Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, I went to PCC and Portland State University to study Sociology and Psychology. After college I worked nearly 20 years as an Education Assitsant and Speech Therapy Assistant. I also worked part time for Portland Parks and Recreation from 1984 to 2004 as a recreation leader, Inclusion specialist, and Personal Trainer.

I began studying Yoshokai Aikido in 1994 under Dick Moser-sensei. Impressed by his incredible skill and kindness, I had almost perfect attendance in his classes until he retired from teaching in 2005. I am now a third degree black belt and a shidoin level instructor. I teach at two locations: Montavilla Community Center on 82nd and Glisan, and in the historic Peninsula Odd Fellows building on 4834 N Lombard St.

In 2006, I went returned to college to study exercise science so I could better serve my students in Aikido. Seeing a need for affordable personal trainers, I took the exam to be nationally certified by the American Council on Exercise, and founded Everyday Fitness LLC. Everyday Fitness provides personal training for a sliding scale fee from $25-$55 per session. I want to help everyone to enjoy happy, healthy lifestyles, regardless of income level.