Some of my earliest and fondest memories involve sport and athletics. As a child, my favourite past times were playing hockey, riding my bike, and water skiing. As a teenager, I continued to play hockey, and also developed a passion for weight training and martial arts.

My first coaching experience was with my brother in 1993. Together, we coached a youth martial arts tournament team. I continued to teach martial arts until 2013, and have studied Kosho Shorei Ryu, Jiu-Jitsu, Kung Fu, and Tae Kwon-Do.

In 1996, I entered my first bodybuilding competition, and finished 4^th… out of four. My body was ready, but I had no idea how to pose. At 154lbs, I should not have been attempting the poses I saw Arnold doing in Pumping Iron. When I saw the pictures, it was clear. I looked awkward. More importantly, I looked too serious; almost angry. There was no joy. I didn’t give up though.

I learned how to pose, and found a sport more suitable to my physique and athletic ability; Men’s Fitness. I retired from fitness competition in 2000 after winning the titles of Natural Mr Fitness Canada (2x), Natural Mr Fitness Universe, and Natural Mr Fitness Olympia. Even after retirement, I continued to work with physique athletes on their posing and routines.

Also in the late 90’s, I received my diploma in Fitness and Lifestyle Management from George Brown College. There I learned anatomy, physiology, exercise prescription, group exercise instruction, injury treatment and injury prevention. Upon graduation, I began my career as a personal trainer and I also began my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Trent University. I studied part-time until I received my Honours Bachelor of Science degree.

It was during this time that I faced my greatest obstacle. I was involved in a motorcycle accident that left me with injuries from head to toe. I was off work for over two years and during that time, I went from learning how to walk properly to once again squatting my pre-accident best of 500lbs. My days of lifting heavy are behind me now, but the drive continues. In fact, I have run half marathons, a full marathon, and raced in Duathlons. I still lift and occasionally water ski.

Even when not working with athletes, I have been a helper. I have worked in the Social Work field for 20 years with a focus on dispute resolution and conflict coaching, and also volunteered as a firefighter for almost ten years. Prior to the team disbanding in 2023, I served for 6 years as a member of After The Call; a critical incident stress management team for first responders.

Since 2015, I have volunteered with Peterborough Hockey Association in roles as a Coach, Trainer, Manager, and Executive member.

In 2023, I decided to level up once again and began my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Now, I am better able to combine practical athletic experience with the skills of psychotherapy for enhanced support of current and former athletes on their individual journey.

Thanks for reading.