I am a lifelong dancer and former professional dancer and actress. I am a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor through NASM, a Certified Wellness Coach (NASM), and a Certified Aromatherapist through The School for Aromatic Studies under Jade Shutes. I’d love to share more of my story, with you!
Where It All Began
I grew up in Cambria, California, on the Central Coast. I adored leadership, sports, dancing, and the ocean — and I’ve never left those loves.
At 18, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue dance and acting. Attended a 1 year scholarship program that then landed me an agent. Meanwhile I obtained my first fitness certification and began working. During that season, I was either on a set, on a stage, or training clients and teaching group fitness classes. Movement and mentorship became intertwined early in my life.
At 30, I returned to my hometown, where I added teaching dance to ages 2–75, choreographing and performing with our studio’s alumni company. I continued teaching fitness there too. That chapter deepened my love for guiding others — from tiny dancers to seasoned adults.
A big nod to the restaurants I worked in…
Working in restaurants as my side hustle helped sustain the dreams and careers, as need. My grandparents owned restaurants in Chicago and Los Angeles, and my mom and aunt worked in them until retirement. From that world, I learned grit, high-level multitasking, and exceptional customer service. Most importantly, I learned to love everyday people, serving them, befriending them and to working alongside them.
Kauai & Becoming
In 2011, my then-husband (now my co-parent partner), our first daughter, and I moved to Kauai — a place I had lived twice as a young child in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
I am still learning why I returned here — and what Hawai‘i continues to teach me. As it also raises our daughters. I adore our home, our lifestyle very similar to California coast living, but with NO westsuits needed to surf!
We take great pride honoring Hawaiian traditions that have now become our families too. Our girls are minorities in their classrooms and I could NOT be happier about that. One tradition I will forever have is Lei making. YOu have an event, any kine! ( kind) you gather aina, you make the lei, you give lei to who is being celebrated. There are many many more. Our years are full of pause to honor, remember and revere.
In 2026, I enter my 14th year running Essentialshine. After many years as a single mama — often assisted by my girls — I am now remarried. My husband and I share a beautiful blended family of four girls: his twins (now 19 and in college), Daysha (15), and Naila (11).
And yes — I am walking the deep initiation of perimenopause. This season of life informs my work more than ever. A presence now at 52 I have never felt. A self knowing grounded and clear. I love aging and these new seasons we are all in.
What You’ll Find Here
I host regular in-person gatherings and fitness classes on Kauai, along with online classes and workshops.
You can:
Register for classes
Download free resources
Explore courses and workshops
Shop my handcrafted natural products
Learn about doTERRA oils and how to build your own wellness business
Subscribe to stay in touch for updates, blogs, vlogs, promotions, and offerings as they evolve.
What’s Behind the Name?
“Shine” was my first tattoo and my first intention for this work.
Before every dance performance growing up, we would circle up backstage. My dance teacher and our studio owner ( and now angel) Miss Pat Jackson, would begin the ritual:
“SHINNNEEE!!!!!!!!!!”
May we serve our audience! May we lift and move them. May we give to them, as we do what we were born to do.
Essentialshine was born from that spirit.
May anything created here help YOU & YOURS shine brighter.
with Light and Aloha,
