I’m not the average health guru. My own personal fitness journey started in the late 80’s when I took in messages that I was ugly for being heavy, black, and gay as a young person. This led to struggles with my weight that included a brief battle with bulimia and depression. 

Things turned around for me when I discovered aerobic dance–moving helped me feel better and I loved it so much that I became a small group fitness instructor with clients of all ages! Every improvement in my health was built from this foundation. (So I have a lot to thank Jane Fonda for…along with Gilad if you remember him. 🙂

After falling in love with aerobics, I incorporated strength training for muscle gain and learned to understand nutrition and sleep as ways to fuel my body, which needed it to continue teaching exercise classes. I came to value these foundational pieces of my health. 

Because I had implemented lifestyle changes around exercise science, nutrition, and sleep by the time I was diagnosed with MS at 40, I was motivated to continue with a healthy lifestyle and stay off medication.

I hold certifications from esteemed organizations, including the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Certified Personal Trainer, Wellcoaches as a Certified Health and Well-being Coach, and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine as a Certified Health Coach.

Additionally, I am proud to bear the distinction of being a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, which represents the pinnacle of certification in this field.