Meet-a-Mom, Jen Alsman!
What’s your favorite family activity in the H/WS/L/CH area?
We love to go for family bike rides to other local towns. These stops usually involve a treat (for the kids) and coffee (for the adults). We recently biked to Western Springs and got coffee and smoothies from Hash Stacks, delish! In the summer, we love hitting up the Clarendon Hills pool, walking to the Daily Scoop and enjoying music at Dancing in the Streets (hopefully we can enjoy this again soon)! 
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
Two daughters, Caitlin, 12 and Elise, 8
How long have you lived in the H/WS/L/CH area? What made you decide to live here?
My husband, Grant, and I decided to make the move from the city when Caitlin was 15 months old. So, we have lived here a little over 11 years. I grew up on the South side, in Evergreen Park, so we actually house hunted all over the place and never had Clarendon Hills on our radar. But once we drove the town and saw how small and quaint it was, we were sold. We love that we can raise our girls in such a warm community.
What’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in the area?
It is really hard to pick just one place to eat locally. Recently, my family’s go-to places are Grill
89, True Food Kitchen and Country House. They are all very family friendly and delicious. I love taking my girls to True Food Kitchen because they have to step outside their comfort zones and try something new. On Mother’s Day, we went there for brunch and they both got Quinoa Pancakes, they complained at first but then they both cleaned their plates. As a Health Coach, I love exposing my girls to healthier options. For shopping, it has to be Vintage Charm. It’s the perfect place to shop for gifts or for a little extra something for myself.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I have a fear of public speaking! I am sure this is true for many people but given all that I have done over the last few years, it surprises people when I tell them. I became a barre3 instructor 3 ½ years ago which pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me get over this fear. I then agreed to become the President of the Clarendon Hills Chapter of Infant Welfare, which required me to lead meetings of 50 women. And now, in addition to one-on-one health coaching, my business partner and I are leading workshops! It doesn’t get easier every time I step out in front of people but it does build my confidence!! I am grateful for all these opportunities to push myself!
Anyone special you would like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My parents are a huge support. They still live in Evergreen Park so they aren’t far away. I am thankful that my girls can have a close relationship with them and that they are able to attend all their dance and sporting events! They are always there for us! We are also blessed to live on an amazing block in Clarendon Hills. We call ourselves the “Holmies.” We live on Holmes Ave and have become very close to many families. Our children range in age from 13-4 but everyone gets along great. Our older girls have even put on summer “camp” for the younger neighbors. We are there for each other with school pick ups, drop offs, birthdays, emergencies, etc. We know we can count on each other and it’s hard to find that in this day and age. We are lucky! 
Are you involved in a business venture, local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world? Please share!
YES!! Fellow local mom, Lauren Solberg, and I recently launched our own Health Coaching business, YOUnique Balance Health Coaching. We are excited to work with busy moms, like us, on their own personal health and wellness journey. We are able to look at their whole life and empower them to find the balance that works for them in their day to day life!! We offer one-on-one coaching as well as workshops for adults AND children. We recently did a few workshops for local Girl Scout troops and just had a blast! They loved learning about how to Fuel their Bodies AND Minds! I am also the outgoing president of the Clarendon Hills Chapter of Chicago’s Infant Welfare Society. With these uncertain times, we weren’t sure what our fundraising efforts would look like this year but the amazing members of our organization worked hard and we were able to raise the same amount of money as in years best! This was truly one of my favorite accomplishments of this past year.
How has the community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Honestly, the people I have met and the experiences I have had while living in Clarendon Hills have helped me to step outside of my comfort zone. I never thought I would become a barre3 instructor or even more, start my very own business doing something that I am passionate about! I believe it was living in a community that is so supportive that gave me the courage to do all of this! I can’t wait to see what’s to come…
Photo Credit: @cmstagephotog