When Ashley Sorenson arrived for her first day of college at Florida Gulf Coast University, she didn’t know which career path she wanted to pursue – but she was sure it would be one where she could help people. After exploring several options, Ashley ultimately connected with a field of study she had never even considered: Exercise Science.
Now, 3 ½ years after graduating from FGCU and joining the Moorings Park Wellness Team, Ashley’s achievements at the community were rewarded with her recent promotion from Exercise Specialist to Assistant Director of Wellness.
“It didn’t take long for Ashley to prove her worth as a team player and as an individual,” said Robert Sorenson, Moorings Park’s Director of Wellness. “She played an integral role in the MPOC Wellness Department receiving the ICAA NuStep Pinnacle and Beacon Award in 2019, a tremendous feat the department repeated in 2021.”
From Student to Key Team Member
Ashley’s first experience at Moorings Park came when she interned at the retirement community as a college student, splitting her time between the original campus and Moorings Park Grey Oaks.
“At first, I didn’t know what to expect,” Ashley said. “But once I got started, I thought, this is really fun!”
For Ashley, the internship was a huge milestone in her life and her career. “During the internship, I realized how much I enjoy working with the senior population. I taught group fitness and stretching classes and did senior wellness assessments. I learned a lot in such a short time.”
Along with the valuable, hands-on training, Ashley says the internship gave her a healthy dose of self-confidence and validation that she’d chosen the right career for her.
After graduating from FGCU, Ashley worked at Hope PACE in Lehigh Acres as an Exercise Physiologist before officially joining the Moorings Park Wellness Team in August 2018 as an Exercise Specialist.
These days, Ashley provides personal training to an average of 12 to 15 members each week, while also teaching group fitness classes, water aerobics and Joints in Motions. Now, she’s thrilled to take on the challenges that will come with her promotion, and grateful to her fellow partners for helping her succeed.
“The Wellness team I work with has been excellent,” Ashley notes. “I give a lot of credit to Robert Sorenson, Kelli Russo, Daniella Lorio, and Liam Goddard. They’ve been incredible to work with and they’ve taught me so much.”
A Bright Future Ahead
In her new role, Ashley will take on a greater responsibility in the management of the Moorings Park’s innovative Wellness program. Her new duties will include organizing events and presentations, as well as encouraging residents to take advantage of the wide range of integrated wellness programs that are available to them. She will also continue teaching and training a full roster of members.
Most notably, Ashley will now be supervising the same internship program that first brought her to Moorings Park, working with students who - like her – hope to make their mark in the world by helping others stay healthy and strong.
