Tanya Ross
BA (Hons), NMT HDip, MSMA
Hi and welcome! I’m Tanya and I set up TDR Academy in Ballyclare in 2010 after working in a variety of establishments since 1992 in my varied areas of interest. I aim to use the wealth of experience, education and knowledge I have gained over my lifetime, and what I continue to learn, to provide you with a range of services that fall under TDR. Below is my quick summary, and then full details are given - it's a long story!
I believe that there is a sport and/or activity for everyone and I have a particular interest in helping people recover and rehabilitate from injury to get their bodies moving again.I have a passion for sports….of all kinds! It started in school when I studied PE at GCSE and A level and continued on to University where I did a BA (Hons) Degree in Sport & Leisure.
Gymnastics, squash and springboard & platform diving were the sports that I pursued through school and university and I competed in both nationally and internationally. I held the Ulster and All-Ireland Diving Titles from 1997 – 2007 and was a medal winner in the British Universities Diving Championships (1998) and the FINA World Masters Springboard & Platform Diving Championships (2004). I further competed at the European Masters Diving Championships (2007) before retiring.
In 2011 I was honoured to receive the Service to Gymnastics Award, awarded by British Gymnastics and British Gymnastics NI.
I have tried my hand at most sports and activities from ballet and boxing to circus acrobatics and pole vault. I’m fully qualified in a multitude of areas as a coach, trainer, instructor, lecturer, assessor and internal verifier. I’ve even had my 15 minutes of fame as a stunt woman in the Hollywood movie – City of Ember!
I’m a great believer in continuous learning so every year I undertake training courses, many with world-class teachers, to ensure that I’m up-to-date with the latest methods and can provide the treatments and classes you want, on your doorstep.
I hope to see you soon in a private session or in one of the classes.
If you wish to learn more about me, read on to see more information on my background, education and experience information. I hope the information provided below gives you a deeper insight into what I can offer you at TDR Academy.
On a more personal level - you can also follow my personal lifestyle blog at Tanya’s Diary and follow my instagram page @tanya.d.ross.
MY BACKGROUND
On a personal level, I have competed in a few sports at both national and international levels, and for the most part had to design my own training programmes and where relevant my own choreography.
6 years - artistic gymnastics;
4 years - squash;
10 years - springboard and platform diving;
5 years - pole fitness.
Since 2011 - I practice my skills for each of my classes
Since 2018 - surfing - currently riding the waves and developing my skills in beautiful places in N. Ireland and Ireland! Surfskating to help also!
Since 2018 - hill walking, a little mountain biking and anything outdoors and active - I’m on it now!
Since 2019 - indoor climbing/bouldering and indoor climbing and outdoor rock climbing.
Within all areas, I have achieved the following results:
N. Ireland squad in Artistic Gymnastics and competed at the British Gymnastics National Championships 1991
School Javelin winner 3 years running
School squash team, number 1 rank for 1 year
British Universities Diving Championships - 2 silvers - 1998
World Masters Springboard and Platform Championships 2004 - silver, bronze and 6th places
European Masters Diving Championships 2007 - 7th and 8th places
Ulster and All-Ireland Diving Championship Titles - 1997-2007
Great British National Masters Diving Championships - numerous medals from 1997-2007
Polercise Intermediate Championships - 2nd place 2006
X-Pole Factor Ireland Professional - 1st place 2007
Pole Princess Ireland Professional - 2nd place 2009
Irish Pole Championships Professional - 2nd place 2010
All-Irelands Pole Championships Professional - 3rd place 2010
Polercise Princess Elite category N. Ireland - 1st place 2011
All-Irelands Pole Championships Professional - 5th place 2011
Service to Gymnastics Award (BG/GNI) 2011
Ballyclare Business Awards March 2016 - Runner Up for Service with a Smile
Ballyclare Business Awards July 2017 - Nominated and Shortlisted for Best Professional Service Provider
Ballyclare Business Awards May 2018 - Winner of Best Professional Service Provider and Nominated and Shortlisted for Most Innovating Marketing Campaign
I have experienced a wide array of sports from individual to team sports. I believe practical experience can help you understand the human body and the physical and mental requirements of any form of exercise. Each sport and form of exercise is so diverse in its demands, and a practical insight to these is an advantage. Therefore, I am always willing to give something a go, as it helps my understanding for my work!
