Greetings!! I’m Jill and the newest addition to the AnswerLine staff! I will take Carolyn’s place as she has left us to pursue more family time and travels. I have BIG shoes to fill, she will be sorely missed and we wish her the best of luck. I am so excited to be here! I was raised in Iowa and have lived in the midwest all of my life (Kansas City and central Nebraska included). I attended Iowa State University and earned a degree in Food & Nutrition/Dietetics. I first became interested in nutrition from my dad, who was a “health nut” before it was even popular! After ISU, I worked in the nutrition field in Kansas City area hospitals, then later with the Nebraska Beef Council. I was then a stay-at-home mom (seriously the hardest but most rewarding job ever) to my two kids, who are now 21 and 18 for several years before opening a paint-your-own-pottery and glass fusion studio. I’m currently a part-time fitness instructor, which I absolutely love!
I have an interest in fitness and endurance sports and have finished four full marathons and also participate in Olympic distance triathlons. I just signed up for my first half ironman competition which, if you’re not familiar with the sport will be a 1/2 mile lake swim, a 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile run!!! Yikes! What have I gotten myself into??? That will take place in September, so I’m hoping to get many training hours under my belt this summer. 🙂
Other interests of mine include travelling, scuba diving, kayaking, mountain hiking, camping, and cooking. I have a unique interest in serial killers and documentaries. I know, strange!
These days I am focused on sports nutrition and training, but have always had an interest in general nutrition and cooking. I love to experiment with new recipes and try new foods at restaurants and in my kitchen at home. I look forward to sharing my nutriton knowledge and life experiences with you all and hope you will check in with us often!
I was a certified exercise program leader for the Arthritis Foundation for 10 years. The Foundation has passed off the training and certification to a different agency that wants more money per year for less training for certification.
Must I be certified or licensed in order to teach an exercise class in my local community?
If so, how and where do I obtain the certification?
Hi Kay, requirements vary depending on both your community and the organization that hires you to teach classes. You will want to check with both resources for an answer.