Tell us about you, your family, your career — anything you’d like!
Naomi : I’m a passionate mom who thrives on balancing a busy career with community involvement. I work full-time at Auburn University for the Alabama Center for Paper & Biore-source Engineering as an administrator. In my role, I co-advise the TAPPI Student Chapter and organize exciting events for the Auburn Pulp & Paper Foundation, such as our annual golf scramble and a summer camp for rising juniors and seniors. I’m deeply committed to promoting sustainable resources and innovative engineering while also supporting the students in our program. Helping them secure financial support and connecting them with mentorship opportunities from industry leaders fuels my enthusiasm for my work every day.
My incredible journey with my supportive husband, Christopher, began in 2004 when we first crossed paths in Auburn. We tied the knot in 2008 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, and our shared commitment to family, community, and professional growth has been the cornerstone of our life together. Chris works as an emergency room physician, and together, we are raising two amazing children. Our son, Christopher Robin Jr. (CJ), attends Pick Elementary School and is an active member of the Opelika Swim Team. He has recently taken up track and field with Auburn Parks and Rec. Our daughter, Aurora, will be attending Cary Woods Elementary School this fall. She’s a talented ballet student with Variations Dance. Both kids enjoy KidStrong Auburn and are enthusiastic participants in Cub Scout Pack 29 activities.
Both you and your husband have full-time careers. How do you two manage the demands of work and the kids?
Naomi: We rely heavily on planning and organization. We use shared calendars to keep track of everyone’s activities and commitments. This helps us stay on top of things and avoid last-minute surprises. We also have a strong support network of family and friends and an amazing nanny. Whether it’s carpooling with other parents, relying on grandparents for occasional help, or leaning on fellow Cub Scout pack members, having a support system makes a big difference.
You serve as committee chair for your local Cub Scouts’ chapter and serve on the PTO. Why is volunteering such an important aspect of what you do?
Naomi: Volunteering is incredibly important to me because it allows me to make a positive impact in my community and build strong connections with other parents, educators, and community members. By volunteering, I can set a positive example for my children, teaching them about responsibility, empathy, and teamwork. It brings me personal satisfaction to see the joy and growth in the children I work with, whether through school activities or scouting. Additionally, volunteering helps me develop and utilize various skills, such as organizing events, fundraising, and coordinating activities, which enrich my life and help me grow both personally and professionally.
How do you handle criticism or negative feedback about your parenting?
Naomi: Handling criticism or negative feedback about my parenting can be challenging, but I’ve learned to approach it with an open mind and a positive attitude. I try to listen carefully to the feedback and consider the perspective of the person offering it, as there might be valuable insights that can help me improve. Seeking advice and support from trusted friends, family members, and fellow parents also helps. Ultimately, I strive to stay confident in my parenting choices and remember that every family is unique.
What values do you hope to instill in your children?
Naomi: I hope to instill several key values in my children, including empathy, so they understand and share the feelings of others with kindness and compassion. Responsibility is also important, as I want them to take ownership of their actions and fulfill their commitments. Integrity is a core value, encouraging them to act with honesty and strong moral principles, even when no one is watching. I aim to teach them resilience, helping them bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward. Curiosity is another value I cherish, fostering their eagerness to learn and explore new ideas with an open mind. Lastly, I emphasize the importance of teamwork and valuing collaboration in school, sports, and community activities. These values will help them grow into well-rounded, compassionate, and confident individuals.
If you had a dollar for every time you said a certain phrase to your kids, what would you be rich from saying?
Naomi: If I had a dollar for every time I said, “Just stop,” I’d definitely be rich! It’s a phrase that comes up often when things get a bit too chaotic or when the kids are pushing boundaries.
Rapid Fire Questions
- What is your favorite month? June
- Coffee or Tea? Tea
- Sweet or Salty? Sweet
- Staycation or Vacation? Vacation
- One word to describe yourself. Caring
Naomi Gehling and her husband Christopher are celebrating 17 years of marriage this month! Together, they have two young kids, Christopher Robin Jr. (9) and Aurora (5), and a love for all things Disney.
Author: Staff
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