Amber Ross
Woodstock
Summary
I am aspiring to be a Zumba Group Fitness Instructor and be able to utilize my dance and performing background. I enjoy inspiring and encouraging others to support their fitness goals through the exciting and fun world of dance. My passion for fitness and dancing has lead me to obtain my Certified Zumba Instruction certification in May. I have participated in numerous Zumba classes and have had the opportunity to assist and lead some choreography and I feel very confident that I will excel in a Group Fitness Instructor role. I am well-versed in class coordination, client encouragement and group instruction. In my full-time career, I have 12 years of experience teaching students and adults about the natural resources that are around them. Through employment at various organizations, I have gained valuable insight to successful programs and events as well as positive leadership which I know will be relevant to a Group Fitness Instructor position.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Naturalist
Forest Preserve District of Kane County
01.2023 - Current
- Leading field trip groups of diverse ages and backgrounds and creating opportunities to connect them with the natural world.
- Supervising, coordinating, training seasonal educators and volunteers as needed.
- Taking the role as community outreach coordinator and creating partnership opportunities with other organizations.
- Taking the role of Events Coordinator and being the lead on various large events- planning, logistics, and organization.
- Acting member on the Recognition Committee for the Forest Preserve District.
- Completed course on Introduction to Grant Writing: A to Z through Waubonsee Community College
Performance Dancer
Purdue University- Color Guard
04.2009 - 05.2013
- Learning and memorizing rigorous choreography on a weekly basis.
- Practicing continually on my own time to ensure proper execution of choreography.
- Being punctual to rehearsals and game day performances.
- Being open and willing to try new and complex movements as part of the choreography.
- Being a team player and helping other teammates with choreography as needed.
- Performing to the highest standard to ensure continued tradition of excellence of the Purdue All-American Marching Band.
Education Program Coordinator I
McHenry County Conservation District
04.2019 - 12.2022
- Creating opportunities to involve the community in the McHenry County Conservation Districts efforts of conservation through preservation, education and recreation.
- Leading field trip groups and teaching various topics of cultural and natural history.
- Supervising and working with seasonal educators and volunteers as needed.
- Taking on the lead role for the Geocaching series for the District (creating an annual series).
- Creating and implementing new ideas to increase revenue generating programs and events.
- Consistently staying updated with new developments within the Conservation District.
- Acting member on the Safety Committee for the Conservation District
Freshwater Educator
Discovery World
10.2017 - 04.2019
- Creating and implementing freshwater programs for school groups and the general public.
- Leading anatomy dissections for school groups.
- Overseeing lab spaces and part-time educators/ volunteers.
- Exciting students and adults about important natural resources connected to our environment and lives.
- Successfully learning and delivering programs outside of my area of expertise.
Environmental Education Instructor
Nature’s Classroom Institute
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Effectively creating educational programming that is immersive, interactive, and engaging for school groups.
- Helping students discover a new appreciation and respect for the natural world around them.
- Taking on roles for various programs (acting, leading, introducing, etc.) and being fully prepared for such roles.
- Learning the foundation of Montessori programming and adhering to it as such.
- Working under extreme time constraints and preparing class information and materials in a timely manner.
Seasonal Interpreter
Indianapolis Zoo
05.2016 - 08.2016
- Successfully creating opportunities for guests to join the effort in animal conservation both locally and globally.
- Upholding the zoo’s mission for conservation.
- Successfully presenting educational animal “chats” given over microphone to the public.
- Being knowledgeable of the Indianapolis Zoo’s animals.
- Creating a memorable experience for guests by building relationships with them.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN05.2013
High School Diploma - Academic concentration-Honors classes
Covington High School
Covington, IN05.2009
Skills
- Leadership roles in team settings
- Fast learner
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong work ethic
- Dance and performance experience
- Event creation/coordination
- Management of staff/volunteers
- Skilled time management
- Great public speaking skills
- High, positive energy
- Creative thinking
Accomplishments
I participated in an all-day Zumba Instructor training program that immersed me in the origins and growing industry of Zumba. I learned about the various styles of dance that makes Zumba unique from other aerobics classes. I was able to observe first-hand what it takes to become a successful Zumba Instructor and feel confident that I can make a difference and help others achieve their fitness goals through the fast-paced and fun routines of Zumba.
Certification
- Certified Interpretive Guide - Obtained May 2014
- RedCross CPR, AED and First Aid Adults - Obtained 02/2025
- National Association for Interpretation
Timeline
Naturalist
Forest Preserve District of Kane County
01.2023 - Current
Education Program Coordinator I
McHenry County Conservation District
04.2019 - 12.2022
Freshwater Educator
Discovery World
10.2017 - 04.2019
Environmental Education Instructor
Nature’s Classroom Institute
08.2016 - 06.2017
Seasonal Interpreter
Indianapolis Zoo
05.2016 - 08.2016
Performance Dancer
Purdue University- Color Guard
04.2009 - 05.2013
High School Diploma - Academic concentration-Honors classes
Covington High School
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife
Purdue University