HomeMocha Girls on a MissionMocha Girl on a Mission: Stephanie Felder Terri Lomax March 2, 2014 I am a Mocha Girl on a mission because… Although I had a successful career as an educator and was on my way to achieving my goal of becoming a principal in the School District of Philadelphia, I made the choice to become a stay at home mom while my children were little. As such, I have been home with my three year old and 18 month old since November 2010. I was 40 and 41 when I had my daughter and son. Each time I was pregnant I gained about 50 pounds. I had never been overweight in my life and I knew something had to change. In January 2013 I still weighed over 200 pounds and I decided to change my life by changing my diet and fitness level. This is when Team Fit Mommy was born! On January 3, 2013 I weighed in and started my new lifestyle. In February I started the SHRED Diet by Dr. Ian Smith. I realized that if was on this journey, other women (and men) were on this journey too. I started a blog and Facebook page dedicated to sharing my weight loss and fitness success. To date I have lost about 50 pounds and have recently run in my first five mile race. My next goal is get my certification as a personal trainer and start my own personal training studio. Obstacles I’ve Overcome… The biggest obstacle I have overcome was the death of my mother when I was 13 years old. As a teenager, a girl needs her mother’s guidance and her example to become a healthy adult. Despite the loss of my mom who was 48 when she died of a brain aneurism, I was able to follow in her footsteps and become a teacher, get a Master’s Degree in School Administration and become a happy, healthy wife and mother. I have also been able to translate my success into being an example and mentor to many of my former students. As a child growing up I remember my mother always struggling with her weight and her health. This was part of my motivation to overcome my own challenges with weight and fitness. I never wanted my children to feel as though they were the reason their mommy was overweight. Additionally, I wanted to be the healthy example they need for a long time into their future. I plan to be here to see my children’s children! My Greatest Accomplishments… My greatest accomplishment to date is being a wife and mom. In today’s world, women are often told they can and should have it all! I have found that to be true but for me, having it all has come in different stages in my life. I have had a successful career. I am now a wife and mother. Now I am planning a future that will allow me to be fulfilled as a woman, be a support and help to my husband and still pour my all into my greatest accomplishment, my children! Check out the Team Fit Mommy Blog by clicking the photo below! Follow Stephanie on Social Media! Click here to submit your nomination!
