December Mom of the Month

Our mom of the month program honors moms for their efforts to lead healthy lifestyles, and gives us a chance to get to know them better at the same time!

December's featured "Mom of the Month" is: Tommie Thomas! 

Congrats Tommie!

 

 

 Tommie has been a Stroller Strides member since July, and she and her daughter Ellison are a smiling presence at our Durham area workouts each week.  Tommie has made great strides the past 6 months in fitness, motherhood, and life, and we are grateful that she has taken on a role as Playgroup Organizer for the Durham area, scheduling the fun meetups that moms and kids participate in each week.  Join us in congratulating Tommie and read on to get to know her a little better!

 
Hometown:  Rutherford County, North Carolina ("Small Town Friendly" is our motto)

Current part of the Triangle that you live in:  Chapel Hill, but we're moving to North Raleigh in the Spring

Education: BA in Journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill, MA in English from NC State

Stroller Strides Member since: July

Members of your Family: My husband Neel, my daughter Ellison, and a 10-year-old cat named Macy

Tell us about your children: Ellison is 19 months old and is full of energy! She loves to laugh and I'm constantly running to keep up with her.

Current/previous Career:  Before I became a mom, I taught 8th grade AG Language Arts for several years

What was your childhood ambition?  At one point, it was to be an astronaut

What does motherhood mean to you?  Being a mother is the greatest thing I've accomplished.  It's the most wonderful privilege and the most daunting responsibility I can imagine. 

What is the furthest you have been from home?  I once took a group of 8th graders to Hawaii for 2 weeks!

What has Stroller Strides done for you?  I am so glad that I joined Stroller Strides, because not only does it structure the days for my daughter and me, but it's helped me to meet new friends, get in shape, and feel better.  Plus, I love being able to work out while spending time with Ellison.
What is your favorite exercise?  Maniacs and squats, because my daughter loves imitating both of those moves at home.


What is your proudest moment?  Seeing my husband hold our daughter right after she was born.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)?  Champagne, good fiction novels, and traveling

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique.  I swam with sharks! (They were very docile)

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say?  I asked, and he said I'm nurturing, organized, and fun (not funny--my sense of humor was best appreciated by my 8th grade students)

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape?  Just get started--there are so many positive benefits, and feeling strong and healthy absolutely makes me a better mom. 

November Mom of the Month

Our mom of the month program honors moms for their efforts to lead healthy lifestyles, and gives us a chance to get to know them better at the same time!

November's featured "Mom of the Month" is: Jessica Garner! 

Congrats Jessica!

 

 

Jessica joined Stroller Strides with an annual Teachers Pass this summer, and she and her adorable twin boys Samuel & Henry have been dedicated members since then.  Jessica inspires all of us moms with her dedication and double stroller at her workouts, never a dull moment but always with a smile!  Jessica has made great strides in fitness, motherhood, and life, and recently had a huge accomplishment in completing the City of Oaks Half Marathon!  Join us in congratulating Jessica and read on to get to know her a little better. 

 

  

Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA 

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: The "Quay" aka Fuquay-Varina

Education: Math Degree from Elon University and Masters of Education from Wake Forest University 

Stroller Strides Member since: June 2014

Members of your Family: Hubby Mike and 8 month old twin boys Samuel Joseph and Henry Paul

Tell us about your children: Samuel is the calm one and Henry is the wild one.....even though Samuel is older (by 2 minutes) I have a feeling Henry will dominate and convince Samuel to do crazy things later on in life :) They both are so happy most of the time and Samuel has an infectious laugh while Henry has the biggest smile.

Current/previous Career: Math teacher at the community college

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a vet....what was I thinking??? But, I do have two boston terriers (Ric Flair and Lucy).

What does motherhood mean to you? I love my boys and couldn't imagine my life without them. They have changed so much already and I look forward to watching them grow up.....but not too fast I hope!

What is the furthest you have been from home? Ghana, Africa.....I went on a study abroad program for a month in college. You don't know hot until you've been to Africa with no AC, but after a few 50 cent beers you don't seem to notice.

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Not only has it helped me to get back into shape but it allows me the opportunity to bring the boys along while I do it.....and I think they secretly get a kick out of me attempting some of the exercises! 

