Meet our Team Members
CEO of The New Beginnings Center, Tash holds the distinction of Master Strength Coach — the highest honor that can be achieved in the profession from the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Association. She has held the position of strength & conditioning coach at Vanderbilt University, Purdue University, Kent State University and The University of Tennessee. Tash has personally coached thousands of clients across a range of sports, ages and abilities and guided them all towards their full potential.
Tash is a dedicated advocate for women and their abilities to push beyond stereotypes, self-doubts and self-imposed limits. She knows that health and fitness can be the very foundation to new beginnings and life transformations.
Certifications
CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, NSCA)
MSCC (Master Strength & Conditioning Coach, CSCCa)
SFL (Strong First Barbell Instructor)
SFB (Strong First Body Weight Instructor)
OS (Original Strength Instructor)
FMS Level 2 (Functional Movement Systems)
PN (Precision Nutrition)
Karen Gillingham is the Director of Operations for The New Beginnings Center and has been a lifelong fitness enthusiast. Team sports, running, weight training and exercise classes ignited her passion for understanding how our bodies move and perform. She’s been an ACE Certified Personal Trainer since 2010 and owned a fitness studio in Dayton, Ohio for 5 years before relocating to Nashville. Karen is passionate about helping women establish and maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle through exercise and nutrition. She loves to cook and experiment with new recipes. She loves being outdoors, hiking, walking her dogs and being in or on the water when the weather is warm! In Karen’s pre-coaching life, she worked in development for an education foundation. She is excited to bring her former work experience and love of helping women become the best versions of themselves to New Beginnings!
With 10 years of college and high school strength and conditioning coaching experience, Amanda joins the NBC team as an outdoor enthusiast, a self-proclaimed chef, and firm believer in the education and empowerment of women in sports, fitness, and health and wellness.
Amanda has worked with teams across the U.S. such as Missouri State, North Carolina A&T, and Occidental College in Los Angeles. Amanda also holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Biology and History, a Master’s Degree in Applied Exercise Science, and certifications in CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, NSCA), CEP (Certified Exercise Physiologist, ACSM), CFSC (Certified Functional Strength Coach, Mike Boyle), and RPR (Reflexive Performance Reset Level 1).
Rebecca Cashman
Coach
Rebecca Cashman is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and Barre Instructor hailing from Higganum, Connecticut. Prior to joining The New Beginnings Center in Nashville, Rebecca taught POP Pilates, group strength classes, barre, and beginner Pilates classes in the Greater Hartford area for two years. Rebecca attended Quinnipiac University where she studied journalism and political science. For three years, Rebecca worked in a newsroom on the assignment desk before relocating to Tennessee and transitioning into a sales role. When not instructing, or trying to make a sale, Rebecca is an avid bird watcher and is always on a quest for delicious vegan food.
Dani Hickman
Programs Manager
Dani Hickman is the Programs Manager for The New Beginnings Center. She is also a psychotherapist, podcaster and author. Dani has a passion for holistic wellness (mind/body/spirit) and supporting women in reconnecting with their unconditional worth so they can live an authentic, joyful life.
When she isn’t working, you can find her antiquing, hiking, going on a road trip or reading a new book. Or, on a perfect day, on her way to hike to a waterfall in Middle TN---stopping at small antique stores and listening to her new favorite personal growth audiobook.
