STRENGTH AND SPINE - Key Persons
At age 16, I was diagnosed with scoliosis by a chiropractor after a car accident, but never received any treatment.
I went on to serve in the military and law enforcement without realizing I had scoliosis. In 2015, a massage therapist asked if I had ever learned to work out with my scoliosis, which was the second time someone had mentioned my curve in 15 years.
I tried many therapies but felt more broken than ever, until a physical therapist challenged the narrative and encouraged me to lift heavy weights. This changed the trajectory of my life and I became a trainer to help others with chronic illness and scoliosis.
Working with Strength & Spine allows me to have a greater international reach and create home programs that motivate and focus on what clients can do. I'm passionate about teaching proper form and challenging beliefs about what people with scoliosis are capable of doing.
My driving force is to promote physical and mental health benefits by encouraging people to move.
As someone who has dealt with back problems and scoliosis, I found yoga to be of great benefit and completed a 200-hour Yoga teacher training, including Yoga for pre and post-natal pregnancy. I also trained in Level 2 Gym-Based Exercise, Level 3 Personal Training, as a Kettlercise® instructor, and completed additional courses such as Yoga Reloaded, Yin Yoga, Trauma Informed Yoga, and Pilates.
Additionally, I am a trained clinical hypnotherapist and incorporate elements of it in my classes.
I initially came to Strength and Spine as a client to work on my own curve self-care. I have improved my alignment, strength, and reduced pain.
! was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was about 13 years old. I was prescribed a back brace and was told that this was the only way I could prevent my curve from progressing. My back had a 50 degree thoracic primary curve. I was scared and was unsure what to do. My parents took me to numerous specialists with a few doctors recommending surgery. My family and I decided to seek out different treatment and we felt lost.
After ignoring my scoliosis for a few years, I decided to take up CrossFit. I found a passion in fitness and nutrition which led me to seeking out a career as a physical therapist assistant.
I am now a physical therapy assistant, personal trainer, and working towards my nutritionist and corrective exercise certifications to allow me to help others feel empowered and discover a strength they didn't know they had. Strength and Spine allows me to channel that inner passion of mine and allow me to be the coach that I needed when I was lost.
I am a former gymnast with scoliosis who found relief through Pilates and became interested in fitness.
I pursued a degree in Exercise and Sports Sciences, worked as a CrossFit Coach, and had internships with athletic strength and conditioning programs. I have been a Personal Trainer and Small Group Trainer for 8 years, focusing on core strength, stability, mobility, functional training, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and joint-specific rehabilitation.
I am passionate about helping my clients improve their quality of life through fitness and provide overwhelming support and encouragement. I have taught fundamentals and nutrition workshops, promoted and planned competitions and events, and developed other trainers.
I believe my strength lies in building relationships with my clients and being their biggest support system throughout the emotional, mental, and physical journey of fitness.
I was diagnosed with scoliosis just before starting high school, but I didn't really understand what it meant for me. My back had a 30 degree thoracic and 22 degree lumbar curve, and I didn't even remember seeing the X-ray of my back.
Despite my scoliosis, I started weightlifting and even became a national competitor. I always felt off-balance and wondered why my ribs stuck out, but no coach, trainer, or physical therapist could explain it to me. One coach even referred to me as "the hunchback" due to my rib prominence.