Meet Maddie Mays!

Maddie is super Mama to Thea (2.5) and Nolan (7 months). You can catch her at Stroller Strides most days of the week. She joined Fit4Mom almost a year ago and we can't imagine our Village without her. Maddie is usually the first one to arrive to class and always welcomes each Mama with a welcoming smile. Her energy during class is contagious! She is one of the most flexible Mamas we know and not in the "bendy" sorta way; most classes Maddie is wearing baby Nolan and she does not let it stop her from getting in a great workout. She is an inspiration (and visual demonstrator) to all the Mamas that think wearing a baby means the workout has to stop!

Hometown:

Santa Barbara

Tell us about your family:

The Mays family includes me, my husband Zack, daughter Thea (2 years, 7 months), son Nolan (7 months), and Jax the cat. My husband and I met at O'Malley's Bar in Santa Barbara when I was 21 and we've been together ever since. We got married in 2015 and we've lived in 6 different houses in 4 cities in 2 countries. Jax has been with us since the beginning in Santa Barbara, and we added Thea in Toronto and Nolan in Thousand Oaks. Thea and Nolan have the same birthday (the odds of that happening are 1/365)!

Current/Previous Career:

I currently work (very part time, from home) for a company of public adjusters called The Greenspan Co. My husband and I have moved a lot so I've never established a "real" career, but I've been a visual merchandiser for a high end clothing boutique in Santa Barbara, worked in HR and Marketing for a company in LA, and as an Admin for Nordstrom Canada.

What was your childhood ambition?

To be a mom!

What is the furthest you have been away from home?

Normandy, France and Galway, Ireland

How did you find Fit4Mom?

After we moved to TO, I saw everyone working out at Janss and looked it up online! Then found out a friend from Horizon Hills (shout out to Jessica Hull) was a member.

How has Fit4Mom impacted your life?

I can finally work out! With my husband's schedule and my *clingy* children, I could never make it to the gym and had a hard time motivating myself to workout at home. Thanks to Fit4Mom, I can get in a great workout and also talk with other moms while the kids play. I love that it's a program that benefits me AND the kids and gets us out of the house in the morning. Thea asks to go to "mommy's workout class" every day!

What's your favorite exercise?

Any compound exercises with the bands that I can do with a baby strapped to my chest!

What's your proudest moment?

The birth of both my kids - no drugs, no doulas, and no doctor the second time! Made me feel so strong.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.

I love baking and have a major sweet tooth, but I hate chocolate chips!

Meet Rachel Shimanovsky!

Rachel is Mama to 2 year old Shiloh and wife to Jessi, She joined Fit4Mom a little over one year ago. You can catch her at Stroller Strides most weeks. She is the one with the BIG smile on her face even when she is pushed out of her comfort zone! We love having Rachel in our Village, she is such a bright light and it is contagious!

Hometown: I was born in Los Angeles, but moved around a lot growing up. The longest I've lived somewhere was in Valencia when I was a teenager.

Tell us about your family: I am married to my wife Jessi and we have a beautiful 2 year old daughter named Shiloh. Jessi and I have been together since 2011, and I am constantly reminded how grateful I am to not only be married to her, but parent with her as well. She's my best friend in life and we have the best time!

I have two parents, Sam and Rose, and a younger brother named Josh. Our family owns an essential oil business, so that has been awesome to be able to work for my family all of these years. My dad is from Russia, and came here when he was 13 with just 1 suitcase. His stories always remind me how grateful I need to be for everything I have in my life. He is also a twin! My mom is the youngest of 4 children, and is my best friend. My brother is super goofy, which is great because so am I. Basically, our family hang outs are just one big laughing session. If you need to find us, just follow the sound of laughter and Star Trek / Stargate / Seinfeld references.

Current/Previous Career: I just started my own photography business (yay!) called Proud Owl Photography. I also do Marketing for our family company called Organic Infusions (selling essential oils, diffusers, etc.)

What was your childhood ambition? My childhood ambition was to be the best female basketball player! I started playing when I was 7 and never looked back!

What is the furthest you have been away from home? I went to Scotland about 6 years ago, so that counts right?!

