Middle School
Prior to teaching I was a career Army officer. I graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY in 1979 with a BS in Civil Engineering and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. I served our country stateside and overseas until I retired from the military as an Army Major in 1996. Ever since I was a teenager, I have gotten along great with younger children ; this led me to teaching as second career. I began teaching at St. John's in 1997 and now, 18 years later, I can add teaching a 5th/6th combo class for 5 years, 6th grade for 7 years, and 6th-8th middle school math and science for 6 years to my accomplishments. Along with teaching, I also coach St. John's Cross Country team. This puts me in the position to work with kids and families in all grade levels. I love my job! The Lord has blessed me with the ability to relate to kids and form meaningful relationships with them. For me, it's all about the kids. Every day I am able to teach and positively influence students is a great day!
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:8-10 |
I have sixteen years teaching in private school education with an emphasis on English/ Language Arts. I hold a B.A. in American Studies from UC Santa Cruz and a Masters of Divinity from Denver Seminary. The Lord has led me into teaching as a ministry and as a way to encourage students to know the Lord in more meaningful ways. I enjoy working at St. John's for many reasons but I would say the main reason is the ministry focus of St. John’s. I appreciate the staff, families, and students and I value the strong academic focus.
“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 |
I began and continue my teaching career at St. John's Lutheran. I originally attended Pacific Lutheran University with the intention to obtain a bachelors degree in finance and pursue a career in that field. After I obtained this degree, I felt like the Lord was calling me somewhere else, which he was. I was blessed come to teach and share my love of the Lord at St. John's Lutheran. I am currently studying to obtain a Single Subject Credential and a Master's Degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University so that I can expand my current abilities as a teacher for the students at St. John's Lutheran.
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let you steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 |