I grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, doing what kids do -- playing everything I could. Afternoons were filled with pickup football games, or baseball at the middle school, or just running through the woods, finding trees to climb. I got interested in actual weight training when I was about 12, and read as much as I could about everything barbell. My first exposure to being coached came in junior high, when my Dad coached my baseball team. I felt like he was harder on me than the rest of the kids, but I guess I expected it too.

I played sports in high school- baseball, track, and soccer, and was exposed to several different coaching styles. Some were old-school yellers, while others were more inspirational. Life was all about playing sports, and once I got to college, I felt like I spent more time in the fieldhouse than in classes. I'd be sure not to schedule classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 to 1 because there was a staff/student basketball game those days! I found myself on the track, in the weight room, or on the tennis or basketball court for hours.

Graduation brought me to a crossroads; I'd been hosting a radio show at school, and I really thought I wanted to become a DJ -- sorry 'on-air personality.' When that didn't work out, I decided to pursue a career in fitness training -- a career track I quickly found didn't exist. After a few months writing for a back-care newsletter, I came across a flyer for a personal training certification course. I begged my Dad for the registration fee, took the course, and I was hooked on teaching fitness.

I moved to Illinois later that year, and was married a few years after. When my oldest son was seven, he wanted to play park district soccer. After a couple of seasons, I decided to try my hand at coaching my own team. I did, and was hooked. I coached his teams until he went to play travel soccer, then coached my next son for a few seasons as well.

I do have to say, I wish I'd had a copy of Brian Grasso's Training Young Athletes back then; there was so much I didn't know!

2. How has being a member of the IYCA impacted you and your career?

Ironically, it's actually made life a little harder for me, because I have a renewed sense of responsibility to look after the youth in my area. I keep launching upon these crusades against those who don't know how to treat the kids in their care, and I'm still trying to find ways to deal with it.

I'm still making mistakes along the way. I get on my soapbox from time to time, and I come off like I'm taking down to others. I don't intend to, but I know I do sometimes and it bothers me when I offend someone I'm really just trying to share ideas with. I know it's part of growing, but I still hate to make the mistakes that are so glaringly obvious in hindsight.

Nonetheless, I have to say that I'm proud to be part of the IYCA, because I know that we're all passionate about … well, changing the way the world educates kids about play and exercise. The IYCA is made up of an amazing group of teachers and mentors, and I learn something new almost every time I visit the members forum.

3. What is you biggest tip for your fellow IYCA Members?

I have three pieces of advice, all of which I am still working on and learning myself.

First, never stop learning. I've given the same advice to the trainers whom I've had on staff. Your knowledge and experience are your toolbox, and you just can't fix everything with a hammer.

Second, resist the urge to judge someone based solely on what you see or hear. Even if something looks foolish or backward to you, there may be a perfectly sound reason for doing it.

Last, be humble. With so much available information to learn, we can never rightfully think were better than someone else. I am working on this one. I thought I had it down, until I re-read some of the emails and posts I've written recently.