Obadiah Thompson:
Correction Officer for Alachua County Sheriffs Office and dad to Keziah (9), Kai (7) and Keilani (3).
What is the best part about being a dad?
Being able to watch my children grow into whom God created them to be.
What is the hardest part about being a dad?
The hardest part about being a dad is having patience at times with them and being understanding.
Do you have any special “dad” routines?
Every night when my kids go to bed I hug them, pray over them and put anointing oil on their foreheads to protect them from “nightmares.”
What part of parenting scares you the most?
Not knowing who they will become in this world, even though my wife and I try our best to instill the right morals and values. We want the best for them and we pray they take heed to everything we teach them. We pray they know the Lord as adults.
What is your most memorable “dad” moment?
My most memorable moment has to be three times, when Keziah, Kai and Keilani were born. Seeing them come into this world and holding them for the first time, is my most memorable “dad” moment; God entrusted me to care for them.
What is your favorite family outing?
Hands down my most favorite outing is when we go to theme parks, we have so much fun there. From Volcano Bay, Aquatica, Islands of Adventure, Universal to Magic Kingdom. We love traveling any opportunity we have.
Which TV or Movie dad is most like you?
I would have to say Damon Wayans, from the show, “My Wife and Kids.” His humor and love for his family are similar qualities of what I try to portray.
What is your go-to breakfast?
My go-to breakfast would be my famous grits and eggs with sausage and some jelly bread.
Who was/is your biggest influence on your parenting style?
I would have to say God and my grandfather, who is no longer with me. He passed away this year, in April 2019. He was an amazing man of God. He taught me not only to love the Lord with all your heart, but also how to be a father. It’s not just about working to provide, there’s a lot more to it than that. I have become a better man through my relationship with God, because of him I am the man that I am today. God’s word taught me how to love, to be patient and much more. God taught me how to be a father to my children! I can’t say I get everything right, but I know with God, He makes me better!
What is your favorite show to binge- watch?
My favorite show would be “My Wife and Kids” or “Dragon Ball Z.”
If you could have one super power what would it be?
If I had one super power it would have to be having the ability to read minds. With that power, I could get insight on how or why people think.
In the words of wife, Kristina:
“On days that I work, [Obadiah] does everything from cooking, cleaning, even our daughters’ hair. He is a role model to our son and in the community… [plus] he is a hottie with a six pack!”
Jason Rife:
Director of Graduate Business Career Services at UF and dad to Kathryn (9).
What is the best part about being a dad?
Watching her do something she once thought was too hard.
What is the hardest part about being a dad?
Allowing my daughter to fail and determining if /when to step in and help. I want her to learn to be resilient by adapting to setbacks, but I also hate to see her struggle.
Do you have any special “dad” routines?
Storytime at night – I retell movies (mostly 80s action flicks) as a series of bedtime stories.
What part of parenting scares you the most?
She’s always watching and listening to my wife and I, using us as examples…so reacting poorly to something on a bad day can have a long-lasting impact.
What is your most memorable “dad” moment?
Going on a neighborhood “safari” walk through our neighborhood at the time – Suburban Heights. We kept a list of everything we saw such as different birds, dogs and squirrels. Kathryn kept hoping we’d see a snake that day, as we’d seen some racers from time to time. As we were nearing the end of the walk, I was looking up in the trees for hawks when Kathryn said, “There’s a snake, Daddy!” I looked down to see a brightly colored snake about six feet ahead, slithering directly in our path. After stopping dead in our tracks, I looked closer and confirmed that the red bands were touching the yellow bands!
Which TV or Movie dad is most like you?
Tim Allen – Last Man Standing
Do you have a special activity that you do with your kid?
UF’s Family Fishing days – catching some blue gills!
What is your go-to breakfast?
“Daddy-Daughter Donut Day,” every couple of weeks at Donut Connection.
In the words of wife, Erin:
“[Jason] takes [Kathryn] to school everyday and treats her to daddy- daughter donut days once a month… They are best friends and watching their relationship grow is what makes him such a HOT dad!”
Scott Feigelis:
Interactive Designer and dad to Briella (2) and Bradley (Arriving in June 2019!).
What is the best part about being a dad?
The relationship and experiences I get to create with my children.
Sadly, learning how to put Briella’s clothes on correctly. I’ve never encountered so many buttons, straps and different types of clothing in my life. My wife and Briella find my struggles quite entertaining.
Do you have any special “dad” routines?
