ACC Spotlight: ACC Fitness Center Staff
For this ACC Spotlight, we're featuring the ACC Fitness Center and the staff that Move Mountains to support the health of our students, staff, and community members.
About the ACC Fitness Center
What does the fitness center offer?
The Fitness Center provides a full range of cardio and strength equipment including treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, rowers, squat racks, dumbbells, kettlebells, and machines. Members can use functional training space for mobility or sport specific work. On-site fitness technology is available to track body composition. Certified personal trainers are available for individualized programs, and general floor support is always available to answer questions and help members train safely.
How can the Fitness Center team assist patrons with their goals?
The team helps members create a plan they can follow. Staff provide guidance on proper form, workout structure, and how to progress over time. Members who want more support can work with a certified personal trainer for tailored programming, accountability, and measurable results. The goal is to meet members where they are and give them the tools to keep moving forward.
Who can utilize ACC’s Fitness Center?
Current students have access included in their health and wellness fee. Staff and community members can purchase passes, including day, monthly, 4-month, and annual options.
How can working out help people?
Consistent training improves strength, endurance, mobility, and cardiovascular health. It reduces injury risk and supports long-term physical function. Exercise also has a direct impact on mental health by lowering stress, improving mood, and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression through increased endorphin and serotonin activity. Short workouts can increase focus and mental clarity, and regular movement supports productivity by boosting energy, attention, and cognitive function throughout the day.
How can people learn more about ACC’s Fitness Center?
Visit the Fitness Center webpage, call or email the team, or stop in during operating hours to speak with staff. Information about equipment, programs, personal training, and pass options is available online and in person. The Fitness Center team is always available to answer questions and help new members get started.
About the ACC Fitness Center Staff
Patty Adams, ACC Fitness Center Trainer / Instructor
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I live at 8,300 feet in Conifer. I have two adult daughters, two grandchildren and three grand dogs.
I'm married to my high school sweetheart. I've been married 45 years in June. this year.
I write novels for a hobby.
What do you do at ACC (explain your role)?
I work in the fitness center. I love exercise and helping people of all ages improve their fitness. In the fitness center I teach 2 classes for seniors and I'm also a personal trainer.
How long have you been at ACC?
6 years minus the COVID years.
Are you a part of any clubs / organizations / committees at ACC or outside of ACC? What are they and why did you choose them?
ACSM - American college of sports and medicine - I hold an Exercise Physiologist certifications
AFAA group fitness instructor
NCTRC - National council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification - My degree is in Therapeutic Recreation and Exercise Science
Why did you choose ACC?
I was offered a part time position here. I like the college environment.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
I helped raise two amazing woman who are now my friends.
What is your mountain (ultimate goal)?
Finishing and getting my novels published.
What's your favorite ACC memory so far?
I worked with the Elevate dance club and the students performed two years in a row. It was a pleasure to work with the students.
Tell us a fun fact about you / Something people may be surprised to find out about you.
I can do splits. I taught Tap / Jazz and Ballet for 15 years.
Top 5 Guilty Pleasures
- Chocolate in any form
- Binge watching
- Naps
- Ice Cream in any form
- Pizza
What is your advice to future and current students at ACC?
This institution and all the staff are here to help you succeed.
Sue Coons, Fitness Center Facility Coordinator
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Chicago native who has lived in Colorado for almost 30 years. I am the 1st in my family to have obtained a college degree. I graduated from Cameron University and played collegiate tennis on a full scholarship. I started my Masters Degree in counseling at DePaul University and was unable to finish due to a promotion and a move to Colorado. I have since helped open a day treatment for adolescent girls, worked for the United States Tennis Association, coach high school tennis players and have recently become certified as a Mental Health First Aid instructor at ACC. Life is good! Outside of work, I enjoy time with friends, being outdoors, traveling and going to concerts. My major accomplishments in the last year have been becoming a Personal Trainer and after 4 attempts, I was able to run the entire 4.2 mile Pat Tillman Run in Tempe Arizona for the first time!
What do you do at ACC (explain your role)?