How did you find Fit4Mom? So random, but about 10 years ago I started nannying for a Fit4Mom (used to just be Stroller Strides) coach in Simi Valley. I would even accompany her to classes and do them for free while she coached. I knew right away when I got pregnant that I would join Fit4mom because I saw how much fun the moms were having, how the kids developed these amazing friendships, and I wanted that for me and my daughter :)

How has Fit4Mom impacted your life? OMG so many ways!! 1) Definitely got me back into shape after having my daughter 2) The coaches are A M A Z I N G, I have honestly never met more genuine, kind people in my life. They truly want you to succeed, while having a good time. Couldn't ask for anything more! 3) A network of moms who support me no matter what, and I know these connections will last forever. 4) The friendships my daughter has made in these classes, have grown to outside these classes as well with play dates. Also, she is a huge fan of these park workouts because she knows we get to play afterwards and hang out with our friends :)

Basically, Fit4Mom was perfect for me as a 1st time new mom because it got me out of the house, kicked my butt into gear, gave me this amazing friendships, and reminded me that I'm not alone in this journey called motherhood.

What's your favorite exercise? I loved when we played duck duck goose when Annie was coaching, and we all had to do planks balancing cups of cold water on our backs. The person who was picked had to chase the other person and had cold water poured on their back. That was definitely the hardest I've laughed during a workout. Who says you can't have fun while working out?!

What's your proudest moment? My proudest moment is by far seeing my daughter grow and discover the world. Every new milestone that she hits I'm more proud than the last one. Most recently, she has really become really into imaginative play, and I could literally sit there and watch her for hours. She's my joy in this world and I couldn't be more proud of her.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us. Our wedding was Star Trek theme, and we actually entered our reception with the theme song from Star Trek The Next Generation. We actually got featured on the Star Trek official website! #Engage

Meet Carrie Dockery!

Carrie is Mama to sweet baby girl Finley and wifey to Chad. She joined F4M in March of 2019. Carrie started with Stroller Strides and recently leveled up with our 4 week Body Back session. Carrie always has a smile on her face and is so fun to have in class! She brings a positive energy to every class she takes and it's contagious! We are so grateful to have Carrie in our Village.

Hometown: born in Nashville, raised in Cincinnati, now living here in SoCal.

Tell us about your family: married to my amazing husband Chad and we have one daughter, Finley, who’s 21 months old.

Current/Previous Career: I was a trend forecaster for Guess prior to being a mom. Now I work from home part time to be with our daughter and I’m the social media manager for a friends law firm.

What was your childhood ambition? : I’ve always wanted to be a mom! I love playing with my baby dolls, American girl dolls, and babies.

What is the furthest you have been away from home? : Mexico is the farthest I’ve been. I’m terrified of flying but hope to make it to Greece one day!

How did you find Fit4Mom? : my sister-in-law originally told me about it and then my friend wanted me to join with her.

How has Fit4Mom impacted your life? : I’ve made so many amazing friends through it + I’m working out more than I ever have in my life and am having fun while doing it.

What's your favorite exercise? : squats!

What's your proudest moment? : definitely giving birth to my daughter, #1 moment of my life.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us. : I’m an IVF baby + was the first IVF baby born at my hospital in Nashville.

Meet Crystal Mendoza!

Crystal is one of our Founding Mamas in Moorpark. She is Mama to Isaiah (3) Tiana (18months) and Nevaeh (12). You can find Crystal at Stroller Strides most days of the week! Crystal is one of the hardest working Mamas we know; her Mom game is strong. Crystal recently finished 4 weeks of Body Back and absolutely knocked it out of the park. When she commits to something she gets it done. We are so grateful to have you in our Village, keep pushing Mama!

Hometown: Canoga Park, CA Valley girl

Tell us about your family: My partner name is Evan. I have 3 beautiful amazing strong willed children Isaiah (3)Tiana (18months) and Nevaeh (12).

Current/Previous Career: Still working on my career to become a nurse.... at this time I am a medication technician for an assisted living nursing home.

