AGE:  42

PROFESSION:  Director, Tailwinds Charitable Foundation

HOMETOWN:  Santa Barbara, CA

COLLEGE:  Johns Hopkins University (Masters), University of NC, Wilmington (Undergrad)

FAVORITE FOOD:  Anything my mother makes.

FAVORITE PLACE VISITED:  Iceland in January.

PLACE YOU WANT TO VISIT:  Norway. My compass always points north!

FAVORITE MOVIE:  Top Gun

FAVORITE SINGER:  Tyler Childers

HOBBIES:  Advocacy: Wolfdog rescue and rehabilitation in southern California, gray wolf protection in Idaho, Colorado, and the northern Rockies, wildland conservation in the northern Rockies. Additionally, I love to read, horseback ride, play piano, go to any concert anywhere, and am working on my private pilot’s license.  

BACKGROUND:  I began my fitness journey in elementary school as a gymnast. I took pride in holding the records in my school for fitness at such a young age. The pride stuck with me, and I evolved from gymnastics to competitive cheerleading in high school. This opened the door to a partial scholarship to cheer at University of North Carolina, Wilmington and then opportunities to cheer professionally for the NFL (Baltimore Ravens) and the NBA (Los Angeles Clippers). It also opened doors to work on a healthy lifestyle alongside others as a Sonki Fitness trainer and advisor to professional athletes after my retirement from cheerleading.

What is your current exercise routine?  After moving outside of the Sonki Fitness radius I’ve done my best to keep up with his workouts. I have bands at home and push myself in my own backyard. Aside from that, I am always hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking in the summer and skiing in the winter. I mix in yoga and stretching as well as hot/cold contrast therapy on off days to help with muscle recovery.

What is your motivation to stay in shape?  My husband is a former Ironman triathlete and very fit and I am super competitive, so I try to keep up with him. I find that the more I move, the easier it is to find balance with the rest of my life. I have more energy to get through the daily tasks of raising kids, running a private foundation, volunteering, and getting great sleep to boot!

What is your key to success?  By surrounding myself with people who motivate me, I am much less likely to let things slip. Some months, (or years – hi COVID) are tougher than others, so make room in your life for grace.

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life?  I love the camaraderie coupled with the outdoor workout space. My closest friendships have formed through Sonki Fitness classes over the years. Plus, there is nothing better than exercising in nature and breathing fresh air. The classes push your limits, but the optimistic attitude of everyone around you is so encouraging. What is better than being in the best shape of your life and having fun getting there!? Whether it is the hikes, the beach workouts, or the mat exercises, I can trust that I’m in the most competent hands with Sonki’s leadership and that I’ll always leave the classes feeling incredible.

What advice would you give to others about fitness?  Find activities you love and then grab a friend to keep you motivated and accountable on the difficult days. And don’t be afraid to try new things and push your limits!

Any other comments?  It’s never too late to get started or to pick back up. Let go of your excuses and prioritize your health. The (good) pain is temporary, but the results can last a lifetime!