As the Fitness Center Facility Coordinator, I provide support for the operations of the Fitness Center. It is my goal to make sure that every student, staff member, community member and potential member have the best experience possible when coming into our fitness center. I monitor members while working out, provide personal training and help maintain a safe and clean environment for all.
How long have you been at ACC?
I have been working for ACC since 2018
Are you a part of any clubs / organizations / committees at ACC or outside of ACC? What are they and why did you choose them?
I am a certified Personal Trainer through the American Council of Exercise-chosen because I wanted to become a personal trainer
I am a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing-chosen because mental health was always the thing that people didn't want to talk about or admit to struggling with. I want to be part of the population that helps, listens, provides resources and awareness to those in need.
Certified Professional Tennis Instructor
Why did you choose ACC?
I love working in a fitness related industry and I am a former teacher and enjoy working in an environment where education is the focus.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
Sometimes, surviving the day to day is the biggest accomplishment!
But, my biggest accomplishment is becoming the person that I have become and knowing that my grandparents would be proud of who I am and what I have done to help others.
What is your mountain (ultimate goal)?
Made a positive difference in this world
What's your favorite ACC memory so far?
My favorite memory memory of ACC just happened a few weeks ago! The West Metro Paramedic Class of 2025 presented me with a pickleball paddle, signed by everyone with comments and lovely, heartfelt comments that touched my heart and made me cry!
Tell us a fun fact about you / Something people may be surprised to find out about you.
Fun fact about me? While serious and professional at work, I am a total goofball who loves to laugh, have fun and take nothing seriously.
Top 5 Albums
- The Police - Every album that they made
- Revis - All of their music (1 album,several EP's)
- Pearl Jam - 10
- Supertramp - Breakfast in America
- The Cars - 1st album The Cars
What is your advice to future and current students at ACC?
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't be successful in school or in life. You know what you are made of! Be proud of who you are and where you came from.
"Trust the growing that you're doing. You do not have to stay the same. Shifting toward the light and purpose of your life is a beautiful testament to your journey of growth and self-love. Keep going"
(written by A. Elle)
Kendra Hawkins, Fitness Center Coordinator
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a native of Colorado and love the outdoors! I enjoying watching all types of sports and like kicking back with a good book every now and then. I have been active in the fitness education field for over 30 years and have witnessed how a positive healthy lifestyle can benefit every individual no matter your age or ability. I am so proud to have learned from the best in my field and those who have stuck by and humbled me in my own life's journey.
What do you do at ACC (explain your role)?
I have worked at the ACC Fitness Center for 29 years. I am currently the Fitness Center Coordinator. I assist our Manager, Facilities Coordinator, professional staff, and work study students in ensuring our facility is the best it can be for students, staff, and the community. Our team prides itself on the values of safety, cleanliness, and supporting all in their pursuits of a fit and healthy lifestyle. I process daily transactions and manage our connections with Silver Sneakers, Healthy Contributions-Renew Active, and Aaptive fitness partnerships. I instruct the Silver Sneaker's Classic class for my awesome active seniors and students that enjoy dropping in for a fun and challenging workout. The best part of my position is that my days are filled with getting to know people of all walks of life that help me learn how to become a more joyful and stronger person. I am very thankful for all the experiences!
How long have you been at ACC?
29 years
Are you a part of any clubs / organizations / committees at ACC or outside of ACC? What are they and why did you choose them?
I participate in different neighborhood activities and outings. I love to volunteer wherever I can and help build people up in a desperate situation. I am currently looking for involvement in book clubs and gaming activities.
Why did you choose ACC?
I once was a student at ACC and grew up around some of the most amazing instructors back in the day and I wanted to be a part of that Legacy for my students now and in the future. A lot has changed, not all good in the past five years with the educational needs of fitness in the college curriculum. As ever, I am bound and determined to continue to offer all students, staff, and the community the benefit of having fitness in their life and how enrich the skills of a habitual lifestyle.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
Living the life I have lived and developing personal relationships that matter.
What is your mountain (ultimate goal)?
Keep climbing to new heights of lifelong learning and have fun!
What's your favorite ACC memory so far?
