I’ve been into movement since before I had the opportunity to even think much about it. I was born with a tenacious desire to explore and engage this miraculous world. At six months, when most babies are learning to support themselves independently without a loss of sitting balance, I was walking!! The pediatrician told my mom that she needed to stop me from walking because it was not good for my bones. But I couldn’t stop moving.
Over time, I transferred my insatiable desire to move into a variety of physical domains, including any and every sport I could participate in—regardless of experience or ability. Even at a young age, I was aware of how much movement/play/sport lifted my mood, even more so when I was confronting major life challenges. Throughout my teenage years, I continued to redefine myself and push beyond the limits set by others. In my mind, there was nothing stopping me from what I could push my body to perform.
Establishing this connection at such an early age was a necessary milestone in personal growth and success, and it has propelled me to reach extraordinary levels in every aspect of my life. For when I am moving, I feel alive; my energy is activated and my soul is penetrating every potential aspect the present moment has to offer.
As an adult, I have pursued my academics as ambitiously as any sport. In 2011, I completed my doctorate degree in physical therapy—no small feat while juggling a family and career. At the age of 37, I competed in my first figure bodybuilding competitions. My third-place rankings in my class in both shows was a huge accomplishment for me, because only ten years earlier, I had gave birth to my son after gaining 80 pounds during pregnancy. In March 2012, I placed first in my class at a figure bodybuilding competition. I stepped on the national stage in May 2012.
I am most proud of the fact that I have achieved success in all areas of my life. I am a woman with a demanding career, a mother, an athlete, a community volunteer, a friend, and a soul with a deep message to share with the world. I’ve managed to create, develop, and refine my own greatness and success each and every day with enthusiasm, creativity, and positivity, regardless of the obstacles. I will continue to push the boundaries and generate my own greatness anew in each moment I am blessed with in this life.
Ultimately, my mission is to encourage others to create their own personal greatness by utilizing the best honest, expert, and evidence-based information available. I envision an individual armed with this information taking personal responsibility for his or her own wellness and health to evolving into their best self. In this endeavor, I plan to offer my expert advice, integrate the best research available, and share my life experiences as a doctor of physical therapy, fitness guru, parent, and national level bodybuilding competitor. In doing so, I hope to equip others with the knowledge, inspiration, and resources to make this dream possible.
