Denise Thomas-Morrow

A army brat and the eighth of 11 kids, Denise Thomas-Morrow was born in England and raised in Baker City, Oregon, where her dad retired after serving at a nearby radar post. A four-year three-sport letterman athlete at Baker HS, she spent two years as a PE major at Oregon College of Ed in Monmouth. Inspired by a jazz dance class, she transfered to the UO dance program, earned a BS in 1985, and moved to New York City for further study. "One day I saw a woman teaching a class in tennis shoes," says Thomas-Morrow, who tried the aerobics class, trained to become a instructor, and eventually opened her own Let's Move Fitness Studio. "My clients were actors, singers, professors, and writers, all by word of mouth to this day." In 1998, she and her husband, graphic designer Randy Morrow, moved back to Eugene, where she reopened her studio. She also put in 10 years as conditioning coach at Marist HS. In 2011, she launched Healthy Moves, a non-profit that brings fitness trainers into Bethel and Springfield elementary schools at no cost for six-week sessions aimed at building commitment to physical education. HM will present its Fall Fashion and Fitness fundraising show at the Downtown Athletic Club on September 21. Learn more about Healthy Moves at hm4kids.org. Check into Let's Move classes and programs at letsmovewithd.com.