I have been teaching science since 1988!  Currently, I teach activity based science to first through fourth grade students at St. John’s Lutheran School.  My husband Dave is a member of St. John’s and works as a professor of Computer Science at Indiana University South Bend.  We are blessed with two daughters, Zoe and Amelia.  A LaPorte native, I graduated from Valparaiso University with a B.A. in Chemistry and Secondary Education.  I taught chemistry and physical science at the high school level for four years before returning to graduate school full-time at Purdue University. I graduated with a Master of Science degree in Education, specializing in Elementary Science Education.  After receiving my degree I returned to the high school setting and taught chemistry and physical science for two years at North Judson San Pierre High School.  When our first daughter Zoe was born, I retired from teaching full time and have pursued part-time teaching assignments and tutoring students of all ages.  Since 1999 I have worked as an instructor in the Education department at Purdue University North Central, teaching “Science in the Elementary School”.  At St. John’s, I have created a science program in which I use a variety of materials and teaching techniques to provide quality hands-on and minds-on science experiences for children, while covering and surpassing the Indiana State Science Standards for each grade level.  Students actively ask and find answers to questions, practice the skills of scientists, gain understanding of science concepts, and learn how to work cooperatively with others.  I love the energy and natural curiosity children bring to the science classroom.  I hope to instill in children a desire to learn more about God’s wonderful world, and the skills and ideas to do so.