What you like best about being a Physical Therapist?
An injury can prevent someone from reaching their fitness goals or enjoying their life. I can provide the link between the injury and returning to activity.

Why did you become a Physical Therapist?
I first started as a fitness instructor as a way to use my training as a physical educator (I have a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education) and be a part-time stay-at-home mom. It combined my love of music and dance with my love of movement. Admittedly, I’m one of the rare breed of people who actually enjoy exercise – a natural motivator.

While working for years training clients both in groups and one-on-one, I saw the frustration that people would have with their fitness routines when they experienced an injury. Becoming a Physical Therapist was naturally the next step, providing me with a deeper understanding of the medical issues that allowed me to work with people with injuries to help them return to their activities.

Favorite type/mode type of training?
I have taught many types of exercise, but my favorite class is Fusion Fitness. I combine yoga, Pilates, and conventional fitness exercises with my PT knowledge to provide a safe, effective workout that is low impact, and improves strength, flexibility, balance, and body awareness.

Your own athletic accomplishments:
As a kid, I was great at climbing trees, running in the park, leaping over creeks, biking all around town, shooting buckets (we were a basketball family) and playing catch (I throw a mean spiral with a football!). In college, I competed as a track athlete in the heptathlon and 400 m., and on the swim team. I have coaching certifications and experience coaching in track and field, volleyball, swimming and diving, and soccer. I used to compete in short triathlons, and (surprisingly!) was the swimming leg of a 1st place team in one triathlon. Currently, my athletic focus is on my road bike – it’s easy on the knees!

I have been a group exercise instructor for over 20 years and have received certifications in several movement disciplines from nationally accredited programs including: NSCA, ACE, Nautilus, Zumba, Dance Aerobics, Step Aerobics, and aquatic exercise.

Things you are currently working on/training for:
I bike all summer and cross country ski in the winter, with no goal in mind other than to maintain my fitness level and stay healthy. It also allows me to eat more (see “Hobbies”).

Hobbies/What you do when you are not training:
I like to play outside – hiking, especially at one of the beautiful parks in Wisconsin, biking, roller blading, walking my dogs, cross country skiing, and attending many of the great events around Madison, such as Concerts on the Square. I play volleyball when I can. I love to cook (and eat!) and am discovering more vegetarian recipes. I also love collecting music (I need another Ipod). And for the moments when I actually do sit down, I enjoy reading and spending time with friends.

Family or significant others:
I have 3 sons, Mark, Michael and Jason, who have each become wonderful adults, and 2 yellow labs, Molly and Bailey. My 2 brothers and their families, as well as my Mom and Dad, still live in the Chicago area, where I grew up. And yes, I’m a Bears fan.

Anything else?
Fitness is about the whole body, not just individual exercises. I support the melt philosophy, which incorporates treating the mind, body and spirit for optimal health. I am excited to be a part of it.

There really is a fountain of youth – it’s known as ‘movement.’ Don’t stop moving.