The Plum Moms' Club could not happen without our wonderful playgroup captains. Each of these ladies have a passion for serving our community's moms and children. We are thankful to have each of these ladies at our parks. Their creativity and talent are second to none!
We'd like to introduce you to...
RAINA SOUTHWELL
Jessamyn West Park, Yorba LindaWe'd like to introduce you to...
RAINA SOUTHWELL
2. What is or was your career? I worked as a first grade teacher and literacy specialist for 8 years in Long Beach before becoming a mom. I have since been blessed with the opportunity to be a stay at home mom and have just recently started my own business as an Event Planner.
3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides, and what has it done for you? I have been a member of Stroller Strides since July of 2010 and my twins were 10 weeks old. Stroller Strides has been a major part of my life since. It has given me a great place to work on being a fit and healthy mom as well as create friendships with moms who have the same values and interests as myself. Stroller Strides has brought great balance to my life and helps me to remember to take time to keep myself healthy and happy. It is also fun to see that Lincoln and Sofia have their own set of friends now that they look forward to seeing several times a week too.
4. How did you become a playgroup captain, and why do you love doing it? There was an opening for a playgroup captain, so I thought I would give it a try since I was itching to find an outlet for the teacher in me. I have to say I love being involved with such a great organization and I enjoy planning fun activities each month for all of the kiddos that come to Jessamyn West each week. It is so rewarding to see the kids get excited to participate in a fun craft, field trip or snack each week.
AMBER BUSHMAN
Bastanchury Park, Fullerton
Before moving to California 3 1/2 years ago, my husband, Travis and I were living in Atlanta, which we loved. We moved to Manhattan Beach for his new job, and were both working in Real Estate - he still does - now I stay at home (big smile). I was a property manager for eleven years and worked for the 2nd largest commercial real estate firm in the world. I loved the fast pace and all of the responsibility, but I always wanted to be a mom. My career in a nutshell was making sure my office buildings were running well, my team was working hard and having fun, and keeping my tenants and clients happy... it’s not all that different than running a household and keeping my family happy.
We moved to La Habra when Henry was 6 weeks old. Travis grew up here, so we are really close to his folks, which is great - but I knew no one else! Henry is now almost 2 1/2 years old, and our newest addition, Tempe is 4 months old. We joined Stroller Strides 2 years ago...going to that first class was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I was SO hoping that I would make friends, and we did, but we also get to enjoy great workouts and play outside most days of the week. Plus, I love being a part of a group of such strong moms!
I also love being a playgroup captain! A while back I offered my help realizing how much it takes to run Stroller Strides of North OC and I was taken up on my offer when a playgroup position opened up. Coming up with activities, crafts, snacks, birthday celebrations and helping with the philanthropy goals really makes me feel a part of something special, and it’s been a great way to get to know even more of the great families that are a part of our group. If you ever have any ideas for activities, filed trips, Mom’s Nights Outs, or any other suggestions - I’m all ears! Hopefully I can help make Stroller Strides as rewarding for you as it has been for me and my family.
KATIE MONROE
Tri-City & Brea Sports Park, Placentia/Brea
1. Who are the members of your family? Myself, my husband, Brandon, our 3 year old daughter, Mya, and our two cats, Tusk and Sweet Pea.
2. What is your career? I am a social worker. I currently work for Bethany Christian Services where I help families that are interested in building their families through adoption.
3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides, and what has it done for you? I joined Stroller Strides at the Grand Opening in August 2012 when Lauren and Angela became the new owners. My friend Kelly had been part of Stroller Strides for almost a year and she invited me to the opening. I fell in love with the workout that morning and decided to join. In fact, I won a free month of SS at that event and saw that as a sign that I had made the right decision. Stroller Strides has really helped me get back to having a consistent workout routine. I wish I would have known about Stroller Strides when my daughter was first born! I spent almost 3 years frustrated and pretty much inactive because I could not have a consistent workout routine with a baby/toddler. Stroller Strides has also helped me connect with other moms. As a working mom, it has been hard to find other moms to connect with. I love coming to Stroller Strides for SO many reasons but a major reason is because it really helps me normalize all that I experience as a mom as I talk with and watch other moms with their kiddos.
4. How did you become a playgroup captain, and why do you love doing it? I noticed that Angela was always having to bring crafts for the playgroup at the Brea evening classes and so I offered to do that since there wasn't a playgroup captain. She and Lauren shared that there was going to be an opening soon to have someone do Tri-city and Brea and wondered if I would be open to that. I agreed because those are the two parks I frequent the most. I haven't done a playgroup yet for the kiddos, but I love anything and everything crafty and I love watching kids create and play. I think I'm going to love being a playgroup captain for those reasons!
2. What is your career? I am a social worker. I currently work for Bethany Christian Services where I help families that are interested in building their families through adoption.
3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides, and what has it done for you? I joined Stroller Strides at the Grand Opening in August 2012 when Lauren and Angela became the new owners. My friend Kelly had been part of Stroller Strides for almost a year and she invited me to the opening. I fell in love with the workout that morning and decided to join. In fact, I won a free month of SS at that event and saw that as a sign that I had made the right decision. Stroller Strides has really helped me get back to having a consistent workout routine. I wish I would have known about Stroller Strides when my daughter was first born! I spent almost 3 years frustrated and pretty much inactive because I could not have a consistent workout routine with a baby/toddler. Stroller Strides has also helped me connect with other moms. As a working mom, it has been hard to find other moms to connect with. I love coming to Stroller Strides for SO many reasons but a major reason is because it really helps me normalize all that I experience as a mom as I talk with and watch other moms with their kiddos.
4. How did you become a playgroup captain, and why do you love doing it? I noticed that Angela was always having to bring crafts for the playgroup at the Brea evening classes and so I offered to do that since there wasn't a playgroup captain. She and Lauren shared that there was going to be an opening soon to have someone do Tri-city and Brea and wondered if I would be open to that. I agreed because those are the two parks I frequent the most. I haven't done a playgroup yet for the kiddos, but I love anything and everything crafty and I love watching kids create and play. I think I'm going to love being a playgroup captain for those reasons!
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