I’ve trained martial arts for nearly 25 years. I have earned a fourth-degree black belt in Kuk Sool Hapkido. I started getting to assist in teaching other kids when I got my first black belt at eight years old and haven’t stopped. Once I was in college, I had the opportunity to start my first 3 & 4-year-old Tiny Tigers class. My passion has always been to teach kids martial arts. I love getting to see the amazing growth of the students as they progress in belts and in life.
- Favorite Quote:
- “Impossible just means try again” -Alexander Lightwood
- Favorite Restaurant:
- Qdoba, though, sadly we don’t have one in BloNo. Yen Ching, which is a local Peoria Chinese restaurant near where I grew up
- Styles:
- Kuk Sool Hapkido
- Describe myself in one word:
- Mello
- Most memorable martial arts moment:
- Probably when Greg proposed to me at a martial art photo shoot, we were doing back in 2016. I was told we were taking pictures for “future marketing material” when in reality, it was all set up so he could capture the proposal on video. We even have a picture from that shoot up at the academy.
- What I love about working at Fusion:
- Nobody is afraid to laugh at themselves. The fun and accepting atmosphere takes any pressure away from the fear of making a mistake or looking funny.
- My advice for anyone starting on their Fusion journey:
- Never be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes I can look at a student and tell they are lost and need a map but not always. Our Instructors and Leadership team will always find time to answer questions and help further your understanding. Whether it be on the mats at the moment, staying after class, or scheduling a one-on-one.
- My Martial Arts goal:
- To inspire my students to be a better version of themselves. Whether it be fitness, leadership skills, social skills, or self-defense, martial arts should be all about growth. Not everyone may have the same goal, though. So I want to help my students achieve goals that align with their journey.
- A random fact about me:
- I am a huge DC Comics fan. I got into American comics back in high school and love all the shows and movies that go with them. While my favorite hero is Superman, there is a special love for Harley Quinn. You know, with us both being pale and blonde, brilliant and just a little bit crazy.
- If I were an animal, I’d be a:
- House cat. I would say something cool like a tiger, but I don’t think I would want the responsibility of hunting for food when I can be doted on instead.
Owner / Instructor