HI, MY NAME IS… Kristin Struble Chakmakian, MD
I’VE LIVED IN PHOENIX AND NOW PARADISE VALLEY SINCE 1997 AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… of the wonderful community of people, great hikes (in particular Camelback Mountain), awesome restaurants, and because of my extended family living here.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… I start the day with coffee and meditation. Then I typically exercise on my Peloton bike, treadmill, or elliptical. I give my family a hug and head to work where I am blessed and honored to help care for lots of beautiful and adorable kids and their families in my pediatric office, Camelback Pediatrics. Then I come home and either make dinner, or my wonderful husband does this task. Then we relax and enjoy being coach potatoes watching television.
MY FAMILY IS… amazing! I have a fantastic husband and son, who is 15.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… my family.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY… “Shawshank Redemption.” I love the message of hope, perseverance, and survival despite the worst of circumstances. I also identify with and feel very grateful for strong friendships forged.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… an actress.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… “Piano Man,” by Billy Joel or any Billy Joel song.
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… my dad. He is my hero. He is always positive and encouraging. His life is a beautiful example of not letting obstacles stop your stride, of pride in parenting, loyalty and love (having been married to my mom for 67 years), strong faith in God, building a company knowing the critical importance of surrounding yourself with a great team to do so (as vice president of Circle K in its early years, his team was responsible for growing the convenient store chain), relationship building, and genuinely loving people. He is a great man who people instantly adore, trust, and admire.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LAUD WAS… the comedian Bill Burr on his Netflix comedy routine in the Red Rocks.
MY PERFECT DAY IS… waking up to rain with ocean waves roaring in the background, followed by coffee, devotional time, a nice run on the beach and the rest of the day spent with family swimming in the warm ocean, followed by a perfect sunset. Then roasting marshmallows on the beach under the stars. Amazing meals would be scattered throughout the day.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… PANDA (People Acting Now to Discover Answers). It’s a women’s board that raises money for the Steele Children’s Research Center, where discoveries are made to improve treatments and cures for childhood diseases. Learn more at azpanda.org.
Other favorites include: Operation Everyone, March of Dimes, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation.
MY LIFE IS… awesome. I have a great family, a fabulous job, my faith, and health. My mom always said, “health is wealth.” All these combined bring me joy and peace.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… my son Luke.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… either a cruise around the world on the fanciest ship, with a few nights sleeping in an overwater Bungalow in Tahiti or the Maldives. I absolutely love traveling.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED… is a hard one. Greg Kinnear spoke at my college graduation. His simple message was to never let fear be your obstacle to success. It is easy to doubt yourself, but just have hope, believe in yourself, work hard, and don’t let fear get in your way of achieving your goals. Of course, my wise parents, God above, and many others had similar wise words, but Greg’s words hit me between the eyes right before embarking on my residency in pediatrics.
