We are so excited to announce our MOM (Motivating Mom of the Month) for February! Each month we will take a moment to honor one of our local FIT4MOM Montgomery County Moms for her efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle and for her dedication to the program. This month we honor....Monika Czarniecka!

Monika is a joy to have in class. She shows up with a smile and is still smiling at the end. She is a wonderful mom to both of her kiddos. I’m not sure I’ve ever met a nicer person and I am so happy she is a part of our village! ~ Instructor Kelci

What can I say about Monika? Too much to fit in 2-3 sentences but I'll try :) Warm, welcoming, positive and always smiling! I remember her coming to my class for the very first time with the big smile on her face. She knew from the first moment of the class she found what she was looking for. She is pure joy to have in the class, always works hard and never quits. Wonderful mom and great friend! ~ Instructor Ewa

Monika is simply the sweetest person. But also a strong mama who sets a great example for her kids! She radiates positivity and has embraced the Village as her own from the very start.~ Instructor Claire

We asked Monika a few questions so we can all get to know her better, and here is what she had to say:

Who are the members of your family?

Myself, my husband Marcin, my daughter Felicja (Fela), 2, my son Edward, 1 and our dog Alfie

What is/was your career?

I’m a Public Relations specialist by profession, but since Fela was born, we moved from Poland to England to the U.S., so right now I’m a stay at home mom :)

When was your first class, and what do you remember about it?

My first class was last February (a year ago!) when Edward was 8 weeks old and Fela was 18 months old. It was at Montgomery Mall and Ewa was the instructor. I just remember feeling so out of shape! I could barely keep up with the rest of the moms and I didn’t know how I would make it through the one hour class. One of the moms was kind enough to tell me that’s how she felt during the first class too and that it was perfectly normal!

Where can we find you? What is your FIT4MOM routine these days?

Wednesdays and Fridays at Koa, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Montgomery Mall, but I also like to go to Chevy Chase every once in a while to switch it up.

What is your favorite strides exercise?

I love wall sits, push ups and any leg exercises.

What has being a mom taught you?

Being a mom has taught me patience and trying to come to terms with the fact that getting out of the house takes three times longer with two little kids. I used to hate being late and would always show up everywhere at least 10 minutes early, but now I just have to accept that a last minute diaper change, spill or temper tantrum can delay everything and there’s nothing I can do about it.

List 3 of your favorite things.

1) Reading

2) Brunch

3) Family Sundays – we explore new places each week!

Give us a giggle- What is your funniest or most embarrassing mommy moment so far?

I was recently walking my dog and decided to take out the diaper genie trash out on the way (I always make my husband do it). The one time I decided to do it the trash bag full of diapers ripped and the dirty diapers exploded all over our street. I had to run back with my dog, get another trash bag and pick up the dirty diapers off the ground one-by-one, as my lovely neighbors walked by me, trying not to stare too much! My husband had a good laugh about it.

Any advice for other moms out there?

Be kind to yourself and treat yourself every once in a while. I feel like we all suffer from “mom guilt” and we are harder on ourselves than we should be. I know it’s hard to do, but I think it’s important to do something nice for yourself and not feel bad about it. Our kids love us and they are happy when we’re happy.

What would you tell someone who is considering attending their first #fit4mommoco class?

Do it! I tell all moms I meet about Fit4Mom and what a positive experience it has been on my life. We moved to DC a year and a half ago, not knowing anybody, now I feel like I have a group of supportive and amazing women by my side and my children have wonderful friends.

A good morning work out, talking with other moms and then seeing my kids play with other kids is the perfect way to start the day on a positive note. I feel like when I miss a work out, the day just isn’t the same.

Thank you, Monika for being such a valuable part of Our Village here at FIT4MOM Montgomery County! We truly appreciate you & the positive energy you bring to class and Our Village!

Check back to see who our MOM will be in March!