Happy Monday!

 Just a great reminder 

“Believe in yourself and all that you are.                                                                                                                      Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” 

I had a few people ask me about the letter from MSK here it is and my response

 

I had to post this first it's a letter of from the principal in October before all this happened! 

My response 

Dear: Monsignor Steve Ketchel, and Ted Reichenbacher, 

Thank you for your response, which has highlighted a deeper issue within the Aquinas school system. The dysfunction within the system does not rest solely with the current administration but rather stems from decisions and practices at the highest levels of leadership. It is concerning that previous administrators left their positions due to similar situations where their correct decisions were overruled.

I gave you an opportunity to right the wrong that had been done, yet instead of addressing the issue, you chose to victimize and shame my son. Korbin confided in us, his parents, about his struggles because he did not feel safe or supported enough to share this with school officials. He wanted accountability and action to make the bullying stop. However, after the initial incident, neither you nor the administration acted appropriately, allowing the situation to escalate.

Following my decision to come forward, students began using Snapchat and group chats to target Korbin further, making him feel guilty about the video I found and questioning its origin. This has intensified the bullying and shifted the blame onto Korbin, who is now being targeted for actions he did not take. This is a clear continuation of the harassment he has endured. How is this behavior not considered bullying under your policies?

Additionally, your decision to criticize Korbin for having his phone “in his lunch bag,” which was clearly labeled with his name, is appalling. The other students had no right to touch his belongings under any circumstances. Even if Korbin had momentarily left his phone unattended, as many students do, this does not justify their actions. The focus should be on holding the perpetrators accountable rather than finding fault with Korbin.

I also want to address the issue of the headphones. The student in question was fully aware that the headphones belonged to Korbin. After Korbin went to take an ice bath, as many football players do, the student took Korbin’s headphones, stole them, and brought them to his house. I personally drove to the student’s house to retrieve the headphones and spoke with his parent, who was absolutely disgusted by what their son had done.

To the school’s credit, the disciplinary action taken in this instance was appropriate, as the student stole property from school premises. However, I want to highlight Mr. Poellinger sent to all students and parents regarding locker room conduct. In that letter, which I can provide, if necessary, he specifically urged parents to teach their children not to touch anything that does not belong to them. This is a basic principle we must instill in our students: if something is not yours, do not touch it.

In this situation, Korbin’s actions were not at fault. The responsibility lies entirely with the perpetrators, whose behavior was deliberate and intentional. Placing any blame on Korbin for the actions of others only further victimizes him.

To clarify, I had to take a screenshot of the student involved in the incident and ask a teacher to identify who he was, as Korbin did not know him. If this individual were a “friend” of Korbin’s, we would have known who the student was. This further disproves the suggestion that the boys involved were acting as Korbin’s friends.

Are you aware that these two boys are telling other students that Korbin allowed them to use his phone? This is entirely untrue. Korbin is not friends with them, and such false claims only add to the harassment he is experiencing.

I also want to emphasize the seriousness of this issue, especially considering that the police were involved. Any situation requiring a police report is, by definition, a significant matter. Your dismissal of its importance is unacceptable.

Your decision-making process appears to have been based on incomplete and incorrect information. You relied on accounts from other parents and ignored the full context, including the pending police report. This raises serious concerns about the thoroughness of your investigation. Furthermore, when I visited your home, you failed to use the term “malicious” in describing the incident. I also requested another officer review the investigation, as the case had not been properly closed. This demonstrates that both the school and law enforcement processes were mishandled, which we are continuing to review independently.

Your response has also shifted blame onto Korbin instead of addressing the actions of the perpetrators. Referring to their behavior as “boys being boys” minimizes the harm caused and ignores the fact that these individuals are not Korbin’s friends.

Furthermore, you violated the school’s handbook by inconsistently applying consequences. Some students were allowed to act without repercussion while others faced different treatment. The handbook is meant to ensure fair and consistent policies for all students. By ignoring it, you have undermined its authority and demonstrated bias in your actions.

Your response also included statements that I consider defamatory to Korbin’s character. By implying that Korbin bears responsibility for the actions of others, you have unfairly attributed blame to him, damaging his reputation and standing. Such statements only compound the harm caused by this incident.

