Once a Washingtonian, always a Washingtonian. Growing up in Bellingham, Joy and her sister often played outside with the neighborhood children and built tree forts. They not only received strong academic support as students at Lynden Christian, but also formation of a Biblical worldview that has proven invaluable on her journey to adulthood. After graduating in 2002, she attended Trinity Western University where she finished two degrees in Education, History, and English. In 2019, she also completed her Masters in Teacher Leadership online through Dordt University.
Surprisingly her first teaching position took her to a public school in rural Tennessee near the Smoky Mountains. Over the next 5 years this adventure brought experience with first to third grade students, a close-knit school community, spiritual formation, and hikes amid fall colors.
The summer of 2013, Joy rejoined her family in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She has so much fun being an aunt, and close enough to play together! God also provided a wonderful year teaching in Evergreen Christian’s preschool. Since then, at both Evergreen and then Bellingham Christian, she has enjoyed teaching third and fourth grade – a wonderful age for imagination, curiosity, and exploring creation together. She hopes her students will discover a love for learning, and a longing to follow Jesus with joyful hearts.
During her free time she enjoys singing in choir, hiking for a mountain view, reading children’s literature, and snuggling with her kitties. The Lord has given her a love for studying his Word through Precept studies and growing with his people at Hillcrest Church. She is excited for the adventure ahead. Further up, and further in!
“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving!” (Psalm 28:7)