Above: Amber Ayers with her oldest son, Jackson (photo taken by Amber's husband, Kyle Ayers) at their first triathlon, summer 2018. Amber was the first woman in her age group to cross the finish line, third woman overall. Her time qualified her for the National Triathlon. Congratulations, Amber!

For more than half of her life Amber has attended Deb's classes, consistently showing up and working out. She is Deb's longest-standing "regular" and a wonderful role model. Amber makes exercise a priority alongside a full-time job (high-school English teacher) and an active family life.

For the past year, Nancy Nies and Deb have been working one-on-one. In the beginning Nancy, who has Parkinson's and osteoporosis, was unable to stand against a wall with her tailbone, her upper back, and the back of her head simultaneously touching the wall. In fact she needed not just one, but two yoga blocks placed between her head and the wall so that her head could press back against something. Now (fast-forward a year) Nancy can get her tailbone, upper back and the back of her head simultaneously against the wall - no yoga blocks required!

In addition to her private sessions (averaging two hours a week) Nancy attends regular MAT classes and does daily homework. What a difference a year of diligent and consistent work has made! Nancy has made great strides in mobilizing, strengthening and stretching her body and is an inspiration to all of us who have witnessed her progress.