I have been married 37 years and have two children. We were also foster parents for 12 years and helped raise over 50 children from 6 months to 18 years old. My grandson attends Immanuel and is in the 3rd grade.

I taught in a Christian school for 10 years in Iowa, teaching junior and senior high math, literature, choir, band, drama, and working with the sports program. I also worked as an adjunct instructor in the Math and Science department of the local community college. We moved here in 2002 and I became the administrator of Community Christian Academy until it closed in 2008. I attend Faith Reformed Church and am in charge of the Children's Church program there.

The school's theme this year is "Connected" (John 15:5).  Share a time in your life when you saw the importance of being connected to Jesus.  

I feel that times of uncertainty and struggle in my life have brought a closer connection with Jesus. Proverbs 30:8-10 is what I ask God for when I pray "don't make me too rich or too poor - give me only enough food for each day. If I have too much, I might deny that I need you, Lord. But if I am too poor, I might steal and bring shame to the name of my God". I feel so blessed by what He has given me, both joys and sorrows have brought me to where I am today.

What is the best meal you have ever eaten?

Lumpy boxed mashed potatoes (I'd never had boxed potatoes) and shrimp (I don't like shellfish). It was the best meal because it was the first meal my husband (then boyfriend) made with such love (if not with much knowledge).

Hometown: Sheboygan Falls, WI

Bachelors in Elementary Education from Central College, Pella, IA

Major in Math from Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA

Masters in Educational Administration from Drake University, Des Moines, IA

Food Handling Certification from the state of Wisconsin

I was certified as a teacher K-12 and Principal K-12