Since I was a child I have been fascinated with improving my health, fitness and athleticism. I was a tall, skinny, awkward kid growing up who always lacked confidence, especially in the gym. So after begging my parents to get some home equipment for some time, I got my first set of plastic-covered cement weights from Target when I was 12. I was so shy and uncomfortable that I didn’t feel like I was strong enough or good enough in some way, to even take a high school weight training class until my senior year! Somehow my passion persisted and the calling became louder. I knew that if I put the effort into building physical strength and learning about the body, it was going to be worth overcoming my fears and leading to something more.
Unfortunately, some misguided enthusiasm resulted in chronic back and shoulder injuries that sidelined my athletic career and limited my quality of life well into my 30s. During my senior year in high school, the gym had essentially broken me, but somehow I knew there must be a better way to use resistance and other forms of physical training to rebuild my body without re-injuring myself. So, I dove into my quest to learn as much as possible about the body with the help of several mentors, tireless self study, constant personal practice, certifications, and a degree in Exercise Science along the way. Unknowingly, these injuries and setbacks would be the cornerstone of my passion and unique perspective on how to teach others to live an empowered, pain-free, active life using the strength and movement principles that I have created and honed in my 20+ year career.
Working full time in the clinic environment as an Exercise Physiologist/Employee Wellness Coordinator/High School Strength Coach for over 10 years, allowed me to understand how important it is to fuel the body and mind through proper exercise, health education and nutrition at any age. So in 2014 I successfully “retired” from my clinical position and packed up to move to sunny Bend, Oregon to start Empowered Strength and now enjoy teaching full time in my studio and online with clients around the world.
I have competed as a Scottish Highland Games athlete since 2004 and hold several world records. Last year, I successfully lifted the 734lb. Dinnie Stones and many of the legendary stones of strength in Scotland. This coming year, I am planning a trip to Iceland to lift even bigger stones and compete in the Highland Games Masters World Championships.
Education
Certifications and Courses
Personal Accomplishments