​December Guest Spotlight : Vanessa Gregory!

As the winter months are upon us and the cold air blows in, our hearts remain warm with yet another Guest Spotlight! 
 
We employed another lovely labarre member Abi Valbuena to help set the tone as Abi and Vanessa go way back…
 
“Vanessa and I met when we were both in college over 15 years ago.  I remember how fun and free-spirited she was back then, the friend you could call to go on a last minute road trip, to try a new restaurant or bar, or to be your goofy dance partner at any club (no matter how swanky it was).  When I started taking labarre classes, I loved the camaraderie you feel with the people you take classes with regularly.  I thought, wouldn’t it be great if my friends started taking labarre so we could see each other more regularly?  I remember seeing Vanessa at a birthday party and telling her about labarre.  And wouldn’t you know, Vanessa was in my labarre class the very next day, and I think she took classes for 5 days straight after that.  I love that even with her busy schedule being the working mom of 2 adorable young kids, Vanessa is still the same open-minded, spontaneous friend who will try something new with you just because you asked her.”

– Abi
 
Wow…. Couldn’t have said it better… let’s learn about Vanessa!   

Vanessa Gregory
 
Hometown:               San Jose
Occupation:              Licensed Clinical Social Worker
 
Hobbies?
Dancing, baking, board games, and (of course) going to labarre!
 
Tell us about your family!
My husband Jared and I have a boy and a girl, Colton (4) and Harper (1).
 
My favorite meal is…
Cuban pork enchiladas and flourless chocolate cake at Aqui!
 
What I jam to is…
The Footloose Soundtrack, 90s Hip Hop, Depeche Mode, Blind Pilot (I’m admittedly all over the place!)  

Where I like to visit…
Fiji, got my scuba certification there and I want to go back.

Fitness is important to me because:
I wanted to have more energy so I could keep up with my kids. I tried different forms of exercise but never stuck with any of them. I knew I had to find something I enjoyed in order to really incorporate it into my lifestyle. 
 
My fitness goals are…
To feel more energetic and be proud of my body. I want my kids to see me as a strong, confident woman.
 
The most important thing to me is..
Keeping a balanced lifestyle so I can feel good at work, home and with friends and family.

One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is…
I am stronger than I know. Anthea tells us that in class and it’s true. I’ve pushed myself harder and I keep coming back for more!
 
The thing I am most proud of is…
Striving to give my kids roots and wings. Jared and I are fortunate to have a strong relationship with our parents and grandparents. I want to make sure they know our family history and I’ve made efforts capture their time with great grandparents and grandparents. With an environment full of love, respect and support, they feel free to explore and develop their own curiosities.