Mrs. Venessa Gronski
Favorite Bible Verse:
“Whoever dwells in the shadow of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” Psalm 91: 1–2
I was born and raised in Nekoosa with my younger brother, and I continue to live there with my husband and two children (Brenna and Josiah). Post high school, I attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Special Education with specific emphasis in Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional-Behavioral Disorders. I also earned a master’s degree in Curriculum Design and Assessment from Olivet Nazarene University, Illinois. I have been teaching for 26 years, with the last 20 years’ experience at a school in a neighboring community. In following God’s plan to make a change in my life, I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the Immanuel family this year! I love that the love of God and the salvation message is infused in all that Immanuel does, while holding very high academic standards. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, extended family, and friends. I also enjoy traveling, visiting historical sites, biking, being outdoors, and playing the piano/singing on our worship team at church.
Our school’s theme this year is “Endure” (Hebrews 12:1-3). Briefly share a time in your life when you felt you needed the endurance that only God can provide. How can you use your experience to share God’s love with the students and families in our school?
My husband and I wanted another child, but could not have one naturally. After much prayer, we decided to adopt. We signed a two year contract with Angel Adoptions. The wait seemed forever, and we didn’t want to become involved in some of the situations that were presented to us. At times, the journey was very bleak and discouraging. We began to have doubts, but we encouraged ourselves in the Word, had many people praying for us, counted our blessings being grateful each day for what God had already provided, and clung to faith and hope in our prayer time with our Father. As we approached two months left of on our contract, I began to give up and told myself to accept the reality that we would not have another child. The very next weekend, a sermon I heard at church stirred up my faith once again, and we continued to pray and hope. We had bought a house Nov. 30th, and on Jan. 22, I had just unpacked and put away the last box of items on the main floor of our house. The phone rang, and we received news of a baby boy to be born in less than 48 hours, and the birthmother had chosen us!!!! Josiah has been worth every moment we endured waiting his arrival in our family!!!
What activity helps you relieve stress?
Listening to worship music and playing Word Trip on my phone.
Hometown: Nekoosa, WI
Bachelor’s Degree: Special Education, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Emphasis: Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional-Behavioral Disorders
Master’s Degree: Curriculum Design and Assessment, Olivet Nazarene University