About Mrs. Stephens

my career journey

I grew up in northern Ohio, and I call the town of Medina my hometown; however, after more than twenty years in beautiful Virginia, I consider this home.  

Education - Phase I

I earned a B.A. in History at Wheaton College, a small private college west of Chicago.  When I began my education at Wheaton, my goal was a career in international law, but by the time I graduated, my plan was to teach historical theology, so my next stop was the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in La Mirada, CA.  After three semesters of full-time studies and a nearly full-time work schedule, I knew I needed a short break. 

Corporate Business: A "Short" Break 

My "short break" led to a successful, ten-year career in sales/marketing management with home builders all over Southern California. Business management came naturally to me because I was raised by a self-taught mechanical engineer/independent business owner.  But more importantly, at my very core, I am an educator, so I never missed an opportunity to share knowledge and skills with those who worked on my team.  We worked hard, and we learned a lot together.  I left my business career in 1995 partly to stay home with my two daughters while they were young, but also because I knew that I had to get back to my goal of becoming a full-time educator.  

Education - Phase II (Finally It's Time to Teach)

After moving to Virginia in 2001, I was determined to join the ranks of public educators. I subbed all grade levels for a year and decided I was the best fit for middle school.  Beginning in 2003, I taught middle school language arts at all three grade levels--first at Culpeper Middle School from 2003-2007, and then at Auburn Middle School from 2007-2016.  In 2009 I completed my M.Ed. at the University of Mary Washington with a concentration in gifted education.  

I loved teaching middle school, but after 13 years, I knew I was ready for a different challenge.  When the humanities position opened up at the Warrenton campus of MVGS, it felt like my life experiences and education were channeled into a single purpose. Teaching at MVGS is a special experience because we are a community of learners, both students and teachers.  I love the moments in my classroom when I learn as much as my students.  I began my adventure here in March of 2016, and I look forward to the many exciting years ahead.  Learning is my life-long passion.