What was your childhood ambition? To always work or be part of a community that can help anyone in anyway.

What is the furthest you have been away from home? Phoenix, AZ and of course Las Vegas.

How did you find Fit4Mom? On a rainy day we were not having such a good morning so I packed up the kiddos and headed to the TO mall and as I entered through the door to the left of me I saw a bunch of mamas with their children working out. Right there in my head I was signed up. Lol

How has Fit4Mom impacted your life? Fit4Mom has impacted my life in so many ways. Fit4mom has helped me find self love and self care again. Fit4Mom has been the greatest support system for me without any judgement. It has also impacted my kids life, it’s become our everyday routine.

What's your favorite exercise? I have a few believe it or not lol box jumps, walking lunges, and of course the SQUATS

What's your proudest moment? My proudest moment besides giving birth to my amazing children. I would have to say was losing 37 lbs in 5 months after having 2 kids year after year. It wasn’t easy it was very challenging but I pushed through worked out everyday no matter how I was feeling and helped changed my eating lifestyle and physical lifestyle.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us. I committed to the 4 week Body Back program while continuing my Strides classes and I lost 7 lbs in those 4 weeks!

Meet Jennie Huber!

Jennie has been apart of our Village since 2015! That's some OG status. She is Mama to 3 beautiful babies Jordyn, Jake & Jessi (twins)! You can find her at Stroller Strides and Body Back. Jennie is the one with the huge smile and the first one to say hi to that new Mama. You can always count on Jennie to make her way to Mom's Night Out;we love a Mama that knows how to take time for herself. Thank you Jennie for doing Motherhood with us!

Hometown: West Hills, CA

Tell us about your family: I am married to Jeff, whom I met in nursing school and we have three beautiful children, Jordyn(4), and our twins, Jessi(2) and Jake(2).

Current/Previous Career: I am a Nurse, but I have not worked for about 5 years now. I last worked in a Telemetry unit so I took care of cardiac patients and really sick patients that needed to be on a heartmonitor.

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a doctor, but I had way too much fun in my early college years to do that. I went back to school in my early 30s to become a nurse.

What is the furthest you have been away from home? I have been to Africa and Japan.

How did you find Fit4Mom? I have a friend that lives on the Westside who did stroller strides when her kids were younger so after I had my first I found the one closest to me.

How has Fit4Mom impacted your life? I love stroller strides for the sense of community, the exercise, and my kids love their stroller stride friends too! Doing Stroller Strides and Body Back has gotten me in the best shape of my life.

What's your favorite exercise? I would say my favorite is the plank. I am going to shoot for 4 minutes in this session of Body Back.

What's your proudest moment? I would say that delivering my three kiddos are my proudest moments. I pushed for about 5 hours with Jordyn and they were threatening me with a C-section. Somehow I found the strength and managed to push her out her. With the twins it was a breeze in comparison, I had them both out in about a half hour!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us. One of my first jobs out of college was working for the real life "Jerry Maguire". A job that many avid sports fans would have loved to have and I couldn't care less about sports.

Meet Hilary Wolcott!

Hilary is super Mom to 4 adorable little girl (she has twins!). She joined Fit4Mom in 2017 and has been apart of Stroller Strides and Body Back. Hilary is an ALL IN kinda gal; works hard, moms hard and makes everyone feel welcomed. We are so grateful to have Hilary as a constant in our Village! Hilary's commitment to self-care is truly motivating.

Hometown: Westlake Village, CA

Tell us about your family: Ryan and I met in college and got married after several years of dating. We've now been married 9 years and have four adorable and rambunctious little girls. Cassidy is 6, Aubrey is 4.5 and twins Laurel and Brynn are almost 2. We also have an 8 year old chocolate lab named Cooper.

Current/Previous Career: I was an elementary school teacher for 10 years in LAUSD then taught middle school for 4 years in LVUSD. I'm currently a stay at home but in the process of applying for out of classroom positions.

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a teacher. I loved playing school and liked to be in charge.

What is the furthest you have been away from home? I traveled a lot before kids. I think the furthest was a trip to Japan with my dad when I was in high school.

