Qualifications: B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Texas State University. Masters of Education in Physical Education from the University of Houston. Certified by ACSM, ACE and AFAA. Certified in kickboxing by ISCA. Certified in kettlebell by Kettlebell Concepts. Certified in Pilates by AAAI Pilates and the Physical/Mind Institute. Certified in yoga by AAAI. Certified in indoor cycling by Johnny G Spinning and Schwinn Indoor Cycling. Continuing Education Specialist for American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)

Personal History: In junior high, I was the clumsy kid who was cut from every sport. When it came to any organized sports -- or as I like to think of it -- anything involving a ball, I was helpless and hopeless. However, I loved the way it made my body feel to move. I self-proclaimed myself as the “Queen of Offseason.”

There’s one thing that we did lots of in off-season, and that’s RUN! I developed a true passion for jogging. Not that I was fast, but I was happy! I would run and run. By the time I got to college, I would run from my apartment to the university for class, with a notebook and pen in tow. I became known around Texas State as “the running girl.” You could find me running all around San Marcos, Texas from 1999-2003!

In addition to running, I found that I liked to move my body to music. Exercise wasn’t something that I perceived that I “had” to do, but something that I wanted to do! Step Aerobics was my bread and butter. I found a real passion in helping people to learn that movement can change their mood, body, and life! To this day, I devote my career to creating fun workouts that break negative associations to exercise and catalyze improvements in social, emotional, and physical wellness in the lives of those I serve.

Workout Philosophy: Wellness, to me, is trekking through life -- soaking up the goodness along the path, and trailblazing past the muck. It is nourishing the body and soul with movement, compassion, laughter, a healthy diet, love, and prayer.

Success Story: A client named Betty Grady, a woman in her 60s, used to take my group fitness classes when I taught at The Village in Dallas. Betty had suffered with clinical depression for all of her life. After attending my classes for a few months, she went to see her doctor and he told her, “Betty, I’ve seen you bad, and I’ve seen you good... but I’ve NEVER seen you this good!” Fitness allowed her break free of the chains that bound her and find true happiness.

Success is what happens when you break through perceived barriers, and through sweat, stamina, and perseverance.