ABOUT

I was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, May 16th. I have one older brother, Mark. He and I are true Wolverine fans despite the fact that my dad graduated a Spartan, and my mom from Western Michigan.

I did not remain in Michigan long before moving to Muncie, Indiana and then finally to Spencer, Iowa. This is where it all began. My dad was the best inspiration a daughter could have. I was "Daddy's little girl!" He pushed me to give 100% in all that I did and he was my coach, father, and friend. I played most all sports growing up, but I excelled in softball, basketball, and golf. I was a four-sport athlete in high school and made All-conference in each.

Following high school, I attended Wartburg College, a small Division III school in Waverly, Iowa. Wow, what a beautiful place! I scored big in basketball, but it was softball and academics that I excelled.

I started lifting weights during my senior year at Spencer High and continued at Wartburg. I met my first boyfriend there. He played football, I was one of the athletic trainers, and we hit it off. We had so much in common. Not, to mention, we were great lifting partners. He helped me lift properly, and I just started growing, both mentally and physically. The weight room was my escape from the insane world outside. I just connected with the atmosphere and felt right at home.

Medical School came next. What an accomplishment! I was so proud of myself. I have the highest educational background in my family, but none of us cheated ourselves of an education. I continued to lift with my boyfriend during med school and even did powerlifting for a short stint. I am not sure that it was really for me. I did not like the fact that I ignored so many bodyparts during training.

After finishing medical school at the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, Des Moines, Iowa, I full-filled a three-year Family Practice residency in Des Moines. These were the toughest years of my career. I was “on call” a lot. It was not only very trying on my relationship with my boyfriend, but it was also mentally and physically draining. Despite the fact that I was extremely busy in residency, I entered my first bodybuilding show. A couple I met at the gym trained me for it. I got second place.

I entered my first National Qualifier in Rockford, Illinois, November 1999. I won the overall as a heavyweight. I was 132 #, and in the best condition of my career. I thought I would be adventurous in 2000, and decided, not only to do the USA in Vegas, but two weeks later the Team Universe in New York! Oh boy, what a wake-up call. I was neither big enough nor experienced enough to make a tiny dent in the judges mind. But you know what, I was proud of myself. I went solo to Las Vegas and I felt totally awesome. I was ON! Two weeks later, I went to New York for the first time ever with my good friend, Al. He was my friend, helper, and guide while in NYC. That was my first time in the big Apple. I did not show well in the judge's eyes, but my pride had been boosted. I came all the way from Iowa, to participate with the "big girls," and I put Des Moines on the map. That year at the Team Universe, I met one of my best friends to this day, Colette Nelson. We have been supporting each other in our respective shows ever since.

So, this is my story. I have so many people to thank for their support in my bodybuilding and my career, but it was also a time that my spiritual side was awakened thanks to a special friend. I never realized how much I was missing until I found Christ.

There is so much more intermixed, but you probably gathered that I am an extremely passionate and intense individual. “I imagine the year before me………a long stretch of sand on a beautiful beach. It is here that I will let my cares wash away. I will find treasures, build castles, and I will leave my mark. I once read that you can go your whole life collecting days, but none will outweigh the one you wish you had back. The Lord gave us each a gift. Open your “Eyes of faith” with me and follow your heart

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