Where are you originally from?

Lake Bluff, IL, a small town on the shore of Lake Michigan, north of most of the Chicago suburbs and pretty close to Wisconsin.

When did you join FIT4MOM?

October 2020. My husband was recovering from surgery and sleeping in a recliner at the other end of the house. I had been waiting on everyone the first 7 months of the pandemic. Those first mornings it was amazing to get up early, jump up and down, laugh at Erica's frog costume head, and groove to women-power music. I went to a class ~every day for several weeks. I'm so grateful to have found y'all!

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM?

Centering myself. I love that with the early morning classes I start my days for myself. The teachers (Erica, Cherice, Michelle, Margaret, Bri, Holly, and others here and in other franchises) consistently emphasize self-love, the gifts and struggles of motherhood/womanhood, and the benefits of a community of strong women. These are reminders I need!

What do you currently do?

I am a Professor of Biology at UNC. This means I teach classes to undergrads and graduate students, and I have a research lab funded by the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation where trainees aged 18-47 work with me to discover how cells pinch in half (cells have miniscule machines within, that rearrange to generate force). I also spend a lot of time and creative energy on supporting students, working for social justice and workers' rights within the university, and understanding how the system works so I can make change from within for optimal fairness, innovation, and discovery.

Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village?

It is SO important for moms, other women, and people of all historically oppressed genders to feel part of something bigger than themselves. This "village" offers affirmation, reassurance, inspiration, and motivation to do the hard work of balancing service to others and ourselves.

What is your favorite beverage?

I love so many beverages. Chai tea, good espresso, decaf, seltzer, various herbal teas, and good ol' tap water with ice. I also enjoy wine and cider, as well as cocktails, but I am working on minimizing alcohol consumption for many reasons.

What is your favorite dessert?

I love sweets. Especially chocolate. Chocolate-plus. With raspberry, with mint, with salt. The darker and more expensive the better (unfortunately). I have some good chocolates at my desk and have one or two or three a day.

You are given 4 hours of FREE baby-sitting. What would you do?

A yoga or HIIT class, a long conversation with my parents, maybe a treat at a cafe - anything to take my mind off the temptation to tidy the house or work during that time!

What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination?

I would love to go back to Japan, where I went and was largely on my own. I love Europe too. Ooo! Somewhere with excellent snorkeling, food, and sunsets - how about the Great Barrier Reef!

How has becoming a mother changed you?

I realized I can tolerate a lot more discomfort and inconvenience than I used to. I recently learned that sitting with discomfort is a Buddhist principle, gtong len. I can step into the shower before the water gets warm, and I can absorb a lot of other peoples’ bad days and offer comfort. Rain and "bad" weather are no big deal, and everything lovely is better when shared with someone open to appreciating it together. And I had no idea I could love so many people so deeply. When expecting my second, I was worried I wouldn't be able to love anyone as much as my first. There really is no limit to how much love a heart can hold and share.

I am happiest when...

My kids are lost in good old-fashioned creative play/discovery/creating. And I'm happy when my husband and I connect. And when a student has a moment of realization, or I get to sit at the microscope, or we elect someone competent and inspiring, or when the sky is pink or I’m cuddling a chicken (see attached photo). Lots of happiests.