Meet Megan OKelly | Teacher & Weight-loss micro-influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan OKelly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Teachers aren’t in their line of work for the money, but obviously for the kids. When I first started off in the classroom I was bringing work home with me every night, checking emails on the couch and constantly thinking about what I was going to do the next day. Over time, I learned that burnout is a thing and I need to be a priority to myself. I started scheduling “me time,” where I could reset and recharge. Papers do not come home with me at night. What I can’t get done during my plan period, waits until the next day for me to finish. I also started a Instagram page, #teacherswho, which focuses on my life as a teacher and my weight loss journey. This has been a really fun outlet for me and a way to help add to my work/life balance.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I tell people I a middle school teacher, almost everyone says, “You must be crazy” Luckily for me, I absolutely love what I do and the people that I get to work with every day. Middle school students are weird, funny, stinky, moody, and the absolute best. There is never a day like all the others and I love that I get new experiences every day. There is nothing better and more satisfying in the world than seeing your student finally understand a concept you are covering in class. I started my #teacherswho Instagram page as a way to show the many sides to a teachers life. Whether it is shopping, finding good deals, fun things to do around town, fun lessons to share with other teachers or exercise/food ideas, teachers who is there to be a creative outlet for all the things that make me, me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First things first…brunch at Preservery in RiNo. Absolutely delicious food and cocktails for everyone. The incredible restaurant vibe doesn’t hurt either. After a few cocktails, I love to peek my head into Meraki Moon Boutique. I am never disappointed after leaving that store. They have the cutest clothes and handmade bags with your purchase. The cute bag alone is worth the trip in! Modern Nomad is a few blocks down and worth the walk. The large space is broken into shops ranging from home goods, vintage finds and adorable clothes and jewelry. When you’re done, pop across the street to Avery Brewing for a beer and Larmier Lounge to take in one of the igloos and sunshine. To finish off, The Walnut Room is my absolute favorite. You can’t go wrong with any of the food, and for someone who is gluten-free, they have incredible options. The friendly service and unbelievable food make this a stop for me all the time!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, family, friends and my English bulldog, Hank are the greatest, most inspiring people a girl could ask for. The have been there the entire way on my weight loss journey, the up’s and downs of teaching and always give me great ideas for my #teacherswho page! About two years ago I started my weight loss journey with Weight Watchers. This has been life changing and I owe it all to my Sunday workshop group. They are the most inspirational and supportive group of people and they never let me give up on myself. Teachers wouldn’t survive without their teacher friends and I have the best ones around. On the days I wonder why I even do this, they bring me back down to reality and always put a smile on my face.

Instagram: teacherswho