Qualifications: Certified by ASCM and AFAA. And AFAA Examiner. BS in Education from East Tennessee State University. MA in Education from Tusculum College.
Personal History: My interest in fitness developed in college. Heart disease is prevalent in my family, and after taking a personal health class, I decided that I needed to get into the daily habit of exercise. I joined a gym and started taking a kickboxing aerobics class. After a few months, the instructor found out she would be moving away, and asked me if I would be interested in teaching the class. I was really shy then, and had never even considered teaching group fitness. But I accepted the challenge and jumped in headfirst! I have been teaching ever since.
I’m married to my college sweetheart, Garth. Although we have no children yet, we love our Jack Russell Terrier, Duke!
Workout Philosophy: It’s only exercise -- don’t take it too seriously. If people don’t enjoy themselves, they won’t come back. I try to make every class an “experience.” I want them to leave my class and think, “That was Fun!”