I grew up dancing, actually: ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop... Fourteen years total! I was also on the swim team and a varsity cheerleader at the high school I attended. After high school, I attended college and worked full time. And despite my efforts to hit the gym or attend a spin class a couple times a week, I managed to gain 30 lbs. and became miserable. Finally, in 2005, my roommate talked me in to attending a kickboxing class with her one evening at the private gym down the street. I absolutely loved it! I dedicated myself to attending that class 4 - 5 days a week. One day after class, the instructor, David Boivin, invited me to stay after to lift weights with he and a couple of other the students. It was that night that I discovered a new love!! (Weight lifting that is, not David Boivin... but you're great, Dave!) In 2007, I started training for my first fitness competition. During those months I also studied with the Pro PTA and earned certifications in both Nutrition Consultation and Fitness Training.

I love bodybuilding and working out because of ALL the benefits! While earning my certifications, I learned that exercise is not just about looking fit, (it's definitely a huge bonus, though!) but most importantly, it's about creating and maintaining a healthy, disease free body and stress free state of mind!