I hold a bachelor’s degree in Music Education K-12 Instrumental and Vocal. I teach JH and HS vocal music, as well as 5-12 grade band. I started at Elyria as a student teacher and looked at other job offers, but the Lord kept highlighting Elyria. Already knowing the environment, it was clearly the best choice, and I began in the 2019-2020 school year.
The students and staff are the reason I stay at ECS. I’ve been teaching the same kids year after year, and it is a privilege to watch them grow. Also, at Elyria we encourage and teach kids about how to walk with Jesus in their everyday lives.
Through morning meetings, chapels, gatherings, the Lord is challenging us spiritually to grow in His Word. The students who are open about their faith encourage their classmates to do the same.
Music has always been a tool for expressing feelings and culture. As a follower of Christ, it matters what music is being taught and who the music is honoring. Learning how to sing or play an instrument is a lot like our walk with God; there is always more challenging music to play, and there is always more to discover about God. However, we can’t let go of the fundamentals of our faith - Jesus Christ, no matter how long we’ve been a Christian. Just like we can’t let go of the first band lesson or notes we learned on an instrument, we keep building upon our knowledge year after year.
Outside of school, I enjoy reading and playing piano and bass guitar, as well as finding new smoothie recipes. I attend Kingdom LIfe Ministries Church in Hesston.
Favorite Verse:
“Faith is the confidence of what we hope for, the assurance of things unseen.” - Hebrews 11:1