What is your favorite exercise? Favorite might not be the best word but I have a love/hate relationship with burpees

What is your proudest moment? Besides my boys, most recently it was completing the City of Oaks half marathon.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Cruising, cruising, cruising.....It has everything I love, beautiful weather, traveling, beaches, gambling, dancing, and drinking! I even convinced my husband to get married on a cruise and we had 40 of our closest friends and family with us for 4 days.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. When I was growing up I was a competitive figure skater, sparkly outfits and all. I haven't been on the ice in years but every winter I watch it and still think Michelle Kwan was robbed of an olympic gold medal :)

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Well I cheated and just asked him and he said beauty, brains and my sense of humor.

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? Don't ever give up! I was on bed rest for 2.5 months, 2 of those were in the hospital and I was soooooo out of shape when I started. Almost 5 months later I'm finally starting to get back to where I once was.
 

 

 

 

Oct Mom of the Month

Our mom of the month program honors moms for their efforts to lead healthy lifestyles, and gives us a chance to get to know them better at the same time!

October's featured "Mom of the Month" is: Deidre Newport ! 

Congrats Deidre!

Deidre (and her daughter Ava) have been members of Stroller Strides since last year, and Deidre is a dedicated force at our Durham area locations, working hard and making great strides in fitness, motherhood and life this past year!  She sets a great example and does it with a smile.  ;)  Please join us in congratulating Deidre and read on to get to know her a little better. 

Hometown: I was born in Milwaukee, WI, but spent most of my childhood in Indiana. 

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Durham

Education:graduated from Indiana University
 
Stroller Strides Member since: 2013

Members of your Family: My husband, Michael, our daughter, Ava, and our two dogs, Xander and Emma. 

Tell us about your children: My daughter, Ava, is almost 15 months old.  She is super cute (although I may be a bit biased) and already is developing a pretty good sense of humor. 

Current/previous Career: Middle School Art Teacher

What was your childhood ambition? To be a cartoonist

What does motherhood mean to you? Ok, this is a big question.... I'm still trying to figure this out.  I still can't believe that I made this smart, funny, beautiful little human! It's so fulfilling to watch her grow and learn everyday.  

What is the furthest you have been from home? Florence, Italy 

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Not only has it helped me get in better shape, but it's given Ava and I time to hang out with other moms and kids, as well as put us on a more consistent schedule.

What is your favorite exercise? In general, dancing. At Stroller Strides, burpees.
 
What is your proudest moment? The birth of our daughter
 
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Art, roller derby(I am a Carolina Rollergirl), and craft beer

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique.

I worked as a balloon artist and did singing telegrams in college.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say?I cheated and asked him. He said that my best qualities are that "I'm a super mom and that I'm very supportive in everything he does. I am the perfect balance of being responsible, yet am still fun-loving and carefree".

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? 

Don't get frustrated if you can't do everything right away. Keep at it! Also, working out at the same time of day helps to keep you accountable and to put your baby on a schedule.  

September Mom of the Month

Our mom of the month program honors moms for their efforts to lead healthy lifestyles, and gives us a chance to get to know them better at the same time!

September's featured "Mom of the Month" is: Anna Lyden! 

Congrats Anna!

Anna has been a Stroller Strides member since early this year, and has made great strides in fitness this year.  She works hard at every workout she attends and has been one of our most frequently attendees this summer.  She sets a great example of all of us and does so with a smile.  We are glad to have Anna and her son Camden as part of our program! 

Join us in congratulating Anna and read on to get to know her a little better.

Hometown: 
Raleigh, NC 

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: 
Raleigh 

Education:
 BS in Business Management from UNCW

Stroller Strides Member since:

February

Members of your Family:

My husband Cahal and my son Camden (14 months)

Tell us about your children:

My son, Camden, was born in June of 2013.  He is very funny and we are starting to see more and more of his personality every day. 

Current/previous Career:

Before I was a stay at home mom with Cam, I worked as a compliance officer with AXA Advisors.

What was your childhood ambition?

to be a veterinarian

What does motherhood mean to you?

Motherhood is the most wonderful and bittersweet experience of my life.  I didn't realize just how much love I could have for this tiny person who was brand new to my life and that love only grows more and more everyday.  I feel very lucky and proud to be a mom.

What is the furthest you have been from home?

Costa Rica for our honeymoon.

What has Stroller Strides done for you (or meant to you)?