Some examples of activities I have had the opportunity to be involved in and in some cases compete in, are; ballet and various dance styles, Pilates, yoga, freestyle fitness yoga, acro yoga, sports acrobatics gymnastics, trampolining, golf, hill walking, mountain climbing, abseiling, squash, javelin, pole vault, weight training, swimming, boxing training, surfing and bodyboarding, stand up paddle boarding, skiing and snowboarding, various adrenaline sports in New Zealand and Australia (e.g. skydiving and whitewater rafting) and circus acrobatics such as Chinese pole, trapeze, silks, aerial hoop and aerial yoga. CrossFit Gymnastics is another of the training courses attended, focussing on strength training through gymnastics, using the rings, parallettes, bar work and handstands - pure strength!! Last but not least, I played a small part as a stuntwoman in the Holywood movie "City of Ember"!
It's all a lifestyle choice I guess and I have always loved keeping active!! Any suggestions are certainly welcome for that next new and interesting challenge!
EXPERIENCE
I have been working in the health, fitness and sporting industry since 1992 as a qualified professional and have gained a wide array of experience in many related roles:
From 1995 - qualified gymnastics coach (level 4 senior coach) & judge (8 years as a national judge for British Gymnastics)
From 2006 - British Gymnastics Tutor & Assessor, for courses up to UKCC level 2.
From 2014 - British Gymnastics Coach Development Internal Verifier for workforce.
7 years - springboard & platform diving teacher (ASA level 2 teacher)
4½ years - gym instructor for David LLoyd and Newtownabbey Borough Council;
4 years - fitness consultant – fitness testing and/or training with various groups, e.g. Belfast Community Circus (involving working with amateur and professional performers) and Polercise Belfast, e.g. pole flexibility and conditioning.
1 year - sports science laboratory assistant (laboratory & field fitness testing of sports teams and individuals and research testing on PhD projects);
11 years (2000-2011) - lecturer and assessor (NVQ) in various further and higher education colleges in a number of sports, personal training and massage related courses.
From 2010 – TDR Academy was formed providing Body work Treatments in Ballyclare.
From 2011 - classes and personal training commenced at TDR Academy.
June 2021 - work with the Ulster Orchestra creating Yoga sessions to specially composed music for World Well Being Week - the Sounds of Yoga link or scroll down the home page.
I have undertaken many qualifications and attended many courses in this field due my love for learning in sport, exercise, health and wellness. It was all kickstarted through GCSE and A-level PE, which led me to do a BA (Hons) Degree in Sport & Leisure. My most recent training in Functional Movement Screening (FMS) and Selective Functional Movement Assessments (SFMA) enabled me to meet the world renowned practitioner Gray Cook, and the author of "Movement: Functional Movement Systems", amongst a team of many other inspiring practitioners. These courses integrate those that are injured through the process of injury rehabilitation with treatment and exercise and then effectively when discharged from treatment, effectively reintegrates the entire body into exercise by screening and training imbalances and areas of weakness to enable a safer return to full training. This is a phase of the recovery from injury that is very often missed in today's typical rehab process of 'treatment followed by discharge and return to full training'.
With regards to treatments, I have been working as a qualified professional in clinical practice since 1998 - running a private clinic open to anyone for appointments, and various event and team work. I have worked with:
World, European and Commonwealth level swimmers through the Ulster & Irish swimming squads (1997-1999) and table tennis players
Various private international athletes
National triathlon and ironman competitors
The Royal Ballet 1998
Many international circus performers, with a strong collaboration with Belfast Circus School since 1999
Lisburn Half Marathon Event (every year since June 2005)
Groomsport Half Ironman 2011
National level motorbike racers
Various sports clubs, running clubs (East Antrim Harriers and Co. Antrim Harriers), cyclists and individual athletes
Ballyclare May Fair Race Event (every year since 2015)
The corporate sector, such as Piggy Pot, Rumble Labs, Navinet, Rehab Studio, Power NI, Hendersons and in particular Allstate NI since 1999, dealing with employee wellness, stress management, workstation set-up and back care.
Gran Fondo Belfast 2016
New Zealand's Womens' Rugby Team The Black Ferns - post tournament Sports Massage Therapist 2016
England Womens' Rugby Team - Sports Massage Therapist at Womens' World Cup 2017
The Ulster Orchestra 2021
I have also undertaken many qualifications and attended many courses in this field with the highest level of therapy qualification I have gained being a Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy (Advanced) at which I had the privilege of being trained by the world renowned Leon Chaitow and Judith DeLany, and including the amazing Don Kelley in amongst a team of many other inspiring therapists. I am continually attending courses to further develop my knowledge of the body and treatments, and the link with exercise techniques as learning and staying up-to-date are key priorities to help me facilitate my work at the highest level. I am also qualified at the highest level of training in Sports Massage Therapy (Level 5) in the UK, and was in the first small group trained in N. Ireland in 2015.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIP
I have invested a lot of myself, my time, my effort and my money into advancing my knowledge, my experience and abilities in working within this industry to the highest level. I choose the courses carefully and aim to train with the best in the industry to allow me to bring the best treatments and services to you.
