Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Michelle Vaessen-McLean

Kambah

Summary

Energetic Pilates and Fitness Instructor with experience in both individual and group fitness training. Strength lies in creating engaging and effective workout programs tailored to client needs, while promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Known for fostering positive fitness environments, developing strong client relationships, and delivering results through varied workout techniques. Have successfully contributed to increasing overall gym membership retention rates through quality instruction and motivational leadership.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Pilates and Fitness Instructor

Samsara Women's Health Club
Wanniassa
11.2020 - Current
  • Instructed classes in Mat and small equipment Pilates, Yoga and Functional fit exercises to membes of all ages.
  • Designed custom-tailored workout plans to help clients reach fitness goals faster.
  • Recommended modifications of exercises to help participants avoid injuries.
  • Documented class attendance for facility records through the Members Booking system, and the CRM system.
  • Developed individualized Pilates programs for clients based on their goals and abilities.
  • Coached and encouraged participants during exercises and routines.
  • Monitored class participants for appropriate techniques to prevent injuries.
  • Built and continually expanded knowledge and expertise on latest fitness trends and programs and kept class content fresh and interesting.
  • Enforced safety rules and procedures to minimise injuries.
  • Prepared for classes in advance, selected and queued music beforehand and began and ended classes on time for maximum benefit to attendees.
  • Performed administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, collecting payments or managing inventory.
  • Adhered to safety protocols when instructing classes or working with clients one-on-one.
  • Promoted classes and facility amenities on social media.
  • Contributed to team success and member needs by working with other instructors to cover classes and develop new offerings.
  • Set up equipment and weights for use by class participants.
  • Created a welcoming atmosphere in order to make clients feel comfortable in class environment.
  • Maintained accurate records of client progress, including notes on any modifications needed for each session.
  • Promoted new services offered by the studio through word-of-mouth advertising or social media posts.
  • Built and established lasting relationships using encouragement and personal support.
  • Marketed facility, classes and services to current and potential members.
  • Explained and taught proper use of weights, exercise bands and other fitness equipment.
  • Ensured that all equipment was properly maintained and cleaned between classes.
  • Assisted with special events related to Pilates instruction at the studio.

Self Employed Photographer

MishDee Photography
KAMBAH
04.2011 - Current
  • Utilized advanced lighting techniques to achieve optimal exposure and mood in photographs.
  • Performed maintenance tasks to keep equipment working properly.
  • Transferred photographs to computers for editing, archiving and electronic transmission.
  • Compose creative shots from different angles that are visually appealing.
  • Determined project goals, locations and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
  • Set up camera control equipment, stands, and tripods for shoots.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of photography trends, techniques, and equipment.
  • Tested equipment prior to use, verifying good working order.
  • Manage budgets related to purchasing supplies needed for each shoot.
  • Developed creative concepts and themes for photo shoots in collaboration with clients.
  • Cropped, manipulated, and performed color balance for final images.
  • Conduct interviews with subjects of a photoshoot to ensure comfort level during the session.
  • Organized and archived digital photographs efficiently for easy access and retrieval.
  • Edit photos using Adobe Photoshop and other software applications.
  • Consult with clients to understand their needs and preferences for a photo shoot.
  • Directed activities of workers setting up photographic equipment.
  • Estimated or measured light levels, distances and numbers of exposures using measuring devices and formulas.
  • Reviewed sets of photographs to select best work.
  • Conducted photo shoots annually, including weddings, portraits, and commercial photography.
  • Utilized filters, edits and after-effects to enhance photos.
  • Took pictures of individuals, families, and small groups in studio or on location.
  • Coordinated and completed photoshoots for individuals, families and small groups.
  • Conducted on-location photography sessions, adapting to various environments and lighting conditions.
  • Ensure safety of people involved in photo sessions by following all applicable laws and regulations.

Office Manager

AMAX Metal Roofing
Beard
06.2019 - 04.2025
  • Streamlined operational processes and systems to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Ensured compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards across the organization.
  • Interpreted and communicated work procedures and company policies to staff.
  • Provided training to new hires on office policies and procedures.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws regarding employment practices.
  • Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
  • Maintained filing system for records, correspondence and other documents.
  • Use of Microsoft office applications to created spreadsheets in Excel to track data such as vacation requests, sick days and completed official documents.
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Sustained office efficiency by implementing and planning office systems, equipment procurement and layouts.

Network Coordinator

Barnardos Australia
Downer
01.2015 - 05.2019
  • Company Overview: Child Youth and Family Services Program
  • Identifying gaps in services in the Inner North/Gungahlin as well as ACT wide
  • Building Collaborative Relationships across the Community sector including Government, Not for Profit Organisation and Private Sector
  • Coordination of Collaborative relationships
  • Chair Meetings
  • Relationship Management
  • Management of Staff
  • Promotion of the Child, Youth and Family Gateway and programs
  • Gathered data pertaining to customer needs to identify, predict and evaluate system and network requirements.
  • Community Development Projects
  • Networking
  • Liaising with Government, Not-for-Profit and Private sectors
  • Liaison with Executive Officers and Management of all level across Government, Community and Private Sectors
  • Report writing
  • Advocacy and Referral
  • Consulted users to determine areas in need of improvement.
  • Worked independently while coordinating project work and support functions with other team members.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines.

