April Mom of the Month: Alexandra

Hometown: Capistrano Beach, CA

Education: BA in Business Management at Coastal Carolina University

Stroller Strides Member since: October 2010

Members of your Family: Kostas and Sia

Current/previous Career: Software Sales for Kronos Inc. 

What was your childhood ambition? I always wanted to be a mom and have lots of babies.  Now a lot has turned into 2 maybe 3:).

What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood to me means loving and caring for someone more then you ever imagined possible.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Rhodes, Greece

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller Strides made me get out of the house very early and it introduced Sia and I to many wonderful friends.

What is your favorite exercise in Stroller Strides? Step Ups on the park bench or planters.

What other ways do you enjoy being active outside class? I enjoy running and golf.

What is your proudest moment? Sia, of course.

What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do? Sneak out of the house.

What are three of your favorite things? Swimming in the ocean, golfing with my dad and dancing.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. Usually people are surprised that I played softball in college.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? "I'm a good mother and kind".

March Mom of the Month: Barbara

Hometown: Boston, MA

Education: BA in Communications, Boston College

Stroller Strides Member since: June 2010

Members of your Family: Michael, Sophia and our orange tabby cat, Jax 

Current/Previous Career:
After graduating college, I worked as an Account Executive at an advertising agency. The long hours and very demanding clients wore me down after a few years. I decided to enter the more introverted side of my profession, enrolled in an arts program at Massachusetts College of Art and changed careers to Graphic Design.  

What was your childhood ambition?

I loved singing, dancing and pretending I was performing on stage in front of an audience. I had a small microphone from a broken recording device (think 1970s electronics) that I always sang into. Fast forward to today and I cannot carry a tune and I get sick at the thought of being in front of an audience.

What does motherhood mean to you?

Knowing the true meaning of unconditional love.  

What is the furthest you have been from home? 

The farthest I have gone is Greece.

What has Stroller Strides done for you?

Stroller Strides has allowed me to set a good example for Sophia by making fitness & exercise a part of our routine. It also has given me the opportunity to be part of a community of strong and very caring women.

What is your favorite exercise in Stroller Strides?

I don’t know the name of the exercise, but it is the one where we attach the band to a fence and pretend that we are crushing a walnut with our shoulders. Imagining that always makes me feel strong. Superhero strong.

What other ways do you enjoy being active outside class?

Taking walks with Sophia that usually end up with me running after her in all different directions.  

What is your proudest moment?

Everyday with Sophia is my proudest moment.

What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do?

Move 3,000 miles away from me.

What are three of your favorite things?

Music, art and brooding teenage vampires.

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

When I was 20something, I followed my favorite band on tour through five states. 

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

Street smart & organized (Umm…Ok, so he values that I put away his stuff and can defend myself if someone jumps me while doing it). 

February Mom of the Month: Joanna

Hometown : Hacienda Heights, CA

Education : BA in Liberal Studies with emphasis in Dance @ Chapman University; Masters in Education @ Azusa Pacific University

Stroller Strides Member since: Spring 2009

Members of your Family: Chad, Chloe (3) and Burklee (18 months)

Current/previous Career: Before I was an elementary teacher.  I taught 3^rdGrade and Kindergarten.  Now I am a “Domestic Goddess” and fitness instructor through Stroller Strides and 24 Hour Fitness 

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a lawyer or a professional dancer.  However, I always wanted to be a mom!

What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood is the most rewarding  

What is the furthest you have been from home?  We went to China when Chloe was 8 months old.

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Strollers Strides gave me a workout option with kids, a place to go with little babies, and great friends for my girls and myself!

What is your favorite exercise in Stroller Strides? I love them all…but I guess my favorite is wall sits!!

What other ways do you enjoy being active outside class? I love to water ski and snow ski (however it has

been awhile as I have been prego for years!).  I enjoy taking walks with my girls. 

What is your proudest moment? The birth of my little girls.

What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do? I hope my girls never pick up a cigarette.

What are three of your favorite things?  Musicals, movies, scrapbooking (however do not ask to see a

scrapbook of the girls cause they have not been completed yet!!)

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique.  I had the opportunity to study abroad in college.  I studied theater in London for a summer.  During that summer I got to travel everywhere in Europe (except for Italy) and see a least 2 theatrical performances a week!  Chad proposed to me in Paris on top of the Eiffel Tower at the end of the summer as he realized he could not live without me! Now I still have the urge to live abroad.  I still think it would be amazing to live in London.

