Meet Christina
Background story:
Christina Joy Root (she/her) was mostly raised by her mother and large extended family. In 2007, her mother married Christina's step-father who is a Vietnam War veteran. Only after one year of their marriage, Christina's mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and passed away after a three year fight against the disease. This changed the course of Christina's life as she was only 15 years old. She began to struggle with grief and thankfully found help through a mental health counselor. Through this experience, Christina's heart and passion grew for helping others and became her mission in life.
Pictured: Christina at an ovarian cancer awareness event wearing a t-shirt in memory of her mother.
College education:
Christina attended Oakland University to live on campus and study the helping field of social work. She will forever be a proud Golden Grizzly! On campus, Christina was part of the honor's college program, was a volunteer, worked in the international students office, studied abroad in England and Spain, and was the president of a student organization.
Christina later furthered her education by studying at Wayne State University! There she received a master's degree in social work and a human services management certificate. Christina is incredibly grateful to be a first generation college graduate and a fully licensed social worker.
Professional experiences:
Christina is passionate about political engagement and local government leadership. She believes that social workers belong in these spaces because they have the skills and heart to fight for what matters to people! Here are the opportunities that she has engaged in:
2016-2017: Intern for the Mayor of the City of Clawson
2019: "Pathways to Public Service" fellow for the Mayor of Rochester Hills
2019-2020: Intern for the District 2 Michigan House of Representatives
2020-Present: Board member and vice chair of the policy committee for the Oakland Community Health Network
Pictured: visiting the Lansing capitol with Penny Luebs, previous mayor of Clawson and current Oakland County Commissioner.
Pictured: meeting U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow at the Community Mental Health Association fall 2022 conference.
More facts about Christina:
She has Spanish language skills and is passionate about supporting individuals and families whose primary language is Spanish.
She has enjoyed many hobbies in life including traveling, salsa dancing, jiu jitsu, yoga, and reading.
She identifies as a Christian and also is currently a member of a Zen Buddhist temple in Oakland county, where she practices meditation and listens to teachings about Zen traditions.
She loves her family and friends dearly, especially those who have become her "chosen" family