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Employee of the Month

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.