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

January Mom of the Month: Tamar

Hometown: Brighton, MI

Education: Mechanical Engineering

Stroller Strides Member since: June, 2009

Members of your Family: Ashley, my husband and my two girls, Harper & Scarlett

Current/previous Career: Global Quality Engineering Manager, Black & Decker

What was your childhood ambition? To be a doctor.  I was actually pre-med my first year in college, but had to change to engineering after volunteering in a hospital.  I was either passed out on the floor at the sight of blood or crying because I was so sad about all the sick/hurt people.

What does motherhood mean to you? So much I don't even know where to begin. It's the happiest, sweetest, purist moments and the hardest, most challenging moments all wrapped up into two cute little bundles. 

What is the furthest you have been from home? China. During one work trip I had to fly to Hong Kong, catch a taxi to the ferry, take a ferry to mainland china and find my driver to take me to the supplier I was going to see. All by myself!!!! 

What has Stroller Strides done for you?  Introduced me to amazing friends, my daughters to their best friends, allowed me to exercise, to be outdoors with my girls and have them see how important staying active is. 

What is your favorite exercise in Stroller Strides?  Monster mommies.  I love watching the kiddos giggle in anticipation of being tickled.  

What other ways do you enjoy being active outside class?  I love running!

What is your proudest moment? Graduating with my Mechanical Engineering degree. After years of nonstop studying, I was so proud I did it!

What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do? Getting giant ear gauges so their lobes stretch out. I could handle pretty much anything but that. 

What are three of your favorite things? Beverly Hills 90210, wine and champagne. 

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I have an unhealthy obsession with Beverly Hills 90210. It's bad. 

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? My love for our children, my frugalness, my cooking and my "catalogue" butt.......For those of you that have run behind me, you know what he is talking about. ;)

December Mom of the Month: Chantel

Chantel, we are so thankful for you! Your kind, positive attitude is always great to be around.  Seeing you make fitness a priority in your full life as a wife and mom to three is inspiring!  Congrats:)!

 

Hometown:  Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Education:  Cal. State Northridge, B.A. in Psychology
Stroller Strides Member since- April 2011
Previous Career: Marketing Director for a Homebuilder
Childhood ambition: to be a chef

What motherhood means to me:  to love and support unconditionally
Furthest I have been away from home:  Greece,  island of Santorini- on our honeymoon
What has Stroller Strides done for you:  been a great support system for advice...and of course it is always
fun to chat over anything :)
My favorite exercise in Stroller Strides:  lunges
What other ways do you enjoy being active outside of class:  dance and just running around with the kids
My proudest moment:  Giving birth to my 3 wonderful children
What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do?  Lied a ton to my mom about where I was at night when I was a teenager
What are 3 of your favorite things:  food, wine, and being with family and friends
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us:  Won the showcase showdown on "The Price Is Right" when I was 19 years old
Asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are:  loyal to family and friends, great cook, great choice of character (because I picked him of course!!)

November Mom of the Month: Mia

Mia with Joseph & William

Hometown: Diamond Bar, Ca

Education: UC San Diego, B.A. (Political Science); Syracuse College of Law, J.D.

Stroller Strides Member since June 2010

Members of your Family: Me, Joseph (Hubby), William and our two dogs Ruby & Rinney

Current/previous Career: Attorney 

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a police officer.   

What does motherhood mean to you? This is such a hard question to answer.  It means so much to me.  It means talking about topics that I thought I would never discuss in public; such as poop.  It means becoming the crazy obsessed helicopter mom that I swore I would never become.  It means becoming a crying mess when thinking of your little one going off to college even though that event is sixteen years down the road.  We won’t even discuss pre-school. 

What is the furthest you have been from home? Bora Bora

What has Stroller Strides done for you? I can’t even tell you how thankful I am for stroller strides.  I love starting my day with all of you girls.  I have met some amazing people and made some great friends.  I am so grateful that I start my day off with positive energy and a sense of accomplishment. 

What is your favorite exercise in Stroller Strides? There are so many.  I love Lauren’s curbside step-ups.  I don’t know the name of the exercise, but I am usually sore for days.  I also love the catch phrase that ends each session, “Don’t forget your most important stretch; your smile.”  It makes me laugh every time. 

What other ways do you enjoy being active outside class? Right now my activities are limited to sitting on the couch.  But when I am not pregnant I love running and yoga.   

What is your proudest moment? Bringing William home from the NICU.  I still tear up just thinking about that day. 

What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do? I really believe that you should live life without any regrets.  That being said, here are a few things I hope my children do not do: 1.  Move across the country to go to school.  UC Irvine is great!  2.  Make up a cheer to “Whoomp There It Is” and share it with the entire school at a pep rally.  What was I thinking?   3. Wear overalls  over the age of 5.  They were a staple in my wardrobe in college and law school…so tragic.

