ACE Mission Blog

Volunteers from The Phoenix talk about what they gained from the ACE Community Physical Activity Leader course. Read their inspiring stories.

Justice’s journey into health and fitness began with her own battle with chronic, debilitating pain. After unknowingly living with an untreated tick-borne illness for seven years, she spent much of her late teens and early twenties searching for relief. With little guidance available, she turned inward—exploring intentional movement, nutrition, and a deep study of the human body.

ACE and The Phoenix share a belief that physical activity and social connections are vital to recovery. Learn about this collaboration and how you can volunteer.

Rami Aboumahadi’s path into fitness began after building a successful career in finance. After immigrating to the United States at 18, he earned dual degrees in Accounting and Economics and launched his career on Wall Street. While he achieved professional success, something was missing. Over time, he realized he wanted to make a more meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Jolene Noel can hardly remember a time when fitness wasn’t part of her life. In first grade, a visiting instructor led a fitness demonstration and later pulled her aside to tell her how great she did. That brief moment of encouragement planted a seed—one that would shape her future in powerful ways.