I was born into a military family, , a fighter pilot father, a stay-at-home mom, and one sister. My family was fortunate to travel and live all over the world and by the time I graduated I had gone to about 18 different schools, and moved 29 times. It definitely taught me to adapt and overcome! I moved to Las Vegas in the winter of 1977 to be with my life-long best friend, Dana, after her father had crashed his jet and died. I've been in Las Vegas for 30 years now, and I love it here. It's incredibly hot in the summer, but that really brings out the vascularity!! Something is always happening here. If you've been here, you know what I mean, if not--then come for a visit...Vegas ROCKS!!

I started my bodybuilding hobby (and I call it my hobby because I have a career!) at the age of 26. That would have been 1986. At least , that's when I started going to the gym and lifting weights. I got more serious about it when I was 28, while preparing for a career in the fire service. Another girl at the gym was testing for the job of firefighter (this was back when VERY few women were on the job) and I knew if she could do it, I could do it. Her name was Sheila and she was an incredible athlete, and role model. As I worked to build the necessary muscle and stamina for the job, I really got into the whole muscle building experience, including the diet. I loved what it was doing for my body! I have been an athlete all my life. I swam and dove competitively in school, and was a gymnast and dancer when I was younger. Weight lifting really drew me in. The more muscle I gained, the more I wanted to train and learn. I trained in an old hole-in-the-wall gym owned by George Eiferman and the atmosphere was incredible! Several people at the gym asked me if I was getting ready for a show, which I scoffed at......then at home I took a look in the mirror and wondered if it was something that I would (and could) actually do. Next thing I know I was on stage at my first contest, hamming it up and having a blast!!! I never knew I would be so into the competition part of it. I wouldn't call myself a competitive person, but looking back at my track record, I guess I am. Everyone backstage at my first show was so helpful, and the whole experience was great. I couldn't wait to go again.

I took several years off to have my daughter, Flynn. During that period I exercised my competitive spirit on horseback. I had a small horse ranch and boarding facility on the outskirts of town, and learned to work cattle from the back of a horse. I competed in a sport called "cutting". That only lasted a few years. The gym was calling me back, and it truly was my saving grace while I was going through my divorce. I jumped back in with both feet and immediately started training and dieting for a bodybuilding event at the World Firefighter Games in Christchurch New Zealand in 2002. It was during that period that I decided to gain the necessary muscle mass to compete at the National Level, and I haven't looked back since! 2005 was my year to climb on stage with the big girls at the Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh and the USA's in my home town of Vegas. I half-heartedly told my circle of friends that this would be my last hoorah, and I would switch to a new sport- like bicycle racing- where I could eat what I want and my joints wouldn't hurt anymore. Only problem was, after the incredible experience of being around all those wonderful muscular women with all their experience and friendly helpful advice, I just couldn't quit!! I finished 6th at the Masters Nationals (which meant for the first time in my competitive career I didn't get to pose at the night show) and 14th at the USA's (I actually got in the 3rd callout, better than I thought I'd do!). I was SOOO motivated! I guess alot of girls would be embarrassed by that kind of placing, but I was proud just to have been there. I made some absolutley wonderful new friends and felt pretty da#@ good about being up there at 45 yrs of age. I then set my new goals for 2006 to include making the top 5 at the Masters Nationals, and the top 10 at the USA’s----which, I’m happy to say, I placed 4th and 9th, respectively!

I am the proud mother of two beautiful kids- my son Nick is 27 now, and my daughter Flynn is almost 12. My granddaughter Addison will be 1 in February. Boy, the years have flown by! My family has been so great about supporting me in my hobby/sport and putting up with my dieting most all of the time. I try not to be in contest prep during the Christmas season, because I just can't imagine not gobbling down some of those holiday goodies. I guess I'm kind of a Christmas kook. I start decorating before Thanksgiving, and the tree doesn't come down til after New Years. I decorate the fire station, too! The boys at the station are my "other" family, and I owe them alot. They've given me endearing nicknames like "the food Nazi" and "Alpha", but they support me and my wacky sport, and are always quick with a compliment or an "atta girl" when I need it most.  The only time they really complain is when they get sick of smelling the fish cooking every shift while I’m dieting. There’s been a fight or two over that, I must admit!

Bodybuilding has opened up so many new worlds for me. Without it I don't think I could perform as a firefighter. It has made me strong in more than one way. The discipline and dedication have helped me to manage my life in a healthy and fun-loving manner, and to appreciate stepping "outside the lines" once in a while. With strength comes beauty- inside and out. Muscle is beautiful and sexy, no doubt. I hope that my life as a bodybuilder can help to inspire other women to find their strength. If I can help only one person to become strong and empowered, I will have served my purpose. If in my career as a firefighter I can help one person or make a difference in one families lives, than I have served my purpose in that arena also. That is my goal in life. If you live in the positive, and never hesitate , you will leave behind only positive. I want to be a positive influence and role model for my children. I want to experience all that life has to offer. I don't want to look back and say "If only I had...."