Boards President

Youth Coalition of ACT
Canberra
10.2015 - 10.2018
  • Organised and facilitated board meetings, strategic planning sessions, and annual conferences.
  • Relationship Management
  • Manage and support staff through collaboration to ensure operational efficiency of the organization.
  • Maintained effective communication channels with all stakeholders involved in the organization's activities.
  • Issues Management
  • Monitoring Contractual and Organisational Requirements
  • Networking
  • Liaising with Government, Not-for-Profit and Private sectors
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors, suppliers and other partners.
  • Hired, trained, and mentored staff members to maximize productivity.
  • Oversaw development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures.
  • Determined performance goals and offered tactics for achieving milestones.
  • Led strategic planning and execution to enhance profitability and company growth.
  • Managed and oversaw leadership team to meet established KPIs and achieve objectives and key results.
  • Researched underlying issues, regulatory compliance status and processes to resolve complex business issues and recommend strategic corrective actions.
  • Oversaw daily administrative tasks such as payroll processing, accounts payable and receivable management.
  • Signed and approved budgets for new funding and program initiatives.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable laws related to nonprofit organizations.
  • Created program to promote new managers from within, leading to cohesive leadership structure.

Senior Coordinator

DUO LeisureLink Volunteer Program
01.2013 - 01.2015
  • Working with people with a disability, frail aged, and people who have a mental illness
  • Recruit Volunteers, including advertising and interviewing
  • Matching Volunteers with clients
  • Organising monthly volunteer events and end of year celebrations
  • Training new volunteers
  • Supervision of volunteers and support worker
  • Coordinating volunteer reimbursements
  • Communicating with professionals from the disability, aged care and volunteer sector
  • Case Management
  • Community Development Projects
  • Maintaining files and data entries
  • Working with clients to build support plans
  • Networking
  • Liaising with Government and Non-Government Departments
  • Report writing
  • Advocacy and Referral

Senior Project Officer

FaHCSIA
10.2006 - 05.2011
  • Company Overview: Youth Bureau and ACT/NSW South East Region
  • Coordinating correspondence for the Youth Sponsorship Program
  • Revising application process for the Youth Sponsorship program
  • Completing purchase orders, vendor numbers and funding agreements for the Youth Sponsorship Program
  • Completing, negotiating and managing funding agreements for the Youth Sponsorship Program
  • Completing, negotiating and managing funding agreements for the FaHCSIA funded Youth, Communities for Children, Community Investment Program and Family Relationships Program
  • Managing funding agreements and financial acquittals on the FOFMS system
  • Liaising with Community Organisation to complete Quarterly and Annual reports
  • Issues Management between FaHCSIA funded community programs and the department
  • Typing up Ministerial Correspondence
  • Completing, negotiating and managing funding agreement for the Children and Young People as Stakeholders Conference
  • Staff supervision
  • Training staff in completing funding agreements
  • Regional and Community Profiling
  • Community Service Provider Mapping
  • Project Management of The National Local Government Awards
  • Issues Management
  • Running information sessions and training on FaHCSIA funded Youth Programs
  • Coordinating correspondence for the National Local Government Awards, Youth Engagement Category
  • Assessing applications for National Youth Roundtable and the National Local Government Awards and Youth Sponsorship Program
  • Maintaining the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Program updates on the Source website
  • Revising Program Logic for Youthlinx and Reconnect Programs for the Program Simplification Section
  • Policy Development
  • Communicating with professionals from within the welfare sector
  • Liaising with Government and Non-Government Departments
  • FaHCSIA contact for a National Youth Roundtable Project team
  • Communicating with National Youth Roundtable members
  • Networking
  • Keeping concise records and files
  • Youth Bureau and ACT/NSW South East Region

Education

Certificate - Certificate III in Fitness

Australian Fitness Academy PTY
Melbourne, VIC
08-2024

Certificate - Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training

Yoga Trinity
Canberra, ACT
06-2022

Certificate - Matwork Pilates

Studio Pilates
Sydney, NSW
09-2020

Certificate - Certificate IV Leadership and Management

Learning Options
Canberra, ACT
11-2016

Diploma - Photography

The Photography Institute
01.2010

Bachelor of Social Science - Social Welfare

Charles Sturt University
Wagga Wagga, NSW
01-2001

Certificate - Certificate IV in Fitness

Australian Fitness Academy
Melbourne, VIC

Skills

  • Exercise programming
  • Client assessment
  • Group fitness instruction
  • Customer service
  • Team collaboration
  • Event coordination
  • Client relationship management
  • Leadership development
  • Staff management
  • Work Planning and Prioritization
  • Computer skills
  • Excellent communication
  • Time management abilities
  • Contract negotiation
  • Teamwork and collaboration

Affiliations

  • Netball
  • Bush Walking
  • Photography

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Pilates and Fitness Instructor

Samsara Women's Health Club
11.2020 - Current

Office Manager

AMAX Metal Roofing
06.2019 - 04.2025

Boards President

Youth Coalition of ACT
10.2015 - 10.2018

Network Coordinator

Barnardos Australia
01.2015 - 05.2019

Senior Coordinator

DUO LeisureLink Volunteer Program
01.2013 - 01.2015

Self Employed Photographer

MishDee Photography
04.2011 - Current

Senior Project Officer

FaHCSIA
10.2006 - 05.2011

Certificate - Certificate III in Fitness

Australian Fitness Academy PTY

Certificate - Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training

Yoga Trinity

Certificate - Matwork Pilates

Studio Pilates

Certificate - Certificate IV Leadership and Management

Learning Options

Diploma - Photography

The Photography Institute

Bachelor of Social Science - Social Welfare

Charles Sturt University

Certificate - Certificate IV in Fitness

Australian Fitness Academy

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Michelle Vaessen-McLean