Rebel Cycle Studio, LLC (January 2017 – May 2020)
Development:
- Completed entrepreneurship course at Build Institute (Detroit, 2017)
- Completed Retail Bootcamp in TechTown (Detroit, 2018)
- Applied and received grant funding from Motor City Match program (Detroit,
2018) - Completed negotiation of leased space within the Detroit City Fieldhouse along with Detroit City FC (2018)
- Completed build-out of leased space within Detroit City Fieldhouse (2018)
- Participated in grand-opening of the newly-renovated Detroit City Fieldhouse
(2018)
Operation:
- As Owner and Founder, I oversaw daily operations for the studio, developed marketing materials, operated multiple social media accounts, created core strategies for retention and growth, and balanced the budget
- Developed indoor-cycling training protocol unique to Rebel Cycle’s mission of body-positive fitness
- Taught 4-7 cycling classes per week
Pandemic response and closure:
- First fitness studio in Detroit to rent its equipment to members during initial emergency stay-at-home order (Crain’s, via issuue)
Engaged members from home with online cycling classes for three (3) months - Negotiated the conclusion of the studio’s lease agreement
- Balanced the studio’s accounts in preparation for closure
Officially closed Rebel Cycle Studio, LLC (May 2020)
Adaptive athlete
Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2012 at the height of my athleticism as a triathlete, I was faced with a decision: focus on what was taken from me or lean into and hone the strengths that remained. I chose the latter, pursuing the activities that kept me safe and allowed me to grow despite my disability.
For several years, I developed my strength and skills as a cyclist and an indoor cycling instructor. Through that practice, I was able to help others see themselves in the activity of indoor cycling, contributing to body diversity and accessibility in the sport.
During the pandemic, as one way to process multiple tragedies we experienced during that time, I decided to make a slow return to running through the sport of hybrid fitness.
With significant challenges due to MS, I continued to complete with an eye toward one day seeing adaptive division in the sport of hybrid fitness. As I continue to process my own identity in adaptive sport, my hope is to bring others together who may be on a similar journey. Ultimately, the goal is to expand access to
and knowledge about how fitness is available to persons with “invisible” disabilities.
Coach and mentor
As an athlete and activist for inclusivity in sport, fitness, and wellness, I’ve coached hundreds of people in cycling and other fitness practices including strength training and high intensity interval training. I have developed training materials and practices to mentor others in the practice of inclusive fitness instruction. These trainings include best practices in language and terminology as well as equipment set-up and inclusive/adaptive course design.
Stepping away from group fitness coaching in 2020, I maintained my informal mentorship of individuals through social media. Recently, I created an online community for adaptive athletes in the sport of Hyrox where members can meet other adaptive
athletes and discuss the evolving landscape of adaptive and para-sport in hybrid fitness.
Certifications held:
ACE certified group fitness instructor (2018-2020)
NASM certified personal trainer (2017-2021)
AFAA certified cycling instructor (2011-2020)