Resume

Heather Weidner

Heather@alohawha.com

EDUCATION: 

Masters Degree in Acupuncture (GPA 3.98), Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, Vienna, Va

B.S. Biology, B.S. Environmental Science, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY 

WORK EXPERIENCE: 

USA Swim Coach/Water Safety Instructor 

- Nation’s Capital Swim Team (USA Swimming)-Current 

- Fauquier Springs Country Club (summer league)-Current 

- Chestnut Forks Athletic Club (summer league) 

- Shark Tank Racing Squad (USA Swimming) 

- Lee District (Water Safety Instructor/Head Lifeguard) 

Project/Client Manager, Microbac Laboratories, Inc, Lexington, Ky 

CERTIFICATES: 

Clean Needle Technique: 5/19/23 

First Aid & CPR: 7/28/22 (two-year certification) 

HIPAA & OSHA Certificate: 5/20/23 

Bloodborne Pathogens: 5/20/23 

Electronic Health Record Training: 2/6/23 

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE: 

- Study of bioaccumulation and genotoxicity of platinum group metals in Lycoperisicon esculenta: Concentration of heavy metals in the tissues was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and DNA damage was assessed using comet assay. (2002-2003) 

- Bioaccumulation of cadmium in blue gills (Lepomis macrochirus): dissection, blood sampling, and the DNA damage was assessed on the blue gills using comet assay. (2003) 

PRESENTATIONS: 

- Eastern College Science Conference, Study of bioaccumulation and genotoxicity of platinum group metals in Lycoperisicon esculenta, Ithaca College. (2003) 

- American Chemical Society, DNA damage & bioaccumulation of Lycopersicon esculenta in response to platinum group metal exposure, Marist College. (2003) 

- American Association for Advancement of Science, Pathological study of cadmium exposure to blue gills (Lepomis macrochirus), Seattle, Wa. (2004)


DUTIES AND EXPERIENCE: 

I began studying acupuncture at VUIM in 2021. Since then, I have maintained an exceptional GPA of 3.98 and been on the Dean’s list every semester while maintaining a full course load, working as a USA Swim Coach, and raising and educating my two daughters; I’ve recently added interning in the clinic to this list. 

I’ve also developed leadership skills during my time as a USA swim coach, a manager, and a mother. USA swimming is a national organization with high standards for their employees. As a head coach, I have managed groups from 20 to 300 swimmers across ages from 5 to 18. I am responsible for developing training programs for the team as a whole as well as for individual swimmers. I have coordinated as many as 15 other coaches that operate under my guidance and I’m required to run the teams in support of the overall goals and mission of the organization. 

At MicroBac–an environmental laboratory–I was a Program/Client Manager. I developed lab work protocols, ensured work was completed on time, confirmed and distributed laboratory results, and scheduled my team. This required directly managing several employees while coordinating the efforts of over 100 people. I was the sole point of contact between customers and the company and so was responsible for maintaining positive relationships with customers while still meeting the goals of the business. 

One of my prominent strengths is working with clients to ensure that they are receiving what they need from the organization, maintaining positive, productive relationships, and maintaining the strong reputation of the company. As a swim coach, both the swimmers and their families become my clients. I am well recognized within the community as an excellent instructor not just because of the training the swimmers receive, but because of my approachable nature and my ability to motivate them. I always approach the job with a positive attitude and look for ways to improve the swimmers through encouragement, recognizing their goals in order to obtain better results. I’ve had experience working with a broad range of ages, so I would be bringing my skill and experience to acupuncture as well as a specialty for understanding and treating athletes.