What brought you to LCA, and how has LCA shaped who you are today?
My parents believed strongly that home, church, and school should match in our upbringing as children. I attended LCA from seventh grade to twelfth grade. LCA was my second home since I was there from 7:15 AM to many times 7:00 PM five days a week. LCA, along with my parents, taught me that integration of my Christian faith was imperative in all aspects of my life and should never be separated or put in a box. Also, joy comes from the relationships that I make, not my annual income.
What activities were you involved in while a student?
I loved that LCA was a small school where you could participate in many activities. I played varsity soccer and tennis (thanks to Janet Johnson Newell who sponsored a boy’s tennis team). I was part of the New Life Singers and Chorale as well as taking part in all of the theater productions. I was also the editor of the Yearbook my senior year.
Which faculty members impacted you the most while here?
So many teachers were wonderful mentors to me while I attended LCA. Kevin Crispell, Carole-Beth Sahud, Kim Winsor, Linda Ware and Mrs. Strodel all took so much of their personal time to talk with me and work with me through difficult situations that I was facing and did it in a loving and Christ-like manner. I do not remember much about the academic classes that I had while attending LCA, what I remember are the many conversations that I had with my teachers outside of the classroom.
How has your faith impacted your life and career after graduating LCA?
My faith focused me on waiting for a strong Christian woman named Heather and raising our five children; Haven, DJ, Dane, Linnea Mae and Declan in our Christian faith and attending church to fellowship with other Christian families. My faith has brought me to live in Japan and Senegal to work with children and share the gospel. My faith is the most important part of who I am, not what I do for a living, but talking about Christ and volunteering at church. People need hope and we have the greatest hope to share with them.
Tell us about what you currently do for work and the road to your current career.
Presently, I am in my thirteenth year as the Elementary Principal in Carlisle, Massachusetts. After college I went overseas and taught English and tennis in Japan for a few years. When I returned to the states I took a job teaching in a Christian school. During that year I felt that God was calling me to teach in the public school system as my mission field. I have taught in Salisbury, North Andover and Newton in grades 5, 4, and 2. I then went to Melrose for my first principalship and then to Carlisle where I am presently.
What college did you attend and what inspired you to choose your major?
I attended Gordon College for my music education degree as well as a teaching certificate in elementary education. I knew that I wanted to be a teacher since I was six years old. Next, I attended Lesley University for my Masters in Special education and finally, I attended Nova SouthEastern University for my Doctorate in Curriculum and Systematic Change. Each of these degrees opened doors for me that God had in his life plan for me, that at the time, I was not planning to do as part of my professional career.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Working with children who are just so honest about how they feel and what they are thinking brings me a great deal of joy and laughter. Also, mentoring my teachers to either add a new strategy or new technique to their teaching box of tools as well as reinvigorating their love of teaching.
What would you say are the top requirements (skills, mind-set, etc.) for someone entering this line of work?
You need to love people; children as well as adults! You need to be caring. You need to have confidence in your abilities that God has given you. It is very helpful if you have strong skills in the following areas: organization, behavior management, communication (oral and written), and knowledge in children’s development. It is such a rewarding profession, but it is also a very difficult one.
If you could offer just one piece of career advice with today’s students or something that you wish you had known before graduating, what would it be?
I was a planner and had my professional and personal life mapped out since I was a teenager. However, our life plan may be different from God’s plan for us. I thought I would be done having children at the age of 35 not just starting my family. I did not plan to be a principal or work at the college level. However, God opened both the principalship to me as well as teaching many years at Lesley University. We need to remember that God’s timing is perfect and that he will open and close doors for us. We do not need to be anxious about anything, but waiting on God is so important.
In what ways are you still connected to the LCA community and what has that meant to you?
Presently, I have two children that are attending LCA. Linnea Mae is a senior, and Declan is a 7th grader. It is wonderful to see teachers mentoring my children and getting to know them at such a personal level. LCA has impacted my daughter’s life especially in such positive ways! Her faith, her self-confidence as well as the friendships that she has made have been amazing growth experiences!
What are you most grateful for from your time here?
I am grateful for loving teachers and administrators who have created a wonderful atmosphere for teaching and loving. I love that LCA encourages children to try new activities just for the experience! I am grateful that LCA is preparing our children to be strong, caring Christian leaders of our future!
Are there any reflections you would like to add?
I am so grateful that I can send my children to a school that teaches the truth from a Biblical perspective. At a time where many individuals seem to believe that whatever they want to believe, is the “truth” when reality tells us it is not. It is important for families to make sure children are navigating the steady stream of information with adult assistance in understanding what they are viewing both at home and at school. LCA has been an amazing partner in the education of our children!
