2015 Arizona Young Mother of the Year - Courtney Gehl

Originally from Mesa, Arizona, Courtney Gehl has had the privilege of an exciting young life! Growing up in a family of 4, Courtney traveled extensively throughout the world as a young adult, and was an accomplished athlete in school. Holding the record for the highest number of varsity numbers of any female athlete in the history of her high school, Courtney had a tremendous amount of success in both academics and athletics in high school and college. After playing tennis in college and graduating Suma Cum Laude from Arizona State University, Courtney jumped into the political arena working for Vice President Dan Quayle. After several years in politics, Courtney took some time away to attend Dallas Theological Seminary, studying Christian Theology. Falling just short of receiving her Masters Degree, Courtney moved to marry her best friend, Jason Gehl. Moving to Hudson, Wisconsin, Jason and Courtney began their wonderful life together. After 13 years of marriage and 5 children (ages 7, 6, 4, 2, 1), Courtney would consider herself the most blessed person on the planet. Her relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and her husband Jason, have given her everything she needs to be, who God has called her to be-- a wife and a mother. She says, “While it is important to me that my children be respectful, obedient, and kind, it is more important for each child to know that I love them, no matter what-- that nothing can be done to take away the love that I have for my children”.

They adopted a little boy from Uganda this past year and she works with Compassion International a non-profit organization that sponsors children in 3^rd world countries. She serves on the association board for her community and is heavily involved in her church community showing her children how life is not just about them but the importance of sharing the blessings that God has given us.

Cathi Herrod, President of Center for Arizona Policy,  wrote of Courtney “Courtney could be doing anything she wanted in the corporate world. Instead she has made the commitment to be home with her children during these critical formative years. She teaches Bible Study, co-teaches a marriage class with her husband and serves on the leadership team in her church. She works to encourage people to vote, vote their values and pay attention to how public policy impacts their family and church. 

Her Pastor Craig Jones says of her,” Courtney is a women of honesty and integrity and works hard to live her life in a manner set apart from the world and above reproach. She has tremendous leadership qualities and yet knows clearly what it is to be under authority and to participate as part of a team. Courtney is well known and respected by her peers and is a person of influence within both her church and her community.  If you have known Courtney for any length of time, you will quickly see that next to her relationship with Jesus Christ, the important thing in her life is her family. “

Her mother , Sheena K. Rang, not to be biased, says, " Courtney is the mom of 5 adorable children. She loves to play with them and is often found doing Legos, reading to the kids, working on homework and playing sports with them. She is an example for her husband, her children and all she comes in contact with".  Sheena says, "as a mom we don’t choose our children, but God gave us a wonderful gift (her daughter Courtney). As a woman, I choose my friends, and she is one I sure would choose, she is a woman of tremendous character".

Courtney Gehl is a wonderful example of a Young Mother who is striving to teach her children correct principles, and teaching them to be good citizens in their community, church and home.