Christina Marie is an incredible woman, both in her personal life and in her work. She is passionate about her life's work and takes great pride in everything she touches.
Dedicated to making the lives of children of divorce less turbulent, by drawing upon her own experiences, her education and being a thoughtful and thorough advocate, she focuses on the relationship between the biological mother and the step mother. She has an acute understanding of the dynamics remarriage plays in our world, and seeks to create a peaceful home by providing tools and resources.
As a divorce attorney and a divorced woman, her advice, knowledge, and wisdom is priceless. I have called upon her numerous times, and she has always shown great skill at navigating the situation whether it be for myself or one of my clients.
Jaimie D Karas is a Family Law Attorney, Mediator, and Divorce Coach. A divorced mom of 3 very active children
FLORIDA
Dedicated to making the lives of children of divorce less turbulent, by drawing upon her own experiences, her education and being a thoughtful and thorough advocate, she focuses on the relationship between the biological mother and the step mother. She has an acute understanding of the dynamics remarriage plays in our world, and seeks to create a peaceful home by providing tools and resources.
As a divorce attorney and a divorced woman, her advice, knowledge, and wisdom is priceless. I have called upon her numerous times, and she has always shown great skill at navigating the situation whether it be for myself or one of my clients.
Jaimie D Karas is a Family Law Attorney, Mediator, and Divorce Coach. A divorced mom of 3 very active children
FLORIDA
"She is her own person, always seeking divine knowledge, fearless when facing the truth- she has blazed a path for spiritual awakening."
Brian Greenberg, GreenBerg & Associates:
PHILADELPHIA
Brian Greenberg, GreenBerg & Associates:
PHILADELPHIA
"Christina is what I call a mover and shaker. She lives life full out and takes people on the ride with her. Because of her enthusiasm, they can't help but join in the activity, whatever it is. I met her nearly two years ago and was welcomed into her home and life immediately. That night, she began telling me about the various projects in which she was engaged, including her magazine called Expanded Family. The focus is re-defining what it means to be a family. Traditional or non-traditional; all are valid. She gathers writers world wide to share their talent with the readers, who also hail from different regions of the planet.
She chaired a Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event that benefitted the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (Pennsylvania) in May of 2014. I saw the hard work she put into this hugely successful day that had men (and a few women) walking in heels to focus on the power we all have to speak out about domestic violence.
"Christina walks the talk. She can be counted on to keep her word and often goes out of her way to do so, even in the midst of radical life changes."
Rev. Edie Weinstein, MSW, LSW
http://www.opti-mystical.com/
DUBLIN PA
June 15 , 2015
"Christina has been part of my life for 10 years now. I remember our first encounter like it was yesterday. Her approach to meeting me as the then girlfriend of my ex-husband was such a strong statement of who she is as an individual and really set the tone for our long standing relationship to come. She said, “Your daughter is really amazing.” Such a simple statement but very powerful to me. With those simple words, she said “I respect you as a woman, I respect you as a mother, and I see the beauty in your daughter and am enjoying becoming part of her life.” To me, that really summarizes the essence of Christina. Over the years, she has provided great support to our family and helped create a new, healthy structure for our blended family. My daughter has had the benefit of growing up in an environment of safety, harmony and oneness between her two homes and that has helped her to mature into a confident secure young woman. This is due in large part to Christina."
Former co-parent, forever friend…..
Jennifer Havens
WEST CHESTER PA
"Christina has been part of my life for 10 years now. I remember our first encounter like it was yesterday. Her approach to meeting me as the then girlfriend of my ex-husband was such a strong statement of who she is as an individual and really set the tone for our long standing relationship to come. She said, “Your daughter is really amazing.” Such a simple statement but very powerful to me. With those simple words, she said “I respect you as a woman, I respect you as a mother, and I see the beauty in your daughter and am enjoying becoming part of her life.” To me, that really summarizes the essence of Christina. Over the years, she has provided great support to our family and helped create a new, healthy structure for our blended family. My daughter has had the benefit of growing up in an environment of safety, harmony and oneness between her two homes and that has helped her to mature into a confident secure young woman. This is due in large part to Christina."
Former co-parent, forever friend…..
Jennifer Havens
WEST CHESTER PA
Christina has the rare gift of being highly attuned to those she works with. She has an in depth understanding of stepfamilies drawn from her personal involvement in this "reality". This allows Christina to develop excellent programs for women in similar environments.
Christina is very passionate and committed to helping other women deal with, pragmatically, the challenges and opportunities of changing behaviors to create by better lifestyles. Women, with the consulting and continued support provided by Christina, are able to create a much healthier future for themselves and those they interact with.
Ann M Trotter
MICHIGAN
Christina is very passionate and committed to helping other women deal with, pragmatically, the challenges and opportunities of changing behaviors to create by better lifestyles. Women, with the consulting and continued support provided by Christina, are able to create a much healthier future for themselves and those they interact with.