How did you find Fit4Mom? My sister-in-law was a member and raved about the workouts and sense of family. I knew I needed to try it out! I finally came to a class when I was on maternity leave with the twins and was instantly hooked.

How has Fit4Mom impacted your life? Besides the obvious health benefits, the focus on the overall well being of mama has had the greatest impact on me. I never considered myself one to meditate, but the meditation at the end of a Body Back workout really helped me refocus and get rid of some of the mom guilt.

What's your favorite exercise? Squats and planks

What's your proudest moment? I'm proud of my girls anytime they are kind to each other or show compassion and empathy for someone without prompting.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us. Anytime I swim in deep ocean water the theme song to Jaws instantly starts playing in my mind. Every. Single. Time.

Meet Jessica Alberti!

Hometown: Florence, Alabama

Tell us about your family: My husband and I started dating in 2002 & were married in 2011 in the Florida Keys, during a small hurricane. Our son, Archie is 5 & our daughter, Ruby is 3. We moved to Thousand Oaks from Marina del Rey 4 years ago.

Current/Previous Career: I previously worked at the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, and the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables Florida.

What was your childhood ambition? Elevator Operator. We moved to New York when I was young and I was thrilled to learn that could be a position.

What is the furthest you have been away from home? The Seychelles. It took almost 2 days to get there but was well worth it.

How did you find Fit4Mom? I did Stroller Strides Westside LA with my oldest when he was a baby. When we moved here I was so excited I could continue & meet new mamas!

How has Fit4Mom impacted your life? An instructor once told me “Your children are your #1 priority 23 hours a day. Allow yourself this 1 hour”. While I’m still juggling snacks, this rings very true for me. I find the workout recharges me and helps bring focus on the rest of my day. I also love the community of moms & little ones playing together.

What's your favorite exercise? Monkeys- I always feel it the next day in my sides. And the song cracks up my daughter!

What's your proudest moment? Anytime my kids are thoughtful or display kindness to others (or each other). It makes my heart soar!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us. I started modeling & acting at age 6 and retired at 22!

Meet Priscilla Mathis!

Priscilla is one of our newest members. She was the very first Founding Mama in Moorpark and we couldn't be happier to have her in this Village! Priscilla has an energy about her that is contagious! You can find Priscilla at Tierra Rejada Park at Stroller Strides with her daughter Harper and son Hudson. If you haven't met Priscilla yet don't hesitate to introduce yourself because she is sure to make you feel welcomed!

Hometown:

I grew up in Huntington Beach, California. Surf City! I've always been terrible at surfing though. I'm more of a paddle board girl.

Tell us about your family:

My husband, Scott, and I have been married for almost 9 years now. We have two beautiful children! My daughter, Harper, just turned 5 years old! My son, Hudson, is 2 1/2 years old. We also have an English Bulldog named Duke and he's basically in charge of the family.

Current/Previous Career:

Before moving to Moorpark, I was a teacher in Orange County. I taught 4th grade for eight years and 1st grade for two years. Today I'm a very happy stay at home mom! I look forward to returning to the classroom once my kiddos are in school though.

What was your childhood ambition?

I always wanted to be an event planner. I love a good party.

What is the furthest you have been away from home?

My husband and I honeymooned in Bali, Indonesia and it was amazing!

How did you find Fit4Mom?

When I first moved here my husband's high school friend, Marianne Rosenstien, told me about the group. I didn't join at the time. Then I saw that you were coming to Moorpark and decided I just couldn't stay away!

How has Fit4Mom impacted your life?

The physical benefits are obvious, but I really want to touch on the amazing mental benefits the community provides! Fit4Mom is a true tribe of supportive, kind, and strong women! I love having a community to be a part of. I've always been about women supporting women and there is nothing I love more in the world than seeing that happen. This is a true group of women who love and support one another. There is no stranger in this tribe and that is the type of community I love being a part of. It's so important to feel supported and I wish I would have joined when my little was a newborn! Super happy and blessed to be here now!

What's your favorite exercise?

Does working my mouth muscles singing nursery rhymes count? I love relays of any kind! Working with others and cheering each other on.

