MEET OUR VILLAGE: Karen
FIT4MOM DC
Karen is the kind of momfriend who has been around the block a few times, knows which things are worth worrying about, which really aren’t, and is always ready to help you figure it all out. With four kids, a giant heart and a rare-for-DC laid back attitude she has plenty of wisdom to share and a genuine eagerness to share it.
Karen first 3 kids made her a FIT4BABY frequent flyer, but Hannah gets all the credit for getting her mom to Stroller Strides for the first time and even Run Club! She’s a longtime DC resident, a big reader, an outdoor enthusiast, and, most importantly, the momfriend who notices when you’re not quite yourself—and makes sure you know you’re not alone.
In case you haven’t had the pleasure yet, let us introduce you to Karen.
Who’s in Karen’s Crew?
Karen and her husband, Tyler, have four kids: George (7), Rebecca (5), Elena (3), and Hannah (4 months). That’s four little people, four different personalities, and plenty of hands-on experience navigating motherhood!
Where’s Home?
Karen was born in New York, lived in California, and spent ages 10 to 22 in Michigan. She also studied abroad in Seville, Spain, for a year. Since moving to DC in 2007, she’s made her way through all four quadrants: Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Southwest near the duck pond, and now Hillcrest, east of the river. She’s truly made DC home.
When she’s not moming or FIT4MOMing…
Karen works at the Environmental Protection Agency in the Office of Water. She’s a big reader and has been part of plenty of book clubs—she even started her own economist’s book club!
She’s also been an active member of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church for the 20 years she’s lived in DC, serving in several leadership positions. And when the family gets outside, one of their favorite spots is the Maryland side of the C&O Canal, where the kids love climbing the big boulders along the trail.
What's Karen's FIT4MOM Story?
As we mentioned, Karen racked up a lot of FIT4BABY classes with all four kids, and she gives the group a lot of credit for helping her have the births she hoped for. While Hannah is the only one of Karen’s kids that got to go to Stroller Strides, our guess is that the really driving factor was that Karen wanted to see her momfriends from FIT4BABY.
What’s Karen’s favorite part of FIT4MOM DC?
For Karen, it’s the steady ritual of getting together with other mamas. Even when everyone is tired or sleep-deprived, they show up anyway, making an investment in themselves. She finds that incredibly empowering and inspiring.
We’re hearing a lot of joy in the way Karen talks about her journey from “I’m not a runner” to “I’m running an 8K in October”. She describes running alongside the other Run Club members, especially the first-time moms as thrilling and humbling. She’s also loved being alongside so many amazing moms, especially first-time moms. We have a feeling those moms are just as grateful to have her in their corner.
What are a few of Karen’s favorite things?
Hiking, walking, and running by the water—especially along the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. She also loves reading books and discussing them with other people, and making time for family dinners together every night.
Any fitness accomplishments to share?
Here’s where things get exciting. Karen has always considered herself a walker, not a runner. She even walked the 500-mile Camino de Santiago across Spain! But over the last two months, she’s run three times the longest distance she’s ever run and taken a whole minute off her mile pace. Good luck on your 8K this month, Karen! We’ll be cheering you on!
Karen, you are an absolute treasure! We are so lucky to have someone who brings perspective, generosity, and a whole lot of heart to our village. Thank you for showing up for your friends, for making new moms feel welcome, and for reminding us that motherhood is a little easier when we take care of each other. 💗