In 2003, my life was forever changed for the best. I vividly remember an overwhelming feeling of belonging and excitement when I first stepped foot in the downtown Chicago studio for my first lesson- and it has felt that way ever since!

I knew immediately I wanted to work there, and I finally convinced my then boss and now business partner, Jill DeMarlo to hire me! I feel so fortunate to have found this life, and can attribute many of my successes along this journey as an Arthur Murray professional to this collaborative and inspiration-nurturing company. Out of that desire to grow our training, I created the Certification Exam Study Guides- and have been thrilled to see it helping guide Arthur Murray teachers, company wide, as they certify in their dance standards.

More recently, I was part of the collaboration team that created the Professional Communication Certification manual and testing materials, with our vision being that of even greater teacher training tools and professionalism as a company wide standard.

One of my greatest successes thus far would have to involve being given the opportunity to have a hand in growing and training the phenomenal staff of not only Team Chicago, but our extended family as a featured trainer at Area meetings across the country! I love to travel and help to grow every Arthur Murray studio that invites me, but certainly feel the most pride for our newest team at Chicago North, where I have the honor of being the Franchisee and spending every day witnessing them become the superstars we know they can be!

I've been fortunate enough to stand in the Open Professional Smooth, Hustle, West Coast, Salsa, Argentine Tango & Two-Step Finals, winning titles in some and simply pride in others- but the dancing with my students over the last 13 years has brought me the most joy. In fact, my favorite title of all time is to be recognized by and called "Robert Nakazawa's teacher".

I believe on deciding what you want and going after it with all you have. I also believe in the collaboration with successful people for counsel, support and guidance. And it goes without saying, that we can achieve anything we set our minds, hearts and bodies to here at Arthur Murray.

What do you love to do when you're not working as a traveling consultant?

I love to cook, especially for other people whether it be a group of friends, my family or even a huge studio party! I believe that it isn't so far off from what I do at Arthur Murray- only instead of feeding minds, hearts and souls- this allows me to feed their bodies!

What sets Arthur Murray apart from every other dance studio?

There is no better place to learn and grow, not only as a dance student- but as a professional. I would hike to the top of any mountain top and stand on my soapbox proudly exclaiming "I LOVE ARTHUR MURRAY!" until the day I die...that is how sure I am about this company being the absolute best place to be. No other company is built on collaboration and sharing of successes like Arthur Murray. I can personally attest to the fact that every success I went after was contributed to by a fellow Arthur Murray professional- sometimes a mentor, sometimes a new trainee and often times by whomever I would ask for help. The other beautiful gift that Arthur Murray has shown me is that people in our company care enough about our successes to see things for us that sometimes we cannot see for ourselves- building the future of our company, with leaders who grow other leaders.

Things I pack on every trip (and you should too):

Safety Pins
Superglue
A great RED lipstick

Anything else you want to share?

It's such an honor to be part of this company and to be connected to such amazing Arthur Murray professionals, mentors and friends here at ArthurMurrayLive is a true honor! THANKS SO MUCH for reading - and caring about your fellow Arthur Murray peeps!