From one Petaluma mom to another

Petaluma Mothers’ Club president is a saving grace for local moms.|

Megan Cusimano always wanted to be a school principal, which is not surprising, considering that she comes from a family of educators.

“I love the role of impacting so many people. A school principal plays a pivotal role in so many lives,” said Cusimano, who began her career in education by becoming a kindergarten teacher. Following that, she had the opportunity to inspire and inform as a middle school assistant principal, a position she filled for four years.

“I worked with some children with special needs and I was so inspired to see the inclusiveness of all of them. They easily accepted one another without regard for differences and I thought if we can just nurture that throughout our children’s lives, we can change the world. If they grow up to be inclusive then the expectation is that everyone will accept that as the way things are,” she said.

A loving relationship, marriage and babies happened and Cusimano found herself moving to Petaluma four years ago, where she didn’t know a soul.

She added,“I joined the Petaluma Mothers’ Club and it was so very great. I met so many new moms and we went through so many trials and tribulations together. There are so many aspects to things that come up in parenting and there was always someone to help, stand by or just listen, no matter what the issue.”

Cusimano found her purpose, saving grace and lifeline during her four years as a member of the Petaluma Mothers’ Club and was elected its president six months ago. She said the group is currently comprised of about 400 families with children ages 0-to-5 and offers resources and referrals through its website to online members as well.

“It’s hard being on all the time as a mom of an infant or a young child. The mothers’ club comes in as somewhere to go and someone to go to; a cheering section or a shoulder to cry on,” Cusimano said.

She notes that the group offers mom’s night out, Easter egg hunts at McNear Park and a fall carnival, which is open to the community, as well as a preschool night.

“This is an event for families wanting information about Petaluma-area preschools,” Cusimano said, adding, “We have representatives from around 20 preschools and they have booths, with information about the schools.”This year, the event takes place from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 8 at Lucchesi Community Center.

“Being a stay-at-home mom is full of rewards and challenges. For example, my 1-year-old daughter climbs on a chair and it’s just one of those little moments, full of pride and terror,” she said.

Another way Cusimano combats caregiver burnout is by doing crossfit, which she teaches as a side gig.

Cusimano said, “Before I had kids, I could lift 200 pounds. I can’t now, but that’s my goal.”

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