Teachers

Meet Ms. Ardavanis:

Hello, my name is Lauren Ardavanis! I was born in Chicago, raised in Santa Clarita, and then moved to Kingsburg when I was 12. I have six siblings who live all over the place, but my twin does live in Kingsburg, so if you say hi to her and she doesn’t know who you are... it’s probably not me.

I graduated from Kingsburg High School and then attended The Master’s University. Growing up, I had been involved with the Youth Ministry, and I loved being able to serve the Church in that way. I grew a heart for youth during this time as I saw the Lord work in students’ lives to draw them closer to Himself. It was after working at a summer camp during college, however, that I changed my major from Business to wanting to work with students vocationally. After graduating from TMU, I completed my credential in Social Studies and then began working at a Christian school in the area, teaching the same content and classes that I am now. It is such a privilege to be back home in the Valley and be part of a school that so clearly seeks to emulate Christ in all areas, beyond even academics and athletics.

Working with students in a classroom setting has only grown my understanding of this pivotal time in their lives. I love being able to be part of what God is doing with students in terms of their relationships with Him, as well as seeing them grow in their own personalities, passions, and dreams. Something I look forward to is seeing how God uses the students in the future as they grow into men and women who fear the Lord. I love getting to teach history because it opens up conversations of worldview and how to think and discern from a biblical framework.

Daniel 2:21 — “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding.”

Meet Mrs. Ayers:

Being a part of the Immanuel community as a teacher and parent has brought me full circle.  I am a proud Immanuel graduate and an alumni of Fresno Pacific University’s undergraduate and teacher credential programs. I taught 3rd grade before staying home with our four children. When a part time English position opened at Immanuel, it was clear that it was the right time to return to teaching. I had always wanted to teach English, and I have absolutely loved being a part of the Immanuel English department. Reading and writing are my academic passions, and I am excited to share that love with students. When Jesus shared the truths of the gospel, He did it through stories. I enjoy digging into texts with students, and holding them up against what the Bible calls us to as Christians.

Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Meet Ms. Bell:

Hello! My name is Peyton Bell. I grew up in Fresno, California with my parents and my younger sister, Kendall (who also happens to be my best friend). I attend and serve at The Well Community Church, where my dad is a pastor. I was a student in Clovis Unified School District from kindergarten to my senior year of high school, graduating from Clovis North High School in 2021.

My parents often read to my sister and I when we were young, which sparked in me a deep love for literature from a young age. As I grew up, I knew I wanted to continue to study literature and explore how it helps us interact more deeply with our faith. I decided to continue my education at California Baptist University as an English major to do just that. I graduated in 2025 with a B.A. in English Literature, an integrated single subject English teaching credential, and a minor in Philosophy. My dream was to return to the Central Valley to contribute to its legacy of teachers who care deeply about their students both in and out of the classroom.

I believe that every student has unique giftings designed by God to allow them to contribute to His kingdom. I look forward to preparing my students to become better readers, writers, and thinkers so they can achieve the success the Lord has laid out for them. I am grateful and excited to be part of Immanuel's mission to strengthen students academically and spiritually.

"Perhaps this is the moment for which you were created." -Esther 4:14

Meet Mrs. Decker:

Hello, my name is Tracy Rose Decker. I grew up in the foothills of Sanger on our family cattle ranch. I attended Centerville Elementary School, a small K-8th country school. When it came time to go to high school my family and I decided I should attend Immanuel, where I didn't know a single person in my class. I quickly made friends and had the most wonderful high school experience a person could ask for. After graduating from Immanuel, I attended CSU Fresno where I earned my BA in Interior Design.  I have almost 30 years experience in the design field which includes residential, medical and commercial design.  Through a series of events God has change my career course and lead me to a teaching position at Immanuel.  I would never in a million years have imagined being an interior design teacher!  But God is so good, and I am incredibly excited for this next chapter of my story and to pass on my knowledge of the design field to the next generation.

I live in Reedley with my husband Daren and our children Devin and Sadie.  We enjoy going to Shaver Lake to relax and hike.  We are big baseball fans and love the Dodgers.

