South County Profile: Christine Haggard

CHRISTINE HAGGARD

Born in Paradise along with her twin brother Chris, Christine Haggard grew up in the Anderson area. Haggard’s parents died when she was young, so she and her siblings were raised by her grandmother.

Haggard graduated from Anderson Union High School then went on to Shasta College to earn an associate’s degree in Business Administration. Haggard then completed the prerequisites for nursing and changed her major to psychology. She is 12 units shy of a bachelor’s in that field.

In 1986, Haggard was diagnosed with Hotchkins Disease, a type of Leukemia. Upon diagnosis, her grandmother told her, “that she was chosen for this to teach others and to help them find a purpose.”

Armed with that advice, Haggard didn’t want to be another number on someone’s payroll. This also gave Haggard the impetus to start giving back.

Haggard has spent the past 13 years working for Shasta County Public Health, three years as a Public Health Assistant, seven years as a Community Health Advocate. She works as a Community Organizer helping to create coalitions and put together programs. The work has an added benefit in that Haggard is also able to see her grandchildren grow up.

Haggard volunteers for many groups in the community. The School Attendance Review Board, the Anderson Planning Commission, the Shasta Senior Nutrition Program, the Teen Center, Anderson Parks and Recreation and any other entity with which she gets involved. Haggard’s eventual goal is to run for Anderson’s City Council in two years.

“There is so much to learn about our city. I would like to help build a community that we can all be proud of,” said Haggard.

Name: Christine Haggard

Born where and when: Although my parents lived in Anderson, I was born in a Paradise hospital because there were no facilities in Shasta County at that time to deal with multiple babies.

Occupation: Community Organizer for Shasta County Public Health.

Marital Status: Married for 25 years.

Family: My husband, Chris; son, Todd Brackett, 31; daughter, Ginger White, 30; son, Jeremy Brackett, 28; and four grandchildren.

Pets: A yellow lab named Brittany.

Worst job: Picking prunes.

First job: Working at my grandmother’s gift shop.

In my spare time I: Spend time with my grandkids and try to be outdoors.

Favorite book: Little Women

Favorite movie: The Bucket List

Favorite recording artist: Bob Seger

Dream car: Honda S2000

Friends like me because: My positive attitude, passion and my sense of humor.

One thing I’ve learned is: The value of time and not to waste personal energy.

My most embarrassing moment was: Walking through the hall and tripping because the elastic in my slip broke and my slip fell to my ankles.

My most irrational act: Selling our 1961 corvette convertible.

What I like best about the North State: How close we are to so many different things in nature.

My hero is: My grandmother.

My pet peeve is: People who don’t appreciate what they have.

My fantasy is: To start a foundation and help troubled youth.

If I could change one thing about myself I would: Find a balance to not spread myself so thin.

The one thing Shasta County needs most is: More educational opportunities for better-paying jobs.

The most enjoyable thing about life is: Getting to experience it and helping others.