Whenever Briella sees me she says, “Daddy, run!” which is her way of telling me to chase her around the house. It doesn’t matter the time of day or what I’m doing. After endlessly chasing her, it’s only a matter of time before she asks for a piggyback ride. When my wife works on Saturday’s, we have our daddy- daughter dates. I often push her around the neighborhood in her pink trike while listening to our acoustic music playlist. Lastly, each night before bed I cuddle with her and read a book before my wife and I lay her down.
Who was/is your biggest influence on your parenting style?
My mom and dad. My mom was the most selfless and loving person. She taught me to not only be there as a parent for my children but also as a best friend. My dad taught me how to be cool and collected. He also taught me the importance of working hard to provide for my family.
What is your funniest parent moment so far?
One day I taught Briella to say “Wuzzzzzupppp!” after I say “Hey, yo
Bri Bri!” Later, in the week, my wife was home napping her and heard the monitor go off. It was Briella, continuously saying “Wuzzzzuppppp!” to herself over and over until she finally fell asleep.
What is your go-to breakfast?
Scrambled eggs with melted cheese.
What is your favorite family outing?
Any outdoor activity!
In the words of wife, Gigi:
“[Scott] dances with his daughter in the living room, makes up songs for her, cooks her special meals and dresses her up in her cutest outfits. He truly treats her like a princess.”
Brian Winterman:
General Dentist and dad to Blake (8), Seth (6) and Chase (4).
What is the best part about being a dad?
Having people that love you unconditionally and come to you for guidance. Also, with 3 boys I’ll always have someone around to watch sports with.
What is the hardest part about being a dad?
Never having a dull moment. With three small boys, someone always needs something. There is very little downtime. Thank God for early bedtimes!
What part of parenting scares you the most?
If any of my kids enroll at FSU! Go Gators!
What is your funniest parent moment so far?
When my oldest son was five, we went to the beach for the weekend. When he told me that he had to pee, I told him to go ahead and pee in the ocean. A moment later I was talking with my wife and heard laughter from some other people. I glanced over and saw my son standing on the beach with his pants around his ankles peeing into the ocean. I guess I should have been more specific when I told him what to do!
Do you have a special activity that you do with your kid(s)?
I enjoy taking them to Gators sporting events.
What is your go-to breakfast?
I commute to Ocala four days a week, or work. The employees at the Dunkin’ Donuts on my way to Ocala probably know my order of hot medium coffee and wake-up wrap by heart.
What is your favorite family vacation?
We love to stay in cabins and go off the beaten path. The farther we are from other people the less likely we are to disturb the neighbors!
In the words of Wife, Tara:
“[Brian] is the whole package- daddy AND husband. He is a true family man that works hard for our family and always puts us first.”
Daniel Hoh:
Neurosurgeon and dad to Carter (2) and Emilia (9 months).
What is the best part about being a dad?
Watching Carter and Emilia having fun, laughing and playing together.
What is the hardest part about being a dad?
Sometimes letting your kids make mistakes so that they can learn for themselves.
Do you have any special “dad” routines?
Getting Carter ready for bed – pajamas, brushing his teeth and reading books.
What part of parenting scares you the most?
When Carter gets ahold of cake and ice cream right before bedtime!
What is your most memorable “dad” moment?
The first time Carter pointed to a family picture and said, “Mommy, Daddy, Carter and Emi!”
Who was/is your biggest influence on your parenting style?
My own parents!
Which TV or movie dad is most like you?
Tony Danza
What is your funniest parent moment so far?
Carter likes to have Majken put him to bed. When it is close to his bedtime, he leads me out of his room, shuts the door, and from the other side, says, “Good night, Daddy!”
Do you have a special activity that you do with your kid(s)?
Carter and I go running (in his stroller) and biking with a trailer.
What is your go-to breakfast?
Protein bar and shake.
What is your favorite show to binge-watch?
“Parenthood”
In the words of wife, Majken:
“[Daniel] works long hours helping patients, [but] always gives his best to his family no matter his grueling schedule. He even does the dishes every night!”
Brian Hunt:
Risk Manager at UF and Bennet (5) and Truman (3).
What is the best part about being a dad?
I love seeing their curiosity about the world and answering their “why?” questions.
What is the hardest part about being a dad?
Keeping up with their limitless energy, balancing work, family and personal interests and supporting my wife.
Do you have any special “dad” routines?
Giving them baths and letting them pick the songs we listen to during that time. Unfortunately we listen to a lot of “Baby Shark.”
