I thought this might be a great time to re-introduce myself, share my background, and tell you a little more about how I got here — all the ups, downs, and in-betweens. So here it is: me in a nutshell.
Growing Up in the 80s & 90s
I grew up in the late 80s and 90s, during the height of the fat-free and sugar-free craze. Weight Watchers was one of the biggest programs at the time, and like many girls, I was taught to equate being “skinny” with being worthy.
By the time I was a young teenager, I was overweight. The summer before my sophomore year of high school, I joined Weight Watchers and lost 40 pounds. On the outside, I was “smaller,” but on the inside, I quickly learned that being skinny didn’t automatically make all my problems disappear or create instant happiness.
That same year, I joined cross-country. I wasn’t great at it at first, but I stuck with it and eventually became a decent runner. That sport was my first real taste of athletics — and it planted the seed for the runner (and fitness enthusiast) I would later become.
Joining the Navy
By the time I graduated high school, I had gained back the 40 pounds I had lost. About a year later, I made the decision to join the Navy. I needed to lose about 15 pounds to meet the weight requirements, so I spent those months before boot camp doing endless cardio and eating as little as possible — because that’s what we were told was “the way” back then.
After I got through boot camp and arrived at my first duty station, I found a local running club and got back into training. I even rejoined Weight Watchers. But it wasn’t until a friend introduced me to CrossFit that everything changed. That’s when I learned how to fuel my body, lift weights, and train to perform well — not just shrink myself.
Leading in Fitness
CrossFit became a cornerstone in my life and even led me to becoming a Command Fitness Leader in the Navy. I was responsible for leading workouts and running our semi-annual Physical Fitness Tests. Fitness wasn’t just my personal outlet anymore — it became part of my duty to lead and inspire others.
From Active Duty to Reserves
After 7.5 years on active duty, I transitioned into the reserves — where I served another 7.5 years. That shift came with its own unique struggles.
Unlike active duty, reservists juggle demanding civilian jobs, family life, and military obligations. It’s easy for fitness and nutrition to slip when you’re stretched so thin. I knew myself well enough to realize that if I didn’t keep a solid fitness routine, I’d quickly become another “statistic” of an out-of-shape reservist. So, I stayed consistent by joining another CrossFit gym when I moved back home to Michigan, and that commitment carried me through my next two pregnancies, and all of life’s chaos.
Marriage, Independence & Fitness as a Companion
Another part of my story? I met my husband, Kenny, in the Navy while stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington in 2006. We got married in 2007 — and like many military couples, the early years were spent apart more than together. One of us was often deployed for six months at a time.
Those separations forced me to become independent and find ways to ground myself. Fitness became my steady companion. No matter where we were or how far apart, it was something I could always lean on.
Education, Coaching & Business
While in the reserves, I finished my bachelor’s degree with a minor in Exercise Science and Wellness/Health Promotion. I also earned my CrossFit certification and began coaching at a local gym.
Eventually, I co-owned a CrossFit affiliate for a couple of years before it closed. From there, I worked full-time as a medical technician for the Army as a civilian, while continuing to train at home using online programs that fit my hectic schedule as a working mom, reservist, and wife.In 2021, I made the decision to fully step away from the military. I shifted to working part-time at a friend’s insurance agency so I could be home more with my two youngest and began building my nutrition coaching business. That decision eventually led me here — to running my own fitness and nutrition coaching business full-time, with my Fit In The Mitt app and small-group training out of our family pole barn gym.
The Big Picture
Looking back, fitness has been the common thread through every season of my life:
- Overweight teen chasing “skinny” through diets.
- New Navy recruit learning discipline and structure.
- Command Fitness Leader guiding others.
- Reservist balancing family, civilian work, and military service.
- Mom of three finding ways to fit it in.
- Now, a business owner using my journey to help others.
There have been seasons of weight loss, weight gain, struggles, consistency, chaos, and calm. But the foundation of fitness and nutrition has always been there, helping me adapt, grow, and show up as my best self.
Now, I’m grateful to pay it forward by helping other women — moms, veterans, and anyone balancing a busy life — find that same confidence and consistency. Because no matter what season you’re in, there’s always a way to make time for yourself. It may look different depending on your life stage, but it’s worth it — and when you take care of yourself, you’re better able to care for everyone else.
✨ Thanks for reading my story. If you’re new here — welcome! I’d love to connect and help you on your own fitness and nutrition journey.