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I have been passionate about fitness, recreation, and movement throughout my life. I competed in soccer and cross country in high school and continue to enjoy recreational sports, dance, acrobatics, and creative approaches to exercise. I have taught recreational gymnastics for more than 10 years, dance cardio since graduate school, and a wide variety of group fitness classes, including yoga, at LA Fitness.

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My own experience taught me how powerful movement can be for managing stress and supporting mental well-being. Through yoga, I discovered the benefits of deep breathing, mindful movement, and body awareness for managing stress, overcoming fears, and supporting healing from trauma. This experience and working with people trained in Chinese medicine that focuses more on the environment for healing led me to develop a holistic and integrative approach that recognizes the connection between physical health, mental health, recreation, and overall quality of life.

My professional experience spans more than 15 years in the medical and behavioral health fields, along with experience teaching as a college professor. Through Life Balance Fitness, I have provided exercise therapy services at Stillpoint Therapy in Gainesville, Florida. I have also worked with military populations and served for two years with AmeriCorps.

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My fitness experience includes working with people across the lifespan and at every level of ability. I have taught children as young as two and helped adults in their 30s and 40s perform their first cartwheel. I have also worked with older adults and individuals recovering from injuries through Aquafit and chair yoga. My background includes aerial arts at a circus gym, training with Florida State University's Circus program, and gymnastics at the University of Florida.

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I enjoy helping clients develop strength, stability, balance, power, agility, flexibility, mental clarity, and confidence while pursuing goals related to fitness, weight management, athletic performance, or artistic movement. I draw on my background in psychology, fitness, and weight management to explore the connection between the mind and body and apply that knowledge to each client's individual goals.

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I also provide education and guidance related to cooking and nutrition to support overall health, wellness, and physical performance. Ultimately, I believe a healthy life requires balance: meaningful work, physical activity, self-care, recreation, creativity, and time to reconnect with ourselves and the things we enjoy.

 

 

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It's not about what you can't do.

                        It's about what you can't do yet!" - Mark Gibson

 

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