2006 Recognition Reception Honoree:
Audrey Krisbergh

You may not know about special citizens undertaking responsibilities to serve families and children in the Abington-Rockledge community because they go about their work in quiet, unassuming ways. One of those tireless, often behind-the-scenes persons is Audrey Krisbergh, Director of The Parenting Center at Abington. Audrey is a humble, dedicated community servant who is highly task-oriented. Through diligent effort, she helps to turn visions into reality.

As a guidance counselor by education and training and the mother of twins who are now young adults, Audrey founded The Parenting Center at Abington in 1997 to offer support and education to parents throughout the parenting life cycle. This was a natural outgrowth of her work in the field of parenting education since 1991.

Audrey grew up on Long Island and graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She continued her education at Boston University where she earned her Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling. During the 1970’s, she worked in various mental health clinics and realized the tremendous need in communities to support and educate parents to help them create the healthiest possible environment in which their children can thrive. Audrey's idea for a parenting center in Abington came about from her experience in the mental health field. She realized the tremendous impact that parents have in molding their children and influencing their healthy development. Today programs are conducted at various sites as well as at the Parenting Center.

In addition to overseeing all aspects of operations for The Parenting Center, Audrey also teaches courses as a certified Parenting Educator and has authored numerous successful grants from government- based agencies to private foundations for the benefit of the Parenting Center. Since 2000, The Parenting Center has served over 12,000 parents in various programs. These programs include educational workshops, parent/child activities, personal parenting coaching, book discussions, parent discussions/support groups, and teacher/day care worker training. Furthermore, Audrey trains many people to become new parenting educators and supervises and mentors other parenting educators. She also leads discussion groups. Audrey has taken on additional responsibilities to serve her community. From 2000-2003, she co-chaired the Abington Community Taskforce. During that time, this Recognition Reception was inaugurated. Audrey chaired the Reception Committee, lending her guidance and hard work to create the first reception and then to make it an annual event. Also during her tenure as ACT Co-Chair, the Grants Committee was formed to seek funding for programs provided collaboratively through ACT member organizations.

In 2005, Audrey was tapped to serve on an eight-member team to represent Abington School District at the newly founded Governor's Institute on Parental Involvement. Since that time, she has been part of the District’s effort in the community to increase parent participation in their children’s academic success. Audrey also served on the School District's Strategic Planning Committee.

Audrey possesses a wonderfu1ly positive outlook about the Abington community, appreciating its “responsible, caring, active, and involved citizens; forward-thinking agencies and organizations; and talented and skilled leaders." She is grateful for ""the communication and mutual support that exist in our community and the diversity of our population which offers different perspectives." She hopes to see even more support and encouragement for parents so that the overall quality of child rearing practices can be raised, children will be encouraged to thrive, and the community will continue to grow to be a safer and healthier place for our young people."

Our community has been fortunate that Audrey and her husband, Hal chose Abington for their home. They have been married 34 years and have resided here for the past 21 years. Both of their children, age 27, are graduates of Abington High School. Since children Debby and Jon are her "greatest source of pride," Audrey’s goal has been to help other parents enjoy the same invaluable, close relationships with their children that she and Hal savor with their son and daughter.

In addition to ACT, Audrey is a member of the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Jenkintown, and the Social Action Committee of Congregation Keneseth Israel. When Audrey takes time from her busy schedule, she enjoys yoga, cooking, and reading. She and Hal visit Manhattan regularly, enjoying their home away from home. Audrey and Hal also enjoy precious time traveling with their children and each other.

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