Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Ridgefield?
I moved to Ridgefield when I was 10 years old from Yonkers, NY. After graduating from RHS, (Go Tigers!) I went to UCONN and spent my 20s living and working in South Norwalk. My husband and I moved back to town in 2013 when we decided we wanted to start a family. We both agreed that because Ridgefield had provided a fantastic childhood for my sister and I, it was a perfect location to have our future children grow up.
How many children do you have? What are their names and ages?
I have two children. My 5-year-old daughter is named Cooper and my 2-year-old son is named Jack.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
If a hip-hop song was produced in the 90s, I can guarantee I know the name and artist within the first 15 seconds of its opening beat. I have a serious passion for music, and I think this has been an integral part of why I’ve come to love Joyride so much. Riding to the rhythm of the beat keeps me motivated, excited and having fun in class.
Tell us about your commitment to the JoyRide community here in town and what it has done for you as a mom with young children (energy levels, self-care, socializing).
Joyride has completely changed my life this past year and has been an important part of my own personal self-care. I’ve spent the better portion of 7 years going between being pregnant, nursing and chasing after my two children. It’s the job I love the most, but I recognized that with being a full-time mom, I needed a space I could call my own. It was at this pivotal moment I jumped into Joyride and haven’t looked back. I try to get to Joyride 5x a week, knowing that the time spent in the room with the Joyride community has not only improved my overall health but has increased my energy level. I’m able to give more to my family because of this renewed feeling. I’ve also found Joyride to be an inspiration and motivator for my daily life. I have met so many people within the community including local mothers, instructors and the Joyride Ridgefield staff who inspire me every day. Many of the instructors at Joyride are mothers and I’ve found their positivity, spirit and messages of inspiration to be the gentle push I needed to be my best self everyday.
Tell us what it means to be a JoyRide Ambassador.
I feel incredibly privileged to have recently been asked to join as a JoyRide Ambassador. Knowing that the JoyRide community believes that my passion is something I can share with the Ridgefield community is something that I feel honored to do. JoyRide is an incredible place that stands for positivity, inclusivity and JOY. Helping to spread this message and empowering my own personal community to join is something I’m very passionate about. I’m looking forward over the next few months to getting new riders on the bike so they can experience what’s become my happy place and discover their own!
What’s been the best piece of advice you’ve received from another mother?
Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your children. This advice has been integral in my fitness and personal journey.
How has this community of “JoyRiders” been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
The JoyRide community has introduced me to people who have provided me with a source of motivation and inspiration on a daily basis. My spin buddies keep me accountable and watching each of them hit rid milestones makes me push myself. Some have hit their 1000th ride which is cause for massive celebration. And celebrating successes is something that JoyRide does right. The Rockstar line-up of JoyRide instructors consistently empower their riders and ensure that everyone leaves feeling stronger both mentally and physically. A foundational part of my childhood was competitive sports and I’ve found that JoyRide has filled this void. Being a part of a team again that pushes each other to be better versions of themselves both on and off the bike is fantastic.
