Meet-a-Mom, Amy Allegra
What’s your favorite family activity in the Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange, Clarendon Hills Area?
I love entertaining! My favorite family activity is hosting families at our home. We know it’s a successful get together when the night ends dancing on our kitchen island!! I love a noisy house full of fun, laughter and dancing!!
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
We have 4 beautiful children, ages 12 to 6. Siena, Vinnie, Mia Bella, and Enzo. The biggest kid of all, my husband, Vince! Lol!
How long have you lived in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area? What made you decide to live here?
I was born and raised in Hinsdale. I honestly never thought I’d raise my children here – mostly because I lost my Mom at an early age to breast cancer and I thought I needed to “escape” the memory of her loss. As I got older and life unfolded I realized how special Hinsdale is and how lucky I was to be here. I feel privileged to raise my children here. It’s been healing to watch my kids grow, and make their own memories.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area?
I am a huge fan of supporting all local businesses and restaurants – my favorite is seeing how we all support each other. Since I’ve gone back to work, I’m reminded daily of the community support as I see the same faces I see around town that I see in my classes at PLATE28! It’s amazing to be a part of a supportive community.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Undergarments are NOT my favorite accessory. I was always told, bad girls don’t wear them and good girls don’t need them! I’m somewhere in the middle!! As faith would have it, my job requires my uniform to be athleisure wear. Atheisure wear does not require an underwire for tops and leggings have built in protection!! Problem solved!
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
I would like to give a special thanks to George Clooney and Randy Gerber for creating my favorite drink of choice, Tequila! Lol! But seriously, my circle of friends have been amazing, my grassroots are here. We have grown up together and now are raising kids together. My friends are my biggest cheerleaders. As moms we need to know we are not alone and have the support of each other.
I often remind myself, “You’ve never done this before, give yourself a break!” No one rarely gets it right on the first try, so dust off and try again. I’m enjoying my experiences being a parent and having fun with my kids, I suppose that is what I’m most thankful for at the end of the day.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
About 2 years ago, I wanted to support local moms starting a new business, a fitness studio in Hinsdale. I thought I was helping them support a new business, but as it turned out, PLATE28 became more than just a place for me to workout. I fell into a community of people that have become more than my workout buddies. PLATE28 became my family. I attribute my passion to working out to this incredible fitness studio. I am forever grateful. I look forward to going to in each morning. I have made friendships with the community at PLATE28 that could never be replaced. 
In addition, I became a member of Misericordia Women’s League. It has been an amazingly rewarding experience. I have met a group of strong and inspiring women.It’s thrilling to be involved with an organization striving to move forward in caring for a group of children and adults in need of care. We were blessed to host our annual benefit, right before the pandemic, with great success! Looking forward to getting back to our monthly meetings!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I grew up in this village and many of my “firsts” were here – good, and bad, I have a very relatable understanding of the privileges of our community. I see now how the journey I experienced growing up, has fed into the wife, mom, friend I am now. My husband and I started dating in High School, I sometimes think of myself as that 16 year old girl. I’m amazed at how far my husband and I have come together as we have raised our family together in a community where we grew up together. I remind myself to breathe, take a step back, and tell myself to try again! You will never know what life holds, be present and enjoy the crazy ride.