Stroller Strides has been great with getting back in shape.  Even more than that, the class has provided a great way to socialize with other moms and for Camden to get to interact and play with other kids.

What is your favorite exercise?

I don't know if I have a favorite exercise, specifically, but I like anything that helps firm up the buns.

What is your proudest moment?

I feel proud every single day when I see my son growing, learning, and starting to figure things out on his own.  My favorite moment right now, is seeing how sweet of a boy he is when he leans in to give me a kiss.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)?

the beach, my dog, and chocolate

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique.

I am certified in scuba diving, although I haven't gone in quite a while.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say?

I just asked him and he said my sense of humor, that I'm down to earth, responsible, have good morals, and am a nurturing mom.

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape?

I would tell them to be patient, have faith, and just stick with it.  In time you will start to feel stronger and you will start to see your body get back in shape.  It just takes a little bit of time and commitment.

 

August Mom of the Month

Our mom of the month program honors moms for their efforts to lead healthy lifestyles, and gives us a chance to get to know them better at the same time!

August's featured "Mom of the Month" is: Jennifer Frederick! 

Congrats Jennifer!

Jennifer has been participating in our Body Back health & fitness program for moms since early 2013.  She has made amazing strides in her health & fitness and brought a great energy and joy to her workouts and to our group of moms.  She recently beat all local "plank" records accomplishing a 20 (!!!) minute plank at Body Back.  She works hard at every workout, with a smile.  We are glad to have her as part of our program! 

Join us in congratulating Jennifer and read on to get to know her a little better!
  

Hometown: Pink Hill, NC (A small farm town outside Kinston, NC)

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Apex

Education: BS in Nutrition at East Carolina University

Body Back Member since: I started Body Back in early 2013

Members of your Family: My husband Chris and I have two sweet boys, Owen just turned 5 in July and Nathan is 2 1/2 and will be 3 Valentine's Day!

Tell us about your children: Owen starts kindergarten this year and is such a fun and loving little guy.  He can make friends with anyone and his favorite place to be is at the beach.  Nate is in an early preschool program and loves being the class helper.  He loves his big brother and wants to do everything he does.  Their latest obsession is playing Mario Kart Wii :)

Current/previous Career: Before moving to NC 2 years ago we lived in DC and I worked for a Venture Capital Firm.  I stayed home with the boys for a while then started working part time doing HR/Operations for a Recruiting firm.

What was your childhood ambition? I always wanted to be in the medical field but found out early in college that I didn't have the stomach for nursing school...so I choose Nutrition.  

What does motherhood mean to you? Being a mom means the world to me.  It's the hardest and the most rewarding thing I have ever done.  I couldn't imagine my life without my crazy boys.  

 

What is the furthest you have been from home? Probably Hawaii, and for me who does not like flying, it was huge for me to fly that far.

What has Body Back done for you? Gosh, where to begin!  Body Back has changed my life, I couldn't imagine my weeks without seeing these ladies and the awesome workouts.  It has provided me with not only the physical exercise program to reach my goals but also the support of other moms that are trying to reach the same goals as me.  I have not only lost 20lbs since I started but I have muscle and am in better shape than I was before I had kids.  I am not a gym person and get bored with the same workout day in and out and with the body back program, I look forward to class each week and it's exciting to do workouts that I never though I would do...and accomplish goals (like my 20 min plank) that i never though I could do.  I am a stronger mom, healthier mom and most important a better mom!

What is your favorite exercise?  I love planks, may sound strange but it's one of the few exercises that you can do that targets most muscle groups.  Then would be tuck-ups on the ball, v-sit twists and lunges.

What is your proudest moment?  My 20 min plank for sure! I worked so hard to get to my goal and I passed it!


What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Family beach trips, shopping and sushi.


Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. Let's see...maybe that there isn't one vegetable that I don't like! I grew up vegetarian for the first 18 years of my life and grew to love everything...even the weird ones!

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Kindness and consideration of others, and that I am always smiling :) 

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? Try Body Back!! No matter what shape you are in, this is the most supportive group of moms you will find.  From the food guidance, great workouts and always having a group of girls that you can talk to through your journey means everything.  And at the end of the session, you will be shocked at the inches lost! 

July Mom of the Month

Our mom of the month program honors moms for their efforts to lead healthy lifestyles, and gives us a chance to get to know them better at the same time!

July's featured "Mom of the Month" is: Rachelle Street! 

