I participated in competitive gymnastics and cheerleading throughout childhood and loved it. As a kid, my parents instilled in me the importance of healthy eating habits. I was the kid in the lunchroom nobody wanted to trade snacks with because my lunchbox was stocked with carrot sticks, apple slices, and bran muffins. I hated it at the time, but I'm grateful now.

I enjoyed working out, but never understood the importance of nutrition to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In college, I struggled to maintain healthy eating habits, which caused my weight to seesaw for years, from not so flattering highs to unhealthy lows. When I was introduced to fitness at the competitive level, I began to understand what my body was capable of when fed and trained properly.

When I finished graduate school, I moved into my own place and secured my dream job working in an elementary school as a school psychologist. All was well, except for my health and body image. I've always been a person who likes to set challenges and goals. I set many goals geared toward my education and career path, and worked hard to achieve them so I knew that with hard work and dedication, I could achieve the level and health and fitness that I aspired to.

In January 2012, I committed to train for my first competition. I trained on my own for the first 10 weeks with support of friends who competed and used resources from Bodybuilding.com. I competed in my first show in April 2012 and knew the moment I stepped on stage that I belonged. Fitness changed my life in many ways. It gave me confidence to believe in myself and taught me how strong I am physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's my ultimate passion and goal to share my story and experiences with others to be a source of motivation, inspiration, and support.

I feel fortunate and blessed for the opportunities, friendships, and experiences that fitness and competing brought into my life. Fitness is a journey, not a destination, and I look forward to discovering what lies ahead in my journey and sharing it with others!

I love that fitness has taught me so much about myself throughout my journey. I have learned how strong I truly am, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally, as well. I love that I've been able to connect with others and share my journey in hopes of inspiring others to find happiness through fitness as I have.