Running has been a part of my life since I first joined the sport “for fun” as a sixth grader. What began as something I simply enjoyed quickly became a passion and, ultimately, an experience that helped shape the person, parent, and coach I am today.

My running journey eventually led me to a NCAA DI scholarship at the University of Illinois.  Throughout my years in the sport, I experienced many of its incredible highs, but also its challenges and setbacks. Each chapter taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, confidence, balance, resilience, and the importance of finding purpose in the process—not simply chasing a time on the clock.

Today, running continues to be a big part of my family. I am a mom of five—four daughters and one son—and my four oldest children are runners as well, with my oldest daughter now competing in her freshman year of high school. Being a parent of young runners has given me another perspective on the sport and has reinforced how important it is to develop athletes with the long term in mind—supporting their growth, encouraging balance, celebrating progress, and helping them build a healthy and positive relationship with running.

As I enter my fourth year coaching at Bonita Charter School, one of my greatest joys is introducing young athletes to the sport that has given me so much. I love helping runners discover their own passion for running, learn how to set meaningful and tangible goals, understand the purpose behind their training, and develop the confidence to pursue their individual potential.

To me, running is about so much more than completing a race in a certain amount of time. It is an opportunity for young athletes to learn how to work toward something that matters to them, overcome obstacles, respond to setbacks, and discover that they are capable of more than they may have initially believed.

That philosophy is at the heart of Ascend Track & Cross Country. My goal is to help develop strong runners, but even more importantly, to help develop confident, resilient young people who enjoy the process, take ownership of their development, and carry the lessons they learn through running far beyond the finish line.

Coaching Education & Certifications

• USATF Level 1 Coach
• USATF Cross Country Specialist
• USATF Level 2 Sport Science
• SafeSport Certified

Aspire. Pursue. Ascend.