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Birth
Born to a 17 yr. old mom whom had married my father just 3 months before my birth. My mom was not allowed to attend her high school graduation, even though I was born prior to the ceremony. -
Sister born
Jenny became by best friend and at time during my teen years, my worst enemy. She is a constant in my life and I depend on her to help me make important decisions. -
Brother born
John brought out the protector in my personality. I took care of him during our childhood because my mother was not emotionally able to fully tend to her children. -
Parents divorced
I remember fighting and sadness. Then I remember being alone with my siblings. This was a dark, sad time. -
Mother remarried
A man without children appeared to be our savior. Several years later, I discovered this savior was a demon in disguise. -
Little sister born
Laura brought [ure joy and happiness. I fell in love with my sweet sister the moment she came home. The next ten years I was her friend and caretaker. When I went off to college she grew closer to my other sister, but as adults Laura and I are once again joined at the heart. God brought her into my life to show me that other people depend on me and rely on my love. -
Moved to a larger home- new elementary school (5th grade)
My new school gave me one paragraph to read without explanation. I then was told to answer 10 questions (I was not given a purpose for reading). I did poorly on those questions and was placed in a remedial class. This memory is one of the reasons I became a reading specialist. I want all students to have a positive experience with literacy learning. I also think this experience helps me understand growth mindset and the importance of clear learning targets for students. -
Confirmation
My childhood was difficult and sad but my mom did take us to church and set the foundation for a faith-filled life. I spent my teen years volunteering at church. I discovered that I enjoyed working with children. This experience was God's gentle guidance pushing me towards a career in education. -
First job (beside babysitting)
I got a job answering phones at an office on Saturday mornings. Money brought a sense of empowerment and independence. -
Car and first boyfriend
Independence and young love. Freedom gave me the opportunity to spend time with people that built me up emotionally. -
Met Anne M. My best friend
She was my supervisor at first and then my best friend. She is one of the gifts that God sent me when I needed a person to walk with down the journey of life. -
Graduated High School
I decided to go to Iowa State University. I wanted to move away from home but not be more than a few hours away from my siblings. My stepfather told me that it was a waste of my money because "girls did not need an education." His comments motivated me to prove him wrong. -
Met my future husband
College life and true love provided me with a couple magical years. I was able to enjoy my life as a young adult and put my troubled childhood behind. Ron is a gift given to me from God. He supports me, loves me and makes me laugh every day. -
Moved to Indiana
Ron had a job. I needed financial support to finish school, so off to Indiana I went. This adventure provided me distance from my family and the opportunity to search my soul and figure out what I wanted for my future. -
Graduated from IUPUI with B.S. in Education
I accomplished my undergraduate with limited support from my family. Ron and God held me up and gave me strength. I graduated with honors and the foundation for a bright future. This accomplishment is a blessing because God gave me the strength and determination to finish. -
Married
A man and a woman joined before God. -
Roaming years
We lived in Ohio for two years and then New York for three years. These were our roaming free years. We had adventures, work, and time to enjoy and develop our relationship. This is also the time I got my first teaching jobs- kindergarten and second grade. -
First son born
Welcome Nate. My first child and another blessing from God. Creating life is a miracle! This started my stay at home years. I was blessed to have the opportunity to nurture my children. My children are blessings from God. They showed me that my heart had unlimited potential for love. -
Daughter born
Welcome Nicole! Another blessing from God. This time a daughter! My heart was bursting with love and joy! -
Third child born
Welcome Jacob! Our blessing continue! -
Trisomy what??
Discovered that Jacob has an addition on his 7th chromosome. This is an extremely rare diagnosis. This experience brought me extreme sadness and eventually, a stronger faith. Jacob has turned out to be a blessing in more ways that can be counted. Having him in our lives has enriched us in ways that can not be fully explained with words. Jacob has an amazing spirit and reminds us every day that life is full of blessings if you just take the time to look. -
Back to work
11 years staying home with 3 children. I needed to rediscover my purpose outside of my family. I took a job as a kindergarten intervention teacher. The following eight years I was a reading interventionist and finally a literacy specialist. God has blessed me with a career that provides me with purpose and satisfaction. -
Master's Degree
Graduated from Concordia University with a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. -
New District/ New Job
I moved to a district closer to home. I started a job as a reading specialist in the Rockford Area School District. -
Dr. Praska
I started the Educational Doctorate program at Bethel University. For many years I have thought about obtaining a doctorate. I finally had the courage to start a program. I feel like God placed this opportunity in my hands at the perfect time.
