Monica Wackerhagen is an occupational therapist by day, and a rock ‘em, sock ‘em roller girl by night. A member of the Charlotte Roller Girls since February 2008, Wackerhagen — whose rink-name is Hands On Gretel — is a jammer and blocker with the team. A native of Statesville, Wackerhagen moved to The Queen City in 1995, and currently lives in town with her two children. In addition to being an exceptional skater, Wackerhagen is an accomplished hula-hooper who enjoys volunteering around town with disabled children.

TCW: What are the last three things you Googled?

M.W.: 1. Band schedule for Snug Harbor in Charlotte

2. Y2yoga schedule (new yoga place in Cotswold)

3. The weather in Wilmington to know what to pack for Charlotte Roller Girls versus Cape Fear Roller Girls bout

TCW: What article of clothing transforms you into your strongest, most wonderful You?

M.W.: As long as the clothes are comfortable and color coordinated, I feel strong and wonderful.

TCW: What project, cause, or personal effort are you passionate about right now?

M.W.: I would have to say my children are my “personal effort.” I take this responsibility very seriously. I not only want to teach them values and basics, but I want to expose them to as many “positive” people/music/ideas/lifestyles as I can. I want to train them to find joy in helping others as well as helping themselves. I hope they can sit back and look at their mistakes and not only correct them, but laugh at them, at times. I hope they can grow and retain the ability to be childlike — not childish.

TCW: What is it that you cannot work without?

M.W.: I have such a wonderful job … it is not fair for me to try to answer this question! I work under the best conditions and with the best people ever. My job is so rewarding. I guess I do like chocolate milk in the mornings, but occasionally I do run out and I still manage to make it to work.

TCW: Your best day looks like ...

M.W.: My best “kid day” would be that they don’t fuss, are polite, use nice words, and we are active all day long with lots of laughs along the way. My best “kid-free” day would be, most importantly, sleeping in, going to yoga, skating in the park with a friend, a bath, then drinks and dancing to round out the eve.

TCW: Who has been a mentor in your life?

M.W.: I’m lucky to have several mentors. First off, my parents rock! They are supportive, together, and loving toward each other, and they always are involved in my life and my children’s lives. Also, my supervisor at work is the coolest, most caring woman. She really cares about the disabled students we serve as occupational therapists. I feel like I can go to her for anything. A friend of mine, Solomon, has taught me so much about music and thoughtfulness. Another friend, Wes, always has my back when the hot water heater goes out on a Sunday or a baby spoon breaks the garbage disposal. He won’t just fix things for me, though; he teaches me how to do it myself.

Monica Wackerhagen and the Charlotte Roller Girls will be back in the rink March 6. Visit charlotterollergirls.com for information on the 2010 schedule.