Hey Mamas!

I’m Mairead, it’s pronounced like parade but with an m AND yes I will introduce myself that way the first time I meet you! I was born and raised in Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York, but sadly I’ve lost the accent. On occasion you’ll hear it resurface if you’re lucky. I am so honored to be April’s mama of the month as April marks one whole year of being back on the west coast.

I am a military spouse and girl mom! This time last year my husband John, daughters Jade (3) & Isla (1) and two Boston terriers Maisie & Mia hit the road and drove from Virginia Beach to California due to yet another PCS. It was bittersweet to have to move yet again, but we are so lucky to get to come back to California and all that San Diego has to offer.

My husband and I met in 2014 while I was going to college in Hawaii and he was stationed at Pearl Harbor. Shortly after I graduated we were engaged and the navy whisked us off to San Diego. We were excited for this new adventure and to both continue further our careers. I found my passion for teaching individuals with exceptional abilities and worked hard for my masters degree in Special Education. Shortly after that, the Navy sent us on our merry way to the east coast to Virginia Beach. While living in Virginia I scored my dream job teaching middle school. My students were all such incredible kids that I learned from each day. I still struggled to meet friends and ended up joining a military spouse kickball team. Win or lose - we still had a blast every Sunday! I made lifelong friendships and made so many memories. I also joined a women’s boot camp style gym. If you’re catching on, I thrive in a group setting and supportive atmosphere!

I remembered hearing about Stroller Strides the last time we lived in California, but was hesitant to step out of my comfort zone and join. Not only did we move across the country, but I left the classroom and took on the most difficult & rewarding role of a stay at home mama. One day the stars aligned and I found myself at Tidelands park when a group of ladies in workout attire with strollers and resistance bands showed up. They didn’t look like a bunch of women who just worked out together, they were friends. After spending the morning with these fabulous ladies I started thinking OK, this is it! I found my village. The next day I went to my first class and the rest is history!

Finding Fit4Mom has been a huge blessing for me and my girls. As a military spouse we move A LOT and it’s hard to get into a groove & start over. I am so glad that I found this group so soon after we moved because it helped us get into a routine, and make friends. Every time I come to class I know I will get a killer workout in and I my girls are entertained & loved. I hope that by working out with my girlies nearby will teach them to prioritize exercise and their own happiness too!