I am a graduate of Taylor University, with a degree in elementary education. My college sweetheart, Ryan, and I have been married since 2000 and live with our four children. We also have a son, who is waiting for us in heaven. I developed a passion for children with special needs and their parents after our firstborn daughter suffered a traumatic birth which resulted in multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, hearing loss, and oral dysphagia. From these experiences, and a heart to see and know Christ more, came the desire to help other parents grow in their Christian walk through their own experience raising a child with special needs. In 2016, we adopted our fourth child, a baby girl with special needs. I have been serving alongside Ryan as a mentor to teens in our youth ministry since we were married.