I’m a proud mother of two teens, and wife of 25 years. I’m a Lecturer at the University of Central Oklahoma, where I teach in the Kinesiology & Health Studies Dept. I have over 25 years of experience in health and fitness. My calling over the last two decades has been in group fitness, nutrition, & health education.

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YOU CAN FIND ME:

Working out - Listening to a podcast - Enjoying my backyard

I’M NOT ABOUT:

Negativity - Cold weather - Following the crowd

I BELIEVE IN:

Jesus Christ as my savior - Food as medicine- Using my gifts for a purpose

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MY STORY…

Despite exercising regularly and eating what I was taught was a “healthy” diet, I suffered from chronic digestive issues, mid-day energy lows, and overuse athletic injuries for years...

I was introduced to the benefits of a Plant-Based diet for health and athletic performance in 2017. Intrigued and frustrated by the information I was uncovering, I spent over 1,000 hours of evidence based nutrition research. Concerned about my family health history of heart disease, cancer, and weight problems, it was important for me to lay the best foundation for not only myself, but my family as well. As a health educator, fitness instructor, and running coach at the time, I felt obligated to provide the most accurate health information. Curious if a change in my diet would make a difference, I decided to put a Plant-Based diet to the test. To my surprise, my energy improved, I released extra weight, and my digestive issues went away completely. My husband and I began to see benefits on the inside as well: our cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and A1C levels reached an all time low. My athletic performance and inflammation improved. My daughter and I reached our personal record half marathon time of 1:57 minutes- placing top 3 in each of our age groups-all with little to no soreness! Little did I know my experiment would become a new lifestyle.

MY TRAINING:

Bachelors of Science in Community Wellness

Oklahoma State University

Masters of Education in Higher Education/Health-

University of Central Oklahoma

Certifications: Plant Based Nutrition (Center for Nutritional Studies eCornell), Fitness Nutrition (ACE) & Group Fitness Instructor (AFAA)