Thats a tricky question because I’m not sure I completely do. I would rather get lost in the adventures of my athletes, coaches and families. I know it is important to promote myself as a business owner, and as I get older, I am finding my voice. I have always felt that my positive actions were enough, but during a time of social media sharing, our journey is the best advertisement. I would say I am a mom, coach, mentor, business owner and a proud community member. So shouting loud for all to hear, “I am the proud business owner of Nu Matics Athletics and Allstar Cheerleading gym here in Old Town Monrovia, where everyday I get to work with some of the most amazing families in the San Gabriel Valley.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Where were you born and did you grow up here? Share a little about your childhood and your family.
I was born in Santa Monica, but I moved around a lot. I always tell people it was to my advantage. I had the opportunity to be a better person with each new environment. Early on, I learned that reinventing myself would provide me personal and emotional success. I met my husband and partner in life early, and we have been together almost 30 years. My daughter and best friend is 13 and attends Monrovia schools.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been a teacher and coach during and after college. I have had the great opportunity to instruct and coach at Glendale College, Santa Monica College and Pasadena. I also instructed high school dance and coached the cheerleading program. I started to phase out and completely left the school systems after Covid. Most of my energy then went into my Cheer Gym Nu Matics Athletics here in Old Town Monrovia. I have recently agreed to take the Head Cheer Xoach position at La Salle HS in Pasadena. I am very excited for the new adventure.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
GOOD QUESTION! If you ask my athletes in the gym, it’s anything Boba and Sweet Ethan’s. Any opportunity they get, they ask to walk over during their breaks. For me, I love a nice glass of wine and a fun cheer mom. You will find me at the Saltner, Basin 141, and Sena, and when I have my coaches with me, we hop over to Copper Still Grill.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
Part of my husband’s family grew up here, but I moved here the moment we found out were pregnant. I knew I wanted to raise her in Monrovia. So we as a family have been here 14 years.
Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
I would have to say I think the community itself inspired me and the athletes and family that helped me build the gym. They literally helped by building the gym – athletes , moms, dads, friends and family were in the gym with hard hats and hammers helping create the special place that we have today.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My family has been trying to get over to Japan. We are kind of Disney nerds and would love to go to the parks. My husband is also a musician and has toured there, and I would love to see some of the places he has played.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
My husband, daughter and I have a few movies on repeat in our house: Goonies, Happy Gilmore, and Nightmare Before Christmas.
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
Own a vehicle with seat warmers – it will change your life (haha)! One of my favorite quotes is “If you take all your wrinkles away, the map of your life is different” by Diane Von Furstenberg My life has not always been easy, but I’m happy with the adventures I was provided to become me.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
If you know us as a family, we do not sit still. We are all about adventures and trying new things. I have more of goal list then a bucket list, but to have my gym full of our community’s children ready to learn and grow.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
Well this one is easy! It’s my husband’s band, THE B FOUNDATION. I’m his biggest fan!”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I think that would be Gem City Jewelers. I love the father and sons working together to create and fix or town’s something specials.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
If I could only pick one I think it would be Bette Midler. What a full life of art, comedy movies and music. I think she is magic.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
We are a small town in a big city. My daughter can walk around town and visit all the family-owned places. I love not being able to go a block with out seeing someone I know.
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
This is a hard one. I have definitely learned to grow from my mistakes, but a funny one? Hmmm I GOT IT! During high school football games during October, I would let them dress up in some kind of theme for Halloween. One year I decided I would make them all football referees. It was cute! My mistake was I gave them all whistles. So when the penalty was called, they all started blowing their whistles, and 25 yellow flags flew high in the air. The real officials got so mad. it was freaking hilarious. I spent the next few minutes sitting on the grass popping the balls out of the whistles so that they would still have them for the outfit.
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a huge musical theater nerd. I was a theater major in college and acted as a kid.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Victoria, Canada in British Columbia in the Spring. The gardens are amazing.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My daughter. She is absolute magic.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Home-made from the pot, Popcorn with real butter and salt.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
All my cheer moms! Everyday I learn something new from them.
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
A movement … ?? So I want to create the ones that will be part of the movement. To coach the whole person and not just the win.
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Let’s see…. Ambitious, Optimistic and Determined. We could just keep listing couldn’t we. Anything on the positive scale of life.
