"We are so excited to honor Meg Rademacher with the title Mom of the Month! Meg is one of the kindest, sweetest, funniest, most down to earth mommas you’ll meet. She is always so welcoming and friendly to everyone and will strike up a conversation with you immediately. Meg has a big heart and a great laugh. She’s a sympathetic ear to mom woes and can always make you smile with a quick, witty joke. She is beyond an amazing momma to Charlie and Nora, a dedicated wife, a wonderful friend, an amazing teacher, and is kind, hardworking, devoted, and passionate with everything she does. We are so lucky to have her in our village.

Meg started Stroller Strides when Charlie was a little guy and immediately became a special member of the group. She has an amazing bond with her kiddos, and it shows in their sweet, friendly dispositions. Like Meg, when they walk into the room, they immediately put a smile on your face. We just love Charlie and Nora as much as Meg (and her husband, Bill!)

After having done Stroller Strides for some time, she decided to try out Body Well (formerly Body Back Transformation) and knocked it out of the park! Despite having a setback last year after having an unexpected health crisis, she came back more determined than ever to make her health and wellness a priority. Her village loves her tremendously and immediately went to bat for her by setting up a meal train and sending her food and gift cards. We were not going to let her go through that recovery alone. Since that moment, she has made unbelievable strides and has proved to us all that she is one dedicated woman.

We are so happy to have Meg as a member of our village. She shows up to class and puts her whole heart into every minute. She is an inspiration to all of us to keep trying and never give up! Thanks for bringing that amazing Irish positivity and smile with you wherever you go! Congratulations, Meg!"

- Lauren Pedecone, Owner, Stroller Strides, Strides 360, Body Well, and Boost Instructor & Nina Field, Strides 360 and Body Well Instructor

Introduce us to your family!

My husband, Bill, and I have been married for 10 years - we are college sweethearts from ISU! We have two crazy, wonderful kids: Charlie is four and Nora is just shy of 21 months old. Charlie is a sensitive kid with a heart of gold. He has a great sense of humor and loves making his friends laugh (just like his mama)! Nora is outgoing and very social. Sweet with a side of diva! She is into everything (especially if big brother does it first). These best buddies definitely keep our hands full!

How long have you been a member of FIT4MOM Naperville? What made you come to your first class and which classes have you participated in?

I think I joined my first Stroller Strides class the summer of 2016, when Charlie was around 5 months old. Many people know that I have a solid group of mom friends who I stalked into friendship (kidding, kind of) after Charlie was born. I'm pretty sure one of the Mom Friends suggested the class and I went, rolling in like a hot mess, eager to see how other new moms were balancing parenthood, working out, and some semblance of a social life! Since then, I have continued to come to Stroller Strides in the summer (I'm a teacher), and have checked out Strides 360 too. I have been a member of the Body Back (now Body Well) program for over 2 years, and it is by far my favorite! I love my kids, but I really love the "me time" I get during my solo workouts.

What is something you are capable of that you never thought possible?

The first time I attended a Body Back (Body Well) class, I was in absolute awe of the women around me - they were so strong and absolutely killing it with all of these challenging moves. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to keep up! But over time, I have grown so much stronger physically and mentally. My confidence has soared and I have been able to accomplish so many physical tasks I once thought were beyond my reach. More than that, my attitude about working out has changed. I was never the girl who loved working out, and now I look for daily opportunities to be active. I always try to challenge myself in class, and hate if I have to miss one! I am of course proud of all of the physical changes, but the mental changes are just as impressive.

What would you say to a mom considering joining our village?

Stop thinking about it and do it! Aside from all of the health benefits, I can honestly say that this village has given me some of the strongest, most empowering friendships in my life. There is something about being around other moms in this community. Even moms you have just met for the first time totally "get it." They get the late nights, the toddler tantrums, the stress of trying to balance it all and still remember to take care of yourself. There is a camaraderie here. I feel completely seen at FIT4MOM - unreservedly accepted and embraced.

Last August I experienced an unexpected, serious health crisis that kind of rocked my world. I had to take a leave of absence from work and depend on others for quite a bit of help. Without hesitation, the women of this village took quick action and set up a Meal Train for my family. I think within the first 24 hours the sign up was full and they had to add more dates! I remember bursting into tears looking at all of the names on that list - some of the women didn't even know me that well, but they jumped at the chance to take care of me. I still tear up thinking about how this village supported us during that time. I will never forget the love we felt and continue to feel thanks to these wonderful women!

What are your favorite things to do with your family in and around Naperville?

This question might have different pre and post COVID answers! We love going out to eat in downtown Naperville - we are big pizza fans and Lou Malnati's is one of our favorites! Last summer we spent a lot of time at splash pads, libraries, the zoo, and wherever else the FIT4MOM playdates took us. This summer we have been checking out all the walking paths and parks around Green Trails... and have been very grateful for all of the socially distant FIT4MOM activities!