BACKGROUND

How did you get into your field?

As a child I was always fascinated with working out and what it could do for your body. That interest grew after joining my high school football team when training became routine. From there, I found myself powerlifting while studying sports performance in college.

Before graduating from the University of Cincinnati, I interned at Breakthrough, which led to coaching there, and providing strength and conditioning for athletes. Since beginning my career at Breakthrough, I have also found myself expanding into the world of movement, pain mitigation, and recovery.

What is your training background and how long have you practicing/teaching?

My training background consists of sports performance and fitness, as well as pain mitigation and movement. While these have been a focus of mine since high school, I officially began coaching three years ago.

Who influenced your career path (who have you enjoyed learning from, mentor, etc)?

I was initially influenced by my older brother, my Dad, and uncles as a child. While in high school, I had shoulder surgery and during the time, while I was going through physical therapy, I knew I wanted to work with people in a similar setting.

Since then, there have been so many people who have guided me along the way and influenced me, and I have been taking pieces of their ideologies to add to my own.

What makes you love your field?

Absolutely everything. At first, I was just excited to be in the gym all day. But as I have grown as a coach, I started to realize that I get to be a teacher, mentor, leader, and friend to everyone I train. From helping athletes win big games, to helping grandparents play with their grandchildren pain free, I have had the opportunity to impact so many lives. I’m incredibly grateful to be in my position.

INTERESTS/SPECIALITIES

What kind of clients do you love working with?

I love working with every type of client; from those working on weight control, to the person focusing on their health or recovery assistance, and even the beginner still discovering what their goals are. Because of my training background, I most enjoy working with athletes in need of strength and conditioning or pain mitigation.

What sets you apart?

My incredibly deep understanding of struggle. Whether it be from childhood struggle, surgery on both shoulders, losing 100 pounds, being a first-generation college student, or working multiple jobs while balancing time outside of work. I understand that life is incredibly difficult, but I have also found success firsthand through these trials. Having this understanding helps me to relate that much more to, not just clients, but all people I encounter. From this I have developed incredible awareness and adaptability and an untouchable work ethic.

What’s your mission?

My mission is to provide the highest quality coaching and to create the most positive impact on client’s lives that I can in and outside of the gym. I want to take part in shaping better people as a whole, not just better bodies.

HOBBIES

What brings you joy? What do you do with your spare time?

I enjoy watching movies, doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and listening to music. I’ve also begun listening to audiobooks and reading before bed. Ideally my fiancé and I go on more hikes, but they often end up as naps with our cat, George.

I enjoy spending time with friends and having a good meal. I do occasionally play some video games. It isn’t as much as I would like, but that may be a good thing in my case.

How do we follow you?

• Website: www.breakthroughcincy.com
• Instagram: @catalyst_fit