Meet A Mom: Jill | Libertyville Area Moms

1. Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?

I am originally from Vancouver, Canada, but I moved to Glencoe with my husband and two kids from Toronto, Canada in 2012. My husband took a job at US Foods in Rosemont.

2. Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)

We have two great kids! Matthew is almost 18 and is heading to college in the Fall. And our daughter, Brooke is 15 and is just finishing her freshman year at New Trier HS.

3. What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids? Family friendly restaurant? Date night?

My favorite things to do in the North Shore is SHOP! I love all of the little independent stores around all of the north shore. From Winnetka to Lake Forest, to Libertyville!

Our family loves going to O’Tooles in Libertyville for dinner because when you eat out on the patio you can bring your pup! Plus the food is SO GOOD!
Our go-to date night spot is Mino’s Italian in Winnetka. Great atmosphere, delicious cocktails and a creative menu!

4. Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world? Please share!

I started teaching Barre and Cycle classes at The Dailey Method in Lake Forest about two years ago now. I was completely drawn in by the amazing community of instructors and clients. The owner, Rebecca, makes everyone feel welcome and included! It’s really a great place to work, and since she opened a second location in Vernon Hills our community has grown so much! I had rarely been to Vernon Hills or Libertyville before I started working there and now I go all the time! My family loves the Libertyville shopping area and amazing restaurants. So much FOMO living in Glencoe!

5. How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?

The North Shore and, particularly The Lake Forest and Vernon Hills Dailey Method communities, have been instrumental in my development as a barre and cycle instructor. The clients and staff are so supportive and really want you to succeed. They want to lift you up! I can’t say enough positive things about the people there.

6. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

People may, or may not, be surprised to know that I toured with a musical theatre group through my college years! I don’t do much singing anymore, but I definitely call on that “entertainer” side of me a little when I’m on the mic teaching a class!

7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Mom?

The best piece of advice that I’ve gotten from another mom is “Get out of your own way.” It was that mom who encouraged me to start teaching and not let any self-doubt prevent me from moving forward. I’m very grateful to her for that!

8. What are your favorite places to travel near and far and why?

Our favorite place to travel in the Winter is without a doubt, Maui. Our family loves it there, and who could complain! It’s a little piece of paradise! Our favorite place to travel in the summer is a beautiful lake area North of Toronto, Canada. We head up to Lake Muskoka to relax on the water, go kayaking, boating, sea-doo-ing, and just chill with friends and family. Great memories are always made on the lake!

9. Tell me about your podcasts!

As for podcasts, honestly, I don’t listen to a lot of podcasts, but I do enjoy the “Audrey, Off the Cuff” series… Yes, Audrey is a client and I would like to consider her a friend, but I love how she connects us all somehow and always has some constructive guidance on how to meander through our lives. I also enjoy Esther Perel’s podcast from time to time.

I love Ted Talks from some of the great minds of our day. I will listen to anything that Bill and Melinda Gates puts out. Michael Pollan, Esther Perel has had a couple of really great TED talks, sometimes just the topic will draw me in on a random day. I love the format, and can be an amazing platform for change.

10. What are your favorite book/s? I love receiving fiction and non-fiction recommendations!

My favorite books… well, I’m pretty bad a reading books! I don’t make time during my day to sit and read, and whenever I’ve tried to before bed I generally fall asleep two pages in! I’m currently referencing a couple of different Exercise Science books, but mostly because I find it interesting…not much of a story though!

*This post is sponsored by The Dailey Method

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