Board

Claire Whitman / President
Claire Whitman is an attorney and mother of two.  She is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and the University of Michigan Law School.  She is also the first mother MomsBloom helped.  She was a full-time working mom and transfer to the area when her first son was born.  MomsBloom’s co-founder Sara came to her house, offered a supportive ear, and held her new baby while she took a much needed nap. Almost two years later, she joined the MomsBloom Board to help the organization grow and continue to give other new moms get the support that helped her so much.

Jennifer Decker / Vice-President
Jennifer serves as a communications director for a local nonprofit in Grand Rapids.  She is a recent graduate of GVSU with a degree in Public Relations.  She is passionate about anything and everything pertaining to communications, leadership and life.  Jennifer worked as a nanny for 6 years and understands the help that growing families need.  She is extremely passionate about children which led her to joining the board of MomsBloom.

Christy Staskiewicz / Treasurer
Christy is a graduate of GVSU with a degree in Health Science with an emphasis in Public Administration. She has been married to her husband, Mike, for over 11 years. After the birth of their first daughter she left the Health Care industry to stay home. They now have 6 children and she home schools the oldest 3. She realizes the importance of having a good support system as a family grows which is what brought her to MomBloom.

Kelly Emery / Secretary
Kelly is a registered nurse and board-certified lactation consultant working in a private practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is also the owner of baby beloved, inc located in the Grand Rapids Women’s Health Center. She has two children and four step-children. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and an Associate Degree in Nursing. She was a postpartum doula before becoming a nurse. In her current line of work, she comes in contact with many new mothers who are struggling to adjust to the demands of their new role.

Chris Hamstra / Board Member
Chris Hamstra is a passionate husband and father. He has been married to Devon for 13 years and has three kids in elementary school. Chris heard about MomsBloom through the volunteer work of his wife. His desire is that everyone experiences the joy of raising a family while handling the challenges so that everyone is brought closer together. Chris is a Professor of Communication at Davenport University and currently working on a PhD in Organizational Leadership.

Christina Flier / Board Member
Christina is currently working at baby beloved inc. as a Mom and Baby Specialist  where she loves helping families get ready to welcome their new addition. She is currently pursing her MBA. As a first time mother she understands the need for support not only from family, but from those in the community. After having a child she truly understands that it indeed “takes a village” and she believes that Momsbloom is that village.