THIS MONTH, THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON....
We have such a crazy amazing, dedicated and talented team here at FIT4MOM Montgomery County. I love giving everyone the opportunity to get to know a little more about each one of them, and this month we're going to continue our team spotlight with.....Andrea Kaplan!
Andrea has been a longtime member and playgroup captain, and has recently taken on the role of Head Playgroup Captain! Andrea has a passion for motherhood and connecting with other moms. She is super crafty, and if you want anything done quickly and done meticulously, just ask Andrea:) She brings joy to every class she attends and every playgroup she leads or social event she organizes. Also, she has great taste in children's names;) We are so very lucky to have Andrea as a part of this #dreamteam!
Now it's your turn to learn a bit more about Andrea! And then if you haven't gotten to know her well, check out one of her playgroups in Clarksburg, seek her out at one of the many classes she attends, or attend any of our awesome Mom's Night Outs! You will not regret it.
xo, Jessie
Who are the members of your family?
My husband Evan and our 5 year old daughter Audrey
Where can people find you, i.e. what’s your role within FIT4MOM Montgomery County?
Playgroup Captain for Clarksburg/Greenridge Gym and occasionally Kentlands - filling in at other locations as needed and taking on a new role as Head Playgroup Captain in 2024. You'll see me even more everywhere and helping plan all the fun things!
Tell us your FIT4MOM story!
I joined Fit4Mom Charleston SC when Audrey was about 4 months old. She had just gotten out of the NICU after arriving early due to a placenta condition I had (Vasa Previa). I really needed to meet some mom friends and get us out of the house. We knew once we had kids we would want to raise them in the DMV where we had met and lived prior so we started our journey back to Maryland where I quickly found and joined Fit4Mom Montgomery County in 2020. You'll find me mostly in Clarksburg and Rio but will venture to other locations when I can.
What is your favorite exercise? Your favorite playgroup activity? And favorite MNO activity?
Favorite exercise is hard! I'll say anything with arms working the triceps.
Playgroups are always fun - this is even harder. I love doing things I can help Audrey with, especially sensory activities. A favorite I've done is the snowglobe jars we made with lots of glitter and tiny snowman figurines. Also all the handprints! I love doing hand turkeys every November
I love any MNO that gets me out of the house. I like more low key ones at someone's house where we all just bring something to share and talk!
What motivated you to become part of the #dreamteam and what do you love about it?
I always have had high ambitions of being a crafty mom - Audrey and I do a lot of crafts and have a never ending list of ones we want to do together. When the opportunity came to apply to be a Playgroup Captain I jumped on it - I love helping people and finding all the crafts we can do with all ages. I think it's a great bonding opportunity for mamas to do with their children - art is a great outlet and I love seeing all the creativeness from everyone.
How has FIT4MOM or this village helped you?
We moved back just in time for Covid to hit. It really helped having established some relationships with people and having other moms to talk to during that whole experience. Even doing virtual classes and playgroups it was nice to know we were all there dealing with this together. It's been great meeting moms and developimg friendships where we help each other and get to watch our kiddos grow. Audrey's in preschool now so she gets so excited when she gets to come to class with me to see all her friends.
List 3 of your favorite things
Fall weather, red wine and live music
What is a fun fact that our village may not already know about you?
I have a background in Interior Design and Property Management
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February extras:
What do you do to refill your own cup and get some “me” time?
Long baths in the dark and walks alone outside…or Target
Favorite beverage to sip on in cold weather?
Any mint based teas
It’s still early in the year. What are some goals you have for this year, and what are you most excited about in 2024?
Continuing on a healthy lifestyle while enjoying life at the same time - not restricting myself from enjoying the little things and aiming for a vacation to the beach this summer
