About the Director

I grew up in a Christian home and have attended church since day one. I was saved at 5 years old and I remember that moment well — sitting on the end of my mom's bed as she shared with me that Jesus loved and cared for me, and that He gave His life so that anyone could receive the free gift of Salvation.

"He died for the whole world," she said.

I specifically remember picturing the world the way you'd see it in a storybook. But it gave me a visual that a 5-year-old could wrap her mind around. I thought, "How wonderful that a man named Jesus would want to be my friend and even die for little ol' me." In that moment, I chose Him — because He chose me. My mom conveyed that to me, and to this day, all these years later, my mom is still loving Jesus and is still loving me.

As I grew up, I attended a fairly large Christian school in West Covina, California — a wonderful school with wonderful teachers, my mom being one of them! My dad worked so hard for our family, and both our parents kept us in church and always pointing us to our Heavenly Father. There were four of us kids, and we had the best times.

Playing outside with friends, digging in the dirt, playing school and store, running lemonade stands, running through the sprinklers, sliding on the slip-n'-slide, catching rolly pollies, ladybugs, a garter snake or a frog — it was just endless adventure and fun. I loved my childhood. My sister Candie and I were inseparable. We always invented new ways to play, got creative in nature, made mud pies, had outdoor sugar-water tea parties, drank out of the hose, and just had a grand time! She was my best friend, along with our dear friend Marsha. Those days were the best!

Those carefree, wonder-filled days of childhood are exactly what I want every child who walks through these doors to feel.

As I got older, I remained faithful to Jesus, chose my friends wisely, participated in my church youth group, listened to the call of the Lord, and eventually went to college. I wasn't entirely sure what major to choose, so I decided to follow in my mom's footsteps and become a school teacher. I had no idea what I was embarking on — but that's what I did, and I never looked back.

I taught for over 20 years in Christian education and enjoyed every moment of it. Teaching is the joy of my life! After I had my own two boys, I experienced firsthand just how much a good teacher means to a family. It's a beautiful thing to have quality adults in your child's life — people who genuinely have their best interest at heart. I have always tried to be that teacher. I treasure the relationships built over the years, the trust parents placed in me, and the privilege of guiding little hearts and minds toward becoming amazing adults. That's the goal.

Five years ago, during the days of Covid, I met my now-husband, Andrew. We are on our own adventure here in Boaz, Alabama — living the dream on 26 acres of land, running our dump truck business, enjoying our grown children and grandchildren, and fulfilling lifelong dreams that are finally coming to life. Our children are raised, the stars are aligning, and there is more time now to pour into others in a meaningful way.

This business is one of those dreams. More like a calling, perhaps. So here we are — Storybook Grove Studio.

Thank you for stopping in. Whether you're here to receive a little joy, get creative, make some music, listen to a story, discuss the world around us, or grow in character — you are welcome here. It could be indoors or outdoors, or anywhere we make it. As long as we are together in community and making our day a little more special.

Thank you for being a part of this Story.