April Mom of the Month - Michelle Donaghy!

This month we recognize MICHELLE DONAGHY for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU MICHELLE for being part of our Stroller Strides family!


1. Who are the members of your family?
Michael, my husband; Megan (7); Madeline (4)

2. What is or was your career?
When I am 'working Mommy' (as my 7yo calls it) I am a Pediatric Sleep Coach and owner of Making Sweet Dreams - Sleep Coaching. My formal education is in Psychology and Social Work but this phase of my career has been the most rewarding work I have ever done. Even though I have been helping families with sleep struggles since 2005, the past 12 months have been an amazing journey. I obtained my certification as a Gentle Sleep Coach, I was asked to be the 'Ask the Expert' columnist for Parenting OC Magazine and just last month one of my clients requested to 'film' our sleep consultation as a part of her new Reality TV Show (airs April 20). I am humbled with that list - I truly am! Not to mention that I have been able help dozens of tired families teach their child/baby independent sleep so that everyone in the home is sleeping better.

3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I have been a member of SS since July 2011 and it very quickly went from 'I'll try this" to something I couldn't/wouldn't miss each week. Not only did the workouts exceed my expectation (it is hard work ;), but the friendships that my children and I have gained are wonderful. Not to mention all those clothes in my closet fit me again!

4. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
Besides everything! Through motherhood I have become my children's number one advocate and a stronger person in the process. "If not me ... then who" ... has been my mantra! I have learned to trust my instincts and follow them. If I don't feel like the doctor or teacher is listening to my concerns, then I get a second opinion or go to the senior person on staff. If needed, a third opinion or even higher up. I see this in my practice also, parents go to their pediatrician with a valid concern and their questions are not validated. No one knows your child better than you and listening to your instincts about what your child needs will guide you through the path, even it takes longer than it should.

5. Favorite website(s)?
Facebook
Allrecipes
Google search (you can find anything you need with a good search engine ;)

6. List three current obsessions.
1) my family
2) 'coaches corner' - a private social media network where I chat with colleagues (other sleep coaches) and we support each other
3) trying not to work too much

7. What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
My favorite thing is anything sweet!

8. Any tips for other moms out there?
No matter what age your child is, they go through 'phases'. If it is a rough patch/phase, do your best to ride it out ... it won't last forever. When you think you have found the perfect routine, their needs will change and you will need to adjust/re-evaluate. Parenthood, just keeps changing - so enjoy the good and do your best when things are not so good - neither phases will last for too long until the next phase begins.

March Mom of the Month - Debbie Treadway!

This month we recognize DEBBIE TREADWAY for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU DEBBIE for being part of our Stroller Strides family!

1. Who are the members of your family?
My husband Russ, my twins Owen and Samantha who are 22 months, and myself.


2. What is or was your career?
I am an elementary school teacher in the Buena Park School District. I was fortunate enough to be able to take the last two school years off to stay home with my kids, but will need to go back next year.

3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
We started Stroller Strides a little over a year ago when the babies were 8 months old. We originally started in Huntington Beach, but moved here in July because it was much closer to our house. I love that Stroller Strides has given me the opportunity to get a great workout with my kids while also getting to meet and talk to some great moms as well. My twins love coming to class and getting to play with their friends at the park afterwards.

4. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
I think one thing that has surprised me about motherhood is the amount of love that I have for my children. Having two babies at the same time is tough at times, but I am just amazed daily at how much love I have for them and how much they love and interact with each other as well.

5. Favorite website(s)?
I love Facebook because it helps me to keep in touch with friends and family that I don't always get to see or talk to. I just started getting into Pinterest and have been enjoying all of the great ideas I get from there as well.

6. List three current obsessions.
I love buying kids clothes and books, I enjoy reading, and I am always looking for fun activities to do with Owen and Samantha.

7. What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
Owen and Samantha both love when we snuggle on the couch and read stories and sing songs together. They also love to spend time outside both at the park and in the backyard.

8. Any tips for other moms out there?
Enjoy every moment with your children because they grow up so fast!