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 22 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.
Favorite Bible Verse:
Psalm 91: 1-2 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.
The school's theme this year is Making Disciples. What does this theme mean to you or what is one way that you can have an impact as a disciple of Jesus?
To me, in order to make disciples, I have to live my life steadfast as a dedicated imitator of Christ. Making disciples does not just mean the words of Good News that I share with others. It is also about how I live my life. People need to see that I am not of this world, but I'm living in it. I am far from perfect, but I love the Lord with ALL of my being. And this allows me to love the people He loves - which is EVERYONE! Discipleship means denying myself of my own desires, being firm in God's Word, and standing out. This is how we teach and reach others! We love them, just as God loves us. And when they mess up, we forgive them, and help them get back up, just as God has forgiven us and helps us. And hopefully, that cycle continues on with them, and they do the same for others. God's love is AMAZING, and He wants that none should perish. But, He needs us. He needs us to be His hands and his feet to others. That's how they see Jesus. That's how we bring them to Him, and they bring Him to others.
If you could be any character from a childhood fairytale, who would you be?
I guess I would be Cinderella. She was kind to everyone, even the little animals. She kept a good attitude, even though her step-mother and step-sisters were rotten to her. She stayed true to herself and what she believed, even though she lived in a hostile environment. And finally, she won the heart of the prince - who loved her not because of status, how beautiful she was, or because of money. He loved her because of the beauty he saw in her heart. And they lived happily ever after!
Hometown: Nekoosa, WI
Bachelor's Degree: Special Education, UWSP
Emphasis: Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional-Behavioral Disorders
Master's Degree: Curriculum Design and Assessment, Olivet Nazarene University, IL