My Story
My Background
I was raised in a small town outside of Nashville, TN, where eggs fried in bacon grease and white flour biscuits topped with chopped ham gravy were the foundation of breakfast. Vegetables served merely as a vessel for butter, while concepts like holistic health coaching and exercise felt foreign; they were concerns only for those deemed 'skinny.'
When coronary thrombosis claimed my father's life, it highlighted how obesity and a sedentary lifestyle were critical issues, leading me to recognize the necessity for a significant lifestyle transformation to safeguard my health. As a teenager, I would travel nearly thirty minutes to the nearest recreational center for fitness classes and weight training. Then, as a young, single mother, I juggled college coursework and a personal training job, placing my daughter in fitness center nurseries so I could maintain my training regimen.
Aiming for the 'perfect' body, I prepared for a Venus Swimwear pageant in 1998, igniting a competitive spirit that lasted for years. In 2014, I won my class in my first NPC show, and by 2016, I proudly earned my IFBB Pro card—one of my most cherished achievements.
However, reaching the pro stage came at a significant cost. The extreme dieting and intense training required for competition pushed my body to its limits, and it took years for me to fully recover. This experience fundamentally altered my perspective on health.
Today, I understand that genuine wellness isn't about extremes or a fleeting moment on stage. It's about balanced nutrition, smart training, adequate rest, effective stress management, and embracing a sustainable lifestyle. This hard-earned lesson forms the cornerstone of my approach to health and lifestyle coaching, guiding how I coach every woman I work with today.
My Bio
I work privately with a select group of women who want the best for their health: executives, performers and public figures whose bodies and schedules carry real demands; women who do too much and rarely put themselves first; and women who have hit a wall and are ready to feel healthy and strong again. My role is to be the holistic health coaching expert who sees the whole picture—from training and nutrition habits to sleep, stress, hormones, and the pressures of life itself—while keeping everything aligned as you pursue your daily life.
My clients come to me in every season: building careers and families, navigating perimenopause and menopause, and establishing a foundation to stay vibrant, capable, and strong for decades to come through effective lifestyle transformation coaching.
Real Experience, Rooted in Empathy
My journey in the health and fitness industry began in 1998 at a ladies-only gym in Knoxville, Tennessee. I’ve experienced the seasons many of my clients navigate: juggling college, work, and single motherhood while trying to prioritize my own health. In my late 40s, I am living proof that strength, energy, and confidence don’t have to fade with age—your best years can indeed still be ahead.
Science-Backed, Zero Cookie-Cutter
As an IFBB Pro, researcher, published author, and public speaker, evidence is central to my approach. I hold a PhD in Health & Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago, an M.S. in Exercise & Nutrition from the University of Tampa, an M.A. in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, and various foundational industry certifications. My academic work spans from investigating ketosis and ketogenic nutrition to conducting doctoral research on the barriers to fitness program adherence among fire-service leaders. This rigorous research—combined with my real-world experience as a practitioner—shapes a coaching style that cuts through the noise. I understand firsthand what health extremes cost, and I’m here to assist you in achieving lasting results without sacrificing your well-being.
Navigating Hormones and Real Life
Hormones are a significant aspect of the picture, and too many women face these challenges alone. Perimenopause, low testosterone, and other subtle imbalances can quietly deplete your energy, mood, strength, and drive. I advocate for collaborating with your healthcare provider to run a complete hormone panel, and I coach targeted nutrition, training, sleep, and stress strategies that help keep your body functioning optimally.
Beyond one-on-one coaching, I serve with pride as a Board Member and Director of Program Development for the U.S. Spine & Sport Foundation, contributing to community outreach and research focused on enhancing physical function and quality of life.
The Breakthroughs That Matter Most
Some of my favorite moments as a coach occur when a client experiences a breakthrough: understanding that it is okay to eat carbohydrates, realizing strength training won’t make them bulky, and recognizing that self-care is not selfish—it is essential.
If you're ready for health and lifestyle coaching that meets your standards, I'd love to hear from you. Not ready for ongoing coaching? A one-time Private Health Strategy Session is a good place to start.