Favorite verse:  "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."  Isaiah 43: 1b-2 NIV

Meet Mrs. Deaver:

Hi my name is Karin Deaver. When my husband and I decided that Immanuel was a good fit for our family, God orchestrated the steps and I found myself teaching high school math while my children attended. I felt the call to teaching in 1985 when I was invited to a Christian Teacher’s Conference at Hartland. I never looked back. I graduated from Fresno Pacific in 1989 with a major in Mathematics and a minor in English.  From there I entered the Fresno Pacific internship program and I began my teaching career at Dinuba High School where I taught Pre Algebra and Algebra. I also coached and was a class advisor. In 2000, I took a position at Kingsburg High where I taught for three year until we decided I should take time off from teaching to care for our growing family. After 8 years of homeschooling our five children, our family transitioned to public school and then to Immanuel. I enjoy teaching the students in my class and find that teaching here at Immanuel is very rewarding.

Meet Mrs. Faust:

Hello! My name is Rebekah (Bekah) Faust and I am so excited to start a new adventure along with my kiddos here at Immanuel! My husband Darren and I have been married for over 15 years and have 3 kids. Oldest son, Noah, 13 yr old 8th grader, middle son, Greyson, 11yr old 6th grader, and daughter, Olivia, 9 yr old 4th grader, will all be joining me at Immanuel and are super excited as well. We love to travel and raise orphaned and injured wildlife with Fresno Wildlife Rehabilitation Service.

I have a BS Degree in Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology from the University of California at Davis and a Biology Teaching Credential from CSU Fresno. Before going into teaching I was a land animal trainer for Six Flags Marine World (now Discovery Kingdom) in Vallejo. But my passion for teaching kids about animals, along with the cost of living in the bay area, led me back home to Clovis to pursue a career in teaching science.

I taught science for 13 years at Abraham Lincoln Middle School in Selma, then for the past 5 years I have taught science online for California Connections Academy. I love the fact that I get to finally teach science with an emphasis on God, our amazing creator and using this to point students back to Him.

Favorite verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 

Meet Mrs. Friesen: 

My name is Coleen Friesen, and I grew up in Fresno, California. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree and teaching credential from Fresno Pacific University. At FPU, I met my husband David, an Immanuel alumnus, and after college we married and settled in Reedley. We have been blessed with seven children who have graduated from or are currently attending Immanuel Schools. Some of my hobbies are camping at the beach or in the mountains, watching our kids play sports, and singing.

I began my career as a kindergarten teacher and then taught K-8th grade students at a charter school. I also spent many years --14!-- homeschooling my own children. All of these experiences, as well as my time as a real estate agent and property manager, prepared me in amazing ways for the job I hold today. I was thrilled when the Lord opened the door for me to work at Immanuel. 

One of my favorite hymns says “Oh love of God, how rich and pure, how measureless and strong...”  What a privilege it is to share the immeasurable love of God with students every day!

Meet Mr. Gossenberger:

Hello everyone! My name is Jason Gossenberger and although I was born in Vallejo, California I grew up in Clovis. My father was (and is still) a pastor and my mom was a stay-at-home mother. Yes, it is true what they say about Pastor's kids, but I can safely say I was not one of them. It would be an understatement to say I grew up in the church, and that it was basically a second home for me.

I graduated from Buchanan High School in 2007 with a class of 1,000+ students, so it is safe to say there will be a little bit of an adjustment for me at Immanuel. I knew God was calling me to serve Him after high school by being someone who could offer guidance, support, and Biblical understanding to the youth of the next generation.

I married my incredible wife, Maribeth, and graduated from Fresno Pacific University. I have spent the last 9 years of my professional career as a Youth and Associate Pastor, but there was always a tug on my heart to enter into education. So, less than a year ago, God opened a door that I had to step through and here I am today getting ready to guide, support, and provide Biblical understanding for each student that walks through my classroom doors. I am thankful, blessed, and pumped to be a teacher at Immanuel Schools and I look forward to all that God will do.

