"I love having Maria at my class, she has such a great personality and energy. She is always working hard while taking care of her kids during the class. I am glad she is part of our village. She is so beautiful and strong mama!" -Aneta Loftus, Fit4Mom Instructor

"Maria is one of the most patient, calm, and understanding moms and friends I know. She always puts health and well-being first, showing up to Stroller Strides with dedication—not just for herself, but for her two girls as well. Her commitment to creating a strong, healthy foundation for her family is truly inspiring, and I am always in awe of her kindness and perseverance." -Shannon Slayer, Fit4Mom Franchise Owner

Who are the members of your family and where are you originally from?

I grew up in Vienna, Virginia, where I met my husband Chris when we were in kindergarten. Our daughters are 1 and 2 ½. We also have a hound mix, Buddy.

When was your first Fit4Mom class and what do you remember about it?

I was in the third trimester of my second pregnancy. It was right before Thanksgiving and everybody was debating the appropriate time to start decorating for Christmas, and I was completely out of my element because I have little to no holiday spirit. But I remember the moms who made me feel comfortable and how my toddler dove right into the playgroup activity like she’d known these people forever.

Where can we find you? What is your Fit4Mom routine these days?

Potomac Mills stroller strides is my usual routine. I also love Burke Lake when the weather gets nice and S360.

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)?

I work as a freelance writer. Previously I was the manager for a mortgage company.

What are 3 of your favorite things?

Being outside, chocolate, and laughing with my husband.

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do?

Go hiking or boating in the Occoquan River. Unless the babysitter can take the kids out of the house, in which case I’d like to sit on my couch without having to get up every 5 minutes.

What has being a mom taught you?

To let go of control, be vulnerable, and ask questions. This whole experience is a lot easier if we all help each other out.

What is your funniest or most embarrassing mommy moment so far?

While we were on a preschool tour, my daughter took all the furniture out of a dollhouse and then tried to sit in it. Needless to say, that preschool did not follow up with us.

Any words of wisdom for other moms?

Make peace with the things that didn’t happen the way you wanted them to. We’re all doing our best and we’re not perfect, but it’s so liberating to let go of the anxiety and regret that can keep us from really enjoying the present.

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM? What would you tell someone thinking about joining?

I love having a safe space to be with my kids. I really struggled after having my second baby, and I’m so thankful I knew where to go for support and some semblance of a routine. There are so few places where you can have fun with your kids and it’s okay if they cry, yell, or need a million snacks.

Fit4Mom has given me so much more than I expected. It gave me the strength to keep up with my kids. It aligned me with resources to get help through Postpartum Support Virginia. The run club got me back into running, which has been vital for my mental clarity. And I’ve learned so much from being around other moms. It reminds me how universal the motherhood experience is, despite how isolating it can feel.