Just​Breathe

Biography…

 

     Debbie is a transplant from the East Coast, and has been involved with the fitness industry for over 40 years, getting her start at the University of Maryland, where she graduated in 1979 with a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies.  During college, she was ‘teaching exercise classes to music’ -- evenings in a church basement.  She expanded her career after graduation on board a cruise ship in the Caribbean and continued staying involved with a focus on fitness, even as she traveled overseas as a Recreation Specialist for 3 years on Military bases in South Korea.  Deb met her husband while in Korea (a helicopter pilot/Army officer) and they were married in her hometown of Baltimore in December of 1983.

 

     Debbie has had (or currently holds) certifications in group exercise from the YMCA, International Aerobic Certification, the Silver Sneakers Program that includes:  Strength & Range of Motion; Cardio Circuit & Boom classes; Yoga Stretch, as well as Silver Splash;  She holds training certifications in  Pilates, PiYo (Pilates/Yoga mix through Powder Blue Productions), Zumba Gold, Water Fitness Instructor certification and current first aid and CPR.  Deb's main area of interest is in Yoga.  Having started doing yoga in college, taking years off from the practice and becoming re-acquainted with the program during her time with the Idaho Athletic Club in 1998 - 2007; she followed her dream with an array of certifications from Yogafit International; but actually received her RYT 200 hr. Yoga Teacher Training Certificate with Shanti Yoga School; and in the Fall of 2015 was credentialed through Yoga Alliance (Yoga Alliance® is the largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community. whose mission is to promote and support the integrity and diversity of the teaching of yoga, and is the main credentialing organization for Yoga Teachers)

 

     She has taught for local recreation and parks departments, churches, schools, wellness programs, athletic clubs, small businesses and private studios.  She is currently a fitness instructor at the Caldwell YMCA as well as teaching yoga classes to a diverse population of individuals in all sorts of settings; doing small presentations and workshops for weekend retreats and special group gatherings.

 

     Debbie lives in Caldwell, Idaho with her husband Rob, a native of Caldwell (currently the Airport Manager of the Caldwell Industrial Airport) and several cats at any given time.    Her 3 children, Nick, Jonathan and Amanda Oates are grown and on their own.  She owned her own dessert business for more than 25 years, where she designed and decorated wedding cakes and specialty desserts and still does some work on an individual basis for clients. 

 

     Deb enjoys exercise of all kinds, including hiking, backpacking and bicycling.  She is an avid gardener and baker; and particularly enjoys entertaining and working on home projects for her (over 100 years old) Historical home, where she not only hosts dinners/parties and special events; but welcomes guests weekly into her Bed & Breakfast, "The Platt House" (via  AirBnB.com)

You can find her teaching classes at the local branch of the Treasure Valley YMCA in Caldwell, Idaho; Monday thru Friday (check her on-line teaching schedule on the 'connect' tab).    When she is not working on preparing for B&B guests, hosting parties or decorating her home for the seasons, crafting, or gardening  projects, she is spending time with her grandson, Luke or wine tasting with her husband.