1. Where are you from originally? I’m originally from a suburb of Chicago, but spent most of my childhood in Hartland Michigan which is about 30 minutes north of Ann Arbor.

2. When did you join FIT4MOMI joined in October 2023 when my son was 2 months old!

3. What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM? As a first time mom, I love the connection with other moms! It’s so helpful to have a group who are going through (or have already gone through) literally any struggle you’re having.

4. What do you currently do? I’m currently a stay at home parent, and I used to teach 3rd and 4th grade.

5. Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village? The advice I’ve gotten about parenting most often is to find groups and friends who are also in this stage of life. I’ve found it to be so helpful to connect with other people through FIT4MOM for this exact reason! There’s not much that can prepare you for parenthood, so it helps to have a village to fall back on.

6. What is your favorite beverage? Coffee always!

7. What is your favorite dessert? Lava cake

8. You are given 4 hours of FREE baby-sitting. What would you do? I would probably see a movie to have all the snacks and then go to a bookstore!

9. What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination? I don’t have anywhere specific, but I would love to lay on a beach with no distractions and a book.

10. How has becoming a mother changed you? Becoming a mom has changed me in so many ways, but the biggest is that I look at everyone and think ‘that’s someone’s baby’. It’s made me a more empathetic person for sure! I’ve heard other people say this, but now I get it.

11. I am happiest when... it’s a cool, cloudy day and we go on a family walk or hike