My heritage takes me back to Russia , where my grandparents were born and ultimately fled to China after communism took over. With both my parents born in China , I am the first generation born in America . I was born in Nyack , New York and we moved to Oregon when I was 2 years old. I grew up in a very traditional Russian Orthodox family, and I quickly realized at an early age that I didn't quite fit the mold of the typical Russian Orthodox female. I grew up learning the value of hard work and dedication, which ultimately became the core of my success in life and in bodybuilding. I am very grateful for the family values and hard work that was instilled in me.

At age 18, after working several meaningless jobs, I decided to pursue an education. Understanding "traditional" roles as a female in my family, education didn't hold a level of priority for females. My first year I attended a local community college where I earned my dental assisting certificate and began working at Kaiser Permanente in Salem, Oregon, and would be there for the next 5 years as I purused further education. My desire to learn grew and I continued my education at Chemeketa Community College earning my Associates of Arts and then transferring to Oregon State University , where I majored in Pre-Physician Assistant Studies.

I absolutely loved working with people, and making a difference in their lives. It gave me a higher level of meaning in life and great personal reward in helping patients. After applying to numerous Physician Assistant Programs, I was accepted into Des Moines University Physician Assistant Program, and I gladly took on the challenge of the program. I moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 2001 and earned my Physician Assistant Degree in 2003, and became Nationally certified that same year. Upon Graduation, I was offered many opportunities, and ultimately moved to Florida to practice in the field of Dermatology.

Being somewhat of a tom-boy, and started lifting weights at age 13 with my brother, who had his own weight set. After my brother's encouragement, I later joined Gold's Gym at age 15. I loved to run! Feeling the freedom as I ran the country roads near my home was invigorating! At age 18 I met my first "bodybuilder" boyfriend. I began to have an admiration for the art of bodybuilding. I can remember attending my first bodybuilding competition. I was so amazed at how feminine the females looked even though they clearly had muslces stacked higher than many guys that I knew! I began lifting more weights and found that my body responded well to the intense training.

It wasn't until I started attending CCC that I would do my first bodybuilding competition at age 22. I took a weight lifting elective and met a friend, Bob, who inspired and encouraged me to compete in bodybuilding. Bob had competed for 20 years and had extensive knowledge in the sport of Bodybuilding. At that point my weight was at 110 lbs, and by the time I would complete my diet phase, I came into a competition weight of 98 lbs at the Bill Pearl Classic in 1998, winning the Lightweight Novice Class and taking the Novice Overall Title. Little did I know that my bodybuilding career would be so short lived. After I won the Women's Open Lightweight Class at the Vancouver Naturals that same year, I realized that I had to recommit to what I originally started out to do, finish my degree. With a full-time job as a dental assistant, a full time work load at Oregon State University , and a volunteer load at the Salem Hospital ER, I knew something had to give. I stopped competing in bodybuilding, taking an 8 year hiatus, and turning my focus back on my education

When I moved to Florida , I would later take a position in Naples, working in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which is where I met Pro Bodybuilder, Sylvester Solomon. He encouraged me to compete again and helped me with my posing routine. In 2005, I competed in the Mid Florida Classic and took first in Woman's Open Lightweight and took the Overall Woman's Title. I moved on to compete at the Southeastern USA , once again taking first in my class and the Overall Title, qualifying me for Nationals.