I grew up in Saint Joseph, MI. My childhood was spent playing competitive sports and exploring the outdoors along with sometimes fighting after the last piece of birthday cake (I am the youngest of six kids).
The adrenaline and endorphins of working out became the energy I used to live my life. My desire to compete led to the continuation of my athletic career as a three sport athlete in high school to Kalamazoo College as a player and captain on the varsity volleyball team. I gained knowledge and experience weight lifting and speed training through joining the college’s football team for 4:45 am workouts.
After leading practices and workouts for sports teams, I continued instructing and giving informal fitness advice to family and friends. I graduated with a degree in economics and business and a minor in studio art.
I contemplated following my friends’ footsteps into the corporate world, but decided that fitness and a healthy lifestyle was more than a hobby and strong interest. Following my intuition, I became a certified personal trainer.
I completed my 200-hour yoga certification in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. I strongly believe in yoga’s ability to physically tone the body and also bring awareness into the inner parts of ourselves. The sequence of movements and use of breath clears my mind and awakens the fire within me. In addition, the poses can be modified for any body. You don’t have to be flexible to feel the stretch and experience the benefits of yoga.
I moved to San Francisco in March 2009, to link up with a college teammate and be close to two of my sisters (and nieces and nephews). In San Francisco during 2009 I was also the Junior Varsity Volleyball Coach at University High School and Boot Camp Coach for a women’s fitness company.
