About Cassandra Padula Burke, MFS, RDN, LD, CPT, USAT, RRCA
Welcome to Catalyst Performance Lab! I’m Coach Cassandra, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and licensed dietitian (LD), triathlon and running coach, personal trainer, and cancer survivor. My own journey fuels my passion for helping other cancer survivors and age group athletes achieve their health and wellness goals through endurance sport. I’ve dedicated my career to helping people just like you harness the power of endurance sport and nutrition to overcome adversity and accomplish things they never thought possible. I’ve learned firsthand how to embrace adversity as a catalyst for growth and achievement. I now specialize in coaching cancer survivors, endurance athletes of all levels and abilities, active adults and youth athletes to achieve their goals. I’m passionate about sharing my story and insights to inspire others to embrace resilience and reach their full potential.
Drawing from my personal triumph over adversity, I guide others through the transformative power of endurance sport and nutrition. My approach combines evidence-based nutrition strategies with personalized coaching techniques, empowering clients to achieve peak performance and optimal health.
Licensure & Certifications
Coaching Experience
Education
Nutrition Sciences Verification Statement/DPD Dietetics, University of Arizona
Dietetic Internship, KADDI
Masters of Forensic Science (MFS), The George Washington University
BS in Psychology, Bowling Green State University
BS in Chemistry, Towson University
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My Story
From Cancer Survivor to Triathlete to Coach & RDN
Following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010, I celebrated the end of my over year-long treatment by crossing the finish of line of two triathlons. Shortly after, I became a personal trainer and coach (and eventually, dietitian) to inspire others.
I live every day by my life philosophy -Challenge Yourself to Cross Your Own Personal Finish Lines! (#CrossYourFinishLines)
I continue to compete in triathlons from sprint to half Ironman distance as well as races from 5K to half marathon distance. My continue passion for health and fitness comes from my own struggle. Growing up, I was a state level athlete, but struggled with my own weight. I have stood in the shoes that many of my athletes stand in or have stood in having been, at one point in my life, 125 lbs overweight. Today, I train clients from 8 to 78 years old looking to reach their peak athletic performance, start a new journey in the endurance arena, improve their general and wellness or just stay active.
My love for cooking allows me to balance meal prep and nutrition strategies with my own endurance training while teaching others realistic strategies that fit in with their personal life schedules.
Racing Experience
Multiple 70.3s, Olympic, Sprint Triathlons including Ironman Eagleman (EMAN) 70.3 X2 and IM OH 70.3
Over 50 Running Events – Half Marathon, 10K and 5K distances including Disney World Marathon, Goofy Challenge (5K, 10K, 13.1) and all Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Paris Half Marathons
Family
I couldn’t do any of the things I do without the unconditional love and support of my husband, Joe, and my daughter. Both of whom are accomplished athletes in their own right.
My husband is a lifelong runner reaching age group podiums in distances from 5K through marathon. My daughter is an accomplished competitive swimmer at the D2 collegiate level and is a former youth triathlete and soccer player.
For most of our daughter’s youth, we traveled as a family in a manner we call racecations – picking destinations where we can both vacation and participate in some form of endurance activity. We even celebrated Father’s Days by participating in family relay triathlons!
My goal at Catalyst Performance Lab is to inspire and empower YOU to Challenge Yourself to Cross Your Own Personal Finish Lines! #CrossYourFinishLines.
Give Back to the Sport
I am a firm believer that athletes should give back to their sport. I am a have served as a Board member of Mid Maryland Triathlon Club and and the Westminster Road Runner’s Club (WRRC). I was the Race Director for several years for the Bachman Valley Half Marathon as well as a Swim Meet Director and Swim Coordinator for 8 years for a Club Swim Team. Throughout my athletic career, I have volunteered at many races in an effort to give back to the sport.
Professional Career
I am the Director of a Forensic Science Laboratory and have spent the past 27+ years in roles from chemist/analyst to management. I have even been on Forensic Files!
Now that you know a little about me, I’d love to get to know YOU! So, reach out and let’s work to cross YOUR finish lines together!