About Me

I grew up on a farm north of Sutton, NE on the Big Blue River.  I attended school and church (Hope Reformed Church) in Sutton.  My parents both taught in Henderson, NE; my dad, German and English and my mom, preschool.  My Grandfather Ehly was a pastor of the German Salem Reformed Church, a country church which we attended until his passing when I was 8.  I am blessed to have been brought up in the faith by parents and grandparents that put faith first.

My favorite getaway in the summer and on holidays is going back to Sutton to spend time with my parents, old friends, siblings, cousins, and lots of nephews.  Season changes are still the best on the farm and down by the river with my family having wienie roasts, kayaking, fishing, and playing guitar by the campfire.  I enjoy letting my boys experience life on the farm in the country and by the river. We also enjoy the boys’ sporting and school events.  I love to make art when I can, too.

I met my husband Ben after college (UNL), worked for the Nebraska Legislature for 11 years, then was fortunate to stay home with our boys Hiatt (13) and Cooper (9) for the next 11 years.  I began volunteering quite often at LCS in the boys’ classrooms, the office, preschool, and the art room.  I listened and learned and was inspired by many of our teachers. Before I knew it, I was back in school getting my teaching certification.  I’ve always liked school and learning and still do.

One of my favorite things is to witness a former student teaching another something that they’ve learned from my class.  It makes me smile!  Teaching Art at Lincoln Christian is pure joy and I look forward to it and the students every day.

Church: St. John’s Reformed Church

Volunteer Roles: Church choir director & Pre/K Sunday school teacher

Philosophy

Each student is someone’s child and I will care for them as my own.  They are all “my kids” and deserve individual attention, love, understanding, and grace.  We are God’s children and He gives us lots of grace daily!  I am thankful that God led me to this path of teaching. I feel it truly is where I am to be at this moment in my life.  It is what I was meant to do in God’s perfect timing.

There are so many facets of Art and mediums with which to create.  Art is teachable.  Mostly it is learning to “see” and being willing to accept the challenge to be creative within boundaries.  There is art in everything around us.  Whether it’s recreating skillfully God’s beautiful creation in paint, expressing emotion, making a statement, or building amazing sculptures, I want kids to find what kind of art they are good at. I try to get to know my students, identify their strengths, connect their art to their interests, and help them grow as artists while meeting the standards required.