I have full professional membership with The Sports Massage Association (MSMA) from 30/11/2020 and the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) from September 1996 and have been elected on the council of Association of Therapy Lecturers (MATL) and the International Council of Health, Fitness and Sports Therapists (MHFST). I am also fully insured with Balens to practice professionally in all areas I am trained in.
THERAPY ASSESSMENT, TREATMENT & MASSAGE RELATED QUALIFICATIONS
V.T.C.T. Management of Sports Injuries Diploma, Advice and Post-Medical Treatment for Movement Injuries Certificate and Sports Massage Certificate - 1998
Emergency First Aid renewed every 3 years (St. John Ambulance First Aid from 1998-to date (11/08/2021))
V.T.C.T. Aromatherapy Diploma and Body Massage Diploma - 2000
Back Care Through Exercise ('Exerscience' Fitness Training) - 2000
Soft Tissue Release Course (CPD) - 2001
Bodywork Techniques (CPD) - 2002
V.T.C.T. Indian Head Massage Diploma - 2002
ITM Nuad Bo-Rarn Thai Massage (Level 2) - 2003
V.T.C.T. (I.I.S.T.) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy – 2004
An Introduction to Neuro Linguistic Programming Workshop (NLP NI & The Success Foundation) - 2005
V.T.C.T. (I.I.H.H.T.) Level 3 Counselling by a Therapist Certificate – 2005
V.T.C.T. (I.I.H.H.T.) Level 3 Reflexology Certificate – 2005
N.O.C.N. Compassion Fatigue Course – 2005
V.T.C.T. Level 2 Certificate Thermal Auricular Therapy (Ear Candling) – 2007
V.T.C.T. Level 3 Diploma Health, Safety, Security & Employment Standards – 2007
KTREG Clinical Kinesiology Taping Course – 2011
NTC Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy (Advanced, Level 6), including Dry Needling – 2011
Human Motion Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Level 1 – 2012 & Certified Examination Passed 2013
Human Motion Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Level 1 – 2012
NOI Group Mobilisation of the Nervous System – 2013
VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy – 2013
Human Motion Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Advanced Level 2 – 2013
Health Matters Ltd Display Screen Equipment Assessors Course - 2013
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) according to Kolar, Basic Course A - 2014
Graduate Certificate in Manipulative Therapy, Postgraduate Manual Therapy, National University of Medical Science - June 2014
VTCT Level 5 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy - Aug 2015
Stuart McGill Workshop - Building the Ultimate Back from Rehabilitation to High Performance - Sept 2015
Neurokinetic Testing (NKT) Level 1 - Oct 2018
Plan B Training (Mindset Transformation and Marketing) - Oct - Dec 2020
EXERCISE, CORRECTIVE MOVEMENT & TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS
BA (Hons) Sport and Leisure Studies - First Class Honours, with commendation in Diploma in Industrial Studies, and full colours for outstanding sporting achievement - 1999.