What are three of your favorite things? 1. Morning Dance party with Will and Joe 2. Football season 3. Eating an apple and a twix bar….yum!  Sorry that is my latest craving. 

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. Dance has always been a huge part of my life.  I was always a member of a dance squad even in law school.  I was on the Syracuse dance team my last year of law school while I worked for a federal judge.  

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? “There are so many I don’t even know where to begin.”  That is what he better say!

October Mom of the Month: Jen

Jen, Mike & Jacob

Hometown: Sacramento 

Education: B.S. General Biology at UCSD and B.S. in Nursing at Johns Hopkins 

Stroller Strides Member since: May 2011 

Members of your Family: Me, my husband Mike, baby Jacob and our lab-mix Maggie 

Current/previous Career: I worked as an ICU nurse at Anaheim Regional Medical Center. I used to be a travel nurse and had contracts in different parts of the state. 

What was your childhood ambition? It was to be an Ob/Gyn; my friend and I in elementary school thought that more women should be Ob/Gyns and we wanted to open a practice together 

What does motherhood mean to you? Loving another person so much and the amazing responsibility of caring for and shaping that person. 

What is the furthest you have been from home? Took a tour of Italy, France and Spain about 10 years ago. 

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Given me a huge reason to get out of the house in the morning and the opportunity to meet great moms to share stories with and get advice from 

What is your favorite exercise in Stroller Strides? Leapfrog, squats while singing "Head, shoulders…" to our kids 

What other ways do you enjoy being active outside class? Running, yoga 

What is your proudest moment? The same as everyone else! Giving birth to my son 

What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do? Wasting time in college by having too much fun and getting terrible grades 

What are three of your favorite things? The beach, sushi, shopping

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I've never seen the Sound of Music (my husband doesn't know how this could have happened!)

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Probably kindness and being a good nurse.

September Mom of the Month: Nicole

This fall the leadership team of Stroller Strides (Lynsey, Lauren, Joanna and Tamar) is going to be picking the Mom of the Month.  We picked Nicole for September!  We greatly appreciate her positive and fun outlook on life and motherhood!  She has been a dedicated Stroller Strides member and includes everyone.  We are very thankful for our wonderful Stroller Strides members and wanted to highlight Nicole this month!  Congrats!:)

Nicole, Sean & Liam

Hometown: Orange, CA

Education: BA – UC Berkeley – English & Italian Studies. MA/PhD (in progress) – University of Wisconsin,Madison – Italian Literature. I’m what you’d call a “professional student.” 

Stroller Strides Member since June 2011

Members of your Family: Me, Sean, (husband) and Liam (7 months)

Current/previous Career: Italian instructor at Santiago Canyon College, PhD student at UW Madison, and mom. 

What was your childhood ambition? When I was 5 years old I decided I wanted to be President. I figured that if I learned all about them I would definitely win, so I had this “Big Book of the Presidents” that I made my parents read to me every night, and we had to take a family vacation to Washington D.C.

What does motherhood mean to you? Patience, exhaustion, unconditional love and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.  

What is the furthest you have been from home? When I lived in Italy I went to Slovenia and to Croatia for a week.

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Gotten me past the isolation of new motherhood that no one warns you about, given me a chance to get out and be fit with Liam, and given me the opportunity to meet lots of other great and inspiring moms!

What is your favorite exercise in Stroller Strides? I really enjoy the “ants go marching” – when you’re standing on the bands and you step your feet out to the side. I just call it “ants go marching” because we seem to always sing that song while we are doing it. And I like leapfrogs and the curtsy lunge.

What other ways do you enjoy being active outside class? I love pilates reformer classes, yoga and I also enjoy walking and swimming. 

What is your proudest moment? When Liam was born, and when I passed my last round of exams in grad school.

What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do? I hope he’s not a jerk. Not that I’m a total jerk or anything, but I hope he isn’t one.

What are three of your favorite things?  Lattes, musicals and St. Patrick’s Day.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I went to bartending school when I was 18 just because I thought it would be a good skill to have. I was right. Also, I lived in a frat house in college for a year. It was exactly what you’d expect: super fun and super gross.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? He would probably say my sense of humor, my cooking, and my ability to look on the bright side and stay calm in most situations.

August Mom of the Month: Melani

When I first met Melani she had a sweet, caring, fun personality. It has been so fun to have her and Lucy  with us this summer while Melani has been on summer break.  Melani came to class the most in August!  Great job!

