Cortney resides in Argenta with her husband, Josh, their two young daughters, Elsie and Eleanor, son, Benjamin, and step-son, Bryson. She earned her bachelor's degree in Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality from University of Northern Colorado while competing as a Hammer and Weight thrower on the University's Women's Track and Field team. Cortney was a member of the Huntley Harvester's 4-H club and received a Superior award for her flower arrangement at the Illinois State Fair as a youth.