Tineke is an 18-year Air Force spouse whose life has been shaped by service, family, and an unwavering desire to strengthen the support systems around her. She met her husband early in his military career and quickly became immersed in the realities of military life—frequent moves, long deployments, unpredictable schedules, and starting over in new communities time and time again. Rather than being deterred, she leaned in. Each transition deepened her resolve to be part of the solution for fellow families navigating similar challenges.
Throughout six permanent change-of-station (PCS) moves across three countries, Tineke has raised four children while balancing a professional career in nonprofit operations and development. In her current role at a veteran-serving organization, she works to improve outcomes for service members, veterans, and their loved ones by driving mission-focused strategies that center the needs of the military-connected community. Her professional expertise is matched by a personal understanding of what military families experience behind the scenes—from the emotional toll of deployments to the logistical strain of uprooting children and careers every few years.
Tineke is especially passionate about ensuring that spouses and families feel supported during periods of high stress, such as deployments, PCS moves, and transitions out of the military. She has made it her mission to help military families feel seen, heard, and surrounded by community. Whether advocating for stronger policies, improving internal processes at her organization, or simply checking in on a fellow spouse, she shows up with empathy, insight, and action.
Outside of work, her greatest joy is her family. She and her husband are raising four vibrant children, now ages 15, 14, 10, and 4, along with two dogs and a cat who complete their bustling household. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, gardening, and attending live theater. She’s a familiar face in her local school community, and as a volunteer and foster parent for her local animal shelter. Tineke’s life is rooted in purpose and propelled by the belief that military families deserve systems—and communities—that rise to meet them.
