Meet Denise
Trauma informed ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Family Life Educator, Behavior Change Specialist & Life Coach

Hi, I'm Denise.  I'm really happy you've taken a few moments to checkout my page. I have always been a "helper" and have always jumped in to solve problems when I see them. I've also always been pretty active. I've been an athlete and a mover most of my life.  A couple years ago I started developing, what turned out to be, some auto-immune issues resulting in pretty severe chronic inflammation and food allergies.  Due to all the extra baked treats and this new medical condition, I put pounds on my body that exacerbated the issues, made my joints hurt, and it wasn't as easy to be as active anymore.  I had to do something. On top of all that, I now had this new anxiety around food because there were so many foods I could no longer eat without being sick or choking.  I had to get control of what I could control.   Working out became something I looked forward to.  I found classes I enjoyed, I spent time in a pool, I set goals,  I found friends to workout with, and I spend some time working with a trainer.  During my time in the gym, I saw people come and go.  I heard lots of class instructors and trainers who thought screaming was the best way to motivate, I watched gym regulars not make room for newcomers trying to learn machines, and I thought over and over about what an intimidating experience a gym can be if you've ever dealt with any sort of trauma history, if you've had bad experiences in gyms before, if you've ever been told your body isn't worthy of wearing the clothes you want to wear, if you've ever been made to feel like you don't deserve to share space with those how are stonger or "more attractive" than you, or if you have unhealed trauma that is triggered by loud noises and chaos.  I am passionate about Trauma Informed Care.  I have extensive training in how to be trauma informed.  I am a Life Coach and Certified Familiy Life Educator.  I've spent years working in the Social Work Field.  I have a Degree in Behavior Change.  I recently became an ACE Certified Personal Trainer.  Trauma Informed Personal Training is a relatively new field.  There is absolutely a need and I'm excited to make a space for it.  Not all fitness plans have to look the same.  Let's chat and see how we can get you ontrack to be your best self so you can do all the activities you want to do in life.  

 

I've lost 60lbs so far.  I am still learning how to take care of my body.  Some days I win and some days I struggle.  I am just like you.  If you are needing a personal trainer that can get you ready for a body building competition, make you a D1 athlete, or having you running marathons, I am not the right fit for you.  If you need someone with an understanding of how life is hard sometimes, who won't think you are "making excuses" when you just need a day off, who will challenge you without breaking you and who will celebrate you and support you each step of they way... I am most definitely your gal.  I'd love the opportunity to work with you and help you work through your exercise apprehensions. My approach is to meet people where they are and work together to develop a plan that works for each individual.  Will there be days that you might need to alter the plan?  You bet!  I'll be there to keep you accountable and to be your biggest cheerleader as you overcome and get stronger emotionally and physically. I am learning right along with you. Let's do this together!​