Team Spotlight - February 2022
Heather Galladora
Our spotlight continues this month....
We have an amazing, dedicated and talented team of instructors and playgroup captains here at FIT4MOM | MOCO + FREDERICK. I love giving everyone the opportunity to get to know a little more about each one of them, and if you saw our announcement last month with Alice's spotlight, I am SO excited to be publishing a spotlight each month again after a very long hiatus.
So with that, we're going to continue our instructor spotlight with.....Meegan Molinari!
I met Meegan at the time we decided to merge franchises back at the end of 2020, and from the moment I met her she was nothing but supportive. She asked questions that made me think, she took time out of her busy schedule to get to know me (and if you know Meegan, you know that between her family, being an instructor and owning her own small business....she has a lot going on), she pays attention to detail (which I love and appreciate), and she's been a huge asset to this team.
Meegan has such a calm nurturing demeanor, and she is always so kind and welcoming. If you are ever in or near the Frederick area, go to Baker Park and check out her class! You won't be sad about it!
Ok, enough chatter from me. Let's get to know Meegan! Her FIT4MOM story is just beautiful, and I think it's one that MANY of us can relate to!
xo,
Heather
Who are the members of your family?
There’s me, my husband, Mike and our tiny army…Zoe (22….23 in two weeks), Tyler (17.5), Ava (11.5), Oliver (10.5), Dash (3...turning 4 March 4), Jett (turning TWO on Leap Day) and Flint (7 months old).
Where can people find you, i.e. what’s your role within FIT4MOM | MOCO + FREDERICK?
I am certified in all things baby/kid related: Stroller Strides, Stroller Barre, 360 and Fit4Baby. I currently teach Stroller Strides on Thursday’s at 9:30 a.m. in Baker Park (Frederick). BUT, you can find me in ALL the classes..Virtual, VOU, Baker Park and sometimes Clarksburg and rio.
Tell us your {entire} FIT4MOM story!
Here's version 2.0... Prior to F4M, I was an avid gym goer. My two older kids were in school and my baby went to the gym daycare. It worked for me at that time. Fast forward a few years, and now five kids. My baby (Dash) had severe food allergies (FPIES- Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome) and I was terrified to leave him with anyone. I also was suffering from Baby Blues, which you mamas know is NO joke! I reached out to some friends and they told me all about F4M (Thanks, Marie). After trying several times to attend (it seemed someone was sick every time I tried to go), I finally made it to class in the VOU -- Urbana. Meaghan was such an awesome instructor and all the mamas were so welcoming. It struck me that such a dynamic and diverse group of women can come together with one strong, common bond! It was challenging and fun and was just what I needed; I was instantly hooked. I attended every chance I could. A few months into my F4M journey, Christine asked if anyone wanted to join the team. The sense of community and support helped me get out of my funk. And the workouts made me feel strong. I wanted to inspire other mamas to be strong and to be a part of this community on the next level, so I joined the team. I started out teaching Stroller Strides (SS), then moved on to Stroller Barre (SB), 360 and Fit4Baby! Here I am, seven kids later and I still love every aspect of this community.
What is your favorite exercise/activity to teach?
I love teaching all the classes! SS and SB are so fun! I love watching the kids admire and mimic their mamas, and watch them grow up together while the mamas get strong! 360 is so empowering. Every class, the mamas really get to challenge themselves and finish out stronger than they started! And Fit4Baby is so helpful to prepare mamas for birthing. I love being part of their baby journey!
What do you love about being part of the #dreamteam?
The #dreamteam is an amazing group of women that I am honored to know, learn from and work with! Fit4Mom brings so many interesting and incredible mamas together; women I wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to have met.
How has FIT4MOM or this village helped you during such unusual times?
That's easy! F4M has been a sanity saver!! Even though we're two years into this "new norm", I have been able to stay connected and not (completely) isolated. I have had TWO quarantine babies (2/29/20 and 7/6/21) which is tough under normal circumstances. Thankfully, this village has been able to continue to be supportive, loving, informative and just there!
What’s your why? Why do you keep doing what you do?
I am my why. I want to be strong. I want to be a healthy role model for my kids. I want to encourage and inspire mamas.
What is a fun fact that our village may not already know about you?
Hmmm. Not only am I a culinary graduate, but I also have two years of Art School under my belt (RISD). I love painting, drawing, photography and mixed media. I use some of said skills to paint on cakes and look forward to getting back into the art world in full force as my (mothering) responsibilities slow down. Next venture: stained glass.
Is there anything else you’d like our village to know?
I am a professionally trained chef, former cafe owner and love what I do! I specialize in gluten free and other allergy friendly baked goods (vegan, dairy free, egg free, corn free, etc...) Check me out: zestglutenfree.com
Thank you, Meegan, for all you do for us at FIT4MOM | MOCO + FREDERICK and for being our spotlight this month!
Check back next month to learn more about another member of our #dreamteam!