How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
2 Boys: 13 and 10
What do you love about living in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Corridor?
I love how the Iowa City & Cedar Rapids Corridor offers family friendly events and activities to provide a big city feel but still maintains that small town sense of community.
What’s your favorite restaurant and/or place to shop in the area?
Favorite Date Night Restaurant: Iowa Chop House
Favorite Family Night Restaurant: Mellow Mushroom
I love to shop! MOXIE + mortar is one of my favorites!
Tell us about your career.
I am the General Manager of Thrive Gym in Coralville and I am honored to help guide members on their individual path towards their own physical and mental wellness journey everyday.
Why did you decide to become a Fitness Instructor?
I am a huge advocate for personal development and noting that we, as individuals, can not fill others buckets if ours is empty. The environment at Thrive Gym is supportive and encourages members to focus on their own overall health and upon exit of our facility individuals are more motivated to share their energy and the best version of themselves with everyone they connect with. I feel strongly that this profession not only fulfills my passion to help others but Thrive is the perfect platform for me to spread health and wellness knowledge on a larger scale.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The Members and Staff! Thrive Members are always encouraging me by walking through our front doors. Without their dedication to get to the gym I wouldn’t get to do my job and I am thankful for each and everyone of them for choosing our fitness space and for finding it as amazing as I do. In addition, I work with the best fitness team, they are supportive, understanding and hardworking. They see the true vision of Thrive Gym and go above and beyond to make every member’s experience the best possible.
How do you juggle work with mommyhood?
I’m going to keep this real, not well…LOL. I think this is something I’ve always struggled with and I believe there is no such thing as a perfect work-life balance. Yet, I get up everyday and try hard to provide for everyone to the best of my ability. Some days are just better than others and then some days I show up to work with my shirt on backwards…no one expects us to be perfect but as long as we keep trying that’s all that matters.
How has your job changed during COVID-19?
COVID-19 has brought so many unforeseen challenges to so many people, myself included. COVID-19 closed a door to my 12 year career as an Office Manager but also reopened the door to where my heart and passion has truly always been, with helping people be the best version of themselves. I get to be a part of watching people transform their mind/body into such a healthy place and to be a part of that is very special. I could dwell on how COVID-19 robbed me of a job I loved with all of my heart but I’m choosing to say it redirected my heart towards my undeniable love for fitness and wellness.
What’s your advice to moms in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis?
Breathe. There are days, hours and minutes when we have it all together and then days, hours and minutes when we fall apart. This type of uncertainty brings mixed emotions and a lack of routine that none of us are used to so just be kind to yourself, offer patience to your children and kindness to strangers. None of us can claim we have answers to what tomorrow will bring so keep a mask close, your face towards the sun and try to find joy in as much of your day as possible.
