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Inspiring Women of PARC: Meet Alyssa Danger

Alyssa Danger

International Women’s Day (March 8) has been occurring for well over a century, and one thing is for sure, it continues to grow from strength to strength.

At PARC, 76% of our staff are female, with 50% of Senior Managers being women, so to celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re doing a series of stories celebrating our Inspiring Women of PARC.

Our Marketing Specialist Jess de Araugo caught up with another inspiring woman Alyssa Danger.

Alyssa has been part of the PARC fam since 2015, transitioning from primary school teacher to swim school teacher. Alyssa was the 2016 PARC Swim Teacher of the Year and ARV Swim Teacher of the Year, and last year took out the Peninsula Leisure ‘We Reimagine’ Award for staff. Alyssa currently leads the School Program as the PARC Swim Schools Leader and is passionate about creating excitement in young children about water safety and building a lifelong love of the water.

Let’s meet Alyssa:

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up on the Mornington Peninsula and developed my love of swimming and all things ‘water’ very early on, with fond memories of playing in the Somers creek, swimming in the backyard pool and water skiing at Balnarring or Safety Beach. I now enjoy sharing my favourite childhood beach spots with my husband, two kids and two dogs.

I was a keen swimmer through primary and high school, and enjoyed competing in interschool events at the Pines Forest Aquatic Centre which was ‘absolutely huge’ when I was kid. I remember winning some butterfly events, not because I was good at it, but because I was one of only a few young girls who could make it all the way to the end of the 50m pool!

I studied a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Monash University in Frankston and graduated in 2001, a year after I met my now husband Darryn. Being a primary school teacher confirmed my love of kids and they continue to be my favourite people! I taught grade three for four years, grade one and in my last year grade five whilst pregnant with my daughter. I was a stay at home mum for a few years and helped manage my husband’s building business and we had a son four years later. I tried to do some casual teaching but found this very difficult to juggle with having two kids. I tried a few other jobs but missed the joy of teaching terribly. It was watching my daughter in swimming lessons one evening that made me think about combining my love of the water and teaching and shortly after completing my Austswim course I began my journey at PARC as a swim teacher.

What was your dream job as a kid and why?

I wanted to be an architect or graphic designer as I love house plans and all things artistic!

Luckily my husband is a carpenter so there is never a shortage of house plans around the house now and I have a large stash of art supplies that would be the envy of any budding Picasso.

What do you love about your work?

The buzz! There’s nothing quite like it when the groups of school kids come through the door and the buzz of excitement ensues! My job is different every day and I can never predict the extraordinary things kids do or say in their lessons. It is so rewarding seeing the student’s confidence and capabilities grow in such a short time. I have a soft spot for the nervous beginners and really love it when a child goes from not wanting to get in the pool on day one, to squealing with delight at the end of the week.

Other parts of my job include overseeing the Infant Program at PARC and I enjoy watching our talented teachers pass on their knowledge and expertise through the parent and child classes.

It is heart-warming to see a child’s positive relationship with water develop from such a young age.

What’s something about you that most people wouldn’t know?

I spent a month in the desert of Northern Territory teaching in an aboriginal community. The whole school was red dirt, and no one wore shoes! I had to dodge the packs of wild dogs and carry a large stick on my walk to school each day. One of my favourite memories was having a young girl visiting our makeshift home every afternoon just to wash her hands with our ‘magic pump soap’! She also showed me where to find witchetty grubs and wild sweet potato in the middle of the desert.

What is the best and worst decision you’ve ever made?

Best: Having kids for sure!
Worst: Trying a Toblerone……now I can’t stop eating them!

How do you balance work and life responsibilities?

This is a challenge for me, and I am continually trying to ensure I find the right balance. I try to make time where I don’t think about work and ensure Sundays are dedicated family days. Weekend camping trips are a great escape and the lack of available technology ensures I can’t just ‘do a few things for work’.

The theme for international Women’s Day this year is #EachforEqual – What does that mean to you?

To me it is a good reminder that we are no better than any other person, we are just different. We are all capable of something and will achieve in life in different ways. We can ALL make the world a better place TOGETHER without hierarchy, judgement or gender divide.

What woman inspires you and why?

