Dr. Heather “Aitch” Claibon has known since she was a teenager that she wanted twins, and now it’s one of many of her dreams that have come true.
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Dr. Heather Claibon. I’m also affectionately known as Aitch (pronounced H). Close friends and family members also refer to me as Val, which is short for my middle name, Valitheia. I’m a military brat, so I’ve got a footprint in a few different states, but my hometown is Montgomery, Alabama. I’m 50 years old, and I’m a 23-year veteran educator (school counselor). I have a set of nine-year-old twin boys I call Ace and Deuce.
What do you want your kids to learn from your life?
I want my kids to learn from me, how to plant good crop, and a plentiful harvest. I want them to learn to be kind to people, even when people won’t always show kindness to them. I want them to know and understand the significance of managing their finances effectively. Most importantly, I want them to understand how faith works and how trusting God and putting their natural with God’s supernatural is all that’s truly needed to accomplish their goals.
What are the best and worst things about living in Birmingham?
One of the best things about living in Birmingham is the rich civil rights culture, including the historic buildings and sites in plain view. Living in Birmingham teaches and exposes the finer details of the civil rights movement, details that can’t be learned in a history book. Another good thing about living in Birmingham is affordable homeownership, the open job market and the reasonable cost of living. In my opinion the worst thing about living in Birmingham, especially to someone with school-age children is the public school districts throughout Jefferson County are not performing satisfactory or above. They appear to be struggling academically. The schools that are doing well and receive high marks in academics are not affordable and the affordable ones have a cap on enrollment.
What is your proudest personal moment?
One of my proudest personal moments is when I rediscovered a God-given talent. I create chest and keepsake boxes, which provide individuals with a safe place to keep and store their prized possessions.
What is your proudest momma moment?
I had been believing and trusting God for twins since I was 13 years old so my proudest mommy moment is the day they were born: May 22, 2010.
What is your proudest professional moment?
One of my proudest professional moments is the day I earned my Ph.D. It was very well earned.
Another proud professional moment is winning third place in the NextGen contest. My idea to make Birmingham a great place to live linked the schools district with DHR. The relationship is designed to assist high school graduates who are in foster care get to college.
What advice do you have for mommas who are raising multiples?
The most practical advice I have for mothers raising multiples is to always remember that they are individuals and that their needs may be different from each other. Learn and study your child’s needs, strengths and weaknesses, then parent effectively. Often times, it may be tempting, but never compare them to each other and exercise every opportunity to praise and encourage them to always be their best.
What’s next for you?
What’s next professionally is retirement from the K12 industry and move on to a collegiate level.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Always remember who and whose you are. Know your worth and never settle for less than what you deserve.