Additionally, your Instagram post, (Note: this was snapchat not Instagram) in which you stated, “I find it to be impressive how many students do this in other schools to get all their kids to come to the mass,” is deeply troubling. This issue arose because you disregarded the handbook and the code of conduct, showing students that rules could be broken without consequence. This post appears to have encouraged students to rally against Korbin, a freshman football player, further escalating the situation.

Your actions also blur the boundaries between religious practices and educational responsibilities, raising concerns about the separation of church and state. Using religious events as a means to discipline or target students is both inappropriate and unethical.

Your comment about students needing to “reach out for an appointment” for mental health support highlights a lack of understanding of proper protocols. Students struggling with mental health challenges may be hesitant or unable to take this step. Teachers and staff must proactively identify and support these students, rather than placing the burden entirely on them to seek help.

I also take issue with your assertion regarding the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) reference. The handbook does not allow for retroactive rule changes or policies. All families signed the code of conduct at the start of the season, and your failure to adhere to these guidelines is unacceptable.

Lastly, I want to stress the criminal implications of this incident. Recording individuals in a locker room without their knowledge or consent is a serious offense under Wisconsin law. Potential charges could include:

• Violation of Privacy (Wis. Stat. § 942.08): Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 9 months in jail and a $10,000 fine.

• Capturing Intimate Representations (Wis. Stat. § 942.09): Class I felony punishable by up to 3.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The fact that this incident is being downplayed is shocking and unacceptable.

In previous letters, we asked for six specific actions. While you addressed a few of them, the most important—the apology—remains unresolved. An apology is not merely a formality but an essential acknowledgment of the harm caused to Korbin and our family.

The school must take control of these issues to ensure they never happen again. Similar situations have occurred in the past, and yet another has arisen in recent weeks. This ongoing pattern highlights systemic failures to address bullying, harassment, and misconduct. Without consistent enforcement of policies, these behaviors will continue to harm students and their families.

Tom, I look forward to hearing your resolution in this matter as this is so unexceptional to all of us and our community! 

Again, thank you for your response. I will continue to fight not only for my son but for all families in the school district, so they do not have to endure the pain and hardship that we have experienced. It is my hope that this effort will lead to meaningful change, ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for all students at Aquinas.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Neher 

Finding My Balance: HRT, Training, and Showing Up for Life

I can’t even begin to tell you how good I feel right now. As a personal trainer, coach, fitness professional, and nutrition coach, I’m used to pushing through and staying focused. But recently, something felt off—and I wasn’t sure what it was at first.

Turns out, I was dealing with major brain fog. I’m talking the kind where I’d be in the middle of teaching a class and suddenly forget what was next. Then a hot flash would roll in, and I’d try to shake it off with a smile, but inside? I was flustered and frustrated. The weight gain "we don't even want to go there!"

So, I made a decision I had been putting off: I started Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). And let me just say—WOW. I’m not embarrassed to share this part of my journey, because I know there are other women out there silently struggling with the same things. Even though my doctor told me it might take 2–6 weeks to feel a difference, I noticed it almost immediately. (I’m super sensitive to any medication—just missing a thyroid dose throws me off—so this didn’t surprise me!)

Now I’m managing my HRT alongside my thyroid meds, which is basically a carefully timed puzzle. I take my thyroid medication at 4:05 AM, wait six hours for HRT around 10:00 AM, plan my meals around that schedule, and then get in my second dose of thyroid meds mid-afternoon. In between? I’m training clients, teaching classes, getting my own workouts in, and being present for my amazing kids and family in the evenings.

And somewhere in the middle of it all—I’ve found clarity.

To stay grounded and focused, I’ve created some intentional daily goals that help me feel accomplished without getting obsessive. Here’s what I’m aiming for:

• 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day

• 100–130 grams of protein daily

• One focused workout: strength training, running, or cycling

• 100 ounces of water

It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up. Every day.

To keep myself accountable and maybe even inspire someone else, I’ll be checking in here every day to share how that day went—what worked, what didn’t, what I learned, and the workouts I completed.

