B.S. Exercise and Sports Science, Option in Fitness Program Management, Oregon State University 2001
Activity has always been a part of my life. Growing up I played a variety of sports – softball, basketball, track, cheerleading - and was always active – riding bikes, swimming, skiing, and horseback riding. However, I really became interested in fitness after I graduated from high school and moved away from home to become a nanny. I joined a gym in the area and found that working out not only helped keep me healthy and in shape, it was fascinating to me how our bodies could move and feel great with that movement.
A couple of years later, I moved to Eugene and I enrolled in the Fitness Technician Program at Lane Community College. As I continued through this program, I really enjoyed the classes I took and found the applications in fitness interesting and fun. After completing that program, I pursued my education in fitness and attended Oregon State University and earned my bachelors degree in Exercise and Sports Science. Through my education learned the principles of cardiovascular dynamics, exercise physiology, motivation techniques, group exercise program design, exercise prescription, proper strength training and conditioning techniques, injury prevention and rehabilitation. At Oregon State, I had the opportunity to work in the Human Performance Lab and thus further my interest in this ever-growing field.
I’ve been working as a personal trainer for 12 years and continue to find that there is always something new to learn or area of fitness to expand my expertise in. Throughout those 12 years, I’ve been able to design and teach boot camp style classes, taught water and weight training classes. I’m always looking for new exercises to use with my clients and to expand their knowledge while guiding them in attaining their goals. Helping people achieve their goals and therefore feeling better about themselves is one of the greatest rewards I have in my career.