Hometown Tustin, CA

Education  UC Riverside, National University ( Teaching credential and Masters)

Stroller Strides Member since June 2011

Members of your Family My husband Ben and My little Lucy

Current/previous Career 4^th grade teacher

What was your childhood ambition?  To become a movie Director and win an Academy Award

What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood means showing my little girl the importance of respecting and caring for others while caring and loving yourself!

What is the furthest you have been from home?  In Sri Lanka, half-way around the world in the Indian Ocean

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Given me the opportunity to squeeze in fitness without sacrificing my time with Lucy.

What is your favorite exercise in Stroller Strides? Wood choppers

What other ways do you enjoy being active outside class? Turbo kickboxing and playing tennis

What is your proudest moment? Cliché, yes, but true…bringing in my healthy, beautiful baby girl in to the world!

What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do? Go joy riding in her mother’s car at 15! Yikes…I hope pay back isn’t a you know what!

What are three of your favorite things?  Ice cream, French fries and martinis ( all bad, I know, but taste so good!)

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. My husband and I have a Bollywood music video on Youtube that we surprised and played at our wedding for our families. Just search under “Melani Ben Wedding Video”.

 If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? My compassion….and my boobs!

July Mom of the Month: Andrea

I am so thankful for Andrea and Wyatt!  Andrea's sweet smile, great perspective, positive attitude and dedication to fitness are what made her Mom of the Month for July!  Below is a little bit more about Andrea!  Thanks again, Andrea, for being who you are and being a part of Stroller Strides Irvine/Tustin!!

Andrea, Wyatt & Jorg

Hometown: Born in San Luis Obispo, CA but raised in “The OC”

Education: B.S. in Business, Emphasis in Marketing from San Diego State University.  I know what you are probably thinking, and NO....I did not go there because it’s a party school.  I was drawn to SDSU because of their Business Program. 

Stroller Strides Member since: November 2010

Members of your Family: Jorg (My Wonderful Husband), Wyatt, Zara (Jorg’s Daughter) & last but not least “Milla” (our French Bulldog & most stubborn animal ever)


Current/previous Career: (Previous) Marketing Manager, Abbott Medical Optics

What was your childhood ambition? To ride horses professionally

What does motherhood mean to you? Sacrifice & Unconditional Love.  Motherhood has been somewhat bittersweet to me because it has made me miss & love my mom more than ever!


What is the furthest you have been from home? Dublin, Ireland.  To me, this doesn’t really count because all I saw was Dublin.  Note to self:  Never go on a trip if you don’t know one of the people going....


What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller Strides has allowed me to exercise without feeling guilty along with making some really great friends!


What is your favorite exercise in Stroller Strides? I would say it’s a tie between Burpees & Mountain Climbers.


What other ways do you enjoy being active outside class? Running, Horseback Riding, Yoga & Hiking


What is your proudest moment?  My wedding day & the day Wyatt was born.


What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do?  Took things for granted


What are three of your favorite things?  My family, horses & frozen yogurt


Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique: Climbed Mt. Whitney

If we asked your spouse what he thought your best qualities are, what would he say?  Diligence, Big–Hearted (most of the time) & My Family (especially my Dad)

June Mom of the Month: Margeaux

Hometown Attica, Indiana

Education Associate of Science in Nursing

Stroller Strides Member since 2009

Members of your Family Husband Todd, Kylie 2 years old, new baby Kate due in July

Current/previous Career I was a nurse working in different types of radiology departments.  Most of my experience has been in cardiac cath lab where people who are having a heart attack get stents placed.

What was your childhood ambition? I have always wanted to be a nurse like my Grandma.  When I was around 12, I spent a summer with her and she took me to work every night.  They gave me the job of answering the call lights and giving the patients water.

What does motherhood mean to you? It’s the best job I’ve ever had.  I think it was what I was meant to do more than anything else.

What is the furthest you have been from home? I spent the summer between my junior and senior year of high school in the south of France.  

What has Stroller Strides done for you? I had diabetes with my first pregnancy.  It is really common to get it with the second pregnancy.  I honestly believe that all the exercise in between prevented me from getting it the second time.  

What is your favorite exercise in Stroller Strides? I like anything with strength training. 

What other ways do you enjoy being active outside class?  I do a lot of crafts, like scrap booking.  I am really interested in miniatures.  Right now I am building a dollhouse.  It’s got wood flooring, wallpaper, and I ran electric light fixtures in it.

What is your proudest moment? The most important thing I have ever done is become a mother, so I’m proud/ lucky that I was able to.

