At the end of the 2021-2022 school year, I completed my 33rd year of teaching. I have been the Kindergarten teacher at St. John’s for 28 years. All of my teaching experiences have been in the lower elementary grades. I have taught in Lutheran schools in Fulda, Minnesota, Knoxville, Tennessee and Belleville, Illinois, where I began my teaching career in 1980.

I grew up on a farm outside of Okawville, Illinois. My father was a farmer and my mother was a  Lutheran teacher. She was my inspiration to become a teacher. I have a sister and two brothers who live in the Okawville area with their families.

My family includes my husband, Wayne. He is from Red Bud and works as a tax preparer and financial consultant. My four children, along with their families, live in Red Bud or Chester. We have 10 grandchildren.

When I am not busy preparing for a school day, I enjoy crafts, sewing, reading books and spending time with my grandchildren.