I have lived in Grant Beach for two and a half years. My husband and I have six kids. As soon as I am done working for the day, I go home, put on my fuzzy slippers, keep my coffee cup full, and read.

Each weekend, my family goes to The Library Station to exchange books, play with toys, and relax before going back home for movie night with popcorn, candy and lots of blankets. We eat dinner at The Fairbanks with our neighbors three nights a week.

I am employed by Missouri State University as The Northwest Project program manager. My passions have led me to utilize my talents and time to help in my neighborhood and community. I serve as secretary of GBNA, PR chair for Missouri PTA, and I belong to many local PTA units. I love seeing tangible work accomplished right here in our neighborhood through collaboration and local grassroots efforts.

I love that my job, volunteer work, church and kids’ schools are all in the neighborhood. I walk to work, dropping my sons off at daycare on my way. I see my neighbors, wave at kids walking to school, and usually stop to chat with the mailman (who keeps up with all my kids and asks about them). It’s the life I dreamt of having.

I‘m brand new to the Grant Beach executive committee this year. I have worked at the Fairbanks for over four years and in my current position with Missouri State University for one year.

I got involved with GBNA when I attended GBNA general assembly meetings as the community engagement coordinator for The Drew Lewis Foundation starting three years ago.

My favorite part of Grant Beach Neighborhood Association? Attending meetings and spending time at Hovey House. It’s like relaxing and catching up with my family. My daily life is very busy, performance-driven and full of pressure. When I arrive at Hovey House for a meeting, I know the house will be warm and fresh coffee will be  ready or brewing. And there will be many neighbors ready to welcome me and ask about my day. They are truly invested in me and my family. They remember my kids’ birthdays, follow my family on social media, and notice when I don’t feel well. I need that in my life!

The one program that benefits me and my family is the sports programs. This is the only way my family can afford to be a part of a group sport. We are very busy and have six kids, so affording sports means budgeting our money and time wisely. GBNA sports at our Grant Beach Park overcomes all the barriers my family struggles with.

I believe everyone has gifts, talents and ways to give back to their community. They should look different for each individual because we all bring something unique to the table. I love to give my organizational skills (I’m detail-oriented), my social media and marketing experience, and my ability to prevent folks from reinventing the wheel to instead collaborate to make a greater impact.

My family and I have been a part of Grant Beach for a short time, but I’ve never seen a neighborhood more passionate about their community. I’ve seen that passion grow and I hear from many neighbors that the collective desire of GBNA leaders is to grow our neighborhood association by engaging more young families and business partners. I feel that’s exactly what we should be focused on.

In the near future I want to see more young professionals and families engaged in the association, in the activities at Hovey House and in sports at Grant Beach Park. I envision Saturday mornings at the park, watching the kids play soccer, adults gathering to cheer and share life together. I look forward to this neighborhood growing in those experiences, attracting families to invest in our neighborhood and stay here.

Kristina’s motto:

“We all have 24 hours in each day to make a difference, touch another life, and make the next 24 hours even brighter. What are you doing with your 24 hours?”