My Experience as a Teacher, Trainer and Faith Curriculum Writer

My Education & Background

I am an Associate in Ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (AiM). What that means is that rather than being ordained to Word and Sacrament, I am commissioned to Word and Service. My degrees of Elementary Education, Early Childhood, Theology and Pastoral Ministry all meld together like the diversity of flowers in the garden, to produce fertile soil.

My Teaching Experience
 

Unlike Mary Tyler Moore, when I finished college as a young woman of 21, I did not end up in Minneapolis! Rather, I accepted a teaching assignment in rural South Dakota. I learned so much in the Black Hills about being part of truly holy land and doing the sacred work of teaching. Whether directing a private preschool in Oklahoma or teaching through Luther Seminary, I consider my time with students learning to be a gift from God. My teaching style includes stories, good questions and lots of laughter.

My Work As A Writer
 

In 2005, I took a big jump off a dock into uncertainty as I decided to chase down a lifetime dream of writing. I can honestly say, I had no idea what I was doing. What I did know was the life of religious educators and the life of families with young children. My mentors are many. They molded my writing and took a chance on me. Most projects were successful. Some were not. I learned unbelievable lessons about communicating with words. Here on my website, I am offering you downloadable faith curriculum for faith formation programs and families.

My passion for lifelong learning keeps me constantly looking for new ways to help others stretch and grow in their faith. I am an avid gardener and see a parallel between the sacred cycle of the seed and the cycle of faith formation. Knowing that metaphor through story has long been a method of teaching faith, I continue to look for ways to parallel plant growth and faith growth.

My husband and I live on 30 acres in Minnesota where we partner with God to restore native prairie. My fingernails are full of dirt, my face is often streaked with dirt and sweat and I love every moment of it! The garden keeps growing and so am I.

Hire me as a speaker, teacher or trainer.

Learn more about my downloadable Faith Curriculum.

Contact me with any questions or comments.