PHOTO BY RICK DREW PHOTOGRAPHY

Home town: Oak Lawn, IL.

Height: 5' 4"

Contest Body Weight: 145

Off Season Body Weight: 160 - 165

Name of training facility: U.S.A. Gym / Cardinal Fitness

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 full time as a Paramedic for the Chicago Fire Department. Part time I'm a FF/PM for Evergreen Park, and a Personal Trainer at Cardinal fitness in Chicago. Since I was a child I was always athletic and competing in sports. Not till I went away to college did I realize how detrimental not being active was on ones body. My weight hit 200lbs and I needed to do something. I always read fitness magazines; I remember saying to myself "Wow these women look great!", "Why can't I do that?". I will never forget thinking that. That was the day I became a bodybuilder, I just didn't know it. We are all in control of our lives and bodies, I want to inspire women who are overweight and don't know where to start. Anything is possible! As Chuck (my trainer) says, "How bad do you want it?"

How many years have you been training?

5 years / 3 competively.


PHOTO BY RICK DREW PHOTOGRAPHY

Why did you get into bodybuilding?

I Love lifting weights, and my shape was changing over the years so drastically. I am able to put on muscle quick and easy so i decided to compete.

How many competitions have you done?

Three

What is your main motivation to compete?

To be the best I can be. Not to fail myself.

Who did you work with throughout your contest preparation, if anyone, and how did they help you?

Chuck Sanow. He taught me patience and the importance of leaning and listening to my body.

PHOTO BY RICK DREW PHOTOGRAPHY

What was the hardest thing about preparing for this most recent competition?

Eating fish straight for a month!

What kept you motivated and focused on your goals prior to your most recent competition?

Me and Chuck switched my around this show, so I was excited to see the end result.


PHOTO BY RICK DREW PHOTOGRAPHY

Why do you think you won over the competition in your most recent show?

I think my body is very symmetrical. Still trying and learning to lean down. All in due time.

Tell us about your off season training, nutrition and supplementation program.  What does that look like typically?

My training stays the same, on 4 days 1 day rest, 2 body parts a day. I lift heavy, i try hard to diet but allow cheat meals, and days (off-season).


PHOTO BY RICK DREW PHOTOGRAPHY

How were you doing the day of the show?  What were your main concerns and what were you thinking about?

I felt good this show. Very happy to be competing and proud of myself that i was able to do another show.

Tell us about your in-season training, nutrition and supplementation program?

On/Off season Pretty much the same. Just a Stricter diet.

In your opinion, what does it take to achieve a goal someone sets for themselves and to win?

It takes persistence, dedication, hard work, growing mind, body and soul.


PHOTO BY RICK DREW PHOTOGRAPHY

What advice would you would give to others working to compete in an NPC sanctioned show?

Take your time and follow advice from someone who know all areas of competing

What are your future plans?  Are you preparing for any upcoming contests?

I would like to do a National Show this year! Maybe Jr. Nationals.

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

Enjoy life and everything it has to offer.