Hi there!
My name is Annie, and I’m the founder of Project: Milestones—and my passion for adaptive fitness is deeply personal!
So, I was born with a disability! As a toddler, I was diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). My parents noticed early on that I struggled with learning, processing, and responding to language and sounds. For a while, it looked like selective hearing to my parents—but the reality was that I couldn’t hear and understand the world the same way others could. After extensive testing with audiologists and ENTs (which I’ll admit I didn’t pass with flying colors!), I began occupational and speech therapy and later underwent eardrum reconstruction surgery, which significantly improved my hearing.
Growing up, school was challenging. I often felt behind my peers and had to work harder just to keep up. But with patience, perseverance, and determination, I learned what worked best for me. Today, I’m proud to say that I earned my bachelor’s degree and hold multiple professional certifications, including NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, and Rock Steady Boxing Coach!
Exercise played a life-changing role in my journey. Because issues with hearing can significantly impact balance, movement was difficult for me as a child. I struggled with coordination and walking straight at times. But as my treatment progressed, so did my balance—and with it, my confidence. Running became my outlet. My mom still tells the story of watching me run laps around our house all day long, smiling from the back porch. That love of movement grew into over 12 years of cross country and track, competing in races, leagues, districts, and states. I never ran for times or placements—I ran for the way it made me feel: free.
Because of my own experiences, I truly understand what it’s like to live with a disability. I know what it feels like to look and feel different, to be bullied, to struggle with things others may take for granted, and to question whether you’re “good enough.” But I also know the feeling of accomplishing something you worked incredibly hard for—and my favorite of all—proving people wrong.
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That’s why I created Project: Milestones.
At Project: Milestones, fitness is about more than exercise. It’s about confidence, independence, resilience, and self-belief. Adaptive fitness may look different for everyone, and that’s something I embrace and celebrate. Every client is met where they are, and every program is thoughtfully designed around their abilities, goals, and personal milestones—no one-size-fits-all approach.
I want to encourage individuals who relate to my story—those who want to try something new but feel unsure, afraid, or held back by their disability. I want to show them the power, beauty, and freedom of movement, and the lasting impact it can have on both physical and mental well-being.
Who am I doing this for?
For those who’ve been told—or have told themselves—that they can’t because of their disability.
For those who are ready to move, grow stronger, and take ownership of their health.
And for Little Annie—the girl who learned that nothing grows inside a comfort zone.
I believe in YOU, and I would be honored to help you reach YOUR milestones.
