I grew up on a farm in rural Minnesota with 6 brothers, so I had to keep up with their energy and enthusiasm for adventure. We were always outdoors biking, four wheeling, playing sports or just chasing each other around. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been a high energy person with a love for sports and competition.

I became very interested in the field of health and wellness while in college at Saint Could State University. During my freshmen year of college, I developed my love for working out but I had no idea at the time what the best approach  would be for me in terms of cardio, weight training, or nutrition. I was the “cardio queen” spending 2 hours a day going between the stair climber, elliptical, and recumbent bike with very little weight training. My eating habits were terrible. I had no idea what proper nutrition was or what my caloric intake should be. I was very thin but I lacked the muscle mass I needed to be healthy and strong.

I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health and started a career in personal training right away after college. I also started working as a Health Coach for UnitedHealth Care and realized that I CANNOT sit on my butt all day! I would be so drained from just sitting and staring at a computer screen that I had no energy left when work was over. I knew I needed to be physically active and take a hands-on approach to helping others experience the powerful effects that physical activity can have on your mind, body, and spirit.

I have been a personal trainer and wellness coach since 2005 and I LOVE the energy I have from moving my body and challenging my mind with new and unique workouts for all of my clients. I coach people from all over the country on establishing a personal health vision, and working on goals to achieve weight loss, healthier eating habits, and a consistent exercise routine. I have never been in better physical and mental shape! I feel amazing, and owe it to having a healthy balance  in my life.

I have an amazing husband, Matt, who is a “health nut” as well! He has an inspirational and empowering story of his own weight loss journey and he has experienced first-hand at how eating properly and lifting weights can completely changed your life. He motivates, supports, and inspires me daily and I consider him my “butt-kicker” – there is no one that pushes me harder and challenges me more than he does. We have a beautiful daughter and a rambunctious little boy. I am a huge believer in exercising during your pregnancy (as long as you have your doctor’s approval). I exercised throughout both pregnancies and was amazed at how fast my body bounced back into shape.

I did my first Fitness competition in Las Vegas, 10 months after having our daughter. There were over 700 competitors and it was the most overwhelming, yet exhilarating experience of my life. I placed 11^th in the Bikini Tall Class and felt a huge sense of accomplishment and confidence being able to stand in front of so many people and take part in something I never thought I would have the courage to do. Since then, I have placed 2nd in the NPC NorthStar, and 5th and 7th in the NPC Upper Midwest competitions, all in Bikini Tall Class.

It is very important to me to maintain the same healthy eating habits I encourage in others. In other words, I practice what I preach! I currently exercise 5-6 days a week, running and weight training, from which I have seen the most improvement with my physique. I practice clean eating and encourage everyone to take in more vegetables and protein! I promise that by adopting healthy eating habits and an exercise plan that fits into your busy life, you will have more energy, be healthier and happier than you ever thought possible. I look forward to joining you on becoming your best self!