Life Statement:
Faith means trusting that no matter what lies ahead of me, God is already there. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1).
Bio:
As I was growing up, there never was a question that God is real. God, and faith in Jesus Christ, has been a constant in my life since childhood. That faith has been a firm foundation and a steady guide throughout my life. I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and after high school moved to Iowa to attend college. For a shy girl who loved her family, friends, home, and church, this was not something I planned or something expected. It was something completely planned by God. Never once was I afraid or hesitant, nor did I think about what the future may hold. I knew God wanted me at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa- 600 miles from home.
I sure am thankful that God spoke so strongly and that I listened. While at Northwestern, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with Reading and Early Childhood endorsements, and I also met my husband, Lou- a farm kid from the Rockwell area. He and I have been married for 24 years, living in South Dakota before being led to settle in north Iowa where he grew up. He is currently a deputy for the county and a part-time pastor. He is also the boys’ basketball coach at NICS. We have three children: Anna (18), Elijah (16), and Abby (14). Anna graduated from NICS in 2020, and Elijah & Abby are both NICS students. We live on a farm south of Mason City, and enjoy a large garden and most anything rural life has to offer.
I have taught at NICS two separate times (1998-2002 and 2009-present) for a total of 15 years. I am currently the homeroom teacher for the junior and senior classes, and I teach English, Literature, and Social Studies for 7th-12th grades. I also work with the high school students on the yearbook and the annual Spring Play, which is a highlight of each school year. Though I earned my degree in early childhood and elementary education, God has consistently placed me in positions to work with middle and high school students throughout my adult life. I have grown to truly enjoy that age group, and couldn’t see myself in any other teaching position. I enjoy an easy rapport with the students that allows for the teaching of classes and the completing of schoolwork, but also provides the openness to help students with issues that come up in their lives. God has been so good, and He continues to bless me and my family through North Iowa Christian School.
