A few of my biggest challenges that led to my fitness career are having to overcome my own battle with compulsive over-eating from the ages of 18-24.  I joined Weight Watchers and finally learned how to eat properly and practice portion control.  I also benefited from the weekly meetings and weigh-ins to keep me accountable.  Once I lost most of the weight, I got back into the gym and eventually was able to get my body back into shape.  This led to my first job as a personal trainer at a gym in Century City.

The other challenge I faced was not having the option or ability to go to college.  I’m from a very large family and my parents couldn’t afford to send the girls in our family to college.  It was never even discussed with us.  So, I had to count on my secretarial skills to get me work right out of high school.  I landed really great jobs at William Morris Agency and ABC Entertainment for top level executives, but I was very unhappy.  I quit and was unemployed for the first time in my life.  After much soul searching and running out of money, I was asked to be a trainer at this small gym where I worked out at.  This was the launching pad for my fitness career.

Who inspired you when you first started on this journey?

I believe the person who most inspired me was Jake Steinfeld of Body-By-Jake.  He hired me to work for him after auditioning, which gave me the confidence to train people one on one.  The fact that some of these people were major celebrities was nerve wracking, but also very empowering.

What were three of your favorite books that helped you get clear on your path?

I have so many favorite books, but I think if I had to narrow it down to three, I would have to select the books that truly inspired and motivated me at that time:

• The Way of the Peaceful Warrior
• A Return to Love
• Living in the Light   

What were some of the signs or challenges that first brought you to this aspect of your life’s work?

The biggest sign was how comfortable I felt in the gym and how good I was at putting together workouts for people.  Also, how fulfilling it was to help people achieve their goals and see their energy and confidence increase. In addition, I got into such amazing shape while exercising with many of my clients. 

What are some ways you manage work life balance?

I honestly have no problem at all managing my work-life balance, as I’ve always been extremely organized and efficient.  When I am working on a project or projects, I definitely prioritize and put together a to-do list for each day.  First and foremost, I must get my exercise in.  After that I can focus on creating and shooting content. I usually still have more than enough time to call or get together with friends for a lunch or dinner.  And….I walk dogs as often as I can!!

Where do you live now and is this your dream location and why?

I live in Denver, Colorado.  It is not my dream location by any stretch of the imagination, but it has been good for me in many ways.  Moving here from Los Angeles, it has provided a simpler life.  Plus, I have a Sister close by and I really do enjoy the seasons again, as I grew up in Wisconsin.  My dream location to retire would be somewhere in Northern California, like Napa or Carmel.

How have your travels impacted & inspired your life and or work perspective?

My travels have impacted and inspired my life greatly.  I feel going abroad, discovering other cultures and experiencing new people, helps one grow as an individual.  My trip to South Africa with Dream Catchers South Africa was an extremely profound experience in my life.  It was a volunteer position.  I was asked by the founder of this charity organization to create a grass roots 20 minute exercise program to integrate into three schools across South Africa for young impoverished women to help empower them.  We shot the workout in their classroom to showcase that it could be done anywhere.  We also shot a beautiful Yoga segment at one of the beaches there.    Seeing the pure joy on these young faces that they got to participate in this project, wearing the bright colored t-shirts of their country, was something I will never forget.  When creating this routine, I was asked to find exercise moves that would mimic their daily chores as well as movements from the animals on safari.  It was a challenge for sure, but I felt confident at what I was able to put together.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love going for nature walks, going to art and music festivals, attending farmers markets, dog sitting and dog walking, seeing friends, singing and taking long drives.

Where did you spend most of your childhood?

I spent most of my childhood in Little Chute, Wisconsin.

Tell us about your current or past pets and what they mean to you in your daily life.

My only pet was my sweet Maltese, Barney.  I got him when he was just 4 months old while living in Los Angeles.  He was the sweetest thing I’d ever seen.  I had my precious boy for 16 years.  He ended up getting kidney disease, so I had to put him down a few years ago.  It was one of the worst days of my life.  

What are your favorite three movies of all time and why?

1. The Sound of Music – I loved everything about this movie.  The music, the romance, the history and the cinematography was breathtaking.
2. Terms of Endearment – I can’t watch this movie without crying.  That movie was a roller coaster of emotion in the best way possible, and the acting was top tier.
3. The Goodbye Girl – I am a hopeless romantic and this movie was right on target for me.  It was so charming, and I love both of the actors so much! 

What are your morning practices and routines that set you up to win every day?

My morning practice starts with prayer and gratitude.  Then, a healthy breakfast followed by my workout for the day.  I love to do an afternoon meditation and then launch into creating or shooting content for whatever I am working on. I drink a ton of water, herbal teas and try my best to eat a healthy and balanced diet consisting of lean protein, whole grain carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lots of fruits (berries, melons and bananas)  and veggies. I also take many supplements that help fill any nutrition gaps as well as help promote a healthy gut and proper digestion.

What are you passionate about that most people don’t know?

I am most passionate about singing and doggies!