Hello! My family started attending Creekside in 2003, and I volunteered to serve in kids ministry soon after. Little did I know that God would call me to lead Creekside Kids full-time by 2008!  Back then we didn't really have an office staff, so I also helped with administrative stuff. I've been living a double life ever since, with one hand in kids ministry and the other in church operations. This has given me a unique opportunity to see God move and provide in every single aspect of our church. My newest role as Student Ministries Pastor is incredibly rewarding, as I get to see our kids all grown up and still seeking Jesus! On paper, I'm not really qualified for anything I do, which just goes to show that God often calls the unqualified :) I have a dual degree in Journalism and Multicultural studies with an emphasis in Spanish from the University of Missouri. When I was in college, I was sure of three things: I never wanted to get married or have kids, I never wanted to be a teacher, and I never wanted to work for a church. (All of which my mom had done.) Instead, I wanted to be a hard-hitting journalist who always got the scoop–but God had different plans for me, and I am thankful every day! The mission of Jesus has literally taken me around the world: from the US to Mexico, the UK, Kenya, China and Bangladesh. I believe we have much to learn from the faith of our brothers and sisters around the world, and I am passionate about sharing that with the next generation. Norm and I got married on New Year's Eve 1993, and our two kids, Caleb and Lauren, grew up at Creekside and are soon to launch into their own adult lives. In my life before kids, I taught high school Spanish and journalism for seven years. I love working with teenagers, kids and people of all ages. I can't wait to get to know you!