Educational
background:
á
Ph.D. Candidate
in Liturgical Studies (ABD), Drew University, Madison, New Jersey
á
Master of
Philosophy in Liturgical Studies, Drew University, Madison, New Jersey
á
Master of
Church Music (Handbells), Concordia University, Mequon, Wisconsin
á
Master of
Education in Christian Education, Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia
á
Graduate
courses in Catechesis and Liturgical Theology, Notre Dame University, South
Bend, Indiana
á
Bachelor
of Arts in Music (Piano), Minor in Dance, Rowan University, Glassboro, New
Jersey
Certifications:
á
Association
of Christian Schools International, All Levels Music
á
Association
of Christian Schools International, Secondary Bible
Professional
Affiliations:
á
Music
EducatorÕs National Conference (MENC)
á
New
Jersey Music EducatorsÕ Association (NJMEA)
á
American
Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR)
á
The Hymn
Society of the United States and Canada
Teaching
experience:
á
Bethel
Prep, Sewell, NJ – All levels Music (since Fall 2008)
á
Drew
University, Madison, NJ – Graduate level Teaching Assistant (2007-2008)
á
Somerset
Christian Academy, Zarephath, New Jersey – P-12 Music Director (2004-2007)
á
Huntington
Learning Center, Livingston, New Jersey – Managing Director (2002-2004)
á
Fairton
Christian Center Academy, Fairton, New Jersey – K-12 Music Director
(1994-2002)
Other
experiences that have made me a better teacher:
á
My
studies at Regent University were incredibly valuable as the professors there
are rigorously trained in Biblical Integration and it is clear that they all
walk with the Lord. The most valuable lesson I learned there was to model my
teaching after Jesus, the Master Teacher, Who took time to build relationships
with His disciples.
á
One of my
college professors once gave me some great advice during a voice lesson. He
told me that as musicians, we are always trying to get our musical ensembles
from point A to point B. ÒBut,Ó he said, Òalong the way, make some music.Ó Over
the years, this has given me some valuable perspective.
á
I believe
that good teachers must also be good learners. So, I make it a point to learn
from my students as well as to continue my own education formally and
informally.
Sports,
hobbies, special interests:
á
Music
Director/organist at Martin Luther Chapel in Pennsauken, NJ.
á
Ringing
handbells; I also enjoy reading, cooking, crocheting,
singing, practicing the organ, traveling, dancing, and trying new things.
Why I
became a teacher:
á
Truthfully,
I fell into teaching because my childhood pastor asked me to teach some classes
at the churchÕs school while I was still in college. Immediately, I fell in
love with the children and with watching them grow and learn. God has a funny
way of guiding meÉbut I would have it no other way!
What
I love about teaching:
á
I think
being a music teacher is one of the best kinds of teaching for several reasons.
We get to witness tangible results often very quickly. Plus, we have the
privilege of keeping our students over the course of several years, and it is
such a joy to watch them grow both as musical and as spiritual beings. My heart
especially swells with joy when I see one of my students apply his musical
knowledge to tackle new pieces or to use his gift in ministry to others.
Why
I came to Bethel Prep:
á
The Lord
led me here. At the time, I had not heard of the school, and my mom found the
website with an ad for music teacher, so she forwarded it to me. The funny
thing is that my mom was looking for something completely unrelated and
happened upon Bethel PrepÕs advertisement. When I proposed a music program to
Pastor Bob and the school board, they were willing to take a risk on me, and I
believe that it was the Lord Who ordered my steps to be here. J
What I
look forward to at Bethel Prep:
á
I look
forward to watching the music department grow into one that is known for its
quality ministry and service throughout the community and driven by the
studentsÕ true discipleship of our Lord Jesus Christ.