Jenna Cross
Winnipeg,MB
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Group Fitness Coach
Thrive Active
01.2022 - Current
- Lead inclusive group fitness classes for participants of varying abilities, emphasizing physical literacy, motivation, nutrition education, and community building.
Older Adult Fitness Leader
Minds in Motion
01.2022 - Current
- Facilitate cognitively and physically engaging group programming for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, integrating chair-based exercise, music, and interactive activities to promote psychological well-being and mobility.
Seniors Cycling Instructor
Reh-Fit Centre
01.2019 - Current
- Design and teach safe, evidence-based exercise programming for older adults at the Reh-Fit Centre, promoting physical health, independence, and social connection.
Interview Coach
Medical Student Interview Coach
01.2024 - Current
- Coach pre-medical and medical students in MMI and panel interview preparation, focusing on communication skills, structured responses, ethical reasoning, and confidence building.
Cardiology Research Assistant
St. Boniface Hospital
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Contributed to the design and execution of clinical research projects in cardiac gene biology.
- Coauthor on a peer-reviewed publication in Cardiovascular Research (Oxford University Press).
Founder, Virtual Boxing Program
Special Olympics
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Founded and led a province-wide virtual boxing and fitness program for Special Olympics and blind athletes, delivering accessible strength and shadow boxing sessions across Manitoba.
Studio Fitness Instructor
Altea Active
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Instructed group fitness classes across multiple disciplines including cycling, HIIT, bootcamp, boxing, Pilates, body sculpt, and AquaPhysical.
Volleyball Coach
01.2015 - 01.2022
- Head coach for male and female youth volleyball teams (ages 13U-17U) across school and club programs, emphasizing athletic development, teamwork, and leadership.
Head Trainer & Shift Manager
Elite Performance
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Led athletic training sessions for individuals and teams; supervised staff, programmed workouts, and managed day-to-day operations.
Administrative Coordinator
Elite Performance
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Managed client scheduling, bookings, communications, and front-desk operations while serving as a customer service ambassador.
Education
M.D. -
University of Manitoba
01.2027
Bachelor of Science in Research Medicine (BSc Med) - Research focus in general surgery and colorectal cancer guidelines
University of Manitoba
01.2027
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology and Biological Sciences
University of Manitoba & Canadian Mennonite University
01.2020
Leadership And Volunteer Experience
- Founder & Director: RALLY Fitness Club (01/01/25-Present) Founded and scaled a community run and fitness initiative during medical school, engaging >1,000 Winnipeggers through free weekly run clubs and year-round outdoor fitness programming. Established partnerships with local businesses to host inclusive wellness events promoting physical activity and social connection.
- CMA Ambassador, Canadian Medical Association, (01/01/23-Present) Represent medical students at conferences and workshops; collaborate on advocacy initiatives addressing physician wellness, health systems, and emerging medical issues.
- Surgery Interest Group Lead, University of Manitoba, Max Rady College of Medicine, (01/01/23-Present) Coordinate events and mentorship opportunities with surgeons, residents, and faculty to promote surgical careers among medical students.
- Faculty of Medicine Sports & Wellness Representative, Max Rady College of Medicine (01/01/23-Present) Develop and implement wellness initiatives to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles within the medical student community.
- Perspectives in Medicine Leader (CFMS, 01/01/23-Present) Develop blog and podcast content featuring physicians and residents sharing career paths and lived experiences with medical students.
- Patient & Family Advisory Council Board Member, Grace Hospital (01/01/16-Present) Collaborate with provincial stakeholders on initiatives aimed at improving healthcare programs, policy development, evaluation, and research.
- Student Leader, Mount Carmel WISH Clinic (01/01/22-2024) Provide free, culturally safe medical care to Winnipeg's inner-city population through history-taking, patient support, and interprofessional collaboration.
- Founder, Grace Hospital Patient Storytelling Project, 01/01/18, Present, Founded and led a volunteer initiative producing patient experience videos for clinician education and quality improvement; served as videographer and editor.
- Basketball Coach, Special Olympics (01/01/16-2025) Coach athletes with intellectual disabilities, fostering skill development, confidence, and teamwork.
- Volleyball Coach, Sagkeeng First Nation, (01/01/20-2023), Lead volleyball clinics for youth (ages 15-18) in Northern Manitoba First Nation communities.
- Hygiene Auditor, Grace Hospital (01/01/21-01/01/23) Monitored and reported adherence to infection prevention and hygiene protocols to support patient safety.
Awards
- Hawaii Big Island International Marathon - Female Champion, 01/01/25
- Halifax Salty 7 Half Marathon - Female Champion, 01/01/24
- Race the North Face 25K Trail - 1st Place Female, 01/01/24
- Race the North Face 25K Trail - 1st Place Female, 01/01/25
- Manitoba Suffer on Centennial 25K - 1st Place Female, 01/01/25
- McNab's Island Half Marathon Trail - Female Champion, 01/01/24
- Published Author, Cardiovascular Research, 01/01/23
- Dean's Honour Roll, Faculty of Science, 01/01/20
- United Way Community Service Award, 01/01/17
- Multiple provincial and school-level athletic leadership awards, Not Provided
Certification
- NCCP & Respect in Sport Certification, Sport Manitoba, 01/01/18
- Basic CPR & First Aid, St. John Ambulance, 01/01/17
- Basic CPR & First Aid, St. John Ambulance, 01/01/19
- Basic CPR & First Aid, St. John Ambulance, 01/01/21
- Group Fitness Instructor Certification, Manitoba Fitness Council, 01/01/19, HIIT, cycling, interval training, AquaPhysical, boxing, Pilates
- Cultural Diversity Coaching Certification, Sport Manitoba, 01/01/20
- San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, Not Provided, 01/01/21
Timeline
Interview Coach
Medical Student Interview Coach
01.2024 - Current
Group Fitness Coach
Thrive Active
01.2022 - Current
Older Adult Fitness Leader
Minds in Motion
01.2022 - Current
Cardiology Research Assistant
St. Boniface Hospital
01.2021 - 01.2023
Founder, Virtual Boxing Program
Special Olympics
01.2020 - 01.2023
Seniors Cycling Instructor
Reh-Fit Centre
01.2019 - Current
Studio Fitness Instructor
Altea Active
01.2019 - 01.2023
Head Trainer & Shift Manager
Elite Performance
01.2017 - 01.2019
Administrative Coordinator
Elite Performance
01.2017 - 01.2018
Volleyball Coach
01.2015 - 01.2022
M.D. -
University of Manitoba
Bachelor of Science in Research Medicine (BSc Med) - Research focus in general surgery and colorectal cancer guidelines
University of Manitoba
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology and Biological Sciences
University of Manitoba & Canadian Mennonite University