Motivational Mom of the Month - Allison Kittleson

Megan Ford

AUGUST! Summer is winding down and back to school season is upon us! These months really do fly by! We have had such a fun summer with Our Village from events to themed classes and we couldn't do it without our amazing team of instructors.

Join us in getting to know one of our awesome instructors, Allison!

How did you find FIT4MOM Richmond and how long have you been a part of our village?

I found FIT4MOM when I was pregnant with my first child in early 2021 and have been a part of the village since then!

What do you love most about being part of this community?

I love the friends that I've made and the friends that my kids have made. My son looks forward to seeing his friends at stroller strides every time we go to class or to an event.

Who are you a mom to?

I am mom to Jake (almost 3) and Keith (almost 8 months).

What is your favorite thing about being a mom?

I love being a mom! I love to watch my kids grow and discover the world. I love to watch their personalities develop and to see what brings them joy. I've learned to appreciate small things that I haven't noticed since I was a kid, like taking the time to sit outside and watch the cars drive by.

What two items would you take with you if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island where all your food and water needs were taken care of?

I would want a multi-tool and sunscreen.

If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past?

I'd love to meet some of my ancestors or even my grandparents when they were young, so I think I would travel back to the past. On the flip side, I'd be very curious to see what the future is like!

How do you practice self-care?

I practice and compete in Taekwondo, and enjoy traveling for Taekwondo competitions. I won two bronze medals at the Taekwondo US National Championships this summer! I like to read too.

Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Richmond?

I grew up in Richmond and then moved to California for a few years in my 20s. My husband and I moved back to Richmond for job opportunities and to be closer to family.

How did becoming a mother change you?

I've learned to see the world with more patience and to function on less sleep.

What is the last great book or television series you've read/watched?

I watched a bunch of the shark week episodes! I loved the ones about obscure sharks that science doesn't know much about.

How did you meet your partner?

We met through my roommate (my roommate worked with my partner at the time).

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be the girl version of Indiana Jones, a taekwondo teacher or a scientist.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

"Love and Luck" by Jimmy Buffett. The line "with a little love and luck you will get by" just sticks with me in a good way.

If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would they do first?

I think my five-year-old self would eat all the ice cream in my freezer!

Allison, I want to be stranded on an island with you - a multitool and sunscreen sounds like you know what to do! Also, CONGRATS on winning two bronze medals! That is so awesome!

We are so glad you found Our Village and share your love for FIT4MOM as an instructor!

- megan