My name is Kristina Miller of Don’t Make It Weird, a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Buford working to break the stigma surrounding mental health care. My husband Sean is a Jet Mechanic, and together we have two boys, Harry, 23, 2019 Buford grad who just also graduated from Ohio State with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and Jack, 16 who is a Sophomore at Buford High School and plays Lacrosse. Our family moved to Buford from West Forsyth in 2016 to take advantage of the great academic, athletic and art programs that Buford High School offers…. If you build it, they will come. We live in downtown Buford and love being able to walk to Main Street for food, shopping and entertainment. It’s the best. Originally, I’m from Long Island, New York, the land of beaches, wineries and farms.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
As I mentioned, my husband Sean is a Jet Mechanic and has been for 35 years. He’s super quiet, wickedly funny, hardworking, generous almost to a fault, and absolutely dedicated to our family. Harry, 23, just graduated from Ohio State Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is moving to NYC this summer to pursue his passion projects in writing and film while also being a mental health advocate. Jack is finishing up his sophomore year strong with excellent grades while enjoying a very successful lacrosse season with his team. We have begun talking about what life after High School might look like in terms of career, schools, entrepreneurial opportunities.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I spent thirty years in the operating room assisting in surgery, the last 22 of them at CHOA. I loved all my babies, I loved what I did and where I did it, but then an opportunity fell in my lap that was too good to pass up. I now work from home as an Executive Assistant with super flexibility which is so great with a busy family while also running a nonprofit. It was a blessing that came at just the right time.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
This is a hard one because we go to them all. I’d say Bare Bones tops the list, we are frequent flyers and love Shay. But we love Aqua Terra, Rico’s, Lola’s, Main Street Deli, Friends, and when we really want to kick back and relax we hit Pig Tails or Twisted Oar to sit by the water.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Our Family moved to Buford in 2016 for the schools.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Gosh, so many! I do a 3-mile loop around Buford every morning and see so many regulars, which is really nice. Perhaps one of my favs is Sharri Johnson, just such a cool lady who does great work preserving historic Buford.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Nothern Europe is the next bucket list vacation we are planning on taking in the summer of 2026. I haven’t been to Europe yet so I’ll need to do some research on great places to visit while there.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite movie – The Professor and the Madman. True story about the beginning of the Oxford Dictionary. Amazing. | TV Shows – Crime Shows. ALL of them. I love the forensic science behind how they solve crimes, it fascinates me and worries my husband, lol.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
WHO you are and what you DO are two completely separate things, don’t confuse them. Do not base your identity on what you do, that can and does change quickly, sometimes without warning. When that happens, people tend to feel lost, it doesn’t matter if you’re a CEO or a high school athlete. When you know who you are and Whose you are, your identity is secure.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling to new places. I love to see and learn about new places and cultures. Israel and Japan are high on the list.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Pink!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Buford Community Center. It’s so fun to walk down there and listen to great live music when they do the concerts on the green in the summer. Great way to spend the evening and see local friends.
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?
Warrick Dunn. I just think he’s an exemplary man who used his success to help those less fortunate. I would take him to the Bare Bones rooftop for a late lunch and learn all about what he is doing.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the small town feel and the regular parades down Main Street, especially the homecoming and Christmas parades!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 years we’ll still be on Moreno Street in Buford. In 10 years we hope to live coastal, perhaps Hilton Head Island where we have a condo in Shelter Cove.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A few months ago I became certified by the state as a CPS-P, Certified Peer Specialist Parent. This certification helps me walk beside other parents who are facing a mental health crisis in their family and offer my support. I run a support group that meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month for families facing mental health challenges. We bring in speakers or meet for dinner and share our life experiences with one another. If you’re in need, I’d love for you to reach out and join us. The goal is to have a dedicated space in Buford to be a community resource and support.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
New England Coast in the summer.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
May – Spring, everything coming back to life. Easter, for the same reason. Best day on the calendar…… 12/25.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Dogsledding in Alaska while it’s snowing at the kennel of 6 time Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavy. Learning the history of the race was very cool, as was sledding!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My sons. Setting an example for them makes me want to be a better person.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Freshly cut grass and the ocean.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Love. Safety.