Q: When did you first join R4R and how did you learn about us?
A: I heard about R4R in 2018 after two of my family members, Stephanie Nelson and Philip Jackman, joined the group. They told me about this great running group they found. I told them that I am not into running and they assured me that the group was more than running and had walkers. I attended my first meet up at The Corner Bakery and have been hooked ever since! I love the variety R4R offers and of course, the people!
Q: You are a Zumba regular and take other dance classes. What about dancing brings you joy and what benefits have you experienced?
A: Combining music and movement brings me so much joy and it’s fun! Besides the physical benefits of dance, many benefits go beyond the dance floor, including the relationships you build and the camaraderie with others. Dancing is also excellent for your brain health! Many studies have shown the benefits of dance for cognitive function, memory and decreasing the risk of dementia.
Q: With our Dance Passport series in place, how would you convince someone to give it try if they feel like they have two left feet?
A: The Dance Passport is a perfect time to try something new! Even for those of us who have a dance background, some of the series includes forms of dance we are not familiar with. These are beginner classes that do not require dance experience. I understand that dance anxiety (especially in public) is real. People may be self-conscious and critical of themselves when dancing, but know that no one is watching or judging you. Don’t compare yourself to others; we respect and appreciate that you showed up and are willing to be vulnerable and try something new. You will never know what you are capable of until you try, and you just might have some fun in the process!
Q: What has been your most unusual or interesting job?
A: My current job as a physical therapist. The last 25 years of my career my clinical emphasis has been on pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation. I oversee a clinic where we work with patients 0-21 years of age with a wide variety of diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, amputations, spina bifida, muscular dystrophies, brain/spinal cord tumors, non-accidental trauma, and a variety of rare diseases. It has been amazing and interesting to see the advances in treatment for so many conditions. Many of my patients have much better outcomes than they did years ago.
Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
A: In high school, I worked at the Music Circus back when it was a big canvas tent and before the building of the beautiful pavilion that is now home to Broadway at Music Circus. This sparked my love for musical theater.
Q: What has been your proudest moment since being a part of the R4R family?
A: I get so excited and am so proud of the kids who participate in the MaraFUNrun and Run Because You Can. For many of these children, it may be their first time completing a registered race and receiving a race medal. It’s a big deal for them.
My other proud moment was seeing the two who recruited me to R4R (Steph and Philip) complete their first CIM. When you know all the other responsibilities people have in their lives and you see them commit to something and complete it, it is amazing to be a part of it!
Q: If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?
A: A potato, because potatoes!!! I am versatile, and I can get mashed and come out better.
Q: How would you describe your Runnin’ for Rhett experience to a child?
A: Rhett couldn’t walk or run, but his life had tremendous value and he was an amazing boy! We have this fun group that Rhett continues to inspire, and we get together and do stuff to stay active and also enjoy forming friendships and supporting each other along the way.
