Alyssa graduated from Calvin College with a BA in Business Psychology and is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). She holds certifications in Kettlebell Training, TRX Suspension Training™, as a Women’s Fitness Specialist through NASM, and in Livestrong at the YMCA™, which is a free program for all community members who are cancer survivors. She has also led classes in the YMCA Weight Loss Program and assisted a class in the LiveWise Alzheimer’s Support program. She is a wife and mother of 4 daughters and worked in various industries before finding her place in health and fitness. As a cancer survivor herself, she is empathetic to the barriers that limit physical capabilities, and she knows first-hand how important physical strength and conditioning is to fight unexpected illnesses. She is a firm believer in the mental health benefits of exercise and wants everyone to find their happy place at the Y! She loves circuit training, weightlifting, yoga, Pilates, TRX, kettlebell & bodyweight workouts, and incorporates balance, flexibility, and strength training into every workout. If you are interested in personal training or small group training, email her at araterink@grymca.org for a free 30-minute consultation.