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Physical Education: Faculty
Paul Soong, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department
Education:
M.D. Shanghai Second Medical College
Ph.D. University of Maryland
Master’s of Education. Shanghai Physical Education Institute. Exercise Physiology
Qualifications:
Health and Fitness Instructor, American College of Sports Medicine.
Exercise Technologist, American College of Sports Medicine.
Dr. Soong was a physician for 12 years. He has taught and done research in medicine science, health-promotion and sports science areas since 1979 at universities in China, Singapore and the U.S.
Office Location: Gym 203F
Office Phone: (301) 696-3497
E-mail: soong@hood.edu
Melanie Adams, M.Ed.
Coordinator of Sports Medicine
Instructor of Physical Education
Senior Womens' Administrator
Education
B.S. Keene State College
M.Ed. University of Virginia
Work Experience
Melanie Adams came to Hood in 1998 from Mount St. Mary’s
College and has all but shaped the Blazers’ sports medicine department
into the proficient center it is today. She has also served as Hood’s
senior women’s administrator for the past two years and teaches in the
physical education department.
Adams, who is an avid runner and completed the Frederick Marathon in 2004, is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and the National Strength Coaches Association (NSCA). Originally from Trumbull, Conn., where she played four years of high school soccer and played against U.S. women's team player Christine Lilly, Adams received a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Keene State College.
Office Location: Sports Medicine Center
Office Phone: (301) 696-3836.
E-mail: adams@hood.edu
Renee Brandenburg-Huffer
Aquatic and Swimming Instructor
Education
B.S. East Carolina University (Secondary Education)
Qualifications
Lifeguard instructor and the State of Maryland Pool Operator certification
Work Experience
Renee is an instructor trainer for the American Red Cross in Water Safety (WSI)
and Lifeguard Training (LTI). She works full-time at for the Frederick County
Public School system and part-time at Hood. She also works part-time at the
Frederick County YMCA, doing staff training.
Renee has written a book and it
is approved for use in the Washington metropolitan area.
E-mail: Faquatraining@aol.com
Scott Eyler
Tennis Instructor
E-mail: eyler@hood.edu
Jan Faulkner
Yoga Instructor
E-mail: adventure@teamlink.com
Francine Marsili
Dance Instructor
Education
B.S. University of Pittsburgh
Work Experience
Ms. Marsili has been affiliated with Hood Dance since 1982 when she was a guest performer and choreographer. She became the director of dance and adviser to the Hood Dance Club in 1996 and was responsible for starting the Hood College Dance Ensemble in 2001, where she serves as artistic director.
The recipient of several dance scholarships, Ms. Marsili has performed professionally in summer stock, dinner theatres, dance companies, TV and films.
E-mail: Fran.marsilidms@usa.net
Andy Nichols
Canoeing, Climbing and Orienteering Instructor
E-mail: adventure@teamlink.com
Judith Rankin
Self-Defense Instructor
Education
B.S. University of Maryland, College Part
Work Experience
Judith has been teaching self-defense, health and physical education courses since 1972 in Maryland
and in Austin, Texas. Besides teaching at Hood, Judith is the department chair and
teaches physical education, health, team sports and self-defense at St. Johns at Prospect Hall.
She is the CEO of Rankin Martial Arts Fitness
Center, located in Frederick.
E-mail: FLassen21701@yahoo.com
Gretchen Smith
Aerobic Instructor
Education
B.S. Shepherd College, West Virginia
(Commercial/Hospitality Recreation, emphasis on Corporate Fitness)
Work Experience
- Marriot Corporate Headquarters in Rockville in the Corporate Fitness Center doing health assessments and personal training
- Local Health Club for 12 years
- Frederick Community College as a physical education instructor, 1988 – present
- Hood College as a physical education instructor, 1996 – present
- Owner of Well-Fit Aerobic and Fitness Center, 2001 – present
E-mail: GShealth@aol.com