Tell us about your family?

Pat and I met in 2020 while he was serving in the Navy in Charleston, SC, living in adjacent neighborhoods. I"m orginally from South Carolina and Pat is from Floriday. We moved to Texarkana in July of 2023 and our daughter, Addison, was born in September. Together we have three dogs- 2 golden retrievers and a german shorthaired pointer. I'm a former special education teacher blessed to stay home with our daughter and Pat works at Graphic Packaging.

Why is FIT4MOM important to you?

Moving to Texarkana and knowing no one at 7 months pregnant felt like the Covid lockdowns all over again. FIT4MOM has given Addison and I a chance to get out and socialize and a sense of community.

What do you remember about your first FIT4MOM class?

I remember being very intimidated when I shouldn't have been. Joy, Audrey, and the other moms were so welcoming. I also felt like I couldn't walk for several days after working parts of my body that hadn't been worked since pre pregnancy.

What was your childhood ambition?

To be a teacher or a nurse. My last year of teaching I had the opportunity to do both working in a school for medically complex kiddos.

What are 3 of your favorite things?

The beach, reading, and crafting

What is one of your 2024 goals for YOU this year?

Becoming a healthier version of myself and making time for some of my old hobbies.

What has being a mom taught you?

Being a mother has taught me how fast time flies and to be intentional and present each day. Motherhood also gave me a newfound respect for my mother and the sacrifices she made for our family.

Advice for first time moms?

You're stronger than you feel and don't let others pressure you in regards to your baby. You're the mama and you have your child's best interests in mind.

You have 4 hrs of FREE babysitting, what would you do with your time?

Pedicure and movies. There's something so relaxing about going to the movie theaters by yourself.

Favorite spot to eat in Texarkana?

Walk On's

Favorite thing to do as a family?

Weekend day trips. We like getting out and going somewhere new. Our favorites so far are Beaver's Bend and the Little Rock Zoo.

What is a fun fact that many may not know about you?

I love the holidays. It doesn't matter if we've already been to one Christmas light display, I'm down to go to all of them!

If someone was thinking about attending a FIT4MOM class or joining, what would you tell them?

Don't let intimidation hold you back from trying. Your first class is free and you might just find something you love.