The People Project:
Christie Barado
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | January 21, 2023
Meet Christie Barado!
Christie was born and raised in Ponchatoula (and still resides there!). She attended St. Joseph Catholic School, then graduated from Ponchatoula High School in 2002. She attended Louisiana State University for a year before deciding to come back home and attend Southeastern Louisiana University to finish. She started working in the accounting/auditing profession in 2009 and is now an Audit Manager at James Lambert Riggs & Associates, Inc. in Hammond, LA. Christie met the love of her life after high school, Jeremy, and together they have four boys - Wyatt (10), Myles (8), Ayden (6) and Tyler (4months).
We want to thank Christie for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about her life and her love of the area.
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: I worked in healthcare for a few years, and then made a jump over to the accounting/auditing profession. In high school I worked a few years at my father’s CPA firm, so you could say I knew back then that I loved that type of work. I’m an Audit Manager now and have been at James Lambert Riggs & Associates Inc. for 14 years.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: For a date night, I will have to say take me to Cena. I would order the Jumbo Lump Crab Napoleon and when I want to treat myself, their Espresso Martini or Cosmo. Other than that, brunch anywhere is always another of my faves!
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: I have so many! Every Sunday we would get together with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and spend time together and eat “Sunday Dinner.” We still try to get together often!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I would love to go to the Holy Land, to see and walk the paths where Jesus and his followers were present.
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you remember seeing in the theater?
A: The Sound of Music. My grandparents would rent it for us when we were kids when we had sleepovers. I also love Steel Magnolias, it’s a classic.
Q: Do you have a favorite book? What do you love about it?
A: Anything that Matthew Kelly puts out with Dynamic Catholic. He writes lots of books about how to be your authentic self and how to follow the Catholic faith. His writings are easy to follow.
Q: What advice would you give a group of people?
A: Be fully present in the moment. Be kind to yourself and others. Live your truth, be your true authentic self. Be intentional.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: To visit wine country with my husband.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist or band that you would like to see?
A: I like all types of music. My kids love to take over my Pandora all the time and play a variety. I would like to see Aerosmith perform again. Back in the day, my parents would take us to see them live anytime they were playing close.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: Paul’s Cafe - it is a great, local place. They put our order in when we get there. Also- when I was younger there was an ice cream shop on main street near where Roux & Brew is located. My dad would take us to ride bikes on Sundays and we would stop there for a treat! It was a hidden gem!
Q: If you could choose one person to go to lunch with that you’ve never met, who is it?
A: Mother Teresa- I would love to learn more about her. I would chat with her about her life and her charity work and I would let her decide where to eat!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: The small town feel. Our area is rapidly expanding, but we somehow have managed to keep that feeling.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Still being a boy mom, maybe traveling more with Jeremy.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: That years ago I attended North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology, passed the national certification exam, and still have my license to practice.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Jeremy.
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: A housekeeper who also grocery shops!
Q: If you had to choose one type of cuisine to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
A: That is hard! Either Italian, seafood or sushi!
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: Pray the rosary, listen to any of Father Mike Schmitz’s podcasts, or chatting on the phone with my mom or sister with our daily check ins.
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: The last gift I gave was a PJ’s Coffee treat to my awesome sister as a thank you for helping me take care of my sick kids. The last gift I received was a spa gift certificate for my birthday from my mom and sister.
Q: What are you known for?
A: Being a boy mom!
Q: What is your favorite 90s jam?
A: Anything 90’s music was great- I like a variety.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
A: To be in multiple places at once. It’s tough when you have multiple kids to make everything! My momma heart wants to be there with them all the time!
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: In this phase of life, I enjoy bringing my boys to their activities, and watching them play sports. I love to see them do what they love! I love spending time outside hanging with my husband and kids. I also love my family Pokeno group that allows me to have a little momma time and teaching children’s church on Sundays.
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: Thumbs up or eye roll.
Q: What is something you are most proud of?
A: My faith, my husband and my boys.
Q: What two items would you take with you if you shipwrecked on a deserted island where food and water were taken care of?
A: My husband, as he is a jack of all trades and could help in any situation and our kids for entertainment!
Q: If you won the lottery, what would you purchase or spend money on?
A: Pay off all debt, take the whole family on a trip and start some type of charity work.
Q: What do you want your legacy to be?
A: That I was a faithful servant to God and was an example for my kids on how to show love and kindness to others.
Christie was nominated by Ashley Barado
She nominated Leslie Wood
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
We love meeting, knowing, and working with our community, and we love working with homes and all types of properties. Helping our community achieve their goals through buying and selling property is something we consider ourselves very fortunate to get to do. Contact one of our REALTORS® if we can help!
