Meet Christine Leeb.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: I was a teacher for 11 years before becoming a parent and I had a ton of support to learn to be a teacher and to continue to improve as a teacher. But when I became a parent…nothing! I don’t think the nurses realized that I had no idea what I was doing and my husband had never changed a diaper before in his life! We needed help. Then, when these babies get older and have opinions and start throwing fits…I thought–“How is there not more support for this job???” So out of my own need for parenting support for the hardest job I’ve ever had, I started Real Life Families so I could not only learn to be a better parent myself, but so I could also support other parents. Parenting is the most important job we will ever have and families are the most important system in our society. And more needs to be done to teach parents how to build strong teams and close positive relationships within that family unit, and that’s what I love doing and hope to continue to do for the families in CU.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Champaign-Urbana?
A: I have lived in the Champaign/Urbana area for almost 12 years.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Champaign-Urbana?
A: Ko Fusion. My husband and I try to do a date night once a month and we always go to Ko Fusion. We would like to try other restaurants too, but when we don’t go out very often, we want to go to a place we know we like! I also enjoy taking my kids there for a special mother-child time.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Champaign-Urbana?
A: Honestly, pretty much everyone I meet is interesting. I find that everyone has a story. Everyone has a very specific way they contribute. Everyone has unique gifts and talents to share. I love to get to know people…really get to know them. Not just small talk chit chat, but real conversations about life…about their journey…about what they have overcome…about the adversity they have faced…and about how God has used them to influence others. So unless you want the third degree on your life story, don’t start a conversation with me at a party. LOL! 😉
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: Home. With COVID-19, I just want to be at home with my family. But my family and I have learned to be creative and still “travel” all kinds of places during this time of quarantine. So far, we’ve “traveled” to Jamaica and Hawaii. We have plans to go to Italy, Mexico, and have a night at Wrigley Field where we will wear our Cubs gear and watch Game 7 of the 2016 World Series and eat hot dogs. When this is all over, however, I would be at Yosemite National Park staring up at the Redwood trees in a minute! I love being outside enjoying God’s beautiful creations!
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: Right now, the word “crowd” gives me anxiety, so I would say “go home and stay healthy.” Wow–these questions have a whole new meaning with this corona virus! Under more “normal” circumstances, I would say to a crowd of people: “Love more.” That’s it. How can you love God, love yourself, and love others more than what you are doing right now. If that were our focus every day, how different would our world be?
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I would love to ride a horse on the beach. I think that would be amazing and romantic for my husband and I to do together some day. In reality, I’m well aware that it may end up being a wet, smelly mess where I get sand in my eyes and scream and not be able to see and end up falling off the horse and crashing into the water. But I still want to do it.
Q: What current/former local business makes you nostalgic about Champaign-Urbana?
A: The Round Barn. My dad grew up in Champaign. My grandparents lived here for 65 years and when we would come up from Mattoon to visit, it was a real treat when they took us to The Round Barn.
Q: What is something unique about Champaign-Urbana?
A: It’s a big town with a small town feel. It’s very diverse and has so much for families to do. We feel blessed to be here…if only there was a Trader Joe’s!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: Oh geez. I’m going to be 56 in 10 years. Um…can we skip this question? Just kidding. Honestly, I hope to be doing what I’m already doing. I hope that I can still stay at home with my husband and kids–even though at that time, I will have 2 out of 3 kids in college (Lord willing and if we can afford it). And I hope to still be the Executive Director of Real Life Families as a Parent Educator and Family Coach. I also hope to have our Coaching Mobile Program (bringing on-the-go mental healthcare–coaching, counseling, and mentoring to ALL families in CU) and our Real Life Kids program (teaching social and emotional health and character development through song and movement) thriving in our community.
Q: (Even for friends and family) what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you ?
A: I am very insecure even though I may seem confident. I’m a country girl at heart. I had a pet raccoon growing up and was a “momma” to 4 baby kittens (I had to start bottle feeding them at 2 weeks old after their momma died.)
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Family, Team, and Safety (again, oh how the COVID-19 situation brings a whole new perspective on the word “home”).
Q: If you have a full time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?
A: CHEF! Totally a Chef. I love good food and I love watching Top Chef and seeing the beautiful and delicious food art they create. That would be so amazing. But part of their job description would also include going to Courage Connection and The Phoenix and making gourmet meals for those families and friends too. And can they also do my laundry too or would I have to hire a housekeeper?
Q: Over the past few weeks, where have you seen Champaign-Urbana “Stronger Together”?
A: Oh man! This question has me in tears. With this COVID-19, I have seen our community rally together in so many ways. Recently, Real Life Families did a CU Curbside Clicks program where professional photographers took a picture of our CU families and friends on their front porch. Four photographers volunteered their time to take over 100 photos for the CU community. It was an honor and privilege to coordinate this to bring smiles to the faces of so many community members and families during this otherwise dark time. Around town, we have people volunteering at food pantries (whose numbers have quadrupled over the last few weeks according to one food pantry). We have doctors, nurses, and hospital staff putting their lives on the line to help others. We have teachers providing lessons, stories online and Zoom chats so that kids can still have a little normalcy, stay connected, and still try to learn a little even during this time at home. CU at Home is still trying to provide shelter for the homeless and countless other organizations are doing their part to help! All of this shows the strength, the courage, the resilience, and the love of the CU community. We are truly all in this together!