Emergency First Aid renewed on 22/07/2015 (St. John Ambulance First Aid from 1998-2015)
Back Care Through Exercise ('Exerscience' Fitness Training) - 2000
City & Guilds D32/D33 Assessors Award - 2001
Team Pulse Group Cycling Instructor: Module One - 2001, and Two - 2001
City & Guilds (7307) Certificate in Teaching Adult Learners - 2003
CNI Core Stability Workshop - 2005
Speed Agility Quickness Foundation Award Certificate (SAQ Ireland) - 2005
Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym) – 2010
Go For It Enterprise Development Programme Training Course – 2011
REPS Level 2 Suspension Trainer Award – 2011
NTC National Qualification in Stability Ball Training – 2011
Pilates Institute Ireland/NTC Level 1 Pilates Matwork – 2011
REPS Level 2 Group Fitness Box Award (Boxing) – 2011
Pilates Institute Ireland/NTC Pilates Small Equipment – 2011
REPS Level 2 Kettlebells Trainer Award – 2011
Faster Health & Fitness Advanced Functional Trainer Assessments – 2011
TriFly Air Fitness Instructor REPS Level 2 – 2012
Group X Training Freestyle Fitness Yoga Instructor Level 2 – 2012
Pilates Institute Ireland/NTC/CYQ Level 3 Certificate in Teaching Mat Pilates – 2012
1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Introduction to Assessment Practice in Sport – 2012
TriFly Aerial Yoga Instructor – 2012
CrossFit Training CrossFit Gymnastics Course – 2012
Pilates Institute Ireland/NTC National Qualification in Pilates Small Equipment and Special Populations – 2012
Human Motion Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Level 1 – 2012 & Certified Examination Passed 2013
Spin City Aerial Hoop Instructor Beginner Level – 2013
Ultimate Performance Strength & Conditioning Mentorship with Robbie Bourke – Sept 2013
Spin City Aerial Hoop Instructor Intermediate Level – Dec 2013
Vertical Dance Pole Fitness (Beginner exempt from 2011) Intermediate and Advanced Level Instructor - completed Dec 2016
Body Control Pilates Reformer 1 & 2 - June 2014
Practical Mat & Pilates to Go, Rebecca Leone Education Conspiracy - July 2014
Pilates Based Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Matwork and Small Accessories - Nov 2014
Rebekah Rotstein's Buff Bones Licensed Course - Pilates for Osteoporosis & Bone Health - June 2015
Pilates Based Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Equipment - Nov 2015
Performance Pilates for Cycling (APPI) - Sept 2015
Performance Pilates for Running (APPI) - Sept 2015
Stuart McGill Workshop: Building The Ultimate Back from Rehabilitation to High Performance - Sept 2015
Pilates Based Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Equipment Based (Reformer) - Nov 2015
Advanced Aerial Hoop - 2016
Stretching for Flexibility for Pole and Aerial - 2016
Pilates in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation (Body Control) - Feb 2016
Return to Life Pilates Conference, Classical Method - July 2016
Pilates Barre Training with Michael King – September 2016
Pilates Update Training with Michael King – September 2016
The Pelvic Floor in Pilates with Maeve Whelan - October 2016
Pilates for Injuries & Pathologies with Sam Wood, BASI Pilates - October 2017
Hanna Somatics Fundamentals Immersion Course with Martha Petersen - November 2017
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Yoga Medicine, Spain - May to Sept 2018
Yin University Yin Yoga Training (Yoga Alliance Accredited 30 hrs CPD) - January 2019
Pilates for Scoliosis CPD Course (APPI, Online 8 Credits) - January 2022
Pilates Teacher’s Perspective of Lower Extremity Pathologies and Joint Replacements (Polestar Pilates Continuing Education, 16 CEC Credits) - March 2022
Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Series Pilates Teacher Training - Jan-May 2023, Exam tbc June 2024.
I have attended the following workshops and private training:
Elite level diving training and conditioning - with international squad training in Ponds Forge, Sheffield, and in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane aquatic centres, Australia - 2003
Pole Fitness - with Felix Cane (world champion), Evgeny Greshilov (world champion), Kristian Lebedev (world class ranked), Zoraya Judd (world class level), Bendy Kate (world champion), Daniel Rosen (world class level) on two occasions, Heidi Coker (world champion), Josiah Badazz Grant (world level) and Deb Riley (UK) - from 2009-2014
Chinese pole training - with Caro Lion (circus performer) - 2010
Silks, trapeze and handstand training - with Tina Machina of Tumble Circus (international circus performer) - various sessions between 2000 - to date
Master Class in Stretching & Flexibility with Julie Bergez (Cirque du Soleil) - 2012
Aerial Hoop workshops - with Bendy Kate (world class level) and Rebecca Starr (world class level) - 2012-2013
Yoga workshops - with David Curtis and many international teachers, such as Kathryn Budig (photo below), Tamal Dodge, Tiffany Cruikshank, Alexandria Crow, Taylor Harkness, Phillip Askew and Barbara Norvell - from 2010-2016.
AcroYoga 2 day workshops - with international teacher Jaqui Wan - 2015
AcroYoga weekly practice sessions with Rob Patterson - from June - Sept 2017
Yin Yoga Online Workshop with Grace Tempany - March 2019
Pilates Online Workshop with Mariska Breland of Fuse Pilates - April 2020
Pilates Online Workshop with Teri Lee Steele of Steele Pilates - April 2020
Yoga Online Workshop with David Swanson Ashtanga Yoga - June 2020
Yoga Online Webinar with Jason Crandell: The Yoga Art of Sequencing - Nov 2022
SPORT SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS
Gold Award for the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme - 1994
Womens' Artistic Gymnastics Club Coach (Cycle 5 Revalidation 30/03/99) - 1995
British Athletics Federation - Level Two Coach (revised 2005) - 1996
General Gymnastics Club Coach (Cycle 5 Revalidation 2000) - 1998
PreSchool Gymnastics - Assistant Coach (Class 5) - 1998
Swim Ireland - Assistant Swimming Teachers Certificate - 1999
Bronze Medallion and Life Support 3 (currently out of date as not required) - 1999-2008
Junior Club Development Tutor (Sports Council) - 2000
NCF/SCNI Child Protection Awareness - 2000
Amateur Swimming Association - Diving Teacher (Level 2) - 2001 (GBDF Level 1 1999)
Gymnastics and Movement for People with Disabilities (Cycle 6 module) - 2001
NCF/SCNI Coaching Children and Young People -2001
NCF/SCNI Child Protection for Administrators -2001
Junior Clubmark Running Sport Course - Valuing Volunteers -2001
Junior Club Development - Equity and Equality Training - both 2002
CNI/SCNI Motivation and Mental Toughness - 2002
Trampoline Coach – Level 1 - 2003
Womens' Artistic Gymnastics: Club Judge - 2002, Regional Judge - 2003
NCF/SCNI Children’s Officer Training - 2005 & 2008
Womens’ Artistic Gymnastics National Judge Cycle 12 2006-2013
British Gymnastics Tutor Training Course- 2006 and Update Training - 2006
British Gymnastics Tutor Level 2 / Examiner Level 2 - 2007
Womens’ Artistic Gymnastics Senior Club Coach (Cycle 5) - 2007
UKCC Level 1 Tutor & IAPS Assessor SCUK/BG - 2008
UKCC Level 2 Tutor SCUK/BG - 2009
SCNI Safeguarding Children & Young People in Sport - 2011
Freestyle Gymnastics Level 2 - 2012
Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Certificate – current and valid - I am a fully qualified and insured member through British Gymnastics
Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice - September 2015
UKCC Level 2 Mens Artistic Gymnastics Club Coach - September 2015
Performance Pathway Coaching Clinic - Mens Artistic Gymnastics Level 1, National Club and Elite Grade Levels - Nov 2015
Performance Pathway Coaching Clinic - Womens Artistic Gymnastics Level 1, National Club and Elite Grade Levels - Jan 2016
General Gymnastics Level 3 Module 3 (Acrobatics) - March 2016, exam completed Oct 2017
British Gymnastics Safeguarding Refresher Course - June 2017
British Gymnastics Positive Coaching Course - October 2019
Mountain Skills Level 1 - Feb 2020
Introduction to Rock Climbing - Feb 2020
Coaching Clinic Rock Climbing - Feb 2020
Mountain Skills Level 2 - June 2020
Learn to Lead Sport Climbing - June 2020
British Gymnastics Online Assessor Training - July 2021
VOLUNTARY SPORTS WORK
Advisor to Abbey Gymnastics Club in relation to injury prevention and injury reviews as required.
Coach (from 1995) and judge (from 2002) at N.I. Womens’ Artistic Gymnastics competitions - to date. Judged at such competitions as Northern European Championships in Sept 2005 and Oct 2007, at the Celtic Cup Feb 2007 and 2008, and at Le Tournoi International in Belgium in May 2007. Also at GBR vs USA 2007, and the UK School Games 2008-2009.
GNI WAG Technical Committee - Competition Convenor and advisor for NI events ‘07-‘10.
Ulster Diving Club (UDC) founder, secretary, competition organiser and head coach at competitions, previously UDC treasurer, Swim Ulster and Swim Ireland committee member - 2000-2008
Corporate sector health fairs and seminars for Health & Safety Week - 2000-2002.
Sports Massage Therapist - Larne Junior and Ulster Swimming Squads - 1997 – 1999, including attending warm weather training with Ulster & Irish Swimming Squads as the team therapist.
Belfast Marathon - 1997 - 1998.
Gymnastics coach - Valley Gymnastics Club - 1992 - 1999.
General Assistant - Special Needs National Gymnastics Championships 1995, Belfast Marathon 1996.
Well done and thank you if you have read this all the way through!! It has taken me a lifetime to get to where I am today!!