Deeply nurtured by the authentic, gospel-centered faith of my parents, I can’t remember a time when I did not love the Lord.  Raised in a missionary family, I grew up in Brazil, fully immersed in that culture throughout my formative years. The warmth, hospitality, and vibrancy of the Brazilian people and their expressive faith had a great impact on me. My family returned to the U.S. when I was a senior in high school.  I graduated from Calvin College in 1984 and subsequently earned an MEd in educational leadership from San Diego State University. After five years teaching in Chula Vista, California, the Lord led me to Lynden Christian School.

For more than three decades, it has been my great joy to teach sixth graders, students that are young-enough and old-enough, as I often say. The most memorable, impacting teachable moments were those conversations around Ultimate Questions, giving students an opportunity to learn and reflect on Biblical truth claims, while navigating cultural landmines, lies that vie for their hearts. My DEEP HOPE for each one was that they would seek truth, overflow with grace, and give God the glory in all things.

Over the years, teaching sixth grade at LC has filled my heart and life to overflowing. It has been a rich, fertile place of learning together about God’s Word and world, of building grit and gratitude, but also a place to practice how to love each other well and the restorative road back when we don’t.  As my role changes from teacher to LCMS principal, my commitment to students, teachers, and parents is unwavering. Moving forward, my goal is to lead in a way that points all things to Christ – influencing a school culture where His love, grace, and truth are at the center will continue to be a priority.

My husband, Bill, and I raised three daughters, all of whom graduated from Lynden Christian—and at one point, each of them sat in my sixth-grade classroom. We’re incredibly grateful for the season we’re in now. We love sharing life with our busy family, growing in the Lord at Second CRC, and enjoying the Pacific Northwest—especially during the summer months.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  I Peter 3:15

“Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”  2 Peter 3:17–18