Describe the path to your current vocation.

I have been a part of the Lutheran school system for my entire life.  My father was a principal and teacher at Zion Lutheran before teaching at the Lutheran High School. My mother taught third and fourth grade at Zion Lutheran.   My grandfather was a Lutheran Minister for fifty years in Elgin, Illinois. My uncles, aunts, and cousins are teachers in the Lutheran school system.  While the history of my family doesn’t instantly make you want to become a teacher, I knew at a very early age that this is what I wanted to do with my life. I saw the difference that my parents made in children’s lives.  I saw the hard work, dedication, and sometimes difficult decisions that had to be made.  Their ability to be successful and persevere was the result of their faith in Christ, the support of their congregation, and the solid friendships they made at their schools.  I loved the idea that I could openly share my faith, be a support for children, an ear to listen to them, and have the ability to learn something new every day.  Teaching children keeps you young and on your toes!

When did you become a Lutheran?

I was baptized into faith on August 8, 1970. I have attended Zion Lutheran Church and School, Lutheran High School of Indianapolis, and did both my undergraduate and graduate studies at Concordia University Chicago (then River Forest). It is safe to say that I have always been a part of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

What do you love most about your job?

I could answer this in one word, but I am sure that would be too minimal.  Children.  I love to be around them, I love their perspective, I love their eagerness to learn, I love that I have an opportunity to help shape their ideals and help give them a firm foundation in their faith. I love that they challenge me to be better than I am.  I also have to say that there is something special about being a part of a Lutheran school family.  You have such a great support system, and many people who love you and want you to be the best you can be.  You can go to any one of them and know that they will be there for you.  It is such a special environment that I am pretty sure is like no other!

What was your longest or most favorite road trip?

My longest road trip was to Aegina, Greece and then onto London, England. I went with my college roommate and a few teacher friends from St. Paul, Mt. Prospect.  Visiting places in Greece that were built in B.C. was absolutely incredible. I loved visiting the Acropolis and the multiple ruins in Greece. In England, visiting Dover and all the castles, was incredible!  We stayed in a seminary outside of England with my friend’s family.  I would go back in a heartbeat.

What are your hobbies?

I love to watch my children play volleyball and basketball.   I also enjoy going to see my college friends for dinners out and very long conversations. It’s always fun to go to movies and hang out with friends.  I also enjoy reading books, and this year, I especially loved watching the Cubs win the World Series!  I am still in shock.