Early Childhood Enrichment Center and Pre-Kindergarten

Birthplace:  Gainesville, FL

• One of my favorite things about working at St. Paul is the family like community we have.  The connections that are made while at St. Paul are precious.  Of course I am grateful for the opportunity to incorporate Christ in our daily lives as well.
• My husband and I  have four children – Karaline, Luke, Emmalen, and Katharine.  My oldest 3 are blessed to attend St. Paul and Katharine will join when she is age eligible. We are members of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
• In my spare time you can find me cheering at one of my children’s sporting events – most likely a softball or baseball field.

Education:

• B.S. in Early Childhood Education, Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL
• M.A. in Reading Education (K-12), University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
• Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL
• In the process of completing Lutheran Teacher Colloquy
• Florida Department of Education:  PreK/Primary Education, Reading K-12, ESOL Endorsement

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:

• Prior to becoming a teacher at St. Paul, I worked at a local charter school teaching first grade and VPK.

Birthplace: Fort Wayne Indiana

• I’ve always had a desire to use my God-given skills and teaching experience to bless children and their families, and to share the good news of Jesus with them!
• Mr. Boyd and I have been blessed with 4 sons, and at present we also have 2 daughters-in-law and 2 grandchildren.
• I enjoy any time spent with family, reading, road trips, finding bargains, and working on home and yard projects.

Education:

• AA from Concordia Ann Arbor MI spring 1977
• Bachelor of Arts from Concordia River Forest IL spring 1979
• Elementary education major with a focus on early childhood and sociology

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:

• 2001 to 2010 – PreK and Kdg teacher at Concordia Lutheran School Fort Wayne, IN 
• 2000 to 2001 – Preschool director and teacher at Our Hope Lutheran School in Huntertown, IN
• 1997 to 2000 – 5th and 6th grade teacher at Zion Lutheran School in LIncoln, IL
• 1997 to 1998, 1990 to 1991 – pt.time Kindergarten, PreK, and Middle School language arts
• 1981 to 1985 – PreK teacher at Bethel Lutheran (Westmont, IL)
• 1979 to 1981 – Kindergarten teacher at Nativity Lutheran (Detroit, MI)

Birthplace: Caracas, Venezuela

• It is a privilege to work in a Christian school where I can talk to my kids about Jesus and pray with them everyday. 
• I have been married to Juan since 2001. We have four children from high school age to preschool.
• I enjoy going to the beach, nature walks, traveling and spending time with my family.

Education: 

• Accounting Bachelor’s Degree from Andrés Bello Catholic University. 

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:

• 2006-2008. Internal Control Coordinator. Electricidad de Caracas, AES Corporation affiliate.
• 2003-2006. External Audit Department. Espiñeira, Sheldon & Asociados. Member of PwC. 
• At SPLS I have served in various roles in the ECEC and PK department prior to leading my own classroom.

Birthplace: Lakeland, Florida

• I get to live and share my faith in Jesus by using the many life lessons given in the Bible for character development of God’s children. We learn everyday we are together.
• Married since 1998 with two daughters.
• I enjoy gardening and reading.

Education:

• Management Information Systems, B.A., University of South Florida
• Early Childhood Education and Management Certificate, Polk State College
• Child Care Center Management Certificate, Polk State College

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:

• Computer software development
• Computer System Analysis and Design

Birthplace: South Haven, Michigan

• Faith and education have been a large part of our lives and ministry.  I see the importance of investing into the lives of children.
• Pastor Ron Pennekamp and I have been married for 48 years.  We have seven children and 16 grandchildren (soon to be 17)
• I enjoy nature, walking, billiards, and sewing.

Education: 

• BS Western Michigan University
• Specialized training: Early Childhood Training

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:

• 1994 – 1997 St. John Kendallville, IN Substitute teacher K- 6 
• 1997 – 2005 Lutheran School Association (LSA), Decatur, IL Long term substitute teacher in K-12 
• 2003 – 2005 LSA Decatur, IL Athletic Director 5 – 12
• 2006 – 2012 St. Paul, Lakeland, FL Long-term substitute Middle School
• 2013-2014 St. Paul, Lakeland, FL Pre-K 4 Aide

Birthplace : St Petersburg, FL

• One of my favorite things about teaching at St Paul is being able to sow little seeds of God’s written word into my students’ lives and enriching their young minds through play and experiences.
• I have one son and two daughters. My oldest two children are married and youngest currently attends SPLS. I am ‘Gigi” to two beautiful granddaughters.
• In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Education:

• A.S. Early Childhood Education and Management from Polk State

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:

• Prior to teaching at SPLS, I worked at First Steps Preschool @ FUMC as lead teacher for children as young as six weeks old.
• Before pursuing a career in Early Childhood, I worked for over 15 years at FEDEX / Watkins Motor Lines in the revenue accounting / customer service / collections / pricing department.
• In conjunction to working in the trucking industry, I had the opportunity to be an entrepreneur for two businesses that began in the 90’s and are still in operation to this day.

Birthplace: Lakeland, Fl

• I love being able to share my faith with students and help guide them toward a life of service to God. Leading them by example in how to use music for God’s glory is a blessing I don’t take for granted!
• My wife, Denise, is also an educator. We have two sons who attend SPLS.
• Hobbies/Interests/Talents: 
• Talents and interests related to music include sharing my music at church, and performing with small ensembles for paid gigs. I also enjoy making music with family at gatherings and for personal entertainment.  
• Other hobbies include archery, knifemaking, reading, and occasionally video games. 
• Since having children, my most common pastimes include answering questions and changing diapers, however my favorite pastimes include sleeping for longer than 6 hours and bingeing netflix. 

Education: 

• Masters of Arts in Teaching, Bachelor of Music Performance
• Both degrees from Florida Southern College
• Music Adjudicator Training: Florida Bandmasters Association

Experience prior to serving at SPLS: 

• SPLS is my first full-time position. I have been here since 2012.

Birthplace: San Juan, Puerto Rico

• It is a blessing being a Christian educator at SPLS because I can share with my students my faith in God with freedom and even include the Bible in my teaching whenever it is relevant. 
• I am the proud mother of three boys.
• I enjoy singing, playing the flute, and watercolor painting.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree University of Puerto Rico with a major in Elementary Education K-3

Experience prior to serving at SPLS: 

• Spanish Teacher at Clarksville Academy, TN.
• Temporary Spanish Teacher at Northern Valley Regional High in NJ.
• Learning coach at Huntington Learning Center.
• Four years of homeschool teacher for two of my sons.  

Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• St. Paul has played a large role in my Christian growth after moving to central Florida from Canada. I have been blessed by a huge family of believers.  My belief in Lutheran schools as a leader in Christian education brought me to St. Paul first as our church and then as my daughters’ school and finally as my career choice.  Sharing my days and beliefs in Jesus as our savior and teaching children to care for their bodies has been very fulfilling.
• I have three daughters. All attended St. Paul and GJHS and are college graduates.
• I enjoy barefoot waterskiing, dog training, paddleboarding, home remodeling, Airbnb hosting, property managing, traveling Canada/Australia, and watching my daughter play professional soccer.

Education:

• BPHE, Bachelor of Physical & Health Education, Queen’s University
• Bachelor of Arts (English major), credits toward MBA, Florida Southern College
• NCCP, Basketball  NCCP, Waterskiing, St. John’s Ambulance Certification, Level 3 Water Ski Coach, State of Florida Coaching Certificate

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:

• Vanguard School, Lake Wales, Florida