I wanted to look better and be stronger. Since the early 80s, I've been inspired by women like Rachel McLish, Cory Everson, Gladys Portugues, and others. Back then they didn't have all of the divisions they do now. It was pretty much just bodybuilding, then the fitness division was added. I became very interested in exercise physiology learning as much as I could. Working out also helped me get back into shape after having babies. Several years ago, I was approached by people/friends at my old gym asking me if I was competing or if I wanted to compete in a show they were doing. I wasn't sure I could do it and I chickened out. But since then, I still think about going for a figure competition. There are quite a bit of over-50 year old women doing it nowadays. At the very least, I would like to get back where I was back then.

I just think the human body is an amazing creation. It's awesome how it all works together and see the results of training. It only takes about 2 weeks to start noticing some changes happening. I think weight lifting is so important, not only to look good, but to stay strong, maintain muscle mass, optimize metabolism, and help stay young looking. (Exercise: Poor man's plastic surgery, lol)

I take my passion for bodybuilding and working out with me to work as a licensed physical therapist assistant in outpatient physical therapy in orthopedics and sports medicine, general conditioning and vestibular rehabilitation. I really enjoy educating my patients about the body, what the muscles do and the rationale for why they are doing the exercises I give them. It's rewarding to work one-on-one with my patients instructing them in appropriate exercises for their rehab and then I give them a customized home program. I sometimes do private personal training for them after they are discharged to help them transition back to the gym or get them started going to the gym. The patients feel confident with their programs since I'm trained to work with various pathologies. I get to train people all day long and I sometimes get a little workout in with them. :-)