Being able to keep our existing fitness space and improve upon everything we have for the sake of all the memories of past members and great experiences of future ones. We are that important.
Tell us a fun fact about you / Something people may be surprised to find out about you.
I once was extremely shy and did not want to engage with people.
Top Vacation Spots
- Hawaii
- Sweden (My hometown-visit one day!)
- New Zealand
- Australia
What is your advice to future and current students at ACC?
Keep learning new and different topics and stick with the educational avenues that interest you the most and make you happy. Interact and get to know people and their backgrounds and experiences. It is not all about the money and glam.
Derek Kates, ACC Fitness and Recreation Manager
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I work in Fitness and Recreation and focus on building safe, engaging spaces for students, staff, and community members. I enjoy improving systems, strengthening partnerships, and helping people reach their goals. I have a background in health promotion, hold certifications in strength training, personal training, and nutrition, and earned my CPRE credential, the Certified Parks and Recreation Executive designation. I have spent more than a decade in recreation, fitness, and facility operations. Outside of work I train regularly, stay active outdoors, and spend time with friends and family.
What do you do at ACC (explain your role)?
I oversee Fitness and Recreation for the College. My focus is keeping our facilities safe, welcoming, and well run while supporting students, staff, and community members. I work with many departments to align our spaces with classes, wellness programs, and campus events, and I look for practical ways to improve the overall experience for everyone who uses them.
How long have you been at ACC?
3 years in January
Are you a part of any clubs / organizations / committees at ACC or outside of ACC? What are they and why did you choose them?
I take part in several groups on campus and in the recreation field. I am involved with SWIM, which brings recreation staff from colleges across the state together to share ideas and strengthen intramural and wellness programs. I previously served on an ATD team focused on first year experience, and I also work closely with our facilities team when campus projects or improvements connect to recreation. Outside ACC, I am a member of NIRSA, CPRA, and NRPA. I chose these organizations because they keep me current on best practices in recreation and facility management and help me learn from what other colleges and municipal districts are doing.
Why did you choose ACC?
I joined ACC because it offered a chance to take on a larger role and make a wider impact. The position gave me the opportunity to work with more students, staff, and community members and to help shape a space that serves many different needs across campus. It was the right step for my growth and a place where I felt my experience could add value.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
My biggest accomplishment has been strengthening the Fitness and Recreation experience for the College. We upgraded equipment, increased usage, and built strong relationships across campus, but the most meaningful outcome has been seeing our members improve their health through their own hard work.
What is your mountain (ultimate goal)?
My long-term goal is to lead at a higher level in recreation or facilities and take on the full strategic responsibility that comes with it. I want to guide teams, shape long-range planning, and improve the systems that support health, safety, and community on a campus or within a district. I am working toward a role where I can use my experience to build stronger operations, support staff growth, and create environments where people can perform at their best.
What's your favorite ACC memory so far?
My favorite part of being at ACC has been the relationships I’ve built and the energy that comes from our students. I enjoy seeing their reaction when they realize the Recreation Center is a full facility with real opportunities to train, learn, and connect.
Tell us a fun fact about you / Something people may be surprised to find out about you.
When I was a child, I fell from my dad’s lap while he was driving a tractor and the back wheel rolled over my stomach. I survived because the dirt of an ant hill compressed under me and softened the impact. It is a strange story, but it is true.
Top 5 Quotes to Live By
- Do not wish for virtues. Seek the tests that build them.
- Hold yourself to a higher standard than anyone else ever will.
- Do the thing that scares you most. Growth sits on the other side of fear.
- Discipline is a commitment you renew every day.
- Your habits show your priorities long before your words do.
What is your advice to future and current students at ACC?
Work hard and stay consistent. Build real relationships with the people around you. Take responsibility for your choices and do not wait for someone to hand you an opportunity. No one owes you anything, and that is a good thing because it means your progress is in your hands. Seek the challenges that help you grow and become the person you want to be.
Do you know a student, staff member, faculty member, instructor, or alumni that you would like to nominate for an ACC Spotlight? jessica [dot] horning [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (Let us know!) Or if you would like to be spotlighted on the ACC blog, complete our Spotlight form.