How did you get interested in bodybuilding/working out?

I was teaching aerobics and used to be a gymnast when I learnt of sport aerobics, I wanted to do sport aerobics but did not like that gymnastics could not be incorporated, I wanted to be more theatrical, so that's when I learnt of fitness competitions. I had seen Monica Brant and Minna Lessig in an issue of Muscle and Fitness and wanted to emulate them so much. I just loved their physiques. And so it all began....there's more to it than that, but mostly I admired the muscular physiques of these athletes and knew it was something I could attain. I had always hated how muscular I was, and suddenly seeing these great physiques in a magazine made it acceptable.

What was your first show like, any interesting experiences?

It was ok. I had no idea how to pose, about stage make up and I had my face painted with pro tan which looked really silly with my overly white eye lids... lol.. but it was a great learning experience. I placed dead last and even though I could have packed it in, I decided that I could do better and went the next weekend to another competition where I came first place.

What do you like and dislike about competing?

I love the training, and I actually enjoy structured eating. What frustrates me most, is in Canada we only give out 1-2 pro cards per year. The chance of getting a pro card is only once per year. Although this really keeps the hungry ones coming back (like myself), it is frustrating to only have one opportunity per year to show off your best and move on. Then again, I love competing so it's all worth it, and I'll just keep going back for that pro card, until they throw me off the stage! lol

What are your future goals in this industry?

I want to turn pro this year :-) Canada needs more pro fitness athletes, and I'd love to be representing my country on the IFBB Pro stage.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

I'll either be competing still or having a family....

Please tell us something special about you that most people wouldn't know?

I have a terrible temper and it's usually what fuels me thru my pre contest prep. I'm also a perfectionist and sometimes will spend HOURS in the studio going over every single little detail of my routine... I'm relentless.

Any additional notes? People you would like to thank?

I'd like to thank my friends in Fitness, all the athletes that I've come to know, my husband Aaron, David Ford, and my good friends Chris and Nadia Nardi for their support.

Competition History:

-4th Fitness Short, 2004 Canadian Fitness Championships
-5th Fitness Short, 2003 Canadian Fitness Championships
-6th Fitness Short, 2002 Canadian Fitness Championships
-2nd Fitness, 2001 British Columbia Fitness Championships
-1st Fitness, Festival City Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships
-3rd Fitness, World Natural Sports Championships
-2nd Fitness Model, World Natural Sports Championships
-1st Fitness, Western Canadian Natural Fitness Championships
-5th Fitness, CNBF Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships