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 Jennifer Lewis! 

Congrats, Jenn!

Jenn has been a Stroller Strides member for almost a year now, and has made great strides in health and fitness this year, all while juggling a career as a cardiology PA, her two adorable boys, and most recently, a move to a brand new home!  She has been one of our most dedicated moms this summer, attending 3 workouts a week without fail, often bringing hubby and the boys ;), and also just completed our summer 'Body Back' bootcamp-style program at where she gained strength and increased fitness, after which she says she is 'probably in the best physical shape I've ever been in'.  Join us in congratulating Jenn, and read on to get to know her better!   

(PS-- did you know she was in the Peace Corp in Africa??!! So awesome.  ;) )

Hometown:  Englewood, Colorado

Current part of the Triangle that you live in:  Morrisville (as of September 1!)
 

Education:  University of Colorado at Boulder- undergrad psych, Duke for grad school, PA program

Stroller Strides Member since:  November 2011
 

Members of your Family:  Noah 4, Bowie 2, Brandon (husband), and kitty Edgrrr
 

Tell us about your children:  I call Bowie Sir Cling-a-lot- he is a very loving Momma's boy who makes me laugh.  Noah is a sweet boy who always loves his IPad and usually loves his brother.  He's a smart whipper-snapper.
 

Current/previous Career:  Currently a cardiology PA, I have worked in internal medicine and psychiatry too
 

What was your childhood ambition?  Either to be a vet or the President
 

What does motherhood mean to you?  Recognizing that I will never be June Cleaver- the house will never be without clutter, the boys may watch too much tv and play too much IPad, and I won't be perfectly made up with heels, but I must accept I am doing the best I can and my boys love me and I adore them.
 

What is the furthest you have been from home?  Peace Corps in Cameroon, Central Africa.  We also honeymooned in Egypt and Tanzania.
 

What has Stroller Strides done for you?  It has strengthened both my body and spirit.  This is such a wonderful group of women, and I love their support and friendship.

How was your recent experience with the Body Back program?  Awesome... I love that I am getting stronger and leaner- probably in the best physical shape I have ever been even though I am not the skinniest I have ever been.

What is your favorite exercise?  Burpees!  Psych!  Just kidding.  My favorites are lunges, squats, and reverse crunches.

What is your proudest moment?  I guess just getting through some difficult dark times and finding the light at the end of the tunnel.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)?    Africa, cooking/food, getting a bargain!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique.  I'm hoping it will surprise people that I just turned forty ;)  I made my own wedding favors- an aromatherapy room spray. 

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Brandon says, "calm, patient, and great butt from Body Back"

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape?   You can find a way to have the time... In fact, you are doing yourself and your kids a favor if you set the example of fitness and good health.