After graduating university with a BA in Theatre Arts, I spent the next 16 years working in various theatres across Canada. It was a very exciting career but I realized near the end that exercise and physical activity was my passion.

 

In 2009 I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. I felt helpless, hopeless and lost. I needed something. I decided it was time to turn it up a notch. I wanted to participate in the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada’s running event, and dammit, I was going to be running the 10km—the longest distance. I trained and I ran—faster than my goal time. All I needed was motivation and a goal.

 

Following that 10km I participated in a number of distance running events, triathlons, duathlons and enjoyed every minute. My goals were never to win, but to do my best. My training reignited my love for teaching group fitness. I decided to re-certify as an instructor and a few years later I decided that I also wanted to become a Personal Fitness Trainer. My family and I found ourselves moving to Fort McMurray which provided me the opportunity for a new start and I was exited to get started.

 

Starting a second career has been exciting and nerve racking. I have had many ups and downs along the way and many MANY moments of self-doubt, but I would not have changed the experience. I love what I do! I love helping people become healthier versions of themselves, working towards goals and learning new ways to move.

 

Pursuing a diploma through the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, certification through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and through the National Academy for Sports Medicine has been a dream come true. Next steps will be to continue educating myself so that I can provide the best possible experience for all my clients.