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: 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: 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.