About Me
The Big Picture
Before I became paralyzed, I was very active; I was always on the go. After my car accident in 2018, I decided right then and there that no matter my outcome, I would still strive to be as active and independent as possible. A year after my accident I started working out again and got re-certified through NASM. It was not an easy start. I definitely did not feel confident in my strength or my abilities, but I knew that I could coach anyone through any movement with my background knowledge and personal training experience.
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Getting back to personal training and helping other wheelchair users learn how to work out in their chairs and increase their strength has been amazing. I love training through zoom because I can work with anyone from around the world. A big goal of mine for the future is to make working out and gyms more accessible. I want to open my own accessible gym where wheelchair users would be able to come in and feel like they’re at home; Where all of the equipment will be accessible regardless of their abilities.
Through all of my obstacles, I always strive to be the best that I can be, constantly learning, giving back to others, taking care of myself, and practicing gratitude.
The Full Story
2013 - 2014
2018
2019
2022
I graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Biology. I got certified as a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and pursued my career in Personal Training to help people become the best versions of themselves.
On my way home from a bartending shift, I got into a fender bender that stalled my car in the center lane of the highway. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the hospital, paralyzed from the chest down. I learned that an SUV rear-ended me at full speed and a tractor-trailer dragged my car into the median. My life was turned upside down but all I could think about was that I was grateful to be alive.
I went with my family on a vacation to Hawaii, where I decided to go work out in the hotel gym with my sister. The gym was my home before the accident, but right then, I felt so out of place. That's when I made the decision that I wouldn’t let myself be a victim of my circumstance. I immediately got re-certified as a personal trainer.
I now train both able-bodied and disabled people, curating programs to suit each person's specific needs. I am stronger and more confident than I've ever been and continue to cultivate my independence. I'm dancing, smiling a genuine smile, working on my mindset, and continuing to do what I love.