Favorite Verse: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Meet Mr. Henderson:

Hello, my name is Jake Henderson. I was raised in Fontana, California where my Father is the pastor of Storm Shelter Church. I am the youngest of five children. I grew up mainly spending time at church activities with the family or playing and watching sports. I attended Aquinas High School in San Bernardino where my brother Josh was the head football coach. I graduated in 2010 and was able to earn a scholarship to play football at Azusa Pacific University. While playing at APU, I studied physical education and further developed an interest in strength & conditioning.

After graduation I began working as a PE teacher and Football & Strength Coach at Grace Brethren in Simi Valley, CA. In 2017 I returned to my Alma Mater in San Bernardino to coach football and teach Anatomy, PE and Strength & Conditioning. I finished my master’s degree in Secondary Education from GCU in 2018. After moving on from Aquinas, I spent a year at Yucaipa High School and felt called to move up to the Central Valley to be a part of what God is doing at Immanuel. In 2023 I earned my certificate from the National Strength & Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

My wife Megan and I were married in 2015. We have three sons, Wyatt, Jack and Clay. In my free time I love lifting weights and camping with Megan and the boys.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” - Matthew 6:33
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” - Psalm 139:23-24

Meet Mr. Ibanez:

Mr. Joseph Ibanez is a lifelong resident of Reedley. He was educated at St. La Salle School and Reedley High School. Upon graduation from Reedley High, Mr. Ibanez was honored as a Pirate Pillar. He attended Reedley College and Fresno State University with a focus on Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Art. He, also, has a degree in Culinary Arts and is an accomplished Chef.

Mr. Ibanez has been in the fabrication trade for over 45 years and continues to own his own fabrication company. Hobbies include athletic officiating and ride his Harley Davidson.

From a young age, he has followed Jesus and as an adult, he proclaims that Jesus is his Lord and Savior.

Meet Mrs. Johnson:

Hi, my name is Justina Johnson. I am excited to be a part the Immanuel community as a High School science teacher. I was raised in Dinuba, but moved away after graduating from high school. I attended California Baptist University where I received my BS in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. My husband and I moved to Arizona where I obtained a BS in Nursing from Grand Canyon University. I worked as a cardiac progressive care nurse in Phoenix before feeling called to stay home with our children. We recently moved back to the valley after 10 years in Mesa, AZ. My husband, Matthew and I have five amazing children; our oldest four are currently attending Immanuel Elementary.

My path to becoming an educator has been unconventional, but I have confidence that I am exactly where God wants me to be- to teach, serve, and grow here at Immanuel. I am a 3rd generation educator and passionate about impacting the lives of young people in our community. I feel privileged to teach at a school where science and God are not in opposition to one another. I want students to see the majesty of God’s creation and be drawn into closer relationship with Him. Besides pointing students to Christ through our studies of life science, my goal is to make science fun, engaging and applicable to student’s lives.

Meet Mr Knaak:

Immanuel schools has a long standing tradition in my family.  First, both my parents went to Immanuel Bible School after they had finished high school.  Then, all three of their children, my two sisters and myself attended Immanuel Academy.  All seven of my parent's grandchildren went to Immanuel High School. Next year, six of my parent's great-grandchildren will be attending Immanuel Schools.  My dad was on the board, my sister taught here for a short time and now I am in my 51st year of teaching here.  So what am I trying to say?  Immanuel is deeply woven into the fabric of my life.  (You should see my closet! There are many blue and white shirts and jackets)

My very biased opinion is that Immanuel is a very special place.  I'm not talking about the buildings, though they are top notch.  Many things have changed over the years, but the most important things have not.  First and foremost this place was and still is founded upon the rock-Jesus Christ.  God's Word is taught and studied.  And we have a wonderful staff who love God and our students.

I have the wonderful privilege of teaching the Bible.  God has graced me with a love for His Word.  My greatest goal is to instill into my students a love for His Word also.  God said "Study to show yourself approved under God. A workman that need not be ashamed. Rightly a dividing the word of truth."   This command of God that must be taken seriously.  

