If you’ve visited the Starbucks on Alameda and Downing, chances are, you’ve run into Jenny. She is a lively, hardworking single mom of three who also runs the wildly popular after school and summer program Movement Madness. To the kids in the neighborhood she is known as Miss Jenny. We simply know her as a bad-ass boss.
Tell us how Movement Madness started?
Movement Madness came to be when my kids were six, two and three months old and I was at the beginning of a new life being a single mom. I had run my own in-home preschool for 11 years and was ready for something new. I knew I wanted to be home with my kids and I needed a change of career. I had a degree in Physical Education. I coached for 10 years and I had run my own summer sports camps growing up as a teen in Alabama. It just made sense, and thus Movement Madness was formed. I wanted to get kids moving and since gym classes are not offered every day, kids are becoming more and more inactive. It is so important that these kids are getting the exercise they need. Movement Madness is a place where all kids, those who are great at sports and those that aren’t, can come together and have a good time. They can all work on their athletic skills with no pressure to win or be the star. They simply have fun and move their bodies.
You are clearly passionate about all sports and have raised three amazing athletes. Where did this passion start?
All three of my kid are great athletes and all three are very different athletes. Coordination is something with which they were all born. When they were little we always just played outside with balls, scooters, skates, bikes etc. I myself always loved sports. Being the only daughter of four kids, I grew up playing and later coaching many different sports. When I was about nine, I wore my, childhood idol Bob Griese of the Dolphins’ jersey almost everyday. As the neighborhood quarterback, I thought I was going to be the first professional female QB! I believe that being on a team and having goals and dreams as a kid helps to make you a risk-taker in life.
You interact with children in a way that is purely inspirational. Did you always know that you wanted to work with kids?
I have worked with kids since I started babysitting at the age of eight. Yes, I grew up in the 70s when eight year olds could watch babies. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I was in college. It was taking me longer to decide on a career path than my parents would have liked. My mom said, “You need to be a teacher, you have always been good with kids!” So I got my degree in Physical Education and I dreamed of having my own sleep away summer camp that focused on sports. I still have that dream.
Can you give us a sneak peek into the app you are currently working on, or is it still in the “Top Secret” phase?
The only sneak peek I can offer is that it’s in my industry of expertise and it’s a family app. I have the most amazing business partner, Amie Cavarra. She rocks and I’m so thankful that she is going on this adventure with me!
How long have you lived in Wash Park?
I moved to Wash Park in July of ’93. I’ve been in the same house ever since!
Tell us a favorite memory you have about our hood.
Oh, I have so many memories! The Blizzard of ’97, nightly trips around the park after dinner, Tucker on his bike and the girls in their red double jogger. We would keep their scooters in tow so they could go from riding scooters to the jogger if they got too tired. There are really too many memories for me to count!
If you could give any parenting advice to the many moms and dads in and around town, living the day-to-day, what would it be?
Push your kids to get out of their comfort zones and encourage them to try new things. The rule I have for my kids is to try two new things a year. Some stick and some don’t. My son Tucker tried track as a junior in High School and is starting University of Redlands in the fall and will be running track there. It’s never too late to try something new! It can be anything from clubs, jobs, plays, sports, volunteering, music lessons, you name it!
We heard a rumor that you have a signature drink at Starbucks. What is it?
First, you have to make sure your barista has been there a while. Depending on your mood, the “Jenny Hot” consists of one chai tea bag, one “Awake” tea bag, three pumps cinnamon dulce and a splash of half and half. Or maybe you’re in the mood for the “Jenny Cold,” this is half cool lime refresher, half berry hibiscus refresher, extra ice, and no inclusions. There you have it!
It’s comforting to have a warrior role-model like Jenny fighting for our kids every day. As a parent, we all know it takes a village. So thank you for being in our corner, Jenny!