What is your most memorable “dad” moment?
The moment my sons were delivered and the doctors lifted them up – seeing and hearing them for the first time – that memory still gets to me. You realize, then, your life has a much bigger purpose; you’ve got to prepare the way for them.
Who was/is your biggest influence on your parenting style?
I love American history and always admired Theodore Roosevelt as a father. He taught his children a love of sports and the outdoors, books and being moral people. “There are many kinds of success in life worth having,” he wrote. “But for unflagging interest and enjoyment, a household of children… certainly makes all other forms of success and achievement lose their importance by comparison.”
What is your funniest parent moment so far?
Trying to change a “blowout” diaper in an airplane bathroom, holding the baby on the table with one hand, holding the door open with one foot, and trying to get my wife’s attention for a change of clothes that I’d forgotten to bring in with me.
Do you have a special activity that you do with your kids?
I like taking them out in the stroller for a run on weekend mornings. We get to enjoy being outside together and sometimes they even run a little while with me.
In the words of wife, Jodi:
“[Brian] does about 95% of our family’s cooking and has even gone fully plant based (while in the house) just for me… I still think he is the hottest man alive.”
Waldemar Cabrera:
Mortgage Loan Officer and dad to Ethan (10) and Camila (3).
What is the best part about being a dad?
The feeling of true and unconditional love – the type of love that only being a parent can inspire. (Not that I don’t truly love my wife, and my mom and my family…but with your kids it’s just different.)
What is the hardest part about being a dad?
The fact that you worry constantly, even when they’re completely fine. And also, having to saying “no” because its for their own good.
Do you have any special “dad” routines?
I’m known as the breakfast king – so on the weekends, I make my signature pancakes and eggs, which are the kids’ favorite.
What is your most memorable “dad” moment?
Holding Camila for the first time. She came after several attempts with IVF, and for a while there, we weren’t sure if we were going to be able to have her. Ethan came into my life when he was almost 2 years old, so I never got to experience the feeling of holding him as a newborn. I’ll never forget that feeling – there may have been ugly tears.
What is your funniest parent moment so far?
When Ethan was around 3 or 4 years old, he went on a huge Harry Potter kick. Around home, I’ve always been known as “Waldy” or “Papi,” so I don’t think Ethan ever knew my full name. One afternoon, Laura was trying to call me and I couldn’t hear her so after a few times of trying “Waldy,” she yelled out “Waldemar!” Ethan was in the hallway and came running out and said, “Mom! Don’t call him that…. he’s not the dark lord!” To this day we all remember the ‘Waldemort episode’ and laugh!
Do you have a special activity that you do with your kid(s)?
Camping is probably the biggest one. Laura had no interest in getting an RV, but I really wanted our kids to have these childhood memories of our camping in different places.
In the words of wife, Laura:
“[Waldemar] has had his nails painted, had slumber parties with Minnie Mouse and Olaf… or busted into a ‘floss’ move with Ethan, just to see their smiles.”
John “Pierce” Senkarik
Assistant State Attorney and dad to Barrett (3) and Colin (newborn).
What is the best part about being a dad?
Having the love and support that being a family man brings. I’ve got my wife and my two boys that keep me grounded and they remind me of what’s really important.
What is the hardest part about being a dad?
The most difficult thing for me is making time for my family and ensuring they are my priority. Life gets busy, but being present and in the moment with my family is something I make a conscious effort to do.
What is your most memorable “dad” moment?
After Colin was born, Barrett came to visit in the hospital. I talked him through what he should do as a big brother, and he told me he was going to be the best brother because he loves his baby brother so much. That was a great moment.
Who was/is your biggest influence on your parenting style?
My dad is a big one. Seeing how he handled the controlled chaos of four boys in the house was impressive. Also, I had a Sergeant Major when I was in the Army that epitomized “stern but fair” and always led by example. If I can be like either of them then I’m doing all right.
Which TV or movie dad is most like you?
That’s difficult to answer, since I’m not up to speed on my pop culture. I always liked Uncle Phil from “The Fresh Prince of Bel- Air.” He cared deeply about his family, even his nephew, and made no apologies about giving his family the best life he could through his hard work.
Do you have a special activity that you do with your kid(s)?
Barrett and I like to roughhouse quite a bit. It’s good to get down on the floor with him and hear him laugh when he’s getting tickled or trying to climb all over me. That’s also a great way for him to expend some energy at the end of the day.