What is your role at Patriot Academy and how long have you been with them?
My role title is Coach Program Ambassador. Hosting my first class when the Coach program was first launched in January 2019, through a series of unexpected obstacles & challenges, I developed a formula that worked for hosting a successful class. By “successful” I mean employing techniques that engage attendees to feel a “buy-in” to the fellowship aspect of the class (group discussion & iron sharpening), to the richness of the content, & to the duty of every citizen.
Seeing the positive impact of these courses, I recognized their immense value and began encouraging other new Coaches to take the plunge & host their first class, even when facing daunting challenges. By sharing my own ideas, examples, photos, and stories, it served as inspiration to others to either get started or continue hosting classes.
This work led Rick to view me as a “Coach to the Coaches,” and he later appointed me to the role of Coach Program Ambassador.
What is your professional background and career path leading to this role?
My professional background mostly consists of arts and entertainment, as well as serving as a brand ambassador for various products.
As an entertainer, I have performed in musicals, written original pop songs, and performed live on stages and in public venues, including outdoor shopping centers and bookstores. In my roles as a brand ambassador, I engaged store customers to promote and drive product sales. Additionally, I trained team members in effective customer engagement, which ultimately led to my role managing product demonstration teams across Southern California.
Everything I had done in my life, the singing, the audiences, the in-store demonstrations, recruiting and training teams- all of these things prepared me for my role at Patriot Academy. It was clearly God’s plan. He took all the skills I had acquired to put to use for this critical season of history.
Why is what you do important?
As “dark” as it is out there, there is also so much “light”. Through our Coach Program, Patriot Academy blesses our citizenry with optimism by sharing truth. People get a dose of hope when most everything else coming at them is gloom and doom. Patriot Academy provides hope, but not “hopium”. As Rick says, “the good, bad, and the ugly”- it’s not going to be easy, but we can save this thing!
My mission? When I first got started hosting classes, and as doors opened, I’ll never forget Kirk Cameron’s wife Chelsea telling me that leading classes and inspiring patriotism and liberty was my “ministry”. I humbly thought, “Wow. I have a ministry?” Her pronouncement carried such gravity. I would have never dared to think of me being used in that way; all I knew was that I was being obedient to God’s call and that I would walk through any doors He opened. However, I must admit that deep inside I delighted in the idea that God called me and this was a ministry. I wasn’t looking for it or asking for it, but I relished the opportunity.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day looks like answering emails and texts from Coaches, monitoring and communicating with Coaches on our private social media groups, planning and coordinating our weekly Coaches Corner Zoom Calls, meeting with my awesome Coach Team members, creating our weekly Coach email, etc.
Our goal is to continue to grow the Coach Program by nurturing Coaches, providing all the training and support they would possibly need in order to be successful in this call the Lord has put on their life. The Coaches have been such an integral part of the growth of Patriot Academy and our organization is so grateful for their support and their class leading efforts.
What has been a memorable moment or experience during your time with PA?
Most memorable moment was when the Green family came to my church (Godspeak) for the first time to do a show. Their presentation and enthusiasm absolutely lit our community up! To this day I have never seen our local people so inspired and fired up.
Funny:
After seeing the Green family in the videos, they were like celebrities to me and my family. We had never met them before. Here’s the funny part- I was so nervous to meet them that I hid for quite a while before finally walking up & saying hello in person.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Theatre & music (i.e. art) as a means of experiencing history & God’s word. My interests & hobbies include teaching kids about the Bible, history & our Founding Docs (this is outside of my work w/PA), health (keeping updated on health trends), cooking, loving on my kitty cats, and taking walks with my treasures on earth, my sons.
What’s your favorite coffee at the Patriot Brew and why?
My favorite “Patriot Brew” is dark roast. My favorite “brew” at the PA Coffee Shop is the double espresso. Yum! Did you know that