My wife Nancy and I have been married for almost 52 years.  We have three children and 10 grandchildren.  I tell people I have "the greatest job in the world" because #1, I teach Bible and #2, now that I'm "older", I teach half time.

I run into former students and their families practically everywhere I go.  For me part of the "abundant life" is to be a part of the Immanuel family.

Meet Loren LeBeau:

I grew up in Fresno, and played college basketball at Fresno City College and Fresno Pacific University. I received my Bachelors from Fresno Pacific, my teaching credential from National University, and my Master's degree from Fresno State University. Upon graduation I began my coaching career, including time coaching high school level basketball at Edison, Clovis West, and Central High Schools. I also coached at the college level at Fresno State, Fresno City, and Pepperdine University. As a Head Coach, I led Central High with 3 T.R.A.C. Championships, two Valley Championship runner-ups, and three coach of the Year awards.

My resume and my references will tell you of my passionate work ethic, my ability to reach and inspire all types of people with diverse backgrounds, and my ability “win.” What neither one will tell you is that my life, in many ways, has been shaped through tragedy. My father committed suicide when I was twelve. At the age of 44, I was involved in a vehicular accident that took a life. As a result, I spent 79 months is state prison. And just recently, my brother’s oldest son took his own life. Ultimately however, it's not what I have been through that defines who I am, it's how I got through it that defines who I am today.

The “how” was a Father's love. I learned, in prison, that our Heavenly Father's love is the only love that can't change or be lost (Rm. 8:35). His love is the only thing like that. It was this revelation, this "good news" that has molded me into the man I am today. A man who was gracefully broken but rebuilt by the truth of the gospel. I never sought suffering. But it taught me to completely trust in God (Pr.3:5), and because I did that, I discovered a priceless joy, strength of character, and a power that can come in no other way. This kind of fight has led to a deeper desire to share the good news!

Sometimes when you're in a dark place and you think you've been buried, you've actually been planted. To be a leader and proclaimer of the gospel is my God-given duty. This is the responsibility God has laid at the doorstep of everyone who carries the title Christian. One day Paul was killing Christians, the next day he was a Christian. One day Peter was a fisherman, the next day he was a fisher of men. We shouldn't judge someone based on the "one day." If God can create the world in 6 days, He can surely create a new heart in one.

Life verse: Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end."

Meet Mr. Luna:

Hello! My name is Luis Luna, and I’m honored to serve as Immanuel’s new American Sign Language (ASL) teacher. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, where my life was forever changed after reading the Bible a neighbor had gifted me. Through those pages, I came to believe and trust in Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

Around the same time, I began learning ASL to fulfill a foreign language requirement for school and quickly found myself captivated by it. My desire to grow in confidence and fluency in ASL led me to join a local church with a vibrant deaf ministry. There, I witnessed firsthand the incredible ways God uses ASL to bridge communication and share His love with the deaf community.

I went on to earn my B.A. in Deaf Studies from California State University, Northridge, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Through God’s providence, I now have the privilege and calling to teach ASL here at Immanuel. My heart is to share not only the beauty of the language, but also to glorify God through this unique gift.

My wife and I are excited to begin this new chapter, trusting that the Lord has placed us here for His good work. I look forward to seeing how He will bless and grow our school community in the days ahead.

“A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” —Proverbs 16:9

Meet Mr. Merritt:

Hello, my name is Josh Merritt, and I am the Choral and Performing Arts Director. I teach all High School Choirs (Chamber, Concert, Women’s, & Men’s), Drama, and Worship Funds. I also teach Jr. High Choir and Drama. I am an alumnus of Immanuel and have my BA in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Education from Fresno Pacific University. The Lord has blessed me by allowing my passion for serving Him and my love of music to flow together in everything I have done.

Throughout my years of teaching, I have had the privilege of directing many different musicals and drama productions. I have also been able to take our Choirs to competitions and trips to New York City, Nashville, Chicago, Anaheim, Scotland, Ireland, and Italy, winning multiple “Gold 1st”, “Sweepstakes”, and “Best Overall” Awards. Through everything the Lord has brought me through, His promises remain true, and it is evident to me that music can be such a powerful tool to bring glory to God. This is something I hope every student that I come into contact with will learn and understand before their time ends here at Immanuel.

