“If a man loves the labor of his trade apart from any question of success or fame, the gods have called him.” -Robert Louis Stevenson
My mother bought me my first set of free weights when I was eleven. The equipment consisted of a small metal bench with weights made of concrete encased in plastic. I designed my very first program using the small booklet of exercises that accompanied the equipment. My love of fitness and exercise has taken me on a wonderful journey. When the opportunity came to make health and fitness my career the choice was very easy to make.
I have been involved in the exercise and wellness industry as a fitness professional since 1995. In 2000 I expanded my knowledge and versatility within the industry and became a nationally certified and Licensed Massage Therapist. Additionally, I have accumulated 125 credit hours in Biological Sciences and sports management at Southeastern Louisiana University and have had the honor and experience of serving my country in the United States Marine Corps for six (6) years as a non-commissioned officer (NCO).
My personal training certifications include:
- Physical Fitness Specialist – Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research
- Special Populations – Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research
- Optimal Performance Training – Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research
- Certified Personal Trainer – National Academy of Sports Medicine
- Strength Training Specialist – International Weight Lifting Association
- Mattes Method of Active Isolated Stretching Certification, phase I and II
To keep my training certifications and massage license current, I take extensive continuing education courses. Instead of taking the bare minimum C.E.U.’s required, I make great efforts to take very informative and research based courses that are presented by leaders in the fitness industry. I pursue subjects that will challenge me and add to my existing knowledge of health & fitness.
I have taken hundreds of hours of continuing education from nationally recognized facilities including:
- Institute of Human Performance (Mentorship Program)
- Physical Mind Institute of Pilates (Concentration 101)
- C.H.E.K. Institute (Core Conditioning, Scientific Back Training, and Program Design)
- Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research
- American Aerobics and Fitness Association
- Reebok University (Reactive Neuromuscular and Core Training)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (Optimum Performance Training)