I grew up in Montgomery, Indiana - a small town in southern Indiana. After meeting and marrying my husband, Bruce, I moved to Fort Wayne in 1998. We have 4 children. Our oldest daughter, Christine, graduated from Grace College last year and works as one of the managers at Culver's on Stellhorn. Our oldest son, Corey, is a sophomore at Notre Dame. Caitlin is a junior and Conner is a freshman at Carroll High School. I enjoy having them all home at the same time and eating dinner together - even if it gets loud. Watching each of them participate in different sports and activities has become a favorite of mine. Reading, listening to music, and watching movies are also some of my hobbies.

After graduating from Barr-Reeve High School as the salutatorian, I went on to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Indiana. At that time, the Lord led me to a year of voluntary service through the Mennonite Board of Missions where I taught 1st grade in Los Angeles, California. Upon returning home, I substituted, coached volleyball, and then became a Title 1 teacher before becoming a stay-at-home mom for 11 years. I returned to teaching at CCS as the Junior High teacher from 2007 to 2010 and then eventually the 4th grade teacher in 2012.

Even though I grew up in the church, got baptized, and memorized many Bible verses through the Bible Memory Program, I didn't truly own my faith until college - especially my senior year. I was challenged to read a book about prayer, Could You Not Tarry One Hour, that changed my life. I was able to put the suggestions to practice that next year while driving my one hour commute to work every day in Los Angeles. The Lord continues to remind me of the importance of spending time with Him because it is so easy to let the busyness of life steal that time away.

Teaching at Central is truly a blessing. I love that we can weave God and His Word into everything that we do. Being able to stop whatever we are doing and pray is powerful. As I study and teach the Bible lessons each week, I know that I am still learning. I am so thankful that God is patient and continues to grow me. What a great God we serve!