My wife, Chelsea (also an Immanuel Alumni), and I have 4 children together. Hudson & Dawson (our boys), and Tori & Jacey (our girls). I love to sing and play guitar, and piano in my spare time. I also have a deep love and passion for sports. Basketball and Football are sports I will play and/or watch anytime!

“Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.”  -  Proverbs 18:12 

“Come, let’s shout joyfully to the Lord, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation! Let’s enter his presence with thanksgiving; let’s shout triumphantly to him in song.”  -  Psalm 95:1-2

Meet Mrs. Ramming:

Hi, my name is Erin (Jost) Ramming. I grew up with my family in Dinuba and attended Kingsburg Mennonite Brethren Church.  I attended Grand View Elementary in Dinuba and then went on to graduate from Immanuel Junior High and Immanuel High School.  I then earned a BA in Mathematics, a single subject  teaching credential and a master’s degree in education from Fresno Pacific University.

My husband, Glenn were married in 2008 and we have four kids: Emery, Kinsley, Adelynn, and Landon, all of whom attend Immanuel. I love to read a good book and be in the kitchen with my kids.  As a family, we like to play games and take road trips.  I love teaching math, but more importantly creating a warm environment and building relationships with my students.

Verse:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16: 33

Meet Mrs. Rogers:

Hi, my name is Kimberly Rogers and I love serving at Immanuel in the History Department!  I’ve been in education since 2002 after I got my Teaching Credential in Social Studies at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA.  My Bachelor's Degree is in History and Political Science and I also have a Master’s Degree in Education.  

I grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico but have lived most of my life in California.  At Vanguard, I met my husband John (Class of '91) and we settled in Kingsburg to raise our three children.  Our oldest son Jack is married to Brooklyn and they both graduated from The Master's University, our middle son Lincoln (Class of '25) is in college, and our daughter Maggie (Class of '27) is still at IHS.  I’m continually thankful to our Lord for planting us in an awesome church and community.  We enjoy traveling around the US/World with our children visiting historical places, national parks, baseball stadiums, and just exploring the world that God created.  I’ve also loved being a part of the Students International missions teams from Immanuel the past couple of summers and getting to see and serve the global church.  My time at Immanuel has been very special and I’m incredibly thankful to the Lord for bringing me into the Immanuel community.  

James 1:22 - “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”

Meet Mrs. Ross:

Hi! I am Jenn Ross and I am blessed to be the Sports Medicine Coordinator for Immanuel. I was born and raised in Reedley where I was introduced to Athletic Training in high school. I walked out of the Athletic Training Room the first day knowing that is what I wanted to do. And for 20 years now, (plus 5 years as a police dispatcher thrown in the middle) I have been privileged to work with teams from Semi-Pro, College, to (my favorite) High School levels. I now get to give that same opportunity that I had in high school to fall in love with recognizing and treating sports injuries to current students. I mean, I get paid to watch some amazing human beings play sports... it's hard to beat that!

I am supported at home by my husband Bill and (Immanuel student) son Colton. In our spare time we like to go camping, play soccer and Fortnite. We have 2 dogs, 4 cats, 7 chickens and 1 immortal fish. Life is crazy and I never know what the next day is going to bring, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Luke 9:2: "and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal."

Meet Mr. Sorensen:

Hello, my name is Cole Sorensen, and I am excited to be teaching at Immanuel! I come from a family who loves Immanuel, and have been blessed with growing up in the Immanuel community. I’m an Immanuel graduate myself, from the class of 2013. I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree at Fresno Pacific University in Social Science Secondary Teaching, with a Political Science minor in 2017.

I student taught at Sanger High School, and completed the Teacher Credential Program through Fresno Pacific. I love what Immanuel represents, and am so grateful that God has called me to serve His kingdom through serving students and families at Immanuel.

