About Us
About Us
I am a Pastor with
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); and received my Master of
Divinity through the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. My undergraduate
work is in Elementary Education and Religion. My ministry thus far as focused
on designing youth and family ministry programming and curriculum, as well as
parent/caregiver support that meets families, kids, and youth right where they
are.
One of my favorite
curriculums I have written was a mental health curriculum that helps students
develop practical ways to use their faith and relationship with Jesus to
navigate difficult times. I had incredible help from a fantastic youth
therapist and several school counselors.
A big part of my
call also comes a deeply rooted belief that church can still be a place where
folks can come together from all walks of life to support, encourage, and
uplift each other in Jesus’ name. A common theme in many of my sermons are the
two greatest commandments from Matthew 22:37-39—“ 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God
with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This
is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the
second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
My husband, Tee,
received his bachelor’s in information technology from the University of
Cambodia. Shortly after graduation, he was nominated to be the Principal of the
Biblical Institute for Community Leadership Development in Chhouk, Cambodia,
The Institute provided crucial support and continuing education for pastors
throughout rural Cambodia. After several years running the Institute, he was
selected to study abroad at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Hong Kong for
his Master of Arts in Diakonia (which is also where we met!)
Tee has long been a
passionate advocate for education. For much of his professional career, Tee had
used his IT degrees to teach English and computer skills to students in
Cambodia, helping them get a leg up in their careers. When he came to the US,
he worked in public schools repairing students’ computers, teachers, and staff.
We have two boys,
Sacha (5) and Saya (7). Sacha loves to read, tell stories, make “potions”
(usually vinegar, baking soda, and food coloring concoctions), and try
different unique candies and foods from around the world. Saya loves to play
with Legos and Pokémon, listen to stories, and play with animals. Both boys
love to swim and spent most of the summer of 2025 in the pool, lake, or ocean.
We are honored and
delighted to serve as a missionary family at Tokyo Lutheran Church. We would
love to have you join us on this adventure!