Please meet Lisa Schneck, our Wellness and Activities Director, who joined HP in August, 2024. After building a successful Wellness Department at Twin Eagles Club in Naples, Lisa resigned her position in April to find work closer to her home in Cape Coral. Over the summer she worked as an independent service provider and Weight Watchers Coach. When she saw our Director position advertised, she immediately “knew” this was the position for her!
WHAT ARE HER RESPONSIBILITIES?
“My administrative responsibilities span departmental strategy and business planning, budget preparation and management, payroll, class management, and the creation and management of our non-F&B related events and activities. That said, my role is member-facing, which fits well with my personality and background. I like connecting with members and helping them along their wellness journey. The path can be intimidating and confusing; there is so much conflicting information out there. In reality, the path to a healthy and happy life can be quite simple and enjoyable. I love empowering others.” Lisa is a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and class instructor. She is also certified through the Titleist Performance institute as a Level 2 TPI Golf Fitness instructor. “While I love the work I have done along those lines, my role at Heritage Palms will be directing and supporting our excellent instructors and trainers, rather than performing services myself. We want successful, professional, and inspiring instructors and trainers delivering services in our facility. So, supporting our fitness team, understanding the challenges they face, and helping them grow is paramount. As a leader, it is my job to cultivate and nurture my team so that they can take excellent care of our members.”
One of her greatest challenges? Balancing her time in front of members with the behind-the- scenes work that enables her department to be successful. “I have learned over the years how to effectively prioritize my time and focus. Being centrally located at the front desk of the Activity Center allows me to be present with members and staff, while performing departmental tasks. I’ve found it to be a wonderful dynamic, and am able to take in some great feedback and to offer assistance when and where needed. I’m always available for a quick chat and have been scheduling one-on-one time with those who would like to have a deeper conversation or receive some direction or advice.”
Lisa feels programming is her second greatest challenge. “There are so many excellent classes, activities, workshops, and group opportunities available to our members! Determining the perfect mix, facilitating that blend, and leading members to take advantage of these resources is huge! I am blessed to have an active and engaged Fitness and Wellness Committee to partner with at Heritage Palms. I was pleased to see how instrumental they have been in this department’s success! Our partnership with Lee Health, the annual Health Fair, the speaker series, and many other health and wellness events are the product of their dedication and strategic vision.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING HERE?
“The variety! This position makes great use of my skills in writing, teaching, project management, marketing and, of course, fitness! No two days are exactly the same, and I get to spend time with a wonderful and diverse membership. Helping others navigate their journey is my passion. As Wellness Director, I get to employ all of my strengths and skills toward the realization of that passion.” Growing up in WV and Maryland, Lisa was a runner so competed in cross country and track. She earned a bachelor’s degree in professional writing from Glenville State Univ., located in Glenville, a small town in central WV. While in school she taught fitness classes at two local fitness centers and accepted an internship with two local newspapers. After graduation, she accepted a position with Health and Fitness Consultants out of Minneapolis, and traveled the country assisting independent fitness centers with marketing and cash-building campaigns. She eventually accepted a managing editor position for the two print publications where she had interned and built a family.
“In spring of 2011, my children’s father passed away unexpectedly. At that time, my youngest daughters were only two and three years-old. As fall approached, I feared for the upcoming winter months as WV can be cold and dreary for much of the season, and I was struggling with grief and raising two toddlers alone. My aunt invited me to visit her in Anna Marie Island, FL. I was struggling in every way and something about being on the Gulf was so healing that I returned home, secured work, packed a U-Haul, and ultimately moved to Cape Coral, having never been there before. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. That was one of the first times I felt “led” in making a choice, and I have learned to trust that guidance when it comes. I’ve lived in Cape Coral for 13 years.” In 2017, Lisa met her future husband, Robert. She had been alone with her young girls, Ciena and Presley, for six years at that point. “He was worth the long wait. We have a close and loving relationship and support one another in all aspects of life.” They married in August 2021. Robert has three children: Isabelle, 21, and twin boys, Conner and Mathew, 18, and is a chef at Prime 239 Steakhouse, an upscale steakhouse in south Cape Coral. He is also a huge Miami Dolphins fan, so by default, that’s Lisa’s team as well. She loves football season as it’s a big deal for him, and the family watches every game. What does Lisa like to do in her spare time? It’s spent with her blended family…whether it’s curled up on the couch, eating delicious food, road biking, hiking, taking photographs of wildlife, rollerblading, or bodyboarding. They have two cats – Philip and Luci. Lisa hopes to add a Golden Retriever when she’s sure they have enough time to spend with another furry family member. “I love traveling to Hawaii to snorkel and spend time with my husband’s family. I’ve also spent time in Acapulco and Cozumel.”
Lisa is also a voracious reader. Most are audio books she can listen to while she drives. Her most recent favorite is Eat to Beat Your Diet by Dr. William W. Li. “This book is dense with excellent, accurate, and cutting-edge information! However, naming a favorite book is difficult for me. I’d probably choose one from the fantasy book series The Riyria Chronicles by Michael J. Sullivan.” Favorite restaurants in Cape Coral: Lobster Lady Seafood Market & Bistro and, of course, Prime 239!
HAS SHE MET ANYONE FAMOUS?
“I went to college with (actor) Channing Tatum. We had an excellent football program and Chan joined us for a few semesters. I was a theatre minor and member of Alpha Psi Omega, so I often joke that ‘Channing Tatum has applauded my acting.’ Chan even earned his black belt in the same dojo that I learned to kickbox.”
WHAT’S ONE THING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT HER?
“I don’t drink alcohol. Several years ago, I committed to living the highest quality of life possible. That means solid rest, great nutrition, daily exercise, and low stress levels. I learned pretty quickly that alcohol hinders those goals for me. When out with friends, most people don’t notice that my cocktail is alcohol-free, and I never bring it up.” “I just love Heritage Palms and am proud to call the beautiful Activity Center home!” Lisa enthused. So, next time you’re there, stop by and introduce yourself to our newest HP Director! She’s a dynamo!
