I grew up in Nekoosa, Wisconsin and graduated from Nekoosa High School. I then attended the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. My husband and I have three wonderful children and we enjoy being connected and serving in our local church.  This is my fourth year as the music teacher here at Immanuel Lutheran.

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 believe the job of parenting is one of the most wonderful blessings that God can give us, as well as one of the most challenging things we will ever do in life. A couple of years ago my husband and I went through some really difficult things with one of our children. These things were not pleasant or enjoyable, but they produced fruit in our lives that probably would not have come if we hadn't gone through those experiences. They caused our prayer life to deepen and strengthened our connection to Jesus, the True Vine. Praise the Lord for His work in our lives that draws us closer to Him and helps us to reflect Him more clearly.

What is the last book you read?  What book is next on your list?

Honestly, I don't take the time to read simply for pleasure; all the books I read are for my spiritual growth. The last book I read was The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges, and I am currently reading Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. I think the next book I am going to tackle is The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley.

Hometown: Nekoosa, WI

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, University of Wisconsin, Steven's Point