While I’d originally planned to run a marathon each month, I’ve had to pivot. My body needed a reset, so I’m adjusting expectations—maybe a half marathon every week or two :) We’ll see how it goes!

I also haven’t committed to many races this year because my son and daughter-in-law are facing some tough challenges. I want to be available—at the drop of a hat—if they need me. That’s also why I stepped away from coaching volleyball this season. Right now, family comes first, and I’m grateful that my YMCA team/family and my clients understand and support me in every step of the way.

This journey—balancing HRT, thyroid health, fitness, and family—is just beginning. I’m excited to see where it leads. If you’ve followed along with any of my other adventures, I hope you’ll join me on this one, too. Let’s grow, learn, and move forward together.

Off to 10, 000 steps then Weight Training today!

Let's Go!

  Excited to kick off a new chapter!

I just signed up for my first race of 2025 — with more to come as the year unfolds. My goals have recently shifted due to some inflammation in my left knee, so I’m focusing on reducing that with cycling and other low-impact training methods. I’ve also realized that too much treadmill running may have set me back a bit, so it’s time to get back outside and reconnect with the road. Looking forward to building momentum, healing well, and adding more races to the calendar as I go!

 “When you choose to see the beauty in the world, it reveals itself in even the smallest moments. Open your heart, and you’ll find it everywhere.”

Keep learning

 Keep pushing forward.

When you’re committed to improving your education, you’re investing in a better version of yourself and elevating your position in life. If you want to be the best, find the education and tools that will help you get there.

I genuinely love what I do—being a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and fitness instructor allows me to help others grow stronger, healthier, and more confident every day. Never stop learning, and never stop striving to reach your full potential! #trainer #fitnessinstructorlife #fitnessinstruktør #fitour #changelives #getbettereveryday #ymca

Getting older is so fun!

 After noticing a quick weight gain, night sweats, brain fog, yada, yada and despite teaching the same number of classes, maintaining a consistent weight training routine, and eating a healthy diet (aside from the occasional indulgence in Peeps)—I’ve recently entered post-menopause. This new phase has brought about a change in my treatment plan, including the introduction of a new medication.

Although I was told it would take about two weeks to notice any effects, I’m only on day three and already feeling a positive difference. I have more energy and don’t feel as fatigued. I’m curious to see how things progress in the coming weeks and will continue to share updates.

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Our family

 

After several challenging weeks filled with medical tests, hurdles, and ongoing uncertainties, Jennah Bagstad is beginning her chemotherapy today. We kindly ask for your prayers, positive thoughts, and healing energy as she embarks on this next chapter of her j

https://gofund.me/e4a40f40

 

Goal Shift—but Still Going Strong!
My original plan for 2025? A marathon every month.
But life had other (amazing) plans—with teaching 12+ fitness classes a week, personal training, and having two busy kids in sports means time is tight!

So here’s the pivot: I’m shifting my focus to a few half marathons each month instead. Still pushing myself, still showing up, just in a way that fits my full (and awesome) life.

Goals can change—and that’s okay.
Adapt. Evolve. Keep moving forward. LET’S GO!

#GoalShift #HalfMarathonLife #FitMomLife #shinewithin #TrainerLife #AdaptAndThrive #StrongNotStuck #thyroidathlete
#ironsunshine☀️ #keeprunning #proteincoffee #chikecoffee

January Tready Marathon YIKES!

 With February 1 falling on Saturday, I’m determined to hit my goal today! 

That means tackling 26.2 miles on the treadmill. I’ve only got a few hours to go, so let’s make it happen—one step closer to success! 

I’ll admit it—today was mentally tough. I haven’t been running much lately, outside of teaching my classes and cycling, so my legs are absolutely on fire right now. It’s a clear reminder that I need to get back into running regularly, especially with how my body feels at the moment.

That said, I’m giving myself some grace. I taught a TRX class and a strength training class earlier today, which probably explains why I’m experiencing a bit of “heavy leg syndrome.” It’s a good lesson for me to listen to my body and acknowledge the work it’s already done.

Time to refocus and start building my running endurance back up!
#justkeeprunning #goals #runonthetready @ifit  

Marathon January Check!