Martial Arts, Movement, and a Mission to Help Others

In the fall of 2024, a determined student at Northampton Community College (NCC) took a pivotal step toward her future in healthcare by beginning her studies in sports medicine and rehabilitation sciences. Danielle Fredricks had already earned an associate’s degree in general studies from NCC, but this new chapter marked the beginning of a journey that aligned with her true passions and lifelong values. 

“I am a very compassionate person who enjoys helping others be the best they can be. This is why I enjoy working in healthcare so much. It gives me the opportunity to work in alignment with my personal beliefs, and I am very passionate about that,” says Fredricks. 

Her path to healthcare wasn’t linear. After nearly 12 years of working with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network as a licensed technician, Fredricks saw firsthand the daily responsibilities of nurses. While she admired their dedication, she realized her calling lay elsewhere—somewhere more rooted in physical rehabilitation, movement, and long-term wellness. With nearly 20 years of experience in martial arts, she understood the power of physical discipline and the mind-body connection. 

Fredricks has big plans. Her goal is to work in environments where she can help others feel strong as an exercise physiologist or athletic trainer—whether in a high school or collegiate athletic setting, a healthcare facility focused on rehabilitation, or as a certified personal trainer helping individuals achieve their fitness goals. 

A black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Fredricks discovered early on that she was capable of far more than she imagined, and she hopes to help others see their own capabilities through her future career. 

“When I started martial arts, it was so rigorous, and I had to get myself into shape,” she says. “I had to get there. I was so sore all of the time, and I’d go home and realize how hard it was. But, I didn’t give up on myself.” 

Fredricks’s commitment to martial arts eventually expanded into weight training, Pilates, and running. Fitness became a cornerstone of her life—not only as a physical outlet, but as a source of joy, structure, and purpose. Morning workouts became essential to her routine, setting the tone for her day and reinforcing the belief that fitness is more than a habit. It’s a lifestyle. 

Her passion for martial arts isn’t just personal—it’s deeply rooted in her family. Both of Fredricks’s brothers and her 10-year-old nephew are black belts, while her 5-year-old niece holds an orange belt. Training together at Kim’s Black Belt Academy in Bethlehem has brought them closer as a family and created a shared bond rooted in discipline and respect. 

Fredricks’s personal journey has not been without challenges. She grew up in a difficult household, where she often felt overlooked and unsupported. While her brothers received encouragement, she had to forge her own path. That journey—fueled by resilience, faith, and personal growth—eventually led to reconciliation with her family. Five years ago, she reconnected with her parents, and they were able to witness her graduate with her first degree—an achievement that marked both healing and progress. 

Throughout her time at NCC, she has taken full advantage of the resources available. The Learning Center, science labs, and supportive professors have played an integral role in her academic success. She’s also an active member of the NCC Christian Fellowship Club, where she found meaningful community and strength through faith. 

This summer, she plans to obtain her personal training certification and begin actively working in the fitness industry. Fredricks is eager to continue growing in a field that allows her to combine science, movement, and compassion. 

As she looks ahead to graduation next spring, she reflects on how far she’s come—and how far she intends to go. 

“I had a rough start, but I’m determined to have a great finish,” Fredricks says. “I’m proud of everything I’ve done, but I’m not done. I want to keep going. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams. You can go as far as you want in life, but you just have to believe you can do it.”