Every once in a while, something happens that really matters. Something that will define at least the next chapter of your journey – perhaps it’s a conversation with a client, a meeting with a visionary or a major event in your personal life. Below, you’ll find some very insightful folks sharing defining moments from their journeys.

Diya Mankotia

Although I’ve accomplished a lot, things weren’t always like this. In fact, exactly one year ago, my life was the complete opposite of what it is now. I was still silently struggling with the aftermath of my eating disorder and woke up every day trapped within my rigid rituals. Quite frankly, I was burned out, stuck in the same cycle day in and day out, and I couldn’t even see it at the time. Read more>>

Pamela Grigsby

Prior to yoga, I had been working in clinical trials. I would recruit patients for studies, explain the trials and help them through the process. I found towards the end I was speaking with people who were hurting in their lives. There was much anger and sadness there. I realized I wanted to do more than I was. I have always loved working with kids and decided that I wanted to help people develop the skills needed to cope better in the world we live in. So I became a kids yoga instructor! I continued with my training and obtained my 200 hour certification and yin certificate, as well. Read more>>

Mimi Trenk

My professional path hasn’t followed a straight line — and I’m grateful for that. I began as an attorney, worked in education, and ran a portrait photography business. Each role taught me something about people, purpose, and myself. But underneath it all, I knew I was meant to help others on a deeper level — to guide, support, and witness their healing and growth, the way I had worked so hard to do for myself. Read more>>

Dylan Dessert

When I first started my journey I was working with folks for free. It was a means of dipping my toes in the water, and seeing if fitness coaching was truly something I wanted to pursue. One of my very first “clients” I ever worked with made me realize that this was my calling. He was lost in life, had no direction, was struggling with depression and substance abuse. Our journey together was by far my greatest success, and I strive for that level of excellence everyday. Through the months of developing our relationship he opened up to me about his struggles. I patiently listened and offered support. Read more>>

Gaby Villegas

One of the most defining moments in my career didn’t happen during a call I answered, but during shift change. I came in while an active investigation was unfolding. A baby had been found deceased in a bathroom trash can. The details were devastating. A woman had entered the bathroom visibly pregnant, and exited no longer pregnant. Medical findings later revealed that the baby had toilet water in its lungs but because investigators couldn’t prove the baby was intentionally drowned, the woman was released. What shocked me even more was learning she had done the same thing before, in another state. Read more>>

Dr. Gordon Fimreite

I don’t think there was a single defining moment, but rather a series of life experiences—both personal and professional—that shaped who I am and why I’m so passionate about helping others regain their health. Growing up in a small rural community gave me a unique foundation. We had large gardens, ate fresh produce, and lived organically before I even knew what that word meant. I was also very involved in athletics, and that drive to be in top condition sparked an early interest in how diet, movement, and recovery impact performance and overall well-being.  Read more>>

Yuvraj Parmar

The turning point in my journey came during a virtual workshop I led for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the height of the pandemic. I introduced them to Autodesk Inventor, a three dimensional design platform that had once seemed intimidating even to me. In the opening session their screens stayed blank and their voices carried hesitation. Week after week we broke the software into bite sized challenges. In one session a quiet student named Miguel rotated his first digital model and exclaimed, “It moved!” That single breakthrough energized the entire class. By the final week the group collaborated on a printable component for a community garden irrigation system, and their new confidence was unmistakable. Read more>>