Congrats Rachelle!

Rachelle joined us at Stroller Strides this past December, and has been an active, dedicated member ever since.  She works hard during her workouts, and brings a lot of fun and energy to classes.  She recently rocked the Espirit de She 5k summer race (see pic below with fellow Stroller Strides mom Jenna), and is an inspiration to all of us.  We are so glad to have her, Neela, and Nolin (when he's not at school), as part of our Stroller Strides program. Join us in congratulating Rachelle, and read on to get to know her a little better!

Hometown:
Grew up in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Current part of the Triangle that you live in:
Cary 

Education:
Studied art and design

Stroller Strides Member since: 
December 

Members of your Family:

My family here in the states include

My husband Wayne, my son Nolin (3), my daughter Neela (8 month)

Tell us about your children:

Nolin was born in March of 2011. He goes to Preschool every day of the week. He is a lot of fun and loves sports:)

Neela was born in November of 2013 and I started SS with her:) She stays home with me and loves to explore. She is very outgoing and funny.

Current/previous Career:

I am a stay at home mom since nolin was born. I have been working on and off since then for my old company, from home though.

In August I will start watching my friends son.

What does motherhood mean to you?

Motherhood is everything to me...it is exactly what I thought it would be and so much more. I learned a lot about myself in the last 4 years.

Being a mom is the best job I ever had. I am so proud to be Mama to these two little loves of mine.

What has Stroller Strides done for you (or meant to you)?

Stroller Strides has helped me in so many ways. I have gotten my body back but have also met some awesome people in the process. 

It is not just working out for me...I like going because of the people too!

What is your favorite exercise?

My favorite exercise must be lunges.

What is your proudest moment?

My proudest moment as a mom...when kids say mom for the very first time...or any time after that;)

The time where they just come up and tell you that you are the best mom in the whole world:)

Really any moment!

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)?
Three things....shoes, shopping, eating!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. 
The amount of food I can eat:)) My husband thought I was crazy.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say?

Loving, honest, funny, straight forward...

My husband might add the fact that I am very loud!!!!:)

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? 

Don't try so hard to lose the weight. Have fun!!!! Take your time...don't worry about the way you look or how much the baby cries. Be yourself and have fun! Do the best that YOU can do!!!

The rest will follow!

June Mom of the Month

Our mom of the month program honors moms for their efforts to lead healthy lifestyles, and gives us a chance to get to know them better at the same time!

June's featured "Mom of the Month" is: Gisela Gaztambide! 

Congrats Gisela!  

Gisela joined Stroller Strides last fall and has brought great energy, smiles, determination and laughter to her weekly workouts!  This strong mom of 3 (ages 1 to 17) sets a great example to all of us as a busy mom who still finds time to get her workouts in and keeps up a great positive attitude throughout it all.  She has worked hard at Stroller Strides and it's paid off, physically and mentally, and she demonstrated her fitness and determination further just this week-- she just completed her first 5k (Espirit de She) with a great time in the summer heat!  Congrats!   Please join us in congratulating Gisela and read on to get to know her a bit further.  

Hometown: Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Apex


Education: I have an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy

Stroller Strides Member since: September 2013


Members of your Family: Jan (hubby) Alan (17 yrs) Andrea (10 yrs) David (14 mo)


Tell us about your children: I have the blessing of being the mom of three amazing, fun loving, sweet and very active kids.


Current/previous Career: Right now I am a SAHM but thinking of going back into the Real Estate business. 

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a Veterinarian

What does motherhood mean to you? Hummm.... unconditional love, sleepless nights (no matter the age of your child), laughter and most of the time messy car, house, etc.
 
What is the furthest you have been from home? San Diego, California

What has Stroller Strides done for you (or meant to you)? Oh wow! I really love Stroller Strides! Having the opportunity to work out with my baby and meeting other pretty cool moms and kiddos it's been amazing!

What is your favorite exercise? I have a love and hate relationship with BURPEES!!

What is your proudest moment? The births of my children


What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? The beach, roller coasters and....beer ( shhhhh)


Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique.  Even  though I always considered myself kind of a tomboy when I was growing up, I also did some modeling for a while and surprisingly enjoyed it.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Strong, sentimental and compassionate.

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape?  Just do it!! Find time for yourself and go for it!! You will definitely feel better about yourself