About Me
What I love to do:
Family Time * Riding * Coaching * Walking * Hiking * Paddle Boarding * Ranch Projects * Volunteering * Helping people attain their goals!
Education/Certifications:
B.A. Hollins University (Majors: Biology & Spanish)
NASM-CPT - National Academy of Sports Medicine - Certified Personal Trainer
NASM - CNC - Certified Nutrition Coach
Certified OrangeTheory Fitness (OTF) Instructor
Certified SilverSneakers Flex Instructor
CPR/First Aid Certified
Background:
I'm originally from San Diego, CA but have been in TX for over 25 years.
Together, my husband and I have 4 wonderful kids. If you attend classes you'll get to hear about them and their adventures.
Most of my career was spent in Human Resources and Client Services. I left the corporate world in 2013, did all the mom things and served with multiple Non-Profit organizations in our community, both as a volunteer and on Executive boards.
Fitness became a part of my life back in high school, attending the local gym at the military base nearby. Throughout the years I attended many different fitness classes, gyms, and met with a personal trainer etc. but it wasn't until 2016, when I joined OrangeTheory Fitness (OTF) and found that it was one of the best workouts for MY body. After loyally attending classes 3-5x/week for over 3 years I decided to fulfill the long time desire to train others and obtain all the required certifications to become a Certified Personal Trainer and OTF instructor. After earning my certifications, I worked at OTF for an additional 2.5 years, until we moved to our ranch in Sunrise Beach Village.
Horses became a part of my life as a young kid going to my best friends ranch and riding their horses. I didn't have any formal training until college where I was fortunate enough to ride with the Hollins University Hunter/Jumper Equestrian Team. After College, I didn't get to ride for a long time, but I was able to volunteer with a therapeutic riding center for several years which helped me get my horse fix . Lucky for me, my daughter also loves riding and a great support to giving lessons.
After moving to Sunrise Beach, I struggled to manage my health and nutrition on my own. So, I turned to a longtime friend and colleague—the owner of Fittbra, LLC, a nutrition company—for guidance. Over the years, I had seen incredible progress and results from their clients. After thorough research and a consultation, I decided to join their whole-food-based program, especially after experiencing a couple of bouts of diverticulitis myself.
My success with the program, along with my belief in Fittbra’s mission, inspired me to obtain my NASM CNC certification. Since then, I've bee helping clients navigate their own health and nutrition challenges.
After moving to Sunrise Beach in Summer of 2021, I struggled not having access to all the fitness and nutrition options I was accustomed to having before. (Ranch work is not the same as working out.). I decided to start my own company, Strides to Empowerment, LLC. I'm so happy to be able to offer affordable and accessible "fitness for all" classes at the SBV Civic Center 3 days a week as well as nutrition clients near and far.