Bio:

Growing up a pastor/church planter’s kid in Las Vegas, NV, I was an active participant with my family’s ministry, including helping out with the church’s private academy and later on, administrative tasks. In college, I studied Russian language and culture and went on to complete an intensive language program with the Institute of Strategic Languages and Cultures. I then traveled to Ukraine in 2017, where I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture and language there. I moved to Idaho and married my best friend, had three baby boys, and now winter in sunny Arizona with my family. While homemaking has been my primary occupation, I have worked in administrative healthcare, the administrative role in my husband’s construction company, attained my Personal Training Certification, and am now Kepler’s ESA Coordinator, teaching Russian and physical conditioning, and homeschooling my oldest. Aside from working, I enjoy outdoor, physical activities, learning new things, and adventuring with my husband and little men.

Teaching Philosophy:

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the idea that curious minds will learn. Keeping children interested and engaged is my first priority in any subject I teach. I’m not quick to push a child through if they are uninterested, frustrated, or not grasping a concept well. I believe all learning is unique to a person and should be treated as such. So, even in a class setting, it’s important to me to pay attention to individual children’s needs and learning styles. This is part of why I love Kepler so much. The flipped classroom style and weekly recitation allow space for children to learn in an active, participant way. With that said, I believe exposure is one of the best ways to help a struggling child learn, so I often end up teaching in a “spiral staircase” method, meaning I revisit concepts often and in differing approaches. Ultimately, as a teacher, my focus is always to turn hearts and minds towards their Creator and guide them toward Him with interest, awe, and wonder. I believe everything a person learns points them closer to God and Truth, whether they know it or not. And, when a child does know that, it sets them up for success as they search out, enjoy, and glorify God with their lives.

Statement of Faith:

Growing up a PK, I knew of my sin, Jesus’ sacrifice, and God’s complete forgiveness from a young age. I accepted Christ as my personal Savior at the age of six and was baptized in believer’s baptism shortly after. I have seen God’s good hand in my life over and over, and cannot be convinced out of my love for, belief, and trust in Him. I am a Reformed Christian, I believe in the inherency of God’s Word, the Apostles’ Creed, and The Westminster Confession of Faith. I am a member in good standing at Palouse Fellowship in Moscow, Idaho, but I attend Redemption Arcadia in Phoenix while residing in Arizona.