My beautiful friend. She has spent most of her life helping others in her career as nurse, often travelling to Bali to offer her services free of charge to assist in important surgeries funded by Australian charities. She supports her husband in running a health and fitness business and has nursed her ailing mother before she sadly passed recently. She herself has now been diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and just recently bravely shaved her hair off. She has been sharing the journey of ups and downs with her friends and gives great insight into what it is like going through the tough treatments and regimens and the cost physically, mentally and financially on herself and her family. I have never met someone so positive, strong and full of fighting spirit. She is selfless, always thinking of others, analysing herself, giving advice, challenging thinking and is always an inspiration to me!

Thank you Alyssa, you are an inspiration to us!

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Our Customer Satisfaction Survey ends tomorrow! 

This is the last chance to complete our survey before it closes. We would love to hear your thoughts on your experiences at PARC. 

The survey should take only around 10 minutes to complete and you will also go into the draw to win 1 of 3 $100 Rebel vouchers. 

Complete the survey via link in bio 

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Your new PARC Reformer experience 🤩

Curious about our new PARC Reformer studio but not sure where to begin? Let Bec, our Group Exercise Coordinator, guide you through our exciting new class formats, and how the Virtual and On-demand sessions work. 

Please watch the PARC Reformer Induction video and attend 2 instructor-led classes in the new Studio before booking our Virtual and On-demand sessions. 

Check it out here: https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/reformer-pilates/#induction 

After more info? Check out our PARC Reformer Studio website page here: https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/reformer-pilates/

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🎉 Welcome to your PARC Reformer 🎉
 
We’re so excited to announce that the PARC Reformer Studio is now open and ready for you to experience!
 
Our studio offers a diverse range of Reformer classes to suit all levels. Enjoy expert led sessions from the PARC instructors you know and love, plus the flexibility of Virtual Kiosk and On-Demand options to suit your schedule.
 
And the best part? It’s all included in your Full Access and Active Life membership - no extra cost, no add-ons. Just more of what you love.
 
Bookings are now open via the Xplor App or Customer Portal. 

For more information please click the link here - https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/reformer-pilates/

We can’t wait to welcome you into our stunning new space. Thank you for being part of the PARC community - enjoy your Reformer journey!

#PARCFrankston #PARCReformer #NowOpen #Reformer #Booknow
Halfway through and still going strong! 💪

The My Movement Challenge is half way through and it is amazing to see so many PARC members and guests getting involved.

Whatever your goals may be, PARC staff are here to support you. So stay motivated, and progress at your Pace! Make sure to grab your stamp to go into the draw to win one of our limited edition PARC beanies.

If you want an extra challenge, flip your card over and try our PACE themed challenges to gain an EXTRA entry into the draw!

For more information on the My movement Challenge please check out our blog via the link in bio 

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Only a few days left to complete our Customer Satisfaction Survey! 🗣

Our survey will close this Sunday 1 June, and we would love to hear your thoughts on your experiences at PARC. 

The survey should take only around 10 minutes to complete and you will also go into the draw to win 1 of 3 $100 Rebel vouchers. 

Click the link in our bio to complete the survey 

#PARCFrankston #Yoursay #customersatisfaction
Bookings for PARC Reformer are now open! 🎉😱

We’re thrilled to announce that our brand-new PARC Reformer Pilates Studio will have three different options for you to choose from, Instructor led, Virtual Kiosk and On-Demand Access. Your PARC Reformer, your way. 

For our Virtual and On-Demand sessions, we ask you to complete at least two instructor-led classes before booking. 

Head to your Xplor App or Customer Portal to secure your spot and be one of the first to experience our new PARC Reformer studio. 

We can’t wait to welcome you into the PARC Reformer Studio 

To learn more about PARC Reformer and to watch our Reformer Studio Induction video, visit our website here. Link in bio

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Participating in the survey will help us better understand how you use our Centre, help us find more ways to support you, and better improve your experience at PARC. We really value your input. 

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Meet Jasmine 👋

Jasmine is a qualified Dietitian and has recently joined the Davenport Physiotherapy team.

Jasmine holds a Masters in Dietetics with further qualifications in mental health first aid and breastfeeding counselling.

You can learn more about Jasmine and the Davenport Physiotherapy team, located at PARC Allied Health Suites, through our website here - Link in bio

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