I am Amy Dillingham and I am the second grade teacher at Central Christian School. I am originally from St.Louis, MO, but we have lived in Leo for 12 years. My husband is John and we have been married for 28 years. We have three kids - Devin is 23 and married to Addyson. Keira is 20 and Joel is 18 and a senior this year. Our nest is emptying out, but we still love to ride ATV’s together on our land, travel, eat out together, and play cards! When I’m not in our classroom, I can be found taking walks with friends, arranging some Trader Joe’s flowers, or baking something sweet to share with others. I especially love relaxing on my new deck with a mug of chai and a good book!

I had the amazing opportunity to student teach in the United Kingdom. I taught in a first grade classroom in Swansea, Wales and got to travel to London, Paris, Utrecht, Venice, and Geneva. I graduated from Southeast Missouri State (while still overseas) in 1996 with my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. I taught 2nd grade for a year and 1st grade for two years. It was then that I stayed home to raise our three children. 20 years later, it was time to return to school. I was blessed to be a one on one para at Cedarville Elementary for the sweetest boy for four years, which I loved, but when he left our school, it was time for me to leave, too.

I found myself in an interview here at Central Christian and I knew I was right in God’s will. I know I belong here. I already feel the family vibe that everyone raves about. I feel God’s love flowing out of each staff member. I have felt loved, supported, and like someone has my back from day one. I can’t wait to pray with my students and not have to hide it!

I was raised in a Catholic family and at the age of 17, was introduced to Jesus by a sweet friend. I’ve been following him for 33 years now and I can’t say life has been easy, but He has never left my side. I love Him with all my heart! When doubt creeps in, He has people all around me to encourage me and steer me back to Him. When I struggle, I pray and He is always there. I’m excited to re-start my career - this time in my own classroom, in a school where I don’t have to quietly whisper about God, but I get to loudly proclaim His name!