Over the past year, a lot of my work — and heart — has been centered around building community.

Not just community in the abstract sense, but real, lived-in community: people showing up, supporting one another, getting stronger together, and feeling like they belong.

What I’ve Been Building at Ascent

I currently serve as the Head Strength Coach and Strength Program Director at Ascent New Haven, where my role is both practical and deeply relational.

My work there includes:

• Designing and overseeing our strength and fitness programming
• Coaching women and the general population
• Supporting and mentoring a growing team of thoughtful, skilled coaches
• Creating systems that make strength training feel approachable, inclusive, and sustainable
• Helping shape a culture rooted in respect, encouragement, and connection

Together, we’re building a strength space that:

• Welcomes beginners and experienced lifters alike
• Values showing up over perfection
• Encourages curiosity, confidence, and long-term growth
• Feels supportive — not intimidating

Strength, to me, has never been just about weight on a bar. It’s about agency, trust, resilience, and learning what your body (and nervous system) are capable of over time.

And What About Mountain View Wellness?

We are Still Evolving + Still Dreaming

Alongside this work, Mountain View Wellness continues to evolve.

It remains the place where I explore the bigger picture:

• How women experience strength and confidence in mid-life
• How outdoor adventure can be a powerful container for growth
• How community helps us stay consistent, grounded, and brave

I’m actively dreaming about:

• Outdoor adventure retreats for women — safe, fun, empowering, and rooted in connection
  (here in Connecticut and throughout New England)
• Writing and sharing more through the blog — to educate, inspire, and normalize strength at every age
• Creating spaces where women feel supported as they navigate change, identity, and what’s next

At the core of all of it is the same question I’ve been asking for years:

Why Community Matters More Than Ever

We’re living in a time when it’s easy to feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of where we belong.

That’s why I believe community matters more than ever — not the kind that demands sameness, but the kind that welcomes difference, shared effort, and mutual support.

Which brings me to something important I want to share.

Run for the Refugees: Showing Up Together

This spring, Team Ascent is participating in the Run for the Refugees, a local race and fundraiser supporting refugees and immigrants in New Haven.

These are individuals and families who bring resilience, culture, skill, and heart to our city — and who deserve safety, dignity, and community as they build new lives.

This event isn’t about performance.
It’s about showing up.

There are many ways to be part of it:

• Run or walk
• Donate
• Share the fundraiser with others
• Stand in solidarity, even from afar

👉 You can join or support Team Ascent here:​
​https://runsignup.com/Race/69148/Donate/JZmMW3sJuUnXiNiW​

We’re currently $300 away from our fundraising goal, and every bit of support truly matters.

Moving Forward, Together

Whether you’re connected to Ascent, Mountain View Wellness, both, or simply reading along quietly — I’m grateful you’re here.

Strength doesn’t happen in isolation.
Community doesn’t either.

Sometimes it starts with a workout.
Sometimes with a conversation.
Sometimes with a shared cause.

Thank you for being part of this wider circle — and for continuing to show up in ways that matter.

With strength and gratitude,
​Coach Julie

PS As always, if you were moved by anything I wrote, or just really want to catch up, I'd love to hear from you. Just hit "reply" and I'll get back to you! Have a great week!