Every month we take a moment to honor one of our local Fit4Mom moms for her efforts to lead and role model a healthy lifestyle. This month we honor Melissa Joarder, aka Mitchell and Russell's Mom!

She has been a member since 2012, winning our Get Fit Challenge and rocking our October 2013 Body Back session!

Hometown - Born in Berlin, NJ now Coatesville, PA

Education - I have a master's degree in English from Temple University

Stroller Strides Member since - 2012

Members of your Family - My husband is Hasan, and I have two sons, Russell (8) and Mitchell (2.5)

Current/previous Career - I am an English instructor at Delaware County Community College

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a writer. That didn't happen yet.

What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood means that I have gotten to meet two really wonderful little guys and to guide them to successful adulthood. It is also a second chance to experience the pleasures of childhood, and I never imagined I could love two people so much! I feel responsible to make the world a better place for them and to live up to the trust they put in me.

What is the furthest you have been from home? I have been all the way to Bangladesh, my husband's home country.

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller Strides has provided a vigorous, convenient workout. I love the social aspect, which I was not getting from DVD's, and that I don't need daycare like I would at a gym.

What is your favorite exercise? Call me crazy, but I love squats.

What is your proudest moment? My proudest moment was getting tenured at my college in 2009.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? In no particular order, I love cheese, reading, and the beach.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. Maybe you'd be surprised that I can read, write, and speak some Bengali, though I am not fluent.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say?

He'd say I am a good mom.