After finishing school, I decided to pursue a degree in translation and interpretation of English and German. My desire to travel and explore the world was strong, but I also felt a calling from God to spread His Word to every creature. Learning English was a significant challenge for me, possibly due to the teaching methods I experienced. While I could read and understand written material and academic audio content, I struggled with understanding spoken English and even more with speaking it. It was incredibly difficult!

However, everything changed when I discovered that language immersion was the key. Immersing myself in the target language by listening to music, reading books, watching videos, and conversing with native speakers helped me develop my communicative language skills. During this time, my family grew, and God led us to serve as missionaries in the mountains of Peru, my home country.

In Peru, I couldn't find a suitable Christian school for my children, so I took on the role of their teacher. As they grew older, I enrolled them in a school where I had initially volunteered. Recognizing the need for quality educators, I decided to study education with a specialization in languages. My children became my first immersion students, learning to be bilingual simply by using the language daily.

What post-secondary schools did you attend? Degrees held?

I have a bachelor's degree in education with a concentration in Spanish and English Language and Literature from Universidad Mayor de San Marcos in Peru. I am currently pursuing an MBA in Organizational Management at American National University, which I expect to complete in 2025. Additionally, I studied Christian education at Seminario Bíblico Bautista de Chillón in Peru.

Since my husband and I were missionaries, we have been involved in planting new missions, camps, and churches in various cities. At the same time, I worked as a teacher in small schools that the churches established. Some of the larger schools where I have taught include Colegio San José Privado in Cusco, Colegio Internacional Peruano Británico in Arequipa, San Patrick’s Christian College, and Colegio Lord Byron in La Molina, Lima, Peru. Here in the United States, I have been working as a teacher assistant at the American National English Language Institute in Salem, Virginia.

What are your hobbies or things you enjoy outside of the school?

I have a deep love for nature and the mountains, which is why hiking is one of my favorite activities. Roanoke offers beautiful trails where I can enjoy and appreciate God's magnificent creation.

What or who inspired you to work in education? 

The desire to provide my children with a quality education, both academically and spiritually, motivated me to seek out the best educational resources. One of the most impactful books I read in this pursuit was Teaching to Change Lives by Dr. Howard Hendricks. This book transformed my approach to teaching, shifting my focus from merely imparting knowledge to engaging with my students on a deeper, heart-to-heart level. As Dr. Hendricks said, "You teach what you know, but you reproduce what you are" (Hendricks, n.d., Dallas Theological Seminary).

What do you find most compelling or distinct about Christian classical education? 

Christian classical education is compelling because it integrates rigorous academics with spiritual and moral formation, aiming to develop students holistically—mind, body, and soul. It emphasizes the liberal arts and a biblical worldview, fostering critical thinking, eloquence, and a deep appreciation for truth, goodness, and beauty. By connecting students to a rich tradition of Christian thought and preparing them for lifelong learning, this approach equips them not only for academic success but also for meaningful lives of purpose and service.

What do you love about the idea of working at Faith Christian School or what do you anticipate appreciating most about Faith Christian School?

What I love most about the idea of teaching at Faith Christian School is the emphasis on appreciating the arts, which means valuing beauty, truth, and goodness. The environment is warm and welcoming. I also appreciate the students' eagerness to learn—they are engaged, participative, and have a well-developed phonetic ability, which is essential for learning a new language.

What's a favorite book you've read?

Teaching to Change Lives by Dr. Howard Hendricks

How many books do you have stacked on your bedside table or in your "To Read" pile?

I have quite a few books stacked on my bedside table, making it look like a small library. Currently, my "To Read" pile includes Teaching and Christian Imagination by David I. Smith and Susan M. Felch, God of All Things by Andrew Wilson, and Cajas de Cartón by Francisco Jiménez, among others.

If you have a "life verse" or a verse that is ministering to you right now, what might it be?

One of my favorite passages is Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." This verse resonates deeply with me because, so far, God has always provided for me and my family. In times of darkness and distress, His provision and guidance have been unwavering.

If you have a personal life's mission statement, what is it?

My personal mission is based on the belief that I am saved by God’s grace through faith, which is a gift from Him. I want to share and show God’s grace not just through what I say, but also through how I live my life.