My desire to help people achieve fitness started as a hobby in 2001 when I moved to Chicago from the east coast. Never an athlete in my youth, I began my athletic journey teaching weekly Spin classes, and found it incredibly rewarding to touch the lives of so many people. My appetite to inspire others continued to grow, and, in 2002, I received a personal training certification through the American Council of Exercise. 2002 was also the year I ran my very first road race – the Chicago Marathon.

In 2003, I took a leap of faith. Leaving a steady paying job as a graphic designer, I set out to pursue my true passion of fitness and established myself as an independent personal trainer – Coach Cassandra. This was also the year I attempted my first triathlon.

My desire to participate in competitive events intensified. I found an incredible amount of satisfaction in training and competing in races. Ultimately this competitiveness led me to my greatest physical achievement, completing the Wisconsin Ironman in 2005 and 2006. Training for any event instills discipline, willpower, strength, and a respect for your body. I bring these values to the programs I develop for clients, empowering them to achieve their personal goals.

In search for a more effective approach to empowering moms and improving their wellbeing, I founded the Active Moms’ Club in 2007. AMC’s strives to enhance the lives of mothers and their children in the Chicagoland area through safe and effective fitness classes and wellness workshops. AMC provides a supportive environment where mothers can build self-esteem and confidence, belong to a community of peers, gather information from experts and lead their family by example.

Personal training is my passion. You will feel that passion, and my enthusiasm for helping others, as we work together to achieve your potential. To what do you want to aspire?

Professional Certifications

	American Council on Exercise Certified Trainer
	Spinning and Group Exercise Instructor
	Adult, Child, and Infant CPR, Certified
	First Aid Certified
	Pre- and Postnatal Certified Through Healthy Moms®
	Total Control™ Certificate of Completion

My athletic resume includes: 3 marathons, 8 half marathons, 2 Ironman Triathlons (read my Ironman Wisconsin recaps), 7 Half Ironman Triathlons as well as numerous other road races and shorter distance triathlons all since 2002! The goal for my first marathon was to beat Oprah’s time. I succeeded by four minutes, phewww… You don’t have to be fast to be successful, determination and will power will take you a long way!

What is it that you aspire to be?