Filed on 5/1/03

Career Highlights

Why did you become interested in fitness?
Watching Fitness America competitions on ESPN and looking through magazines such as Oxygen and Muscular Development I admired the strong sexy physiques of the fitness competitors. I always wanted to have more definition in my legs but could not tone my hamstrings and glutes with the exercise program I was using, running and aerobics classes. I was small but my body was "blurry". I was always looking for new ways to improve myself and it was time to commit to changing my body permanently for real.

When did you first start working out?
Met my trainer on my 26th birthday, I am embarrassed to say, in a drunken stupor. But at that time I resolved to commit to changing my physique and my life and do something I had only dreamed of doing. It meant a lot of changes and a lot of discipline. I wanted to compete and ultimately begin to model again but this time in fitness industry. Had always been active in sports, basketball, softball, track, cheerleading, swimming, anything outdoors. However never really got into the competitive end of things, I was always above average in sports but bottom line just a tomboy.

I begin to weight train and to reshape my body to a stronger yet feminine physique. Concentrating on the modeling for the mere fact that I did not have the gymnastics background to be on a competitive level with the phenomenal women on the pro circuit but then in 2001 NPC developed a new division, fitness figure so now my dreams have come true.

What other physical activities do you enjoy to stay fit?
Swimming, rollerblading, hiking, walks with my dog, sprinting, and dancing.

What are your goals within the fitness industry?
My fitness goals are to always strive for the next level and to improve myself both physically and mentally. I also want to always continue to educate myself on training, diet and nutrition so I am always improving as a competitor as well as a trainer and mentor to those who look to me for advice and guidance. My main goal with work in this industry is to inspire those around to strive to acquire both healthier minds and bodies.

I want women and men to see the inner confidence and strength that comes from inside out when you are strong and healthy. Personal training has shown me how inner beauty truly shines when we finally take control of our bodies and make a conscious effort to make real changes. I have seen personalities completely change as people start to feel the inner confidence when they take control of their bodies again. It is truly an amazing feeling and I want to always inspire that in people.

 Additional Notes
I would like to thank my friends and family for all their support. My family, for their doubts and hesitations as well , that always did make me try harder to prove myself. (Always remember the sunflower seed and the potato, Dad :) )..... I could not have done it without the supports and the challenges.

Special thanks to J Hammett for training me even when things would get intense and I wanted to give up altogether. You may not have always liked me but you kept pushing me to achieve my goals, thank you. I know when I am training I neglect both friends and family, it is so intense and takes so much of my day and leaves me exhausted. Thank you all for your love and support throughout, from the bottom of my heart.

I also want to thank all of my sponsors for your support through both finances and services, I could not do it without each and every one of you. You have all made my dreams come true.