Welcome
Army veteran, coach, and founder of a movement for women who are done shrinking themselves, playing small, or waiting for permission to take up space – I am TeddiJo.
I created this because I didn’t see anyone reaching people like me — people who crave challenge, connection, and wild places, but who are easy to overlook in traditional fitness and wellness culture. Not conventionally beautiful. Not built like an athlete in a way the patriarchy approves of. In my 40s. Queer-adjacent, nontraditional, and unapologetically outside the box. I like hard things, not performative fitness. I move because it keeps me alive, not because it looks good on Instagram.
So I built something better. A space where strength isn’t aesthetic, youth-coded, or optimized for the male gaze. Where bodies are allowed to age, adapt, and show up exactly as they are. Where we train for the trail and for real life — meeting discomfort with grit, gallows humor, tenderness, and yes, the occasional well-earned curse word. This is strength without spectacle. Power without polish. And you’re welcome here.
This Space Is Not For
- Fitness that centers aesthetics over agency
- Anyone uncomfortable with strong women, strong opinions, or strong language
- Diet culture and body shaming
- Hustle-for-worth mentalities
- Performative empowerment with no substance
Why Choose Me?
I’m qualified to do this work because I’ve invested deeply in both education and lived experience. I’m a Certified Women’s Coaching Specialist through Girls Gone Strong — an evidence-based organization known for setting the gold standard in inclusive, trauma-aware, and ethically sound coaching for women and gender-diverse people. I’m also a 500-hour certified yoga teacher, Wilderness First Aid–certified (with plans to advance to Wilderness First Responder at recertification), a Leave No Trace Level 1 Educator through the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and a Certified Wilderness Survival Instructor.
My experience has been earned mile by mile. From marathons, ultras, and obstacle races to hundreds of miles hiked and backpacked across the U.S. and Canada, I’ve shown up as a participant, leader, and problem-solver. I’ve guided multi-day thru-hikes and built journeys that push limits—not for podiums, but to build competence, confidence, and staying power.
And…
I’m currently expanding my skill set through training as a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) coach and a certified nutritionist, and I recently submitted my application to the highly competitive Master Naturalist Program.
I Am An Actual Professional Outdoor Educator
Professionally, I serve as the Outdoor Recreation and Programs Leader for the second-largest community college in the United States, and I’m an active volunteer with multiple conservation, outdoor, and women-focused nonprofits. In short: I don’t just love this work — I’ve trained for it, lived it, and continue to grow so I can serve others well.
