How Did I Get Here

Fitness has been part of my life for nearly 20 years—but becoming a fitness professional was never something I originally planned. It was something I discovered, fell in love with, and ultimately made a career out of.

That looks different for everyone. You may want to build strength, improve your balance and mobility, get back into a consistent exercise routine, maintain your independence as you get older, or simply feel more comfortable and capable in your body. Wherever you're starting, my job is to meet you there and help you move forward.

My fitness career  started somewhat unexpectedly. While I was in college, I was asked to help an aerobics instructor who was expecting a baby. I stepped in to assist with her classes and quickly discovered how much I loved the energy, the people, and the opportunity to help someone feel better through movement.

Several years later, after getting married and having my second child, I decided to leave my career in corporate hospitality and pursue fitness professionally.

Kickboxing played a big part in that decision. I had fallen in love with the combination of strength, conditioning, coordination, and challenge it provided. While on maternity leave, I earned my first Certified Personal Trainer certification, converted my garage into a small training studio, began working with clients, and started teaching kickboxing.

What began as a career change grew into something much bigger.

Years later, I was introduced to Rock Steady Boxing, a specialized fitness program for people living with Parkinson's disease.

Initially, I wasn't sure it was for me. I had never worked with a neurological population and didn't yet have the knowledge or experience I felt the role deserved.

Then I attended the first Rock Steady Boxing class in Petaluma with my uncle, who was living with Parkinson's. I went as his corner person—and that one class completely changed the direction of my career.

I traveled to Indianapolis to become a certified Rock Steady Boxing coach and went on to coach the Petaluma program for 11 years, managing it for six. Today, I own and manage Rock Steady Boxing Sonoma and continue expanding my work with people living with Parkinson's and other neurological conditions.

That experience has also changed the way I train all of my clients. It has given me an even greater appreciation for balance, coordination, mobility, cognitive function, strength, independence, and our ability to continue learning and challenging our bodies throughout life.

Today, my work includes personal training, small-group training, kickboxing classes,  and specialized fitness for a variety of populations including neurological populations. 

My education has grown along with my career and includes certifications in Personal Training, Health Coaching, Assisted Stretch Coaching, Parkinson's Medical Fitness, and additional specialized training.

I'm also a board member of the Parkinson's Support Group of Sonoma County and volunteer in the community through presentations, demonstrations, and education.

But credentials are only one part of being a good trainer.

I believe good coaching means listening to you, understanding what you need, knowing when to challenge you, knowing when to modify, and creating workouts that have a purpose.

You don't have to already be “in shape” to work with me. You don't need to know your way around a gym. And you don't have to move like anyone else.

You just need a place to start.

After nearly 20 years in the fitness industry, fitness is more than just my career—it’s a way of life. I’ve worked with people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels, and I understand that everyone has their own reasons for training. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build strength, improve endurance, feel more confident, stay competitive, or maintain mobility and independence, my approach is to meet you where you are and help you achieve what matters most to you.

What continues to motivate me is seeing what people can accomplish with the right guidance, encouragement, and an approach that evolves with their needs. I'm just as passionate about coaching today as I was when I first started, and I believe fitness should help you build a body that feels strong, moves well, looks good, and keeps up with the life you want to live.

Train today for the life you want tomorrow.

I am happily married and a proud mother of two teenagers, a Sonoma State University graduate, a lifelong Northern California resident, and someone who genuinely loves being active. When I'm not training clients or coaching, you'll probably find me enjoying the outdoors, participating in athletic events, or spending time with family and friends. Fitness has been part of my life for a long time, and helping others discover what their bodies are capable of and feeling good is what turned it into my career.

This is what I do. This is what I love. And this is why I created jp Fitness.

Fun fact: When I am alone I turn up the music and dance to my favorite songs!