In an instant - everything changed.

It was at a dinner with friends where I first met my husband. He is the brother of my best friend’s brother-in-law (I know…confusing, right?) We hit it off with great conversation and stares at one another across the table. This “meet up” had been years in the making, but came at the perfect time. I had just finished my fifth year of teaching and he was finishing up the last year of his overseas military tour in Italy. As we texted and talked throughout the next few weeks, it became apparent to us both that this was something special. Weeks turned into months and before I knew it – the following May, we were walking out of a chapel, as “Mr. & Mrs.” Little did I know that the conversation that night – would change not only my “relationship status”, but provide the chance for me to explore new aspirations. Our journey had begun!

We spent our first months of marriage in Italy – wining and dining on the best food that northern Italy had to offer. I acquired a refined palette for all things “wine, pasta and pizza.” As we transitioned back stateside, we quickly had to adapt to the Midwestern way of life, now in Leavenworth, Kansas. That year consisted of educational studies for my husband along with much growth and transition for me. I took a break from teaching, but was now learning my new role as a wife, attached to the military way of living. While in Kansas, I attended classes offered on the military installation for spouses of the Army. I decided I could use this time to explore new avenues in which I’d always had an interest – food and fitness. 

After that year was completed, we left Kansas, and headed for the islands of Hawaii – Me, with a deeper understanding of resilience, a newfound certification in Group Fitness and a passion for Women’s Wellness. Our years spent on Oahu proved to be fruitful for Aspen Wellness. Much time was devoted to developing a website that offered resources, articles, challenges and recommendations. I harnessed my love for writing and became more fervent on uncovering the deeper connections between stress and choices for health that women face on a daily basis.

As the years press on, my love for educating and learning deepens. I find that I’m constantly adjusting the way that I present information to the Aspen network (probably a linkage to my, now transient, life as a MilSpo), but I see that growth is good. Cultivating a life of wellness looks differently for each of us. Our journeys in wellness take many paths, from start to finish. My hope for all of you is the same: that I encourage you to eat well, move well and be well as you journey to Find a Healthier You.