Ann M Trotter
MICHIGAN
"I have known Christina for 10 years and been in a relationship with her for pretty much the whole time, which includes being married to her.
During that time Christina has been a wife and close friend, a mother to the daughter I share custody of (Cameron), a partner with Cameron’s mother in raising Cameron to be an amazing person, and a spiritual catalyst for everyone she comes into contact with. I know Christina in many ways and one thing that jumps out for me is the joy, happiness, laughter, and authenticity that she brings to every conversation and relationship. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does, she has amazing wisdom (like old soul wisdom), and she takes a stand for people having lives that are fulfilling, filled with love, and respect. I experienced many challenges in raising Cam with her biological mother and Christina’s wisdom, experience, and commitment made a big (positive) difference with how the two households managed raising Cameron, and all that comes along with that. I know a big part of why Cameron is an amazing young female is because of how Christina showed up with co-parenting Cam. I also know that I am a much more grounded, spiritual, and wise person because of having Christina in my life."
William (Ross) Trotter, CFA, CAIA, FRM
Associate Portfolio Owner
Insurance Investments
May 11, 2015
DOWNINGTOWN PA
During that time Christina has been a wife and close friend, a mother to the daughter I share custody of (Cameron), a partner with Cameron’s mother in raising Cameron to be an amazing person, and a spiritual catalyst for everyone she comes into contact with. I know Christina in many ways and one thing that jumps out for me is the joy, happiness, laughter, and authenticity that she brings to every conversation and relationship. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does, she has amazing wisdom (like old soul wisdom), and she takes a stand for people having lives that are fulfilling, filled with love, and respect. I experienced many challenges in raising Cam with her biological mother and Christina’s wisdom, experience, and commitment made a big (positive) difference with how the two households managed raising Cameron, and all that comes along with that. I know a big part of why Cameron is an amazing young female is because of how Christina showed up with co-parenting Cam. I also know that I am a much more grounded, spiritual, and wise person because of having Christina in my life."
William (Ross) Trotter, CFA, CAIA, FRM
Associate Portfolio Owner
Insurance Investments
May 11, 2015
DOWNINGTOWN PA
"Christina is an amazing woman! I've rarely met someone as skilled at as many things as she is. She's always learning something new.
Christina has the turn of phrase to make you laugh in one paragraph, and bring you to tears in the next. Her workbook for stepfamilies is filled with gentle nudges in the right direction and practical applications. She talks the talk and she's walked the walk. Her blog is heartfelt and brutally honest. The more I've read of her written work, the more I've been amazed at Christina and her many-faceted talents. As a veteran educator, I recognize her talent for teaching. Christina, with her positive vibes and healthy lifestyle, makes the world a better place."
Mary Lou Meehan
Educator
May 10, 2015
MALVERN PA
Christina has the turn of phrase to make you laugh in one paragraph, and bring you to tears in the next. Her workbook for stepfamilies is filled with gentle nudges in the right direction and practical applications. She talks the talk and she's walked the walk. Her blog is heartfelt and brutally honest. The more I've read of her written work, the more I've been amazed at Christina and her many-faceted talents. As a veteran educator, I recognize her talent for teaching. Christina, with her positive vibes and healthy lifestyle, makes the world a better place."
Mary Lou Meehan
Educator
May 10, 2015
MALVERN PA
Almost every child has seen the movie "Cinderella." I agree that I enjoyed that movie growing up. If you think about it, they portray a very bad message about "evil" stepmothers. The truth is that stepmothers are just like any other family member. They are there for you when you need them, they love you very much, and most of all, they care about you. They most certainly do not hate you. I couldn't even imagine living without my stepmother, Christina. She is a great person and has accomplished many amazing things in life. In my opinion, she is no monster, she is a role model. Even though I don't get to spend a ton of time with her, I treasure the time that I do. I feel at home with her. I believe that the myth about evil stepmothers is totally wrong, because I couldn't live without mine.
Cameron Trotter
February 17, 2014
Cameron Trotter
February 17, 2014
Readers Testimonials: NAVIGATIONAL SKILLS FOR STEPFAMILIES
By Schuyler Wickes
Oct 18, 2012
I was interviewed for this book by Christina, and to see how my anecdotal points of reference have been brought to life within the framework of her "roadmap" for Stepfamilies is remarkable. I grew up a part of two stepfamilies, one highly functional, and one very dysfunctional, and looking back to 30+ years ago, I have always blamed the wrong people (myself included) for the failures and successes of each family. The "blending" of the two families was always rife with animosity and tension. Christina manages to create a 4D roadmap (including the role that time plays in the equation) that everyone can embrace as both guidance for those on the wrong path, and reassurance for those on the right path but who are still experiencing some self-doubt. I would recommend this to all stepfamilies, and even to those considering divorce, so that they can fully understand the broader implications of their actions and decisions.
