Elementary

I am very excited to begin my teaching career at St. Paul Lutheran School. I believe teaching is a calling from God and I am proud to work at a school centered on God’s word. I graduated from the University of South Florida and have been a substitute teacher for the Polk County School Board for five years. My husband is a Lieutenant for the City of Lakeland Fire Department. We have two young boys, who I am proud to bring to this wonderful school.

Educational background

Institution(s) and Degree(s): Concordia University BA in Education with minors in math and Lutheran Confessions; Masters in Reading from University of South Florida

Licensing: State of Florida Elementary Education K-6

Work History: I started teaching at St. Paul after graduating college in 2001 and have been here ever since.  I spent 9 years in 2nd grade and the rest of my years have been in 4th grade.

Years at SPLS: 19

Favorite Scripture: Joshua 1:9

Why you are drawn to/continue in ministry at SPLS?:  St. Paul Lutheran School is like one big family.  I appreciate the comradery between staff and how we partner together with the entire family to meet students’ needs and help them grow to their full potential.

What do you love about Lakeland/central Florida?:  Prior to moving to Lakeland I lived in several very large metropolitan areas.  I love the small town, family friendly, feel of Lakeland along with my ten minute commute. 

Family Info and/or Interesting Fact about You: I have four children who also attend school here at SPLS.  My hobbies include reading, running, and cooking.

Educational background

Institution(s) and Degree(s):   BA Florida Southern Elem. and Early Childhood Ed and MA University  South Florida

Licensing: Early Childhood and Elem Education Gr.1-6

Work History: I have taught 40 years from 2 year olds – sixth grade. 30 of those years have been at SPLS.

Years at SPLS: 30

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 27:7

Why you are drawn to/continue in ministry at SPLS?:I feel God has and is still calling me to work with fourth graders and share my faith as well as helping them grow in reading and science.

What do you love about Lakeland/central Florida?: I enjoy the diversity of the people.

Family Info and/or Interesting Fact about You: I am a facilitator for Project Learning Tree and Ag in the Classroom. I have worked to make St. Paul a Green School and enjoy sharing the importance of environmental education and agriculture with my students.  

Educational background

Institution(s) and Degree(s): BS in Elementary Education from USF; working on MS in Elementary Education from Southeastern University

Licensing: Elementary Education and ESOL 

Work History: I have previously worked for the Polk County School Board as a 2nd and 5th grade teacher. I have also worked as a substitute teacher for grades K-5. 

Years at SPLS: This is my third year at SPLS. 

Favorite Scripture: Phillipians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

Why you are drawn to/continue in ministry at SPLS?: I love being able to teach my students about Jesus, pray with them when needed and help them grow in their faith. 

What do you love about Lakeland/central Florida?: I love Lakeland because it is close to amusement parks and beaches but is not a big city. It still has a small, homey feel. 

Family Info and/or Interesting Fact about You: I have been married to my husband for 8 years and we have 3 children together. We enjoy going to Legoland and the beach.

Educational background

BA (English), Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Work History: 19 years, St. Paul Lutheran School, Lakeland, FL, 2 years, The Vanguard School, Lake Wales, FL, Water Ski Instructor, 15 years

Favorite Scripture: Phil 4:13

Why you are drawn to/continue in ministry at SPLS?: I am proud to work at St. Paul because I believe in the mission and I see the mission at work in my students.  Watching my students grow physically and spiritually and knowing I am part of their life makes my career very fulfilling. After raising my three girls at St. Paul and seeing how it impacted their character makes me always on a mission to recruit students to join us!

What do you love about Lakeland/central Florida?: I love Lakeland because of the climate and the lakes.  I am a water sport enthusiast. Waterskiing brought me here from Canada to pursue my competitive sport of barefoot waterskiing.

Family Info and/or Interesting Fact about You: My oldest daughter is starting her first job as a physician assistant in Spokane, Washington, my middle daughter is moving to Washington, D.C. to play with the Washington Spirit in professional soccer and my youngest is finishing her degree at San Francisco State University.

Educational Background:

Bachelor of Music Education- Florida Southern College, 2005

Master of Reading Education- University of South Florida, 2019

License: Music K-12, Elementary Education K-6, Reading Education K-12

Work History: 2005-2012- I worked as an elementary music teacher, Pre-k 4 teacher, and first grade teacher in a few different public and private schools.

2014-Present- Teacher at St. Paul Lutheran School (third grade, second grade, piano lab and reading specialist)

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 139:7-10

Drawn to ministry here: I love the family atmosphere here at St. Paul. My children are loved every day while receiving an excellent education. I have the privilege of getting to work with some wonderful students and getting to know their families. It is a loving environment that I look forward to being a part of each day.

Lakeland: I grew up in Lakeland and have been very happy to be back here working and raising my family. It is a great town with many wonderful things to enjoy. My favorite thing about Lakeland is that my family lives here!

Facts: I have played piano for 30 years! My favorite things to do are to shop and go to Disney.