The Classroom Connection – Lessons in Leading, Teaching, and Coaching

I’ll never forget my first year teaching at Blackshear Elementary in Austin, TX. I looked as young as my sixth graders—confirmed when a parent walked in and asked, “Where’s the teacher?” The school was under new leadership, most of the staff was new, and the administration was visibly anxious about my ability to manage student behavior and meet standardized test requirements. I took the ‘drill sergeant’ approach—straight lines, silent hallways, rigid discipline. It worked… for about a week. Then reality hit—students tested limits, some stormed out, others cursed me out.

The real shift came when I visited their homes. Meeting their families, seeing their world outside the classroom, showed them I cared—and that changed everything. It was my first major lesson: When people know you care, they’ll do things they never thought they could.

I also learned that adaptability for a teacher was not a choice - it was necessary. Edward struggled with reading in ways his sister hadn’t. Jason had a mind for science that outpaced the curriculum. Each student had different strengths, challenges, and motivations. My job wasn’t just to teach—it was to meet them where they were and guide them forward.

But knowledge alone wasn’t enough—consistency and structure were essential. A daily handshake at the door set the tone. Predictable routines created a safe space where students could take risks. These weren’t just strategies; they were the foundation for growth.

How This Translates to Coaching at RAH! Power Fitness

Group fitness isn’t just about moving—it’s about momentum. And that momentum is built the same way it was in my classroom:


✔ Be consistent. People thrive when they know what to expect.


✔ SHOW people you care. Say their name. Say it often. Let them know they’re seen.


✔ Create a welcoming environment. A warm, genuine greeting sets the tone.


✔ Give real feedback. Not just about form, but about effort and progress.


✔ Connect beyond the reps. Learn what motivates people—not just what they can lift.

Coaching Nutrition for Lasting Change

Nutrition coaching isn’t just about calories—it’s about understanding and applying knowledge. Breaking down complex nutrition concepts, tackling perfectionist thinking, and setting achievable goals takes work. Small wins stack up, and over time, real transformation happens.

Much like my students had to take the standardized test on their own, my clients ultimately have to make their own nutrition choices. My role? Empower them to think critically, trust their knowledge, and take ownership of their decisions. That’s where the real power lies.

The Power of Feeling Supported, Educated & Empowered

True success—whether in the classroom, the outdoors, or the kitchen—happens when people feel:

❤️ Supported & safe especially in these times and especially for LGBTQ+ people like me.

❤️ Empowered & educated through coaching and during the limited time we get outdoors & online or when focused on nutrition.

❤️ Strong & independent. Strength goes beyond push ups and dumbbells. Strength in knowing you can show up as your authentic self. Showing up builds confidence and confidence builds independence. At the end of the day you don’t checkin with your coach you checkin with your strong self!

There’s POWER in feeling this. This POWER is at the foundation of everything I do and the space I try to create at RAH! Power Fitness.