What does your job involve?
I work with a fantastic team to touch the lives of preschool children and their parents. We are blessed to plant some of the first seeds of faith in Jesus in the hearts of children as well as equip, support and encourage parents as they raise their precious little ones in today’s world.
Where were you born and raised?
Right here in Orlando! As a matter of fact my husband and I are now living in the same house I grew up in.
How large is the family you grew up in?
There are three children in our family of which I am the youngest and only girl.
When and how did you come to know Christ?
When I was six years old, a neighbor invited me to her church’s Vacation Bible School. I remember making wooden bookends with the picture of Jesus knocking on a door. The teacher explained that Jesus was knocking on the door of our heart and we should open the door and let Him in. I’m sure I didn’t understand all the theological implications, but I am confident that the Lord honored the sincere desire of a small child.
What was the first job you ever had?
I was 17 and worked at a local establishment called the Salad Stop. I made salads and ran the cash register. Had my first run-in with a meat grinder there…not a pretty story.
What is your background in your field?
I studied and secured my degree in Early Child Development, but nothing beats the practical experience of having and raising children!
When and whom did you marry?
I met my husband Greg when I was 16 and a senior in high school. We married here at First Orlando after my first year of college.
How many children do you have?
Greg and I are blessed with three amazing children. Our oldest, Amanda is married and the mother of our two beautiful granddaughters. Tabitha is married and serves as the Creative Arts Coordinator at BellShoals Baptist in Brandon, Florida. Justin, the youngest, is also married and is the Interactive Marketing Director at Campus Crusade for Christ.
How did you get into ministry?
My husband and I have always taught in Life Groups from the time we were engaged until now. When our youngest child started preschool in 1989, I began working at the Child Enrichment Center as a preschool teacher. I fell in love with early childhood education all over again and continued working as a teacher of three year old, then eventually then moved into administration.
Have you ever done any long or short-term mission work?
I’ve been to Jamaica (twice) and Thailand, and I also participated in hurricane relief work through the Southern Baptist Convention in Florida and Mississippi.
What other churches and ministries have you served in?
I began attending First Orlando as a young teen and I never left!
What brought you to First Orlando?
An incredible friend invited me to a First Orlando youth retreat when I was in junior high school. We have remained close friends since and now both serve on staff here!
What was the turning point in your life?
I believe that God honored my young desire to accept Him into my life at age 6, but at that youth retreat I came to know and understand what it meant to make Jesus my Savior and Lord. It was then that I confirmed my desire to have a personal relationship with Him and began my spiritual walk here at First Orlando.
What do you like best about your job?
The opportunity to invest in the lives of children and their parents. I have seen how God can work and move in these precious little ones and I feel blessed to be able to be a part of that. I’ve also raised three children and am happy to share with and encourage parents who are just starting out on this incredible but sometimes daunting journey. And besides all that, nothing beats the smile and hug of a preschooler!
What is your most memorable moment in ministry?
There have been countless individual moments I cherish, some endearing, some astonishing and some hilariously funny. But I would have to say seeing many of my former preschoolers grow up to become godly adults serving in the church, as well as becoming moms and dads with little ones of their own, is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse or portion of the Bible?
My life verse is Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” It has seen me through many difficult times in my life and always continues to point me to the sovereignty and sufficiency of my Lord. Keeping my eyes on Him and allowing Him to work His purpose in and through me is my life’s goal.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My husband and I are now “empty-nesters,” so we enjoy traveling and spending time with our children, who have turned out to be incredible adults in spite of us! And of course, we adore our granddaughters. Our proudest titles in life are those of “Mimi and Pop”!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Probably that I was originally a theater major. I was actively involved in Community Theater until we began having children.
If you weren’t in ministry, what do you think you’d be doing?
I’m not sure, but I know it would involve working with children!