Summer time here at FIT4MOM Southeast Fairfield County means Our Village is lucky to see SO MANY of our moms who are teachers join us on a regular basis as they enjoy their summer vacation. We could not let this summer go by without honoring one of our teacher mamas and July's Motivating Mom is certainly one we are excited to highlight as we know how much her and her daughters look forward to spending their summers at Stroller Strides and weekends at Run Club with us! The FIT4MOM ripple runs deep within this family as this mama truly inspires her daughters to emulate their mama and make fitness and FIT4MOM part of their lives no matter how busy life becomes. We admire her ability to balance motherhood and career, appreciate her ability to connect to anyone around and enjoy her fun loving approach to motherhood! This month, we are honored to celebrate, Devon Tiani!

Here is what our Instructor Team has to say about Devon:

"How special it is to honor Devon this month as our motivating mom! Devon is so down to earth, hard working, and fun-loving; I absolutely love watching her in action. Whether she is working out or shining as an incredible girl mom, she does it with 100% effort and smiles! I love watching her interact with her girls at class - using each transition to connect and care for the girls or show us how proud she is of Taylor’s latest artwork or Emilia’s recent milestone.Devon takes such pride in being a mother and just as much effort is put into her workouts! I get pumped watching her in action at classes - and seriously kicking it up at Strides 360 this summer! She must be getting ready for yet another season of Run Club where she proudly crosses that finish line with her girls in tow and celebrates her true strength in motherhood. Devon, it is an honor to be alongside you in this journey of motherhood and a privilege to celebrate you as our motivating mom this month. We love you!!!" - Instructor Lisa

"What a pleasure it is to be honoring Devon as this month’s Motivating Mom of the Month! As soon as I met Devon it was easy to see why everyone loves her so much. She is such a kind, hardworking, loving, and energetic person that makes people naturally want to be around her.At class and Run Club, Devon is always working hard and can be seen genuinely enjoying each moment she is there with her girls. It is remarkable to watch as her enthusiasm and hard work at class permeates to her daughters, Taylor and Emilia. I love seeing how the girls go home and play their own version of “Stroller Strides” or beg Devon to take them on that evening run before bed to clock those Run Club training miles. All of this - which is truly showing us that as moms we never know where our influence stops. Devon is setting an excellent example for her daughters on how to balance and live a healthy lifestyle. Devon has remained a constant in Our Village over the years and I really enjoy being alongside of her on this journey through motherhood. I’m looking forward to us starting our 3rd Run Club season together and crossing that finish line again! Congratulations, Devon! We are so proud of you and appreciate all that you bring to Our Village each and every day!" - Instructor Kait

"I am so excited to see Devon recognized this month as our motivating mom! Devon has been a long time member of FIT4MOM, continuing as an active member of our village while working full time and through having two beautiful girls. She is a joy to have in class or to work out alongside of with her friendly and calm attitude! Devon tackles motherhood like she tackles a good work out- with perseverance, strength and lots of laughter! Devon, it is an honor to be alongside of you during our journeys as mothers and a pleasure to watch you grow and learn both with your daughters and as you tackle every FIT4MOM challenge that we throw your way! Congratulations!" - Instructor Meghan

"It is so exciting to be recognizing Devon this month! Devon is the essence of a down-to-earth, real mama in action. Chat with her for a few minutes, and you will get a dose of fresh perspective along with a good laugh. She is easy to connect with, always has a supportive word to say to everyone, and inspires everyone around her to adopt her calm, collected approach to motherhood. Devon also stays active in Our Village by attending Mom’s Nights Out, has come to Book Club, and she and her family can be found rocking their red, white and blue at family classes. Devon has grown in strength and endurance during her years at FIT4MOM and it shows! She has tried every single one of our programs, from multiple Stroller Strides and Stroller Barre classes per week, to several successful seasons of Run Club, to our newest addition of Strides 360, and even got in her first Body Back class- on one of the hottest days of the summer!! Devon’s strength extends into the way she balances work and motherhood, which she does beautifully. She is an excellent example for our teacher and full-time working mamas on how to bridge family life, self-care, and showing up with confidence and competence at work. She has much to teach Our Village and we are so lucky to learn from her!

Devon, you are such a special woman and mother and we are so happy to honor you this month! Congratulations and Love!" - Instructor Sarah

We asked Devon a few questions so we can all get to know her better, and here is what she had to say:

1. Who are the members of your family?

The members of our family are myself, my husband Tim, Taylor 4, Emilia 1, and Tino our Black Lab who is 7!

2. What is/was your career?

This year will be my 12th year teaching elementary school in Darien!

3. List 3 of your favorite things:

Summer Vacation, the beach, family walks around the block (Even better with a coffee or cold drink!)

4. What would your partner say is your best quality?

Most likely my patience.

5. How long have you been a member of FIT4MOM Southeast Fairfield County, and what has it done for you?

I joined FIT4MOM in the summer of 2016 when Taylor was 1. Since then I've looked forward to summers (and maternity leave) of getting time to work out outside with my girls and the fabulous moms of our village. I've also done 4 seasons of Run Club- and am already signed up again for this fall! Besides the amazing workouts, and support from other moms it makes me feel fulfilled and able to tackle motherhood. I also love how it has helped instill the routine of fitness and working out in my family. Taylor is already hoping to be the youngest FIT4MOM instructor!

6.What is your favorite class exercise?

I love to hate Planks- I never say no to books in our house but I've been known to stray away from Brown Bear from time to time....

7. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?

What surprises me is what an incredible journey motherhood is. I feel like just when you feel like you have it have it figured out something changes and you reset and adjust.

8. What is your proudest mommy moment so far?

My proudest moments have been watching my girls grow- especially watching Taylor become such a kind, helpful big sister (and kid) has been especially amazing to see.

9.Any advice for other moms out there?

Despite all the craziness- trying to take few minutes each day to do something for you really helps! Whether that means a few minutes during nap time to escape outside and read a book, getting to a Stroller Strides class or something else that you choose really helps you feel accomplished and fill you up so you can be the best mom to your littles!

Devon - We love having you and the girls as strongholds in our village and can't wait to see where your FIT4MOM journey takes you!! Thank you for choosing as to help give you the Strength in Motherhood!! xo