What's your proudest moment?

Delivering both my children. I almost kicked the bucket with my last delivery and don't take the miracle of birth lightly. Moms are SO strong and God is SO good!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.

My husband and I used to rock climb together! Before children. My favorite spot is Red Rock Canyon outside of Las Vegas. I'm afraid of heights, so this was something I used to do that even surprised myself!

Meet Ashley Warner!

The minute we met Ahsley we knew she was "one of us." She is so down to earth and REAL! One of the most welcoming Mamas we know. You can find Ashley working hard at Stroller Strides with her son Roland in tow. I personally love working out next to Ashely because when you feel like you can't possibly do one more push-up, Ashley will look over at you and somehow get you to laugh and take the focus off the struggle! We love working hard and laughing with this incredible MAMA!

Hometown: Ventura Ca.

Tell us about your family: I am married to an amazing guy named Chad! We got married in Ojai in 2013. Our journey to parenthood was really really hard! Roland was born in September 2017 and our lives have been better ever since!

Current/Previous Career: I own a Wedding & Event Coordination company. And most importantly I’m a stay at home mama... most of the time!

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a School Bus Driver!

What is the furthest you have been away from home? Sweden

How did you find Fit4Mom? I was at Conejo Creek and saw some moms hanging out after class. I ended up asking Libby about the group and she gave me a pamphlet.

How has Fit4Mom impacted your life? Its like therapy! Just being out of the house, exercising and talking to other mamas. It’s so simple but it’s so important!

What's your favorite exercise? Burpees... I know I know... who likes burpees!?

What's your proudest moment? Roland’s first birthday... I successfully breastfed for a whole year! I am proud!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.

I burn everything I try to bake!

Ingredients:

1/2 C fresh or frozen berries

1/4 ripe banana mashed (about 2 tablespoons)

1 Tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 C rolled oats

1/4 hemp seeds (or add more oats)

1-1 1/2 C low-fat milk or unsweetened non-dairy milk (depending on how firm you like your oats)

Directions:

Put all ingredients in the mason jar (or other container) in the order listed.

Close lid tightly and shake well. Store in the refrigerator until the next morning. Before eating, shake well again. Serve cold or warm. If serving warm, remove the lid before warming in the microwave or pour contents in a pot to warm on the stove.

Get more recipes like this by joining our Body Back Transformation Program starting January 7th! Email us for more details.

Michelle Amoroso: Chances are you have taken a class with Michelle. You can't miss her, she's the one with the HUGE smile and infectious laugh! She is one of the most welcoming Mamas we have met and she exudes Fit4Mom in all ways. Michelle will be moving to Idaho in just a few weeks and we will miss her dearly. We cannot thank you enough for making us smile and sharing this journey of motherhood with us . Best of luck to you and your family! We love you Mama!

Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA

Tell us about your family: I am married to a very hard working hubby Mike, and a mom to our little son Mikey.

Current/Previous Career: I have been working in customer service related jobs my whole working career and absolutely loved it. But my true calling now is being a stay at home mom.

What was your childhood ambition? I always wanted to work in the medical field/when I got older and figured out how much schooling/blood came with it I quickly changed my mind.

What is the furthest you have been away from home? Bahamas for our honeymoon. Highly recommend it being one of your traveling destinations in the near future.

How did you find Fit4Mom? I came across a post on (moms of Conejo Valley) and had to find out more since it involved workout with your baby. Exactly what I was looking for. I quickly became addicted after signing up after my first class. I highly recommend Fit4mom and all there classes they offer. I’m now hooked to boost/transition program after you complete body back.

How has Fit4Mom impacted your life? In ways I will never be able to pay back. This is where I met my (mom group/life long friends) and for that I am forever grateful ️

What's your favorite exercise? Plank Jacks

What's your proudest moment? My proudest Fit4mom moment was when I FINALLY was able to complete (star jacks) after attempting them at most classes since I first joined. That moment took place this past summer (2018) at one of our beach classes at Zuma.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us: I can fall asleep anywhere/within minutes after laying down. LITERALLY (ask the hubby)