PHOTO BY RICK DREW PHOTOGRAPHY





























Date of birth (or current age): 03/26/77

Hometown: Skokie, IL.

Height: 5’3

Contest Body Weight: Midwest Ironman-125

Off Season Body Weight: 145

Name of training facility: X Sport Niles

Tell us briefly about yourself. Any general information you want to provide about who you are, what you do, family life, special interests etc. 











I work as a kindergarten teacher and have been teaching for eight years.  I have a master’s degree in Educational Administration and am currently finishing my Ph.D in Special Education.  

How many years have you been training? 



I have been training at the gym for 12 years.  I have only been training to seriously compete in bodybuilding contests for a year.

Why did you get into bodybuilding? 







I have always loved muscular physiques and learning about lifting weights.  I remember watching my brother lift in the basement of my house and wanting to lift with him.  I got my first gym membership at the age of 13 at the YMCA and went everyday.  I love learning how to challenge my physique and muscles to grow and develop.  I always wanted to compete and see how far I could push my body.

How many competitions have you done? 
The Midwest Ironman 2007 was my first NPC show!!

What is your main motivation to compete? To challenge my body and physique to the maximum level possible.   

Who did you work with throughout your contest preparation, if anyone, and how did they help you?  
I would not have competed if it weren’t for two special people.  My boyfriend, best friend and trainer Michael Hoffman pushed me to the extreme and never let me give up.  He was there every step of the way and taught me so much about lifting as a bodybuilder and correct form. He worked with me on posing and helped me through the last couple of weeks prior to the show. Anita Nikovich helped me through all my contest prep, including my diet and supplements.  She helped me with my posing, my routine and continues to help me with my off season diet and supplementation program.

What was the hardest thing about preparing for this most recent competition?  
Working in an elementary school building and being surrounded by food in the staff lounge all the time.  Not being able to participate in social events at work because of dieting.

What kept you motivated and focused on your goals prior to your most recent competition? 
The biggest motivators were my friends, family and my boyfriend.  Their day-to-day positive interactions and supportive words and actions kept me going.  I also have a very strong desire to succeed and have always been a hard worker.  When I set my mind to a goal I give 100% and nothing can stop me from accomplishing my dreams and desires. 

Why do you think you won over the competition in your most recent show? 
I came as prepared and ready as I could.  I wanted to build my future in bodybuilding on a foundation of excellence and come in looking my best.

Tell us about your off season training, nutrition and supplementation program.  What does that look like typically? 
I workout with my trainer 6 days a week and push myself to the max each day.  I walk in the gym ready to give my 100% no matter how tired I am. I am hoping to gain a bit more size in the off season.  Anita has put me on an off season diet and supplementation program to help me work toward my future goals.  

How were you doing the day of the show?  What were your main concerns and what were you thinking about?  
I really wanted to network and meet new people.  I was focused on posing correctly and gaining as much stage experience as I could.

Tell us about your in-season training, nutrition and supplementation program. 
I work with Anita and together we create a nutrition and supplementation plan for my contest prep.  I continue to train 6 days a week with my trainer.  Ten weeks out I began doing cardio twice a day. 

In your opinion, what does it take to achieve a goal someone sets for themselves and to win? 
A desire and motivation to succeed. I believe one must work hard on and off season in the gym and push themselves every day.  I think eating well in the off season is just as important as training hard.

What advice would you would give to others working to compete in an NPC sanctioned show? 
Do your homework and come to the show prepared in every way.  Learn from others who have competed, network with others, read and research competitive bodybuilding. Practice your routine and posing A LOT.  Trust one person’s advice and do not listen and follow what everyone in the gym tells you.

What are your future plans?  Are you preparing for any upcoming contests? 
I want to gain some size and journey back to the stage to compete in Jr. Nationals 09.  My goal is to come in bigger, better, leaner and meaner.

Final thoughts?  Anything that is on your mind not covered in the questions?

I just want to again thank my family and friends for all of their support during my contest prep.  Your understanding, care, help and encouragement helped me to reach this goal and dream.  To Christian and Jim, thank you for being rookies with me.  You always made me feel so supported and encouraged me to keep striving forward. I am so lucky to have you as friends!  I also want to thank Anita for all her hard work, motivation, positive encouragement and for believing in me.  I would not have stood on stage looking my best without you! Lastly, to the love of my life Michael for being my everything.  You picked me up when my wings forgot how to fly and stood by my side through it all. No amount of words could possibly thank you enough….