Where are you originally from? I am from Los Angeles, California; South Bay originally in a city called Torrance.

When did you join FIT4MOM? I joined in November 2022, the best month ever!

What classes do you attend? I attend Stroller Strides and TRX.

Who is/are your workout buddy(ies) and their age(s)? Gio, almost two years old! At Stroller Strides classes, Bunny is Gio's favorite! She makes him laugh when she sings the workout songs to him. They are besties.

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM? I absolutely love how all of the moms I have met are such amazing human beings and are so supportive of mom challenges. It's been so wonderful and life-giving being part of a group of such wonderful women where I can get back to being fit while connecting with wonderful people.

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)? I am currently a SAHM. I worked in the medical field before I had Gio as a clinical research coordinator. I had so much fun working with patients with different oncological diseases and bringing them hope with medications and surgeries that saved their lives. It brought me so much joy to see patients hitting remission on the clinical studies I worked on with surgeons, nurses, and medical staff . The most current medical trial I worked on was with COVID 19 and the different vaccines that were being studied when the pandemic hit. Being on the forefront of the pandemic changed my life in a way I never thought it would; it made me realize that life was short and life was so precious.

Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village? When I read "It Takes a Village" I immediately think of a tree and all the amazing connections and vines it has that help in bringing it life and survival. Connection is survival to me. As a mother, I've experienced being supported by my husband, family, and friends and the weight of the realities of being a mom is lifted to a lighter load that is manageable when I feel supported by my support system.

What is your favorite beverage? Iced pistachio latte with oatmilk.

What is your favorite dessert? Mango sorbet rolled into a Fruit Roll-Up (this is a recent discovery that is EPIC).

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do? I'd grab myself my favorite latte, a delicious burrito, and go set up camp by the ocean on the soft sand and enjoy my breakfast in peace by the ocean waves.

What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination? Puerto Rico for some dancing, shopping, and beach fun!

How has becoming a mother changed you? Enduring labor for as long as I did made me realize how amazingly strong I am, and my sweet and strong Gio has help heal part of my inner child that has needed some attention and love.

I am happiest when...I see Gio’s and Phil’s (husband) eyes light up with joy when interacting with me.