OJ S

I was born and raised on the west side of Chicago. I used to throw rocks at cars and shoplift at the age of 7 years old to 10 years old. My dad told me if I continue to get into trouble and get in another holding cell that I would stay in the holding cell. I stopped throwing rocks at cars and the shoplifting. I began to participate in pop warner football for four years, ran track, played softball and basketball. I earned a four year football scholarship to attend a catholic high school; where I participated in football, baseball, track & field and basketball. I earned another four year football scholarship to attend Jackson State University. I participated in football for four years and earned a Bachelors in Sociology.

My professional experience is working with young people in a residential settings, group home setting, hospital setting, charter schools, therapeutic day school. My job titles were being a crisis intervention coordinator, teacher assistant, special education teacher, dean of students, group home supervisory, head football coach, head basketball coach, head softball coach and head volleyball coach. Also have a Masters in Special Education.

In 2010 my hero aka my day passed away from liver cancer. That’s when I began reading about health and fitness. Since I have a lot of experience with being a former student athlete and coaching: I decided to give back and be an lifelong advocate in health and fitness. I have my personal fitness certification and strength and conditioning coach certification. My next certification will be nutrition and senior population.