About Me
I am a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certified personal trainer in my early 50's, a cancer survivor and Crohn’s disease warrior, and I am living proof that you need not limit yourself by fear, disability, or other setbacks.
Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in my early 20’s (likely exacerbated by childhood family stress), I went through a rollercoaster ride of relapse and remission that lasted for over 30 years. During this time, I’ve had two life threatening complications and two bouts of cancer as a result, the latter being colon cancer, which eventually led to a major operation for a permanent ostomy. Despite all I’ve been through, I’ve managed to continue to train at high levels whenever possible. And trust me, there were weeks, months and even years when I wasn’t strong enough to get off the couch.
I’ve found that exercise, in whatever capacity I’ve been capable of, has always given me a sense of power and control over my struggles. When I’ve been down, depressed or anxious, exercise has provided a rejuvenating energy boost and helps to calm and regulate my mood. Finding my strength through exercise also helps me find the courage to deal more effectively with life’s challenges.
For the past 17 years, I’ve had extensive experience working with clients who are going through their own physical, emotional or medical struggles. I’ve provided the support, encouragement and expertise needed to help them gear up for and adhere to a sensible, well-balanced exercise routine. And I know firsthand how difficult it can be to start moving, to maintain or to be set back; I also know that anyone, with the right mindset and a little motivation, encouragement and desire to make their life more fulfilling, can achieve more than they think possible.
