My introduction to the martial arts came as quite a sudden surprise. It was 1978 and I was teaching fifth grade. My students were invited to share outside activities, sports, hobbies, etc. on their birthday. One of my students, a green belt at the time in Tae Kwon Do, dressed in uniform performed a kata and gave an impressive presentation. From that day on, I was hooked. I fell in love with the martial arts and all that it stood for.

In November, 1978, I joined Master Kwon's Tae Kwon Do Academy. At that time, there were not many karate schools in the area and those that did exist frowned upon taking women in as clients. I trained with Master Kwon and achieved my 1st Dan in 1984. From 1982 until 1987, I traveled and competed in many Tae Kwon Do Tournaments throughout the state of Florida and Puerto Rico. In 1987, I received my 2nd Dan while training under the direction of Jeff Kroop. In 1987, my karate school closed down, and I found myself without a karate home.

This did not last long. Some friends were training with Sensei Mason, and they invited me to try a couple of classes. This is where my true training of the martial arts began. I joined the University Karate Center in March of 1987, competed throughout the state, and was state ranked from 1988 - 1993, and achieved my Black Belt ( training interrupted by a serious knee injury) in May of 1995. Sensei Mason is a unique teacher, knowledgeable, understanding, and compassionate. He truly is outstanding in his field, and I have been truly blessed to have had the opportunity to train with him.

Since achieving my Black Belt with Sensei, I have earned my Masters Degree in Mental Health / Guidance Counseling and have secured a position as the Guidance Director at Silver Trail Middle School

My training in the Martial arts has been put on hold as of late, due to a demanding job with non-consistent hours, but the love for the art remains strong in my heart, and I know I will return to training when the time allows.