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Team Spotlight - September 2017

We have an amazing, dedicated and talented team of instructors and playgroup captains here at FIT4MOM Montgomery County, and we thought it would be nice if everyone could get to know a little more about each one of them. We're excited to continue our spotlight this month with our INCREDIBLE owner Heather Galladora!

Heather is a warm hearted, generous and motivated woman and mother. I will never forget first meeting her at a Fit4Mom table in Rockville Town Square. I picked up on her friendliness and genuine care for others that day and it shows through in every conversation she has. She is a true inspiration to me as a mother and instructor, Seeing her do everything she does as a mom, wife, fitness instructor and franchise owner makes me want to be the best that I can be. I'm thankful to have such an amazing lady leading this Village, because we all know...it takes a village! ~ Instructor Lyndsey

I met Heather back when there was Stroller Strides at White Flint Mall. I remember watching her and thinking she must be a dancer! It has been fun working out with her from the beginning. I'm so glad Heather has found her calling being a FIT4MOM owner. Not only does she have endless vision for growing the classes, programs and reaching more moms but she has found a way to make those dreams into reality! ~ Instructor Claire

Read on to get to know more about Heather and her time with FIT4MOMMOCO...

1. Who are the members of your family?

The members of my family are my husband, Tony, our three girls - Addie (6), Lily (4) & Violet (18 months) , and our dog Copper.

2. Where can people find you? Where do you teach/lead playgroup?

You can find me in a few different places! You can catch me at the outlets every Monday teaching Stroller Strides, coaching run club every Saturday at RIO, at special events we plan and subbing in all types of classes now and then! When I'm not teaching class, I love attending and working out too!

3. Tell us your FIT4MOM story!

The short of it: FIT4MOM filled a void in me I had no idea even existed.

But let's be honest: I'm not good at short stories, so here it is: When I was told about Stroller Strides (thank you, Leslie!), Addie was 5 months old, and I was a happy staying home doing my thing. I attended my first class at White Flint, thinking it would be a piece of cake, and when I almost threw up at that first class I quickly realized I was mistaken. A few days later, I went back and Dana taught an amazing class. I signed up right then for a monthly membership. The moms were all so nice, the kids were all so sweet. It felt like the perfect way to meet local families, especially being the Virginia girl I was, not knowing many people in the area.

I started by attending two classes a week, and then I was hooked. Twice a week turned into five days a week. A few months later, I was asked to become an instructor (which I was secretly hoping for all along!). Training was an incredible two-day experience down in Richmond, and since I was previously a teacher it just felt right getting to teach in a different capacity. I LOVED teaching classes from the very beginning.

When I heard some scuttle about Cara considering selling, I made sure she knew I had a vision and that I would be honored if she'd sell to me. And that's just what happened....the rest is history! :)

That was three years ago, and we've changed a little bit! From one program offered and one class a day to 5 programs offered and sometimes 6 classes a day, we're still just at the beginning! One day I hope we have classes and events that will truly reach #allthemoms of Montgomery County! Everyone deserves to find their village!

4. What is your favorite thing to teach?

I never thought this was a tough question when I posted it to our instructor/playgroup team to answer, but geeeez. It really is hard! That said, I'd have to go with teaching cardio at Stroller Strides- especially stations that take a little extra motivation for the moms and a little extra cheering from the kiddos. I love being silly and making the little ones laugh, and I really love seeing moms do something they didn't think they could (this goes for ALL of our programs).

5. What is the BEST thing about being an instructor?

The best part about being an instructor/owner is getting to see and work with such a talented, dedicated group of women. As the owner, I get to see instructors go through training, come into their own and really gain a passion for what they do (which is SO cool). As an instructor, I get to see women realize just how strong they are - as mothers andas athletes (also very rad). And all while getting to see the most adorable little ones, though they grow too fast!

6. What is your WHY? Why do you keep doing what you do?

My why is absolutely my girls. I love showing my girls what it's like to be passionate about something. I love that they're learning the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while also maintaining friendships and community. I love that they see me chasing a dream of my own, a dream that includes them and involves building others up.

7. What is a fun fact that many may not know about you?

I never ran more than 4 consecutive miles until my first half marathon, which my hubby literally pushed me through the finish (like actually had his arm behind me, pushing me). The next year, we trained together, took 17 minutes off our time, and got engaged at that same finish line! We've done that race 11 years in a row now. :)

8. Anything else you'd like Our Village to know?

I am here for you! I want you to have an amazing experience with FIT4MOM, and I want you to feel like you've benefitted in more ways than just fitness when you're with us. I want you to feel like you can come to me and talk to me. If there's anything we can do to help you feel more successful as a mom and/or as an athlete, please know I'm here to support you and listen to your ideas.

Let us be your village, let us cheer for you and bring you up when you're feeling down. Let us help you set goals and make a plan to REACH them! We're here for YOU! Thank you for being here with us! xoxo

Check back next month for our next spotlight!