Jodi,

Your mark on our family has been indelible. We thank God that both Miles and Felix landed in your care/classroom during transitional years.

I will never forget when Miles started 3rd grade at Simpson and was consumed with worry. You immediately figured out a way to assuage his anxiety and helped us, as parents, support him in finding his voice, while simultaneously identifying ways to ensure his success as a student. (And admit that in your introduction at Meet The Teacher, our antennae went up when you said you ran a marathon; we knew you had the endurance to manage the kids!) Similarly, you were a bright spot when Felix started at Cornerstone and was confronted with the challenges of being a middle school boy.

Your ability to anticipate children's pain points and offer tender, but firm guidance is masterful and appreciated. Eric and I always walked out of our conferences with you acknowledging your capacity for understanding and then amplifying the curious angles of our unique children. Your gift in creating a faithful community within the walls of your classroom was never lost on us as parents. What a blessing you have been for us, and for so many others.