My Story: After a completing my Masters at Western University, I was struggling to find something meaningful in my life that I enjoyed. Job hunting had become boring and tireless; nothing seemed to peak my interest. Discontinuing a life-long hockey career (Varsity Athlete) due to lack of time, injuries and loss of interest, I hadn't had anything to direct my energy into, that I was passionate and enthusiastic about. I quickly became withdrawn, from a previously very social life-style, in search of a way to provide myself with some direction and clarity about where I wanted to take my life. Coming out of a knee surgery in late December of 2011 I began spending more time at the gym working on rehabilitation, personal strength and overall fitness. After weeks and weeks of dedicated work, I began to have others at the gym questioning my training -- wondering if I had something I was training for. It hadn't been until someone suggested I train for a fitness event that I began to take the challenge, and take my fitness life much more seriously. At the same time, I was offered at job doing research for the Pathology Department at Western University, so between the two I kept very busy. I not only began researching for UWO, I also began to research about what it takes to become a Bikini Competitor, what types of training and diet I needed, and what types of supplements I should be taking daily.

After weeks and weeks of research, trial and error, asking questions and breaching plateaus in my weights, I began to reach my fitness goals and I was in better shape than I had been my entire life. I worked hard at keeping a strict diet, which was low in carbohydrates and higher in fat, and also was dedicated to the gym, my weights and always setting new goals for myself. I planned to compete in my first competition on June 22nd, 2012. Weeks and months went by and I had achieved my goals -- lowering my body fat to a whopping 9 %! Feeling confident with my NEW BODY I entered the show. Although I didn't not place in the top 5 rankings, I was proud of what I had accomplished and set right back to the drawing table for ideas on how I could improve my body.

Following the show I changed my routine to target more muscle gains, and my diet contributed manly of post-workout carb implementation, until I began my on-season diet with less carbs and higher fats. I had learned from my previous show that I stay leaner when my diet has less complex carbs and sugars - most of you may hear of this diet as the "paleo" or "caveman" diet.

I began to see serious gains in my physique and by my next show day, May 11th, I had packed on 12 pounds of lean mass! During spring and summer of 2013, I competed again. On May 11th, I entered a Bikini competition in Toronto, where I sadly placed nearly last!! However, I did not let this get me down! I was confident in my body and my gains, and decided to compete in the "figure" category just one week later. Tired and exhausted from back to back competition prep diet schemes, I pushed myself to the finish line - and boy was I happy I did. Placing 2nd in Figure at the OPA in London, ON I was thrilled and excited to move up in the ranks to compete in Provincials the following year.

My big break came when I auditioned for Oxygen Magazine's Fitness Model Search at the Toronto Pro Supershow later that May. Competing against over 100 girls for the spot had me incredibly nervous, but I was confident in what I brought to the show. After yet another gruelling competition prep diet, I was more than determined to take home a win. When they called my name for the event winner, my heart dropped, my stomach sank and I think I may have let out a few tears. I had never been happier and more proud of myself and my accomplishments. Following this big break, I kept my head straight, my training up and my diet strong - things started coming together and I was in my glory! A few weeks after the event I got an offer from my now current sponsor, MuscleTech, to take part in their newest add campaign being shot at the end of July in Oakville, ON. I was so shocked and surprised I was offered this incredible sponsorship - and so grateful to represent such an amazing company, with great products. Once the add campaign was completed, I was offered a spot on fitness team, Team T-Rex, with an amazing coach and accomplished OPA competitor, Sean Tierney. Team T-Rex is loaded with great athletes and competitors, and I couldn't be more proud to be apart of both Team T-Rex and MuscleTech.

So far my sponsorship has helped me gain featured adds in Inside Fitness Magazine, as well as various other magazines for MuscleTech Products (soon to be released). This is all wonderful, but personally, I compete because I love competition, I love the challenge, and fitness really gave me meaning to my life again when I was lost.

Currently, I am training for another Figure Competition in Late April, as well as the Natural Provincials next September (2014). I am attending Queens University working to complete my PhD in Environmental Science, with goals to become a professor after completion. My guess now is, what will come first: My IFBB Pro Card or my PhD Degree? haha. My goal is to really show young girls that you can achieve things you set your mind to, by working hard. My life isn't easy, but I wouldn't change it for anything. I do and have sacrificed a lot to be able to compete while working and doing school full-time but for me the bigger picture is doing things that make you feel happy and to achieve your definition of success.

I want to thank everyone who's supported me with everything I have done, including MuscleTech who's products really have helped me make some incredible gains since my last show. I am working with the team demoing products here and there, as well my profile on BodySpace at bodybuilding.com (Dbeaus) is updated regularly with my current gains, supplements, recipes and workouts! Be sure to follow me for information updates on how you can better your fitness and your body -- be confident with yourself and don't be afraid to accept a challenge! You will get what you always got, doing things you've always done -- make changes and trust in your success!

Its the best way to channel energy. Nothing replaces how good I feel leaving the gym.I think my past athletic history has driven me to succomb to a lifestyle that revolves around fitness.. I just dont know anything else, and frankly -- I dont want to!