Volunteer Spotlight: Cristina Hobbs
Serving with a Smile (and a Whole Lot of Heart!)
Cristina will tell you that even on her hardest days, her heart is full.
A proud mom to Elias (19) and Oliver Baer (15), she credits her two “not-so-tiny-anymore” humans with teaching her what truly matters: gratitude, open-mindedness, compassion, and the daily commitment to be just a little better than the day before. When she’s not spending time with her boys, Cristina enjoys cooking, being the “goofy one” among friends, and surrounding herself with animals. And whenever she can, despite working full-time, she makes space for something else that fills her cup—volunteering.
Cristina has always had a soft spot for children with special needs. For her, the word “special” isn’t a label—it’s a reflection of incredible uniqueness, innocence, and beautiful souls navigating a complicated world. She shares that even a brief interaction in a grocery store with a child who sees the world differently can completely shift her day. “My heart just smiles,” she says. “It overflows.”
Over the years, Cristina has formed meaningful connections with several remarkable children. She remembers a young boy with autism who once drew his entire bedroom using only a green marker. At first, it took patience to understand his perspective—but the detail and depth of his thinking were astounding. She also had the privilege of working closely with a young girl with cerebral palsy, eventually becoming her live-in nanny. It wasn’t always easy work, but it was deeply rewarding—and being someone that child trusted meant everything to her.
When Cristina volunteered with Better2gether, she was paired with Ryder, a bright and expressive little guy who quickly stole her heart. She was inspired by his creativity and confidence, and she treasures the honesty and authenticity that children like Ryder bring into every interaction.
Cristina is especially grateful for organizations like Better2gether that create space for parents to exhale—places where families can find community, understanding, and a moment of respite among others who truly “get it.”
Through volunteering, Cristina says she has learned far more than she could ever give. “My brain has nothing on what I’ve taken in from these moments,” she reflects.
Next on her journey? Hospice volunteering—another opportunity to show up with compassion and presence.
Cristina knows this kind of volunteering isn’t for everyone. But for those who feel even a small nudge to get involved, her advice is simple: just ask. You might be surprised by how deeply you’re needed—and how much joy you’ll carry home with you.