Active Kidz, Karen O’Connor-Joyner

By supernovamommy
25 January, 2012
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1) Tell us a little about Active-Kidz?

Active-Kidz is an organization which promotes an overall healthy and well rounded child. Being “active” in the sense of mind, body and spirit is the focus of our initiative. We currently host events where families can meet face to face with various businesses which provide avenues for our youth to get “involved.” Hosting expos focused on summer camps, girl-focused developmental topics, healthy family living, back to school activities and educational venues, has afforded thousands of children an awareness of various programs and activities. Examples of such activities include financial literacy for kids, dance studios, karate studios, personal training, tutoring, SAT prep, music lessons, sheriff kids ID, orthodontic care, residential and day camps, private school options, skating, gymnastics, recreational centers, county sponsored programs and much more. Each child is unique and so are their interests. Please join us at one of our events and support the healthy, “active-kidz” movement!

2) What was the inspiration behind starting your Active-Kidz company?

As a parent, I was concerned with the inactivity of today’s youth. Hoping to match the great opportunities available to kids in our community with our local families, I decided to create a series of venues to bring people together for that purpose. The appreciative feedback I have received thanking me for opening up a world of opportunities to our youth has given me the energy to continue this mission and expand into some other regions.

3) How do you balance your business and parenthood?

The Active-Kidz organization is a part time venture for me as I continue into my 25th year employed at State Department FCU as their Director of Funds Management. Although my youngest is 17 years old, and my oldest is in college, there are different challenges I face than a mother of toddlers would. I try to keep the “main thing the main thing” as my family comes first. Organization and time management are the two traits which are an asset to my balancing act. In keeping with the spirit of an “active” life, it is just as important for me to maintain an active lifestyle which keeps my energy level high. Taking the time during my lunch to workout allows me to spend more family time later in the day. I am also wired into technology pretty efficiently with my business ventures, thanks to the coaching from my husband, so that helps with the balance. My motto is “Faith, Focus and Follow Through” which applies to both my family and business life.

4) When you are not working, what are some of your favorite activities?

I coach a middle school dance team which is a lot of fun, and plays into my passion for helping kids with their self esteem and activity level. I enjoy watching my husband, Marty, play lacrosse and helping with his many sports-related ventures as we support each others events. Those who live in our neighborhood may see me outside twirling my batons! We attend McLean Bible Church. We enjoy boating with friends in the summer and going out dancing almost every weekend. I love watching my daughter play lacrosse, spending girl time with her and sharing our passion for fashion! My son and I enjoy lengthy conversations about finance and talking on the phone several times a day while he is off at college. I can’t leave out one of my favorite activities of walking our 12 year old golden retriever, Mighty Mite and updating his facebook status with his latest picture of the day!

5) What is your favorite thing about raising a family in Northern VA, and what are some of your favorite family-friendly places to visit in our region?

I think this area has a lot to offer for every age and there are so many opportunities to take advantage of the culture. I love the Old Town Alexandria area and Georgetown. We also visit National Harbor often, which is a great family environment.