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MOM OF THE MONTH - Shannon Illingworth

Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA

How long have you lived in Orange County? I have lived here all of my life except for college when I lived in San Luis Obispo.

Tell us about your family: My husband Ryan and I have been married for 8 years in January. We met when he moved to CA from Boston to join the Coast Guard. He left the military in 2018 and currently works as a firefighter. Our daughter Sadie will be 7 in March and Blair is 2.

Current/Previous career: I am a Registered Dietitian and currently work as a Nutrition Specialist for Capistrano Unified School District. I get to work with kids and food - it is seriously the best job in the world!

What did you want to be “when you grow up”? A baker

What is the furthest you have been away from home? France and England

What is your favorite thing to do? I am a huge book nerd and have read over 30 books this year! I love fiction.

What is something about you that someone may not know? We have three chickens and one bunny.

What is your favorite local restaurant to eat at? What is your go to order? I love a Turkado Sandwich from Board and Brew.

What is the best thing about living in Orange County? I think we are spoiled with some of the best beach weather in random months like November and February.

What is your favorite color? Blue

What is your favorite song or artist? Zach Bryan, Zac Brown Band, Eric Church

What TV shows are you currently watching? The Great British Bake Off

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or what is your pet peeve? My first job was in high school at Golden Spoon. I can swirl a really high side-by-side two-flavored cone!

If someone had to describe you in one word, what would it be and why? I think it would be friendly, I love talking to new people!

How did you find FIT4MOM South OC? I heard about it when the Lake Forest location opened up in 2021. I was on maternity leave with Blair.

How has FIT4MOM South OC changed your life? I had really debilitating post partum depression and anxiety with my second daughter, Blair. Attending FIT4MOM was truly a bright spot for me during one of the toughest times of my life. I have met so many friends and although I miss attending class during the week, I love working out on Saturdays at Family Class!

What was the first class that you attended? What was the last class that you attended? My first class was the grand opening of the Lake Forest location in December 2021 when class was at Pittsford Park. The last class I attended was Family Class at Aliso Viejo!

What is your favorite workout move or class layout? What workout move or class layout makes you feel strong? I really enjoy Strides 360! The short bursts of running feel doable and make me feel really strong. Especially when I'm pushing a double stroller!

Do you have any New Years resolutions? To be more intentional with my time - prioritizing self care, body movement, and appreciating small moments with my family.

Do you prefer snowy mountains or sunny beaches? Sunny beaches.

What are you most excited about in this new year? We are redoing our backyard and I can't wait to see how it turns out!