By Terra Avilla
It is my pleasure to write this week’s article about a mother who I really, really think is a super mom – Christina Blackburn.
I first met Christina on a personal basis, attending sport activities for our children as well as other activities through our church. Through this time, I know Christina to be a wonderful human, and excellent role model. She is honest, kind and very intelligent.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, my oldest daughter’s school was shut down, forcing us into distance learning. Christina became my saving grace. Our daughters were in the same class and Christina (who knew my husband and I worked full time) offered to help teach Peach until normal in person schooling could resume.
During that time, I was blown away at what Christina was able to do. I knew that she had a strong background in teaching due to her degree and experience, but it was obvious that Christina is extraordinarily gifted as a teacher. She has a natural ability that cannot be taught. Peach loved going over to “Ms. Christina’s” house and school time became a very fun time for her.
Flashing forward to this year, my wonderful second child, Pearl was really struggling with reading, letters and their sounds. I saw Christina make an online post, offering her tutoring/reading services and I immediately asked her if she could tutor Pearl.
Pearl, my wonderful, stubborn child who had outright told me that reading was boring, and she would sit in her chair, but we couldn’t make or force her to learn anything. I told Christina to try her best, as I dropped Pearl off for her first session.
Within fifty minutes, I received a video of my little student, sounding words out with a huge smile on her face. That night at dinner, Pearl could not stop gushing about “reading camp” and how fun it was. Over the past months as sessions have continued, I have noticed a huge improvement in my little reader.
Most importantly Christina has ignited something in my daughter where she is now excited to start school this August.
Through my conversation with Christina, she often discusses her techniques and practices and follow up, making detailed instructional plans detailed specifically to my daughter. However, I have to say the real magic is Christina. She has a God given talent for teaching and I am so thankful she has shared it with my daughters.
When Christina isn’t teaching, she is a very involved mother of three girls. (Our kiddos are all very close in age!). All three of her babies are just as wonderful as she is. And, as if she wasn’t busy enough, Christina also coaches soccer (she was quite the athlete in college!), does CrossFit, is an active member in her church and also somehow supports that husband of hers in his own very demanding career. She does all of this without ever flinching.
I am so thankful for her friendship, and our community lucked out when Christina (and yes, you too Josh), moved to town! Just ask Pearl – she’ll tell you why Christina is one of the reasons I love where we live.
