People often ask me how I got started working with people with Parkinson's disease, since I have no one in my family with the disease. I tell them that years ago, after I finished teaching my afternoon cycling class, I would often help my cycle mentor, Bill Roach, with his Parkinson's cycle class, which followed mine. His class was large, and getting everyone fitted on their bikes took time. I loved talking to the people with Parkinson's, and I admired their bravery and perseverance in fighting their disease.

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In striking contrast, I had watched my mother suffer several debilitating strokes. She lost functionality on one side of her body and later went blind. She stayed in her room and seldom came out until she died.

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As I admired the people in Bill’s class, they inspired me to change the direction of my fitness education goals and turn to a Parkinson's neuro wellness path. It has been a blessing for me to have the opportunity to work with and learn from such courageous and inspirational people every day.

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I have four Bernese Mountain Dogs: Bruticus, age 9; Queenie, age 5; and the babies, Tayo and his sister Luna, age 2. We walk every morning on the winding paths of a 10-acre dog park near our home in Iowa, through trees and native grasses. The dogs’ favorite time of year is winter, when they can run through the snow and play in the drifts. I love to watch them having fun. To me, and to them, exercise and fun are one and the same.