employee of the Month October 2010:
Elyse Traverse!
What brings you to
Harvard? I'm an undergrad! Woo senior year!
How long have you been here? Since I was a lil
freshman baby, 3 years ago.
Where are you originally from? Medford, MA . Go
Mustangs!
What's your favorite mode of exercise? circuit
training! and zumba
What's your favorite sport? lacrosse
Do you have a favorite
team and/or athlete? Patriots
Why do you love working here
so much? I've made majority of my close friends while
working at the gyms... so thankful. and them dolla bills.
If you had to choose between
MAC or Hemenway, which one is the best? They both
have their perks. What's something about you that most people
don't know? I went bungee jumping in Korea..with Ashley
Wheeler. What do you do in your free time? I'm pretty much
hanging out at the FD at either gym 24/7. But really, I am
either hanging out with my friends/sister, watching TV
episodes online, eating, making a to-do list, thinking about
eating, working out, or planning something fun to do.
Any favorite Movies or
Music?I love all movies and people think I am ridiculous
for it.
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