FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Certified Personal Trainer American Senior Fitness National Running Coach Dr. Jack Daniels Certified Nutritional Therapist Health Sciences Academy Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapist University of Washington Honors Psychology & Exercise Physiology Miramar College I am actively involved in conducting research, belong to professional organizations and collaborate with local and national groups to promote healthy aging principles. Currently, I am co-authoring a book: _Yes Please Hell No: A Dialogue on Aging_.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I was a residential counselor, in San Diego, offering 1:1 and group therapy sessions with 6 males. I noticed a stationary bike outside near where one resident would smoke cigarettes back to back prior to our sessions. I thought, I wonder what impact them riding a bike would have on our sessions. I was curious if it made a difference of where the physical activity took place in relation to the talk therapy session (before or after). Being an athlete, I thought, what if we do it at the same time: both of us engaged in a physical activity while also exploring the sessions' topics. I moved from San Diego to Tacoma, WA for, what I anticipated at the time, a brief moment. I fell in love. Tacoma is amazing. I sought out a volunteer opportunity at the downtown YMCA, serving "active older adults" (as is called by the Y). Following an aqua aerobics session I led, I was listening to some class members and recognized a real need in this community to meet the needs of people long-living (all of the needs - and from a whole-person approach). Thus, in 2012 Silver Linings was born.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Personal Training: Sessions may explore cardio endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, speed, power, agility, balance and coordination. We will explore your health and history, assess your baseline and develop a plan of action. With your custom individualized plan - you may anticipate enjoying optimal functioning for an increased quality of life. Active Cognitive Therapy: Explore feelings and thoughts about self and world and shift unwanted behavioral patterns or thought processes that no longer serve your present self. These conversations take place at the same time as we participate in an activity you select. EX: While kayaking, a person talks about feelings of anxiety. While walking, we’ll explore grief. Guided Mediation: Sessions may focus on specific breathing practices, visualization and guided imagery to ease discomfort or pain or to strengthen energy channels. Community Classes: a free a way to connect with others in a fun, supportive and relaxed environment. Current class offerings are as follows: ** MINDFULNESS WALK ** Monday 2-2:45 p.m. Job Carr Park (2312 N. 30th St., Tacoma) - Focus on mindful walking practices, breath awareness and mind-body connections. Please wear comfortable shoes. We walk about 22 minutes out and 22 minutes back. ** MEDITATION ** Tuesday 1-1:45 Beacon Senior Center - Deep breathing, guided meditation and visualization techniques to support your digestion. ** YOGA ** Monday 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. Job Carr Park (2312 N. 30th St., Tacoma) - Quiet your mind, build self-awareness, release tensions, stretch muscles, and improve balance. ** BANDS, BALANCE, BENDS & BREATH ** Tuesday &Thursday 9:15 - 10 a.m. Beacon Senior Center (415 S. 13th St., Tacoma)– Build self-awareness, enhance concentration and memory skills, strengthen major muscle groups, conscious movement and develop an inner sense of peace. Thursday 10-10:45 a.m. Wright Park Conservatory (316 S. G St., Tacoma) - Build self-awareness, enhance concentration and memory skills, strengthen major muscle groups, conscious movement and develop an inner sense of peace.