In this special episode, Lisa sits down with the finalists for the 2023 Instructor of the Year award—Rhiannon Hansen, Kelly Rojahn, and winner Sarah Holder—to celebrate their achievements and hear their inspiring stories. These outstanding instructors have demonstrated passion, dedication, and excellence in their roles, making a lasting impact on their students and communities.
Tune in as they share their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you're an instructor, a franchise owner, or someone striving for excellence in your field, this episode is packed with insights and motivation to help you elevate your own success!
Meet Dana - I’m Dana, owner of FIT4MOM Flagstaff. I’m mom to two sweet daughters age 6 and 8, and two wild dogs. I’m passionate about community, fitness and motherhood, so FIT4MOM is my dream job. When I’m not chasing after my girls you can find me trail running, mountain biking or skiing. I love coffee, avocado toast and superhero muffins. My friends would describe me as enthusiastic and talkative. Fun fact, FIT4MOM Flagstaff is the highest FIT4MOM. Flagstaff is in the mountains at 7,000 feet we have pine trees and snow in Arizona!
Website - https://flagstaff.fit4mom.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fit4momflagstaff/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092706999049
Meet Franchisee JoAnna Zapata
I’m JoAnna - the proud owner of FIT4MOM Frankfort! I live in Lockport, IL (southwest suburbs of Chicago) with my husband, Manny, son Leo (7), my pups - Mickey & Minnie, and cat - Peanut. My journey with FIT4MOM began on June 5th, 2017 when I took my very first Stroller Strides class. (Yes, I remember the date! ) I had seen a FB ad for it in the middle of the night, and something made me sign up for it. I had no background in fitness and also had never taken a group class before - but by the end of that first one, I knew that I had found something so special and exactly where I was supposed to be.
I was a first time mom, struggling big time with PPD and PPA, and had no mom friends. FIT4MOM changed everything for me and the village that I found has gotten me through the hardest times in my life - the biggest one being my mom’s unexpected passing in 2021.
From client, to instructor, to manager, to now franchisee - I am so grateful to be able to give back to the community that saved me in so many ways and to bring new moms together to lift each other up and support one another on the good days, the bad days, and everything in between.
Shannon Shondeff is the owner of FIT4MOM Long Beach (since 2018) and also FIT4MOM Palos Verdes | San Pedro (since 2019).
Shannon moved to Long Beach in May 2012. She has 4 children, Clare (born November 2014), Hank (born October 2016), Nora (born July 2018) and Hadley (born August 2020). She attributes FIT4MOM Long Beach as the reason for not only getting back into pre-baby shape but also making meaningful friendships with other new moms within the community she lives in. In this episode she talks about raising 4 kids, 2 franchises and her love for FIT4MOM!
Shannon received her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and a minor in Sports Medicine from Pepperdine University. She wanted to help others through fitness/coaching and as a result she obtained her Master’s Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University. Shannon is certified in Fit4Baby, Stroller Strides, Stroller Barre, Run Club+ and Body Boost/Well. Shannon is also a ACE certified Personal Trainer.
Favorite Quote: From Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem: The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Favorite Podcast:
Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel
Ready to get outside? Grab your stroller! Lisa Druxman will coach you through a 30 minute workout.