Meet Christina Savino— College Park Educator and Mom

Meet Christina Savino— College Park Educator and Mom

I was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida and still have strong roots there. I graduated from both UCF (go Knights!), and Appalachian State University (go Mountaineers!), where I studied Education. Although I spent a little time here or there, I always seemed to find my way back to Orlando. When I met my husband here, it seemed like a good place to stay.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m in a family of all boys! My husband and I have two kiddos (12 and 10), one dog, one cat, and several fish. Our days are filled with work, school, baseball, soccer, track, and lots of laundry!

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I began teaching for Orange County Public Schools in 1999. I’m still there! My roll has changed throughout the years but I’ve always worked on behalf of at-risk student populations. I spent over a decade coordinating services for our students experiencing homelessness, which allowed me to work with many amazing local non-profits. I currently work with private schools to secure federally funded services for their students most in need. I believe that education is vital to future success, so I love that I get to be a part of that for kids!

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I have more than a couple! Tap Room, Graffiti, Ollie’s, Tornatore’s, Jaber . . . I could keep going!

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve been in Orlando for the most part of 25 years. I moved to College Park when our oldest was set to begin Kindergarten in 2013.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There are many! Julie Casey (owner/chef of the Outpost), is talented, passionate, generous, and down to earth. She’s a great one to know!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy. The food, the people, the atmosphere. . . I love it. I was destined to marry an Italian!

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Captain Fantastic! Most people who have stayed at my house have watched this movie with me. It’s just been added to Netflix. . . check it out!

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Live your life with the best intentions and be kind.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Lots of travel!

Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I don’t have a go-to band. I have about 200 stations on XM radio though. .. I’m never at a loss for music.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Publix. When I see our unique Publix, I know I’m close to home and where I need to be.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’m going to break the non-relative rule and say my sister. She lives on the West coast of the U.S. and we don’t see each other very often. I think she would love Infusion Tea.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The events on Edgewater Drive. I think it makes our neighborhood so special (and fun!).

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 10 years, I’ll be retired. I see volunteerism, travel, and frequent pop in’s on my kids at college. I’m sure they’ll love that . . .ha!

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy writing silly rhymes. Scavenger hunts, birthday clues, holiday gifts – my children appease me.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
There are beautiful places all around us. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many as well. The water in the Turks and Caicos is hard to beat though. . .beautiful!

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love October and everything that comes with it!

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Tap Room’s Red Sangria. Oh, and my hubby!

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband and kids. They are pretty awesome. . .it can be hard to keep up!

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lemon and Pine

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Warm, Relaxed, Safe