Maria has more than 30 years of experience in sports and recreation, with particular expertise in child supervision and youth athletics. She is an expert in sport facility risk management and has specialty experience with swim schools, therapy facilities and water parks.
In addition to her forensic consulting, Maria owns and operates companies that provide swimming instruction and exercise programs to children and adults, and aquatic consulting services to colleges/universities, municipalities, school districts, general contractors, and the hotel/motel industry. She has expertise and experience in hospitality operations, child care management, exercise, health club and recreation facility planning and operations.
Maria holds professional certifications through numerous national organizations and is an authorized instructor with the National Recreation and Park Association, National Swimming Pool Foundation, and American Red Cross.
Background
Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:A: Keiser College, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida: Aquatic Engineering.
University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado: Pre-medicine.
National Recreation and Park Association: Aquatic Facility Operator, Aquatic Facility Operator Instructor, National Aquatics Management School, and Playground Safety Inspector.
National Swimming Pool Foundation: Certified Pool Operator and Certified Pool Operator Instructor.
National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials: Ride Safety Inspection Forum.
• World Waterpark Resorts Leadership Development Conference, 2006.
• International Pool & Spa Expo, 2006.
• World Aquatic Health Conference, 2004 & 2006.
• Northeast Pool & Spa Expo, 2000 & 2005.
• United States Water Fitness Association Clinic, 2004 & 2006.
• National Recreation and Park Association Aquatic Conference, 2001 & 2004.
• National Swimming Pool Foundation Conference, 2000, 2001 & 2004.
• Aquatic Facility Operator Clinic, 2001.
• Certified Pool Operator Clinic, 2000.
• Eastern States Coaches Conference, 1995, 1997, 1999.
• Unites States Swimming Coaches Clinics, 1986-1997.
• American Swim Coaches Association Training Programs, 1988-1997.
Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: National Recreation & Park Association,
National Swimming Pool Foundation,
National Sanitation Foundation,
Professional Pool Operators of America,
Association of Pool & Spa Professionals,
Northeast Spa & Pool Association,
United States Water Fitness Association
Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: Numerous presentations given on aquatic facility operations, chemical handling and storage, risk management at recreational facilities, disease transmission, swimming pool safety, warnings, oversight and employee evaluation & tracking.
Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
A: No
Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: 12
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Aquatics, Facility Safety & Operations, Coaching, Event Operations
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: 50%
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: 50%
Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: 2
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: 12/06
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: 3
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections, testimony, education
References
Joseph AssanDempster & Haddix
Centerpointe at East Gate
161 Gaither Drive, Suite 201
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054-1740
856-778-7800
856-778-5889 (fax)
Robert Fuggi
Fuggi & Fuggi
47 Main Street
Toms River, NJ 08754
732-240-9095
732-240-9072 (fax)
Philip Newman, P.C.
860 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10451
718-585-3512
718-993-3712 (fax)
Andrew Goldwasser
Ciano & Goldwasser, LLP
1500 West Third Street, Suite 460
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-658-9900
216-658-9920 (fax)