Galatians 2:20 has been a verse that I have held closely to remind me of our ultimate purpose and identity in all that we do: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Meet Mr. Thomas:

I love teaching at Immanuel High School.  I graduated from Fresno State with a degree in History and a Master of Divinity degree from Multnomah University.  My purpose statement: To teach high school students the Bible and to mentor them toward a discipleship relationship with Jesus Christ.

Immanuel Schools has been a great joy for me and my family.  I graduated from Immanuel in 1998. The school guided me toward a love for studying God’s word and a desire to go into ministry.  My whole family of five kids is going to Immanuel Schools.  I have been able to raise my children knowing that they are getting an education that is centered on Jesus Christ. My wife Virginia is the girls soccer coach. I have been teaching at Immanuel since 1998.

Since 2019, I have had the great joy of leading mission trips with Students International.  We have been able to take students to Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic in order to proclaim the gospel throughout the world.  My deepest hope is that all my students would be able to deeply engage God as He really has presented himself through the Bible and declare the gospel to their neighbors throughout this world.  My favorite book of the Bible is Ephesians.  

My favorite verse is Romans 5:8: “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I enjoy deep theological conversations.  I would love to teach you a board game.  I love reading and learning about new things.  I own my dream car a Nissan NV 12 passenger van. 

Meet Mrs. VanLeeuwen:

Hello! My name is Deniele (Croissant) Vanleeuwen. I grew up in the Dinuba countryside where my father was an auctioneer and farmer while my mother worked alongside him. I spent many weekends working at our family auctions with my younger brother. I grew up attending Kingsburg Mennonite Brethren Church. I was enrolled at Grand View Elementary and Washington Junior High. Both of my parents attended Immanuel High School, so I was excited to also attend Immanuel for high school.

After high school I attended Fresno State University, and majored in Fine Arts. Several months later I purchased a retail store (Coffee & Candy) which I owned for ten years in Reedley, until I got married to my husband Todd Vanleeuwen. I am a mom blessed with three amazing children and honored to be raising two of them. My husband Todd and I reside in Kingsburg along with John and Rebecca, they both love going to Immanuel and are always keeping us on our toes. I love crafting, painting and being creative, which is why I was thrilled when God opened a door for me to teach Art and Yearbook at Immanuel High School. I am blessed to be a part of the supportive and caring Immanuel family. Working at Immanuel brings me much joy, comfort and above all the ability to talk about my love for our Lord and Savior!

Exodus 14:13-14 - “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, … The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

Meet Ms. Viveros:

Hello, my name is Audrey Viveros. I am incredibly grateful and excited to be part of the Immanuel family as the Spanish 1 & 2 teacher! I grew up in Selma with my three older siblings. In my early teen years, I attended a Baptist church where I was very active in the youth group and outreach ministries. After high school, I attended Golden State Baptist College and in 2007 earned my B.A. in Elementary Education. I then became a teacher/missionary serving in Tijuana, Mexico; Malawi, Africa; and Honduras where I was able to teach 6th grade, English, ESL, and ministry related classes.

When I returned to the U.S., I went back to school and earned an AA in Social Science from Reedley College. Shortly after finishing school, I moved to New Jersey for six years where I first worked as a receptionist for an Endodontist Group and then later became the junior high and high school English teacher at Liberty Christian School.

I have the privilege of being a special needs mama to my first born, Levi, who happens to have Down syndrome and brings all that EXTRA goodness to our little family. Add that along with the spunkiness and humor of my daughter, Eva, and we've got ourselves a pretty amazing trio. The Lord has been loving, faithful, and ever so present.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." - Romans 12:12-13

Meet Ms. Whitfield:

Hi! My name is Rebekah Whitfield, but you can absolutely call me Bekah. I am from Tulare, California, and have lived there for most of my life. My family consists of my late father, my mom, brother (Robert), and sister (Natalie), and our elder sister (Jennifer), who lives in Missouri. Pipeline is the church I now call home, and I am working on becoming a member there so I can begin serving in all the ways God calls me to. Prior to that, I attended Tulare First Church of God for 10 years and worked there for 3. I graduated from Tulare Union High School in 2014 and enrolled at COS, where I earned my AA in Journalism. After COS, I attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, where I earned my BA in Secondary English Education and finally got to live with my elder sister. She lived on a farm, and I always thought it funny that even though I grew up in an ag town, I didn’t actually do any ag-related work until I moved away from it. Helping her take care of horses, goats, chickens, rabbits, dogs, and cats will always be some of my favorite memories. I am currently pursuing a master's in Curriculum & Instruction from Grand Canyon University.

