I grew up in a Christian home where loving Jesus was simply a way of life. Church, youth group, and serving on the worship team were regular parts of my childhood. Even so, I went through a season of bitterness toward God as I faced personal struggles. Through His grace and mercy, He drew me back to Him, and I was rebaptized at 14. Since then, I've continued to pursue a close relationship with Christ.
After high school, I fell in love with a longtime friend who joined the Navy. We spent our first year together long-distance before getting married in December 2024. While it wasn't the path I had imagined, it was clearly part of God's plan.
Moving from a small town in Wisconsin to Virginia Beach was a big adjustment. Working from home and knowing only my husband made it difficult to find community, but everything changed when we found Coastal. I immediately sensed God's presence and knew this was where He was calling me to grow and serve.
When I'm not studying for my bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, you'll usually find me outdoors hiking, at the beach, volunteering at the Norfolk Zoo, or spending time with my own little "zoo" of two dogs, a cat, and a rabbit. I love exploring and caring for God's creation, and I'm excited to see where He continues to lead me.