Hi, I’m Julia…

Life moves fast, especially with two kids who keep me on my toes—one thriving on the volleyball court and the other tearing up dirt bike tracks. Somewhere between cheering from the sidelines, managing schedules, and keeping up with daily life, I realized how easy it was to put myself last. For years, my focus was on making sure everyone else was happy and taken care of, but I hadn’t stopped to ask myself if I was doing the same for me.

It wasn’t until my husband encouraged me to join a gym that I saw how much of a difference even a small investment in myself could make. What started as an hour or two a day of much-needed “me time” turned into something so much bigger—a way to set goals, challenge myself, and show up as a better version of me for my family, my community, and my future.

I spent most of my life in a small coastal town in Massachusetts, where friends and family were always within arm’s reach. I built a career as an elementary school teacher, settling into a familiar routine. But after more than 12 years in the classroom, my family and I were ready for a change. In 2018, we moved to Richmond Hill, Georgia, in search of warmer weather and new adventures. With that move came an opportunity to redefine my path—not just as a mom or an educator but as someone who could help others prioritize their well-being.

Becoming a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach allowed me to combine my passion for teaching with my newfound love of fitness and wellness. I quickly realized that my role wasn’t just about helping people get stronger physically—it was about guiding them toward a mindset where self-care wasn’t a luxury but a necessity. My goal has always been to empower others to take ownership of their health, finding confidence and balance in their lives.

That same desire to create a positive impact led to the idea for Balanced Youth. Watching my pre-teen and teen navigate today’s world—where screen time is increasing, physical activity is decreasing, and processed “convenience foods” are the norm—I knew something needed to change. But I didn’t want this change to be just for my family. I wanted to help an entire generation of kids and their families build a healthier foundation.

Balanced Youth is where my passion for working with children and my love for wellness come together. My ultimate goal is for every child who walks through my doors—or, more accurately, my garage door—to leave feeling empowered and confident in making choices that will positively impact all areas of their lives. I want to give them the tools to fuel their future!