My fitness journey began when I was in high school and joined a local fitness center with my best friend. I quickly fell in love with all things that are related to group fitness. I became a certified group fitness instructor at the age of 19 and have never looked back. I graduated from college in 1996 and have been a schoolteacher for almost as long as I have been a fitness instructor. As the world of fitness has evolved over the past 30 years, so has my fitness journey. I have expanded my knowledge base and acquired additional certifications to include various aerobic formats, group strength training, personal training, cycling, and barre. My love for fitness, supporting and educating others, and dedication to my own health have supported me in staying current on health and fitness trends. My path to becoming a barre instructor began with an injury. I tore my hamstring while running a half-marathon. The physical therapist who supported me with my recovery recommended that I start taking barre classes to strengthen the stabilizing muscles in my lower body, the goal being to prevent future running injuries. It wasn't long before I pursued becoming a barre instructor. I am so excited to be joining the Barre Intensity family and to teach their barre format at our local community fitness center.