Hi, I’m Anne! I have been known as a jack of all trades, but with that comes a wide variety of experiences to draw knowledge from. I began my journey into health and wellness as a registered massage therapist. From there I studied Nutrition, Microbiology, Psychology, and nursing studies at Wayland Baptist University before moving on to the nursing program at Covenant School of Nursing in Lubbock, TX. I finally earned my bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration in 2018 from Wayland at the age of 39.
My educational journey was littered with life’s greatest challenges such as marriage, children, my Bipolar II Disorder diagnosis, three divorces, declining health, and the financial struggles that come with being a single mom.
It was during this journey I began my path to weight loss. After gaining 90 lbs with my first pregnancy in 2002, I suffered from uncomfortable skin conditions, widespread pain, difficulty in walking for long periods of time, high cholesterol, severe anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, and sleep disorders.
Over the next 10 years, I would try one diet after another, losing the weight and gaining it back. Endless research came up empty as each success was followed by a relapse. When I finally found a lifestyle that worked for me, I went from 240 lbs to 145 lbs in the course of 2 years. Though it was fraught with plateau after dreaded plateau, I never gave up! Each success taught me I was capable and stronger than I ever believed.
This strength bled into my personal life as well. The confidence that came with success helped me overcome my depression and the ups and downs of bipolar disorder became more stable. I did not tolerate toxic relationships. I did not let financial struggles pull me down. I did not sit still and feel sorry for myself. I got up, dusted myself off, and found solutions. I now knew I was capable of anything I put my mind to!
The support I received from new friends in an outdoor fit camp helped me discover a love for fitness I never would have believed was possible for me. I participated in my first 5k marathon at the age of 34 and later became a group fitness instructor at the ripe old age of 42. For the first time, I learned how to maintain my weight. One day I heard the words “You are my inspiration.” That’s when I realized what kind of example I was setting. I knew I had the responsibility to show others what is possible.
Life is not perfect and that was not the end of my story, but the strength remained. Through continuing battles with new developing health conditions (Hashimoto’s disease, gluten sensitivity, and a broken foot) and personal issues such as multiple failed marriages, toxic work environments, and mental instability, my weight crept back up to 200 lbs by 2025. The difference this time was I had won this battle before and knew I could do it again.
Unfortunately, the diet I used to lose 95 lbs had resulted in multiple kidney stones and one painful kidney stone removal. I first tried to go back to the trusty “Eat Less, Move More” strategy we are taught is the healthiest, but it only resulted in more plateaus and weight gain. My doctor introduced me to a book that changed my life and the strategies I discovered there taught me how to manage and maintain my weight, even as a woman in her 40s. This time I was able to lose 30 lbs in only 3 months.
I am still teaching my fitness classes today and feeling healthier than ever! The energy I have gained from my healthy habits makes it impossible to nap during the day. It is time for me to share all I have learned with the world in the hopes that it will touch even one life.
I encourage you to share your stories with me. Success is built on a community of support from family, friends, and people who have been where you are now.
Your story is not over, and I believe you are capable of great things.
Love,
Anne
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