To say I love books might be an understatement when you walk into my room and see the nearly 600-book library I live in. I’m not only a bibliophile but an actual reader, too. I’ve been known to skip meals because a book is so good I simply can’t put it down. I know this love of books and reading is not universal, but I also know that once someone learns how to read and write, their world opens up. As a believer who feels called to teaching, it has always been my mission to help students see that reading is more than just decoding letters and words on a page, and writing is more than five paragraphs. God gave us His Word to help us know who He is, who we are, and how to live our lives in light of those truths. He did this using stories, poems, letters, and more, and we know we get so much more out of His Word than just decoding letters and words on a page. I am excited to not only teach my students this but also learn with them, as they discover reading and writing as they’re meant to be known.

Favorite verse: “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’. And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” - Exodus 3:14

Meet Ms. Winslow:

Hello, my name is Sabrina Winslow, and I’m honored to be serving Immanuel as the new Culinary Arts Teacher. I was born and raised in Clovis, California, and have always had a deep love for creativity, community, and good food. I graduated from Biola University in 2020 with a degree in Business Management and later pursued my culinary education at Le Cordon Bleu in London.

My passion for baking led me to start my own bakery business, where I’ve been able to blend my entrepreneurial spirit with my love for the culinary arts. In addition to teaching, I’ve also had the joy of playing collegiate volleyball for four years and have spent the last five years coaching—an experience that has taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and mentorship.

I’m excited to bring my background in both business and culinary arts into the classroom, where I hope to inspire students to explore their creativity, develop practical skills, and serve one another. 

One of my favorite Bible verses is: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. - Romans 5:1-5

Meet Ms. Young: 

Hello! I am Brooklynn Young, one of the Immanuel Ag Teachers. My passion for sharing the gospel and the agriculture industry are guiding principles of my teaching and I am so happy to be at Immanuel!

Throughout my walk with the Lord, He has constantly shown me that His grace abounds and His plans are perfect. I had a severe fear of all animals that hindered all of my interactions with friends and family. I let the fear grasp me and it took years of prayerful consideration for my family to get a dog. Little by little, I overcame the fear by praying and slowly interacting more with our puppy. Jesus transformed my heart from a heart of fear to a heart of courage through Christ. Because of this, I joined 4-H and FFA, realizing my love of FFA and agriculture. I knew God was calling me to a career in agriculture education, and that led me to Immanuel. God's grace and faithfulness to His people allowed me to discover that I can truly live a life without fear and embrace His joy in everything. My walk of faith has come with many toils and snares, but I am confident that Christ strengthens us in Him through all trials and heartbreak.

I was privileged to participate in FFA at Kingsburg High School, which is in the same FFA section as Immanuel! While there, I competed in Best Informed Greenhand, Nursery Landscape, Tree Pruning, Job Interview, Creed, and Floriculture. I had the opportunity to show beef, dairy cattle, and sheep through FFA, and I showed swine and goats in 4-H. I won a state proficiency in Agricultural Sales Placement and was a National Proficiency Finalist. I received my American Degree in 2020 while beginning my college career in Ag Education. I graduated in 2023 from Oklahoma State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership and Education, with an emphasis in communications and floriculture. I also completed the CASE Institute Certification for the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Course at Iowa State University over the summer of 2024.

My life verse is Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved; not by works so that no one can boast.”  I found this verse when naming my first dog, knowing that God’s grace abounds and covers all flaws of the human heart. We can do all things because of God’s perfect grace.

Want more information on Immanuel FFA, visit our site: https://sites.google.com/immanuelschools.com/immanuelffa