Meet Your Coach.

Growing up, I was taught the importance of prioritizing your health. I was born and raised in San Diego- where health and fitness oozes from all of the tan, surfer-bro- beings. My family included. My dad was a triathlete, taught indoor cycle classes for over twenty years, and as a 70+ year-old man [you’d never guess his age], he continues to bike, row and hike regularly. He is my inspiration. My mom has always been a swimmer and enjoys getting outside on her bike or kayak in her free time. She was always making healthy meals for the family- as a child, broccoli, milk and flaxseed pancakes were staples.

And then, there was me: a tiny tomboy who was found not paying attention in ballet class as a wee lad, wishing she could play basketball in elementary school [I’m 5’1, so that dream died real quick], and dabbling in gymnastics recreationally.

On top of never truly finding my athletic niche growing up, I studied abroad for a semester in high school. Albeit one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had, it resulted in me gaining the freshman 15...when I was 15. [Cue body image struggles.] California beauty required young teenage girls to look like twigs and allotted no time for eating. As someone who enjoys food and whose body does not meet those standards, you could say I had a hard time.

Fast forward to college undergrad days when I attended the University of Oregon [SKOOO DUCKS!]. I spent the majority of my freshman year at the Student Recreation Center where I fell in love with group fitness classes. The following year, I took classes and practicums in order to study, prep and become a certified group fitness instructor. By the time I was a Junior, I was teaching indoor cycle classes regularly- thanks to Chantelle who believed in hiring me, despite the fact that she didn’t think I knew how to smile [insert sweaty smiley emoji]. I have been teaching fitness classes ever since.

The same year I began teaching cycle [2013], I attended my first ever CrossFit class at CrossFit Evviva in Eugene, Oregon [shoutout to Byron + Caitlin]. At the time, I had no idea how simply walking through those doors was going to positively impact the rest of my life. It forever changed my path- mostly because of some incredible human beings and coaches along the way. [insert dramatic pause for effect].

When graduation was looming, that big question of “What are you gonna do with the rest of your life?” was recurring. Supervisor, mentor, and overall fitness badass, Jessica, opened my eyes to the concept of doing fitness for a living. 

Jess set me up with the University of Arkansas where I worked as the Graduate Assistant for Fitness & Wellness for the University Recreation [UREC] department. My UREC supervisor, Casey, took me in when I didn’t have much experience. She allowed me to grow, learn and dream big.

Those two years truly taught me that fitness is so much more than physical. I started to deeply understand that taking care of your entire self involves much more than just fueling yourself properly and moving your body. I thought I learned a lot about myself during undergrad, but those two years at UREC, those were top notch. I am forever grateful for everything the UREC team did for my professional and personal growth.

After graduating, I worked pretty much full time at CrossFit Commence- the box I had been a part of since moving to Fayetteville in 2015. I coached, trained people one-on-one, and had the opportunity to run the intro classes. The experience I gained and relationships I built throughout my time at Commence is forever something I will be grateful for [shout out to Mark for hiring me, and Jess and Jody for keeping me on for so many years]. 

In 2020, I decided to establish a CrossFit affiliate with a business partner. I believed we were creating an even more magical space to change lives for the better- in an all-encompassing manner. However, pursuing your dreams isn’t all butterflies and rainbows, especially during a global pandemic…And one year later, I chose to walk away from that endeavor.

Since then, time simultaneously raced by and slowed down. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to affirm my love for the fitness and wellness world as well as make new connections.

Since 2021, I’ve had the chance to coach for Dual Cities CrossFit as well as CrossFit Reverence. I’ve also made my way back to CrossFit Commence. All three affiliates are led by true leaders who show their dedication through their actions, care deeply for their coaches and members, and are some of the smartest, kindest women I’ve had the opportunity to get to learn from. Amy, Kelley, and Ulrika- thank you for everything you do.

Without all of these beautiful humans and encouraging communities, I have no idea where I would be today. THIS is why I’m here. I want to be that positive driving force. I want to be that person, that coach, who helps guide others to define and constantly redefine what a healthy, balanced lifestyle looks like.