Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
I raised my children in Chicago till our oldest was going into High School. High Schools in Chicago can be a tricky situation with multiple kids as they may not all get into the same school, so we moved to Libertyville in 2007.
Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)
5 kids, ages 25, 24, 23, 23, 20
What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids? Family friendly restaurant? Date night?
We like to do Yoga with Suzanne Norman from Enlightened Living for our date night! We have found a wonderful community at our church, Heritage Church, and get involved in many activities there. We love using the Des Plaines river trail alone, together or with our dogs to run and bike, (and weather permitting, snowshoe/xc skiing) . Shopping at Radical Root for locally grown organic food is a perfect way to connect with the land.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world? Please share!
I own a business, Custom Fit.sse and have over 35 years experience in personal training and health and wellness. I currently work as an Independent Marketing Rep for an Online shopping co-op, Melaleuca, The Wellness Company. I am also Assistant Cross Country Coach for Libertyville High School Girls and involved in local Non-Profit, Eden Restoration Project. Eden builds local gardens in Urban areas. Our Mission is to build gardens where they are needed the most.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
After putting 5 kids through the High School who were actively involved in sports and extra curricular activities, I am fortunate to be able to give back by coaching the girls cross country team. I strongly believe running helps girls become stronger both physically and mentally and helps build character, teamwork and sense of accomplishment. Female athletes of all ages are healthier, more academically successful and have higher self-esteem than non-athletes. In addition, young girls who participate in sports and regular physical activities exhibit enhanced motivation, improved mood and lower levels of depression and anxiety.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I have completed over 30 marathons, multiple half ironmans, ran Boston Marathon 3 times, yet didn’t run my first 5k till running the Red Ribbon Classic sponsored by Libertyville High School. Also, even though I coach cross country, I still don’t know how to use a running watch.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Mom?
Not every birthday cake has to be home made. Kids aren’t going to remember every present, but they will remember your presence.
What is next for you?
Help at risk communities grow food, educate families to bring wellness home affordably and hoping for many powder days at Wilmot.