By Wendy Z
Oct 12, 2012
By Cynthia Martin
Jul 21, 2008
"Navigational Skills Inside the REAL Lives of Stepfamilies" I find this book to be extremely helpful in understanding the dynamics of different issues pertaining to the lives of stepfamilies. As a parent, I felt the excerpts assisted me in realizing that I can not change other people and to be the BEST parent to my child is to realize that he is going through the motions as well as myself. Currently I am trying to evolve and to let go of the past. Christina is a wonderful motivator and I only hope that I can embrace all that she has written into my daily life.
By Lenna Pacheco
Oct 12, 2008
"Navigational Skills for Step Families" This book is awesome! So much valuable information that is very important for me to know in order to raise healthy children. Information that can help lead to healthy foundations for my children's future. Very easy to follow, understand and is full of interesting facts/statistics. I feel like I am not alone out there within my step family situation. Finally some help and guidance to step family life. Most of the time, I just didn't recognize why things were happening or even how to help it. Not only did I learn why grown-ups and children behave the way they do, but I also discovered better skills and new ideas in dealing with my children and their step family situation. I've learned some eye opening things about myself as a mother and my own mother which was good and not so good; but I understand more clearly. I can handle it better. Love the term "bonus child" what a positive term, warmer than "step child". I love the interview and I feel it is very important to talk, connect and listen to your children. It is very important that parents know how their behavior can deeply effect their children. If you're involved in a step family situation somehow, you must obtain a copy of this book. The author Christina Marie knows what she is writing about and has personal experience in this area. I applaud this book and Christina
By Schuyler Wickes
Oct 18, 2012
I was interviewed for this book by Christina, and to see how my anecdotal points of reference have been brought to life within the framework of her "roadmap" for Stepfamilies is remarkable. I grew up a part of two stepfamilies, one highly functional, and one very dysfunctional, and looking back to 30+ years ago, I have always blamed the wrong people (myself included) for the failures and successes of each family. The "blending" of the two families was always rife with animosity and tension. Christina manages to create a 4D roadmap (including the role that time plays in the equation) that everyone can embrace as both guidance for those on the wrong path, and reassurance for those on the right path but who are still experiencing some self-doubt. I would recommend this to all stepfamilies, and even to those considering divorce, so that they can fully understand the broader implications of their actions and decisions.
By Wendy Z
Oct 12, 2012
- Being a mom is joyous and splendid - but, there are moments that can test us, even frustrates us. Christina's Navigational Skills for Stepfamilies opened my eyes to why some of my stress as a mom occurs and how emotionally charged to situations I have been in (and how to let it flow and go). What I really love about this book are Christina's golden morsels of goodness - things I can apply to everyday life - such as: "Bring it, don't wait for it" and "What children deserve is a chilhood that allows them to be children," and "Cleaning out the clutter." As a single mom, who's son's father has not been in the picture since pregnancy, I'm excited to have read this book, because I feel more prepared and ready by navigating inside myself of who I am and my role. So, that when I meet a man (who has his own children or not) I am able to use these navigational skills to create a blended, happy, and whole family.
By Cynthia Martin
Jul 21, 2008
"Navigational Skills Inside the REAL Lives of Stepfamilies" I find this book to be extremely helpful in understanding the dynamics of different issues pertaining to the lives of stepfamilies. As a parent, I felt the excerpts assisted me in realizing that I can not change other people and to be the BEST parent to my child is to realize that he is going through the motions as well as myself. Currently I am trying to evolve and to let go of the past. Christina is a wonderful motivator and I only hope that I can embrace all that she has written into my daily life.
By Lenna Pacheco
Oct 12, 2008
"Navigational Skills for Step Families" This book is awesome! So much valuable information that is very important for me to know in order to raise healthy children. Information that can help lead to healthy foundations for my children's future. Very easy to follow, understand and is full of interesting facts/statistics. I feel like I am not alone out there within my step family situation. Finally some help and guidance to step family life. Most of the time, I just didn't recognize why things were happening or even how to help it. Not only did I learn why grown-ups and children behave the way they do, but I also discovered better skills and new ideas in dealing with my children and their step family situation. I've learned some eye opening things about myself as a mother and my own mother which was good and not so good; but I understand more clearly. I can handle it better. Love the term "bonus child" what a positive term, warmer than "step child". I love the interview and I feel it is very important to talk, connect and listen to your children. It is very important that parents know how their behavior can deeply effect their children. If you're involved in a step family situation somehow, you must obtain a copy of this book. The author Christina Marie knows what she is writing about and has personal experience in this area. I applaud this book and Christina