Ms. Dekker

I grew up in Centerville, Iowa, where I got to experience to joys of living in a small town. From there, I went to the University of Iowa and majored in English (a degree my parents were concerned for) and a minor in Business (a degree my dad highly encouraged). From there I made my way to Chicago for about three years, working in sales and marketing. While I loved the city, I wasn’t passionate about my job.

Thus began my quest to become a teacher. I returned to Iowa and got my masters in teaching from Simpson College, and arrived in Council Bluffs just after graduation. LCMS was the only place I interviewed, but I knew right away that this was the place to be.

Now that I’ve started my fourth year at LCMS, I realize how lucky I am. Very few people get to LOVE their job and truly care about and enjoy the people they work with - and I am one of those lucky people.

While having a job you love is a wonderful thing, the best thing about me is my family. My parents (Mark and Shawn) still live in Centerville, but make the trip to Council Bluffs quite often. My sister (Kate) and her husband (Luke) have three children (Gracie 5, Madelyn 3, and Graham 2) live in Underwood, so I see them every chance I get.

When I’m not at school or with family, I get to hang out with my horse-sized dog, Thor. He is a 120 pound newfoundland mix and full of puppy energy...at four years old.

Fun facts:

• Was a part of “Kevin’s Famous Chili” trivia team that beat 50+ other teams at “The Office” trivia
• Can name all 50 states in alphabetical order in under 30 seconds
• Grew up with Mr. Dickinson’s wife, Avery
• Favorite book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Lived two blocks from Wrigley Field in Chicago
• My dog attacked a police horse...and was on the front page of the Omaha World Herald
• Mat Fraser is my hero #hwpo