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Author: Misty Garnett

Ben Jordan

Ben Jordan

My name is Ben Jordan, and I teach Middle School Science. I am from Goldsboro, North Carolina, and I have a BS in Applied Physics. Outside of school, I love watching my boys play sports, hiking, and playing sports. 

I’m a big nerd, and I love showing students all of the ways science can be used to glorify God!

My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11. 

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Jessica Horn

Jessica Horn

My name is Jessica Horn, and I teach Caring Critters. I am originally from Alaska. I have an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and am currently working on my CDA! 

Outside of school, I like to bake, camp, paint, and junk journal! And hang out with my family, of course!

I love that every day is different. The kids bring so much joy to every day. And watching them grow and learn every day is amazing!

My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 126:3: “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with great joy.”

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Jennie Ruiz-Mondragon

Jennie Mondragon

My name is Jennie Mondragon, and I work as an aide in Happy Hoppers. I am from Grand Junction, and  I enjoy gardening, working with my hands, and spending time outdoors with my family.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry. I love how eager the kids are to learn new things! My favorite Bible Verse is Matthew 6:34. 

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Karen Herman

Karen Herman

My name is Karen Herman, and I work as an aide in Shining Stars. I am originally from Illinois, and my family moved to Grand Junction in September of 2023. I like to help friends get organized and get rid of stuff they no longer want or need. I also enjoy working on family genealogy and collecting stamps.

I have my associate’s in Group Child Care, and I enjoy watching the excitement of the students as they learn new things and overcome difficulties, even as preschoolers. 
My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Aside from being a professional house cleaner for five years, I have been involved with children throughout most of my career. I have worked both in public and private schools, as well as day-care centers. I was also a Nanny for five years before the Lord finally blessed my husband (Matthew) and me with a child of our own after many years of waiting.
I homeschooled my son (Blaze) through 5th grade, and then he started attending our local Christian School back in Illinois. He is now studying to become a pilot. We also have a Puggle named Chestnut.

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Bella Vaughn

Bella Vaughn

My name is Bella Vaughn and I teach ASL and work as an aide in Happy Hoppers. I am originally from Bayfield, Colorado. I love cooking, reading, and walking in nature. I am hard of hearing and love connecting the Deaf world with the hearing world!

I studied at Fort Lewis College in Durango and am working towards my ASL Interpreting Certification through ASL University. I love watching the students practice their signs with each other and grow in their curiosity around Deaf culture.

My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 147:3 “The Lord heals the broken hearted and bandages their wounds.”

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Derrick Griffiths

Derrick Griffiths

My name is Derrick Griffiths, and I teach Fifth Grade. I enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, and sitting next to campfires with my family. My favorite sports teams are the Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Broncos. I enjoy early mornings with a nice cup of coffee and using my smoker to make delicious BBQ. I am originally from Arvada, Colorado. 

I love being able to openly pray, worship, and learn about the Bible with our students! I love seeing them grow and become stronger followers of Jesus.

My favorite scripture verse is Deuteronomy 8:1-5, which mentions the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, to be humbled and learn that they could not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. This scripture has taught me that through trials or wilderness experiences, we cannot have self-reliance, but instead, put all trust and faith in Jesus for guidance and wisdom. The Wilderness is a significant theme mentioned throughout scripture, often symbolizing testing, transformation, and refining. My classroom is similar as we are consistently being refined, tested, and transformed with the guidance of Jesus!

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