My fitness story, which is why I am here today, starts as early as I can remember. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (immune system attacks joints) around two years old. I spent a lot of time listening to the doctors and adults around me deliberate on “what was wrong with me.” This exposure left me feeling that I faced physical limitations that my peers did not share. Naturally, I spent a lot of energy exploring these limits as a child and young adult. Physical movement made my body feel good, while providing me with some kind of influence over these limits that I had in my life.
Love of movement lead to athletic success. My journey to develop athleticism took more diligence and perseverance than my peers. Managing inflammation, while continually adapting to the mechanical stress of sport, requires a more profound implementation of lifestyle and nutrition dedication. Through sport, I learned what is made possible through dedication and awareness of all the elements that influence performance. I learned to use all the tools available.
After college athletics, sport was not the primary element in my life. Movement, however, was still a part of my identity. General strength and conditioning served as my physical outlet during my efforts to settle into employment after college. My nature to push limits fostered a dive deep into what is optimal fitness. I wanted to know what worked, for who, and why. I knew I would not be as strong and fast at 75 as I was at 25, but I wanted to know how to grow my body and mind with fitness for the long term.
Through walking the path myself, working with individuals in my community to achieve their goals, and tirelessly consulting with the leaders in this industry, I am confident my purpose in life is this:
I am here to help those around me use fitness to Redefine their Limits.
My journey into health and wellness started like many others as an adolescent using fitness in attempt to build my confidence. A back surgery at 22 years old, due to old injuries I had developed during my teenage years lead me to work closely with physical therapists, chiropractors, and coaches who were thinking outside the box about recovery and injury prevention. My prognosis was not great, so I was driven to learn as much as I could from every mentor I crossed paths with.
By the time I got to college, I was so connected to my physical practices that it shaped the nature of my education. As I pursued the sport sciences, my interests naturally shifted from changing aesthetics to developing athleticism. I felt strongly that true health aligns with how one feels and moves, rather than simply how one looks.
Since my mid 20s mountain biking has been a main focus in my physical pursuits. Practicing the sport has largely shaped aspects of athleticism and mindset that I connect with as a coach. Outdoor sports like cycling, skiing, trail running, or snowboarding, are very different in nature than the ball-sports and team-sports that university programs typically prepare strength coaches to work with. Living in Vermont has been a great opportunity to think about strength and conditioning in broad terms to meet the needs of ball sport athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and those in search for their own personal vitality.
At this stage of my career, I realize I will continually have life experiences that evolve how I approach things…..that keeps me excited.
My journey in fitness started on my high school swim team. Being on that team sparked what has become my career and my passion. I found the physical challenge and subsequent growth a very rewarding process. After college and my swimming career, i found myself spending time in the gym to continue exploring this growth process. I soon went back to school, completing a Master’s Degree in Physical Education with a Focus in Strength and Conditioning, and have since been sharing my knowledge and experience with others.
As a Coach, it is my purpose to welcome everyone who wishes to improve themselves. Each person has a unique starting point, place they would like to go, and reason for going there. I work to unfold these aspects with each person in effort to build a fulfilling journey. Having a strong, healthy body is incredibly empowering. I am here to provide support with consistent and mindful training.