I am an educator, certified group fitness instructor, founder and CEO of the Bionic Babes, Dancers of Hope.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We are a blended family of 6 ranging from the ages of 19-26 with my 3 sons and my step daughter.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Most of my life I’ve been a teacher in some capacity. Whether I was working with dance teams, students in a classroom, or members in a group fitness class, I’ve always been drawn to helping people. In October of 2022, I followed my big dream and created a non profit, 501(c)(3) dance team and support group for cancer survivors and medical professionals. What I love most about what I do is helping others through educating the mind or body to stay healthy and active.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Ooh that’s easy! Most of my favorite restaurants in the community are the local ones: Bosco’s, Morton’s, Impastatos Cellars, Leonardo’s, 527 in Mandeville, Garcia’s. I do also like The Boulevard and Pedro’s.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
24 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
No one to name. I think everyone is interesting and everyone brings so many talents and resources to the community to make it unique.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I prefer TV series like Downton Abbey, The Crown, Outlander and Outer Banks.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The advice I would give to people would be to take time for your family and children and enjoy every milestone with them. Always pursue your ambitions and dreams but don’t let it take over your life. Figure out a balance. Life is about living and sharing it with people you love.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Chase Stokes, John B on Outer Banks or Ed Sheeran To tell them thank you. First to the character, John B, that reminds me of my son that passed away not only by looks but the character he portrays. Lunch would be at a restaurant along the Tchefuncte River. Also, Ed Sheeran for writing a song about a friend he lost and how true those words are and not everyone knows; we would go to an Irish Pub Eatery on Magazine Street.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The number of locally owned businesses that supports our community in so many ways.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still living on the Northshore and doing all the things I love and enjoy that I do now. As it pertains to the dance team, hoping to see it get to 100 members strong before 5 years.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I danced in Super Bowl XX
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A trip or just time spent with my husband and kids.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I think there comes a time in your life that you received all the tools needed to be inspired by others and you hold them all now in your toolbox. My parents were the ones to inspire me to be better by watching and learning from them. Now that they have both passed away, for myself, I realize being inspired is now coming within, by God and Grace.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Comfort, Protected
