By Renee Williams
Marisel Kleppen, 40, is a mom and an ESOL teacher. Marisel and her husband Jay have three children, Jake, 6, Justin, 4 and Mia 7 months. Kleppen has been a teacher for 15 years but if she ever chose another career then she would love to work in the fitness industry.
One word you would use to describe yourself: Motivated.
Hobbies? Working out. After two back-to-back pregnancies, I gained a lot of weight and was able to lose 114 pounds with mindful eating and exercising. I’m on my second weight loss journey now after being put on bed rest with my third pregnancy but I’ve already started working out and tweaking my diet.
What’s your favorite food? Tacos.
Signature dish? Chicharo (Cuban style Split Pea Soup).
Is there an important life lesson you’ve learned? After losing my father in a horrible car wreck, I’ve learned that tomorrow isn’t promised so tell your loved ones that you adore them while you still can.
What would surprise people about you? I lost my sense of smell in 2007.
What quality do you most admire the most? Empathy.
Dream vacation? I would have to say Greece.
Favorite place to take the kids? They love being outdoors so I’d have to say the park or the beach.
If you had a super power, what would it be? I’d love to freeze time.
Favorite TV show: The Office.
Best thing about being a mom? The endless hugs, kisses and “I love you’s.”
Hardest part about being a mom? Balancing life without neglecting my children.
Whom do you admire the most? My mother.
Are you a planner, a dreamer or a doer? I’d have to say I’m a doer and many times without giving things a second thought.
Greatest hope: For my children to grow up to be compassionate and loving adults.
Song playing in your head: Shape of You by Ed Sheeran.
This article appears in the March 2017 issue of Augusta Family Magazine.
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