What did you do after Valley? Where did your life take you?

After graduation from Valley in 2011, I continued my education at Grand Canyon University, studying Sports Management and Marketing. After a successful internship with the Arizona Diamondbacks in college, I was hired on full-time as an Admin for the Sales team. After 6 months, I got promoted to Coordinator of Group Events and Hospitality. It was in this role where I planned multiple events, including the largest group event, Faith and Family Night. In June 2020, I transitioned to working for VCS (more on that below!).

I bought a house in 2017 in Tempe, where I currently reside with my roommates. I attend Antioch Church in Chandler, and am a volunteer at a Young Adult Ministry called Purpose PHX.

Tell us a little about your daily work:

I am the Development Manager of Events at Valley Christian Schools. I assist the Director in engaging alumni, plan/promote/execute large events, working with donors, and running the Trojan Spirit Shop. I am thrilled to be back on campus!

What’s one surprising thing we don’t know about you?

I won Outstanding Senior for the College of Business at GCU my Senior year. Also, I skipped 4th grade!

While you were at VCS, which teachers, coaches or classmates had the biggest impact on you?

Some of my best friends to this day have come from Valley Christian. I am best friends with Taylor Kortman, Jeff Reinhart, Dwight Nield, and Connor McGrath. This inner circle of mine is the definition of iron sharpening iron, and I am so grateful. Drew Streeter and I have led two VCS trips overseas, and have been to Europe together three times. I am also close with Greg Tonkinson, Carla Morgan, and Lisa Miller. These teachers stood out to me, even beyond Valley, because they pursued a relationship and have been the ultimate example of loving Jesus and others.

How do you stay connected with your friends from Valley and VCS?

Like I mentioned, some of my best friends to this day came from Valley! So I am really connected with them. Also, I’ve been on two trips with VC overseas, exploring London, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and France with VC colleagues. I attend football games and Valley Night of Worship, so to be on the other end of these events will be really special.

What’s one lasting memory you have of VCS?

Dog piling on the mound with my teammates in Peoria after we won the 2011 Arizona 2A State Championship for baseball! Also, winning prom king my senior year was pretty special!

Do you have any advice for current students?

My biggest piece of advice for students is to be intentional about loving your classmates (and eventually your coworkers someday). We may not always get along with everyone, but we are called to love. Don’t be afraid to be bold for Christ, because the Lord honors obedience.