BS in Education–Middle School Endorsement, MS in Psychology–Child & Adolescent Development (in progress)
Favorites
Foods: Mexican, Italian, and especially dark chocolate brownies
Hobbies: Family-time, Hiking, Writing/Journaling/Quiet time with God
Bible Verse/Quote: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6
Way to Make the World Better: That every parent from every race and background felt loved, supported, and encouraged to be the parent their child needs so every child grew up feeling loved, valued, and treasured.
Fun Fact: I know how to ski on one ski.
Real Life Moment: When I was pregnant with my third child, I had severe morning sickness. One morning, I was heaving in the bathroom, and my middle child asked me if I was OK while my oldest was asking if I would help him put on his Spiderman costume.
Hobbies: I can’t even remember anymore– what was life like when there wasn’t virtual school and a pandemic?!
Bible Verse/Quote: We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to. Brene Brown
Way to Make the World Better: Meeting everyone’s basic needs.
Fun Fact: I have seen more than 100 babies join this world and over 200 people become parents.
Real Life Moment: Once I hired a babysitter to put the kids to bed while I sat in our driveway eating ice cream and watching Netflix until the kids were asleep.
Meet Emily Hurth, Vice President….
Mother of 2 children, married since 2014
Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science (Major: Human Development and Family Studies)
Master of Social Work (Concentration: Children and Families)
Certified Child Life Specialist at Carle Hospital
Favorites
Foods: Cookie Dough!
Hobbies: Community Service, Travel, Cooking
Bible Verse/Quote: “Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.” – Mother Teresa
Way to Make the World Better: Provide free mental health services for children and families who have experienced trauma.
Fun Fact: I have all brothers. I wanted to be a newscaster at one point in college. My favorite holiday is Christmas. I could eat Mexican food almost every night of the week. I have a fear of driving on bridges.
Real Life Moment: When I was pregnant with my second baby, my 2.5 year old watched me throw up all day (hyperemesis). I would let him watch Paw Patrol while I tried to peel myself away from the bathroom. Eventually, he started pretending to throw up like mommy. To this day, if I hear the Paw Patrol song I immediately feel nauseous.
BA in Psychology, MS in Education Guidance and Counseling
Favorites
Foods: Pizza
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends
Bible Verse/Quote: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Way to Make the World Better: Spend more time building the Kingdom.
Fun Fact: I have four cats.
Real Life Moment: I accidentally locked my daughter in the car at the dentist’s office and the police had to come and unlock the door.
Meet Tom Carlson, Treasurer…
Father of 1 daughter
Materials Engineer at US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory
BS in Materials Science and Engineering; MS in Engineering Mechanics
Favorites
Foods: Tacos
Hobbies: outdoor recreation, bicycles, baking, woodworking, equipment restoration, reading, music
Bible Verse/Quote: All of Romans 12
Way to Make the World Better: Pick up trash/liter- if only everyone did their part.
Fun Fact: I won a yo-yo competition when I was in grade school.
Real Life Moment: I’ve cooked so much for my daughter, now she wants to cook for me! We’re a team.
Meet Jennifer Aggio….
Mother of 4 daughters, Married since 2010
Donates her Graphic Design talents to Real Life Families
Bible Verse/Quote: Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of any kind. James 1:2
Way to Make the World Better: Give everyone a sense of compassion, caring, understanding of others.
Fun Fact: I have a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo
Real Life Moment: Families with multiple kids…have you ever noticed how sometimes kids “take turns” misbehaving or challenging the boundaries? It always seems that it’s one kid one day and the next kid the next. It can be so easy to get frustrated and scream when kids know exactly what to do to push our buttons!
Meet Sarah Bautista…
Mother of 2 daughters, Married since 2014
Stay-at-Home Mom and former Social Worker for a private foster care agency
BS in Psychology; MS in Social Work
Favorites
Foods: Mexican
Hobbies: Reading; singing; playing piano; being outside recreationally
Bible Verse/Quote: Jesus I trust in you.
Way to Make the World Better: Love my family the best of my ability
Fun Fact: I’m the oldest of 11 siblings: I have 10 nieces and nephews and counting
Real Life Moment: I recently went to Disney world with my two little princesses and realized how developmentally inappropriate the environment was for their age and the lies we tell ourselves about what our children will find fun! We learned to keep it simple this trip and that is where the real fun moments happen!
Meet Valena Claiborne….
Mother of 3, Married since 2008
Pastor at CU Church
BS in Human Services; MA-Organizational Leadership; Minor in Theology
Favorites
Foods: PIZZA
Hobbies: Baking, Napping, Fashion, Travel
Bible Verse/Quote: Song of Solomon 2:15
Way to Make the World Better: End Racism.
Fun Fact: I HATE Lima Beans. Orange sorbet and butter popcorn TOGETHER is my favorite snack.
Real Life Moment: Virtual Learning- The kid walks in the bathroom with Zoom camera ON while I’m on the pot!
Meet April Stark…
Mother of 4 children, Married since 2005
Student Teacher at St. Matthew Catholic School
CU Mentor and President of Parents Club at St. Matthew Catholic School
BS in Finance; MA in Elementary Education
Favorites
Foods: Chocolate
Hobbies: Reading
Bible Verse/Quote: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Way to Make the World Better: Take away pain. And to make sure everyone knows they are loved.
Fun Fact: I was born on my grandpas birthday.
Real Life Moment: Everyday I have real life parenting moments. Some good, some bad! But I learn from them all.
