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THE CATALYST DIFFERENCE

Catalyst Performance Lab distinguishes itself through its integrated approach, combining expertise in endurance coaching, nutrition (by a registered dietitian), and strength training to offer a comprehensive coaching experience.

My approach to coaching emphasizes integrating triathlon training into daily life commitments through strategic planning and flexibility. This ensures training sessions are effectively scheduled around work, family, and other responsibilities, optimizing both training consistency and life balance.

My personal experience as a cancer survivor allows me to relate to clients’ post-treatment health challenges. This firsthand experience enables me to provide compassionate and tailored guidance, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery.

In terms of nutrition, my philosophy focuses on a “food first” approach to support overall health and optimize training performance. This approach prioritizes balanced meals that provide sustained energy and recovery. Supplementation is used strategically to complement dietary intake and enhance performance.

Together, these elements enable Catalyst Performance Lab to offer personalized, effective coaching that supports clients in achieving their nutrition and performance goals.

Meet The Catalyst

Hello! I’m Coach Cassandra. Welcome to Catalyst Performance Lab (CPL) where my journey from cancer survivor to triathlete to dietitian and endurance coach fuels my passion for helping other cancer survivors, beginner triathletes, Athena/Clydesdale athletes and active adults achieve their health and wellness goals through endurance sport, nutrition, and strength training.

My journey into the world of endurance sports began with my breast cancer diagnosis in 2010. I celebrated the end of my year-long treatment by crossing the finish of line of my first two triathlons.

Drawing on my personal triumph over adversity, I empower my athletes and clients to embrace adversity as a catalyst for redefining their limits through the transformative power of endurance sport and nutrition.

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Endurance Coaching

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Performance Nutrition

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Strength & Conditioning

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Media & Brand Work

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In short, I’m an athlete just like you. I have my own coaches because I believe that training with a coach produces superior performances than not training with coaches. CPL utilizes evidence-based science in coaching and nutrition practices, drawing on my over 27 years of scientific expertise. My approach focuses on helping cancer survivors and age group athletes achieve their goals through personalized strategies. My philosophy here at CPL is Challenge Yourself to Cross Your Own Personal Finish Lines. Let's work together to cross yours!

My coaching style is detailed-oriented and analytically driven, with a positive outlook on life. Each client is met at their current stage in their journey, and strategies are tailored to fit their individual goals and lifestyle.

Registered Dietitians (RD/RDN) must complete a minimum education of a Master’s degree with either the Bachelor’s or Master’s degree being in nutrition. After completion of educational requirements, RDs complete a 1200 hour dietetic internship with experience hours in clinical, community, foodservice, and other specialties such as sports nutrition and performance/tactical nutrition. In addition, Registered Dietitian’s have to pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) board exam and be licensed in the State(s) where they practice. In order to maintain their licensing status, RDs must complete 75 hours of continuing professional development over the five years between their licensing renewals.

 

There are no formal requirements to become a nutritionist. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of their knowledge and education about nutrition.

Yes! Generally. For endurance and strength & conditioning clients, I use Training Peaks or Final Surge. For sports nutrition and nutrition counseling clients, I sometimes use an app such as MyFitnessPal on a limited use basis. For nutrition, I am not an advocate of tracking food on a long-term basis. I do think using a tool such as MyFitnessPal for a couple days to establish a baseline can be beneficial. However, for some clients these tools may not be beneficial due to their history with food. As a result, use of any apps/tools is established on an individual client basis.

Yes! I work work with clients both in person and remotely, using apps and video services like Teams or Zoom for remote sessions. HIPAA-approved services are used when applicable for client confidentiality.

Absolutely! I provide sports nutrition counseling to complement existing coaching arrangements. Collaboration with the client's coach ensures nutrition plans align with training needs. In order to provide you with appropriate nutrition counseling, I would work with your coach to have access to your training plan.

Yes, I provide race day nutrition planning as part of some services, alongside general nutrition for daily life and nutrition strategies to support performance goals.

For coaching services, CPL accepts payments online.

Currently, CPL does not accept insurance for nutrition counseling, but efforts are underway to make counseling available through insurance carriers in 2025.

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GET IN TOUCH WITH ME!

If you are interested in any of the services Catalyst Performance Lab (CPL) offers, contact me at cassandra@catalystperformancelab.com. We value your interest in CPL and will get back to you within 24 hours!


Catalyst Performance Lab
Finksburg, MD 21048