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 working my summers doing farm work. I can recall as young as 5 years of age working the fields from early morning to late afternoon. As I matured, I realized that working on the farm wasn't a dream for my future. I am grateful for the family values and hard work that was instilled in me, which has taken me this far in life, but education was never a priority nor was it encouraged. Education was something I had to find and figure out on my own, and that I did.

At age 18, after working several meaningless jobs, I decided to go to school. 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 perused 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 loved working with people, and making a difference in their lives. It gave me meaning and purpose in my own life. After applying to numerous Physician Assistant Programs, I was accepted into Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center, 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.

Now, how in the world did I get into bodybuilding? Well, I was somewhat of a tom-boy, and started lifting weights at age 13 with my brother, who had a weight set in the shed. After my brother's encouragement, I later joined Gold's Gym at age 15. I didn't lift weights but maybe 2-3 times a week due to fear of getting "too big or too bulky", but I loved to run, and at 5' 2" I kept my weight around 102-105 lbs. 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 with all those muscles. My fear of becoming "too big" went out the door and I began lifting more weights.

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, and frankly didn't think that I would ever return to it.

When I moved to Florida , I would take a position in Naples , working in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which is where I met and began dating 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.

My first Nationals would be in Miami , FL 2006. I knew the competition would be tough. These girls have been around the block for years, with well developed muscles and beautiful shape. I put all I had into preparing myself for this major event, which could ultimately give me my Pro-Card. I was happy to make the top five, taking home the 4 th place title, but more than anything, I was happy with the overall changes I had made from the previous competitions. Every change I make, drives me closer to that Pro-Card.