Instructors

Ms. Riddle

Chicago Marathon 

I have been involved in fitness & health my entire life.  I began my career as a group exercise instructor apprentice and athletic training student at the University of Rhode Island. After graduation, I attended Springfield College and majored in applied exercise science and strength & conditioning. I worked as an athletic trainer, group exercise instructor, and personal trainer right after graduate school. I enjoyed working with a variety of ages throughout the day. In 2005, I added wellness teacher to my resume and I have been teaching what I love ever since. My passion is teaching nutrition & fitness-I love inspiring my students to be the healthiest version of themselves.

I have run 4 marathons in the past along with countless shorter distance races. My true exercise loves are CrossFit & yoga.  I have also competed in 3 fitness/bodybuilding competitions earning a few second place trophies!

 Certifications:

• CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
• CrossFit Kids Trainer 
• CrossFit Striking Trainer
• NATA Certified Athletic Trainer 
• 200 RYT with Yoga Alliance
• Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist
• CPR & First Aid Instructor by AHA
• Licensed Massage Therapist, Licensed Certified Athletic Trainer, & Licensed Physical Education Teacher 5-12 in MA.
• Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Athletic Training from the University of Rhode Island
• Master of Education in Applied Exercise Science from Springfield College

pamela_riddle@waylandps.org

Ms. Demers 

I am in my fifteenth year of teaching as a Wellness teacher at Wayland Middle School. I graduated with a Movement Science/Secondary Physical Education degree from Westfield State University.  I also have my Master's Degree in School Guidance Counseling and another Master's in Adventure Education. I worked as a Teaching Assistant for Wayland Middle School for two years before being appointed to the Wellness staff. 

I want to make a difference in my student’s lives by teaching the essential knowledge, tools and benefits of physical and health education. My passion for life, health and physical activity has no limits. To give new opportunities and to create a safe and encouraging environment is very important to me. 

I share a great love for physical fitness, playing sports and coaching. I was a three sport high school student athlete and a two sport college athlete. I believe sports and activity bring out great character and teach many valuable lessons. I was an assistant coach for the Women's Westfield State soccer team and I coached the girls Wayland Middle School Basketball and Soccer teams for 14 years.

Qualifications/certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Movement Science: Secondary Physical Education 5-12
• Master's degree in School Guidance Counseling 5-12
• Master's degree in Adventure Education
• First Aid/CPR certified

natalia_demers@waylandps.org

Mr. Wood

Hiking in the Mt. Hood National Forest just outside of Hood River Oregon.

Trout Fishing in Upper Greeley Pond, White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire.

Snow Shoeing in Mt. Hood National Forest just outside of Government Camp, Oregon. 

Up on top of the Pamper Pole awaiting 3 more people to join me at Project Adventure's High Ropes Course in Beverly, MA.

• Born and Raised:  Franklin Lakes, NJ (Suburb of NYC)
• What I miss most about NJ:  Pizza and Bagels, they just don't make them the same anywhere else.
• College:  Undergrad - University of Vermont, Major - Exercise and Sports Science and Athletic Medicine; Graduate - EDCO's Educator Leadership Institute, Major - Elementary and Secondary Education Administration
• Why I teach:  There is no better way in the world, other than being a parent, to help shape children into upstanding citizens who will contribute in a positive way to society.
• Why I teach wellness:  You only get one body and it doesn't come with any return, exchange or warranty policy so you best treat it well.
• What I do on vacations: I love to visit my family so I spend a great deal of my vacation time doing just that.
• What I do with the rest of my free time:  I love being outside!  My outdoor passions are skiing, fishing, hiking, biking, running, kayaking, canoeing, camping and exploring new places in my travels. 
• Favorite Places to visit:  Anywhere in Vermont, White Mountains of New Hampshire, Coastal Maine
• Words that inspire me:  

"To Risk"

by William Arthur Ward


To laugh is to risk appearing a fool,
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out to another is to risk involvement,
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.

To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return,
To live is to risk dying,
To hope is to risk despair,
To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.

He may avoid suffering and sorrow,
But he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or live.

Chained by his servitude he is a slave who has forfeited all freedom.

Only a person who risks is free.

The pessimist complains about the wind;

The optimist expects it to change;


And the realist adjusts the sails.

brian_wood@wayland.k12.ma.us