For the longest time, I tried to fit what I do into a neat little box—because apparently, that’s what you’re supposed to do. Pick a lane, stick to it, and have a polished answer when someone asks, “So, what do you do?”

But here’s the thing—I don’t fit in a box. Never have. I spent years bouncing between roles, passions, and projects, trying to make sense of how it all connects. Eventually, I stopped trying to define what I do and started asking a better question: What lights me up?

StinaGene—a name inspired by my own (Christina Geneva)—serves as a personal reminder to live from the inside out, guided by curiosity, exploration, and discovery.

That same spirit shapes everything I do, continuously illuminating the answer to one essential question: What do I truly enjoy doing?

Through reflections and discovery, I realized the answer was more straightforward than I thought: helping people navigate their own path—not by chasing conventional definitions of success, but by discovering what aligns along the way.

Education, Leadership & Advocacy

With over 20 years in education, I’ve discovered that learning isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about adaptability, connection, and the courage to step into new experiences.

From teaching multiple subjects to students with diverse learning needs to coaching sports, some of which I had never played competitively, I learned how to adapt quickly, embrace challenges, and find confidence even as a novice. Traveling internationally with students—some leaving home for the first time—taught me the power of guidance, trust, and creating spaces where growth happens beyond the classroom.

My role at Virginia Department of Education, reinforced one of my biggest discoveries: while policies and procedures provide structure, the real transformation happens in conversations. The moments where I help others find solutions, shape their vision, and create meaningful change are where I lead best. Whether it’s coaching, planning, or serving as an accountability partner, I’ve learned that the magic is in helping others bring their ideas to life.

That’s what I enjoy most when stepping into roles like my contracting partnership with VCU School of Education where I coach and mentor first-year principals and school leaders, helping them navigate challenges and grow into effective leaders.

Facilitation, Coaching & Consulting

Through my work with organizations like Luminary and Tory Burch Foundation, I’ve discovered how much I value meaningful, purposeful conversations—especially in spaces where there isn’t just one "expert" in the room, but where the collective wisdom of the group brings insight. Coaching has shown me that some of the most powerful breakthroughs happen in general conversations, where curiosity and shared experiences create clarity.

Writing & Storytelling

At my core, I’ve realized I’m a lifelong learner—drawn to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world. But what excites me most isn’t just learning for myself—it’s sharing what I discover in ways that help others grow.

That same curiosity led me to Human Design where I became fascinated by how our unique energy shapes the way we move through life. This exploration inspired me to offer Energy Chart downloads and insight sessions, providing a starting point for those looking to better understand their energy and how it influences their daily choices and long-term fulfillment.

Through this journey of exploration, I also uncovered something unexpected: my own creativity. For years, I wouldn’t have considered myself a creative person. But as I poured my insights into my blogs,By Design and Beyond Compliance,along with my newsletter and creative projects like Authenticitea, I realized that creativity isn’t just about art—it’s about expression, curiosity, and the willingness to explore ideas in new ways. These projects have become my passion, a space where I can connect with others, spark reflection, and encourage intentional action.

So, I’m embracing creativity as part of who I am—because there’s room for all of us to own our unique way of creating, including me.

At the heart of all that I do is the belief that we’re always on a journey to the next discovery—one insight, experience, or challenge being navigated at a time.

Now that I’ve shared a little about me, I’d love to hear from you. If something in my bio sparks an idea, a question, or just a feeling that we should connect—let’s make it happen.