Hello and Welcome! I'm thrilled you’ve found your way to my corner of the web!

My name is Melissa, and I’m passionate about promoting health and wellness, through both a public health and an evidence-based fitness lens. I hold a Master’s in Public Health from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor’s in Human Biology from Michigan State University. I am also Certified Health Education Specialist by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.

In my professional career, I serve as a Research Area Specialist at the University of Michigan, where I focus on improving health and community safety in educational settings. In addition, I’m honored to hold a leadership role as Vice President on the Great Lakes SOPHE executive board.

My journey has been shaped by a unique blend of academic pursuits and personal passions, leading me to where I stand today – at the intersection of public health, fitness, and holistic wellness. For many years now, I have been extremely dedicated to investing in my own health, alongside helping others and entire communities do the same.  In 2015, I took my first scary steps into a gym, marking the beginning of a fitness journey that would reshape my entire approach to life and wellness. Since then, I’ve gained over 10 years of experience in strength training and fitness, learning not only the physical aspects of training but also the mental and emotional benefits that come from living a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Today, I focus on sustainable fitness—helping others achieve long-term results without extreme diets or complicated daily workout regimens.

I've learned that true fitness is about so much more than lifting weights or following a strict diet. It's about finding balance, sustainability, and joy in the process. 

I believe that fitness is for everyone, regardless of where they are starting. My approach is rooted in empathy, science, and real-world experience- it is centered on meeting people where they are and creating training programs that are both realistic and adaptable. Whether you’re just beginning your fitness journey or returning to it, I want to show that it’s never too late to start—or start again.

As someone who values a holistic approach to wellness, I view fitness as one piece of a larger picture that includes mental health, nutrition, and balance in all areas of life. With my background in public health, I’m dedicated to helping others achieve overall well-being in a way that fits into their lives sustainably. 

Through this website, I hope to share my knowledge, experience, and the lessons I've learned along the way. Whether you're here to explore training programs, seek inspiration, or simply learn more about integrating fitness into your life, know that you're not alone on this journey.

I look forward to being a part of your journey and helping you reach your own goals, one step, one lift, at a time.

Let’s get started!