What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do? Oh my there are so many things!  I hope my child doesn’t go to France with her boyfriend and come back with a tattoo.

What are three of your favorite things? Family, cream cheese, and peanut butter

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I love to hear or read about old houses or cemeteries that are supposed to be haunted. 

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? He would say that we work well together and know about different things.  He’s better with math and technology and I’m better with planning home remodels or what colors look the best. 

May Mom of the Month: Sandra

Sandra & Syd

Hometown:  Norwalk CA

Education: BA in English and Film Studies from UCI and teaching credential from CSULA

Stroller Strides Member since: Oct. 2010

Members of your Family: Bob (husband) Sydney (daughter) Lollipop (dog)

Current/previous Career: General and Special Education Teacher

What was your childhood ambition? I think it was to become a child psychologist. I’m not sure I knew what it was, though.

What does motherhood mean to you? A beautiful person to watch grow up.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Australia

What has Stroller Strides done for you? It got me running, which still amazes me.

What is your favorite exercise in Stroller Strides?  Anything that makes me sore a couple days later is my favorite; it makes me feel like I accomplished something.

What other ways do you enjoy being active outside class? I miss hiking and rafting. Walking still fits into my current lifestyle.

What is your proudest moment? Meeting Syd.  She is my testament of faith, love, and tenacity.

What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do? Worry her mother.

What are three of your favorite things?  Weekends, travel, and sleeping in.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I like to sew my own Halloween costumes.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I cheated and asked him.  First, he said “breasts” but he must mean before baby. He eventually went with “caring”.

April Mom of the Month: Sarah

Sarah, Rylinn & Hudson

Hometown: Orange, CA

Education: Bachelor’s in Public Relations, Cal State Fullerton

Stroller Strides Member since October 2010

Members of your Family: (Husband) Jordan, (Daughter) Rylinn -11months, and (Step-son) Hudson -4 yrs

Current/previous Career: My current career is Mom. Before I became a mom I was a Catering Sales Manager at the Ayres Hotel & Suites, Costa Mesa where I was in charge of all kinds of events ranging from corporate meetings to weddings.

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a pharmacist, then a doctor, then a lawyer. But when I was really little I wanted to be a country singer, but in reality I cannot sing at all. I did not achieve any of these goals, so now I am trying to figure out a career that is structured around my children, instead of the other way around. I am enjoying being a stay at home mom for now, even if it is only for a short time before I am back to the grind.

What does motherhood mean to you? Before I became a mom I was told by doctors that I would struggle to get pregnant. I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) when I was 16, and one of the side effects was infertility...needless to say I was misdiagnosed and we got pregnant on our first try. We were married 8 weeks before I found out I was 5 weeks pregnant! I have always wanted and yearned to be a mom, especially when I thought I would never get the chance to be one. Little did I know that motherhood would be the hardest and yet most rewarding job that I could ever do.

What is the furthest you have been from home? New York City, New York

What has Stroller Strides done for you? I have lost all the baby weight plus an extra 10lbs. I used to hate working out, but stroller strides makes it so easy, fun, and pain free.  Plus I love being around other moms. It is such a blessing to vent, ask questions, or share what I have learned through trial and error during my short time into motherhood.

What is your favorite exercise in Stroller Strides? Squats! I hate/love them because my butt really needs the extra workout, and they leave you very sore the next day so I definitely feel they did the most compared to some other exercises that aren’t as painful the following day.

What other ways do you enjoy being active outside class? I love taking long nature walks near Peters Canyon or Irvine Park, or walking down by the beach.

What is your proudest moment? My proudest moment was becoming a mother along with accomplishing breastfeeding after struggling for the first 7 weeks of Rylinn’s life. After finally conquering breastfeeding, I lasted for 10 months!

What is something that you did that you hope your child does not do? Where do I begin…I hope she does not get her belly button pierced. I hope she listens to her mother more than I did!

What are three of your favorite things?  Mexican Food, Kayaking at the beach, going out on the boat at Lake Havasu

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique: I love country line dancing, I am able to wake surf behind a boat (like riding a surfboard), and I love snowboarding. I am cursed with severe motion sickness! I even threw up after riding on a duffy boat in Balboa…not very romantic. I get sick on anything from bus to train to plane to boat...even a cruise ship, so unless I am moving fast on the boat chances are I am puking over the side, or out the window of a car, or in a barf bag on a plane. It is very frustrating.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Well I am sure he would say my best qualities are my amazing ability to compromise, along with my honesty (sometimes too honest) and compassion.