I am originally from Pikeville, Kentucky.  I graduated from Pike County Central High School in 1998.  I went to college at the University of Kentucky and majored in Health Education with a minor in Psychology.  While an undergraduate I received the "Outstand Health Education Student" Award from KAHPERD (Kentucky Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance).  While an undergraduate I also worked as an athletic trainer for various sports teams including the University of Kentucky football team, dance team, cheerleaders, and women's tennis team.  It was a great experience and I was able to take the certification exam and also become a certified athletic trainer (ATC).  Upon gradating I had the opportunity to complete my graduate work at the University of Kentucky as well.  I was a teaching assistant while completing my Master's degree in Health Education.  I taught various KHP courses including First Aid and CPR.  My thesis research was on alcohol use among minors in rural areas in Kentucky.  I presented my research at a convention in California a few years ago as a poster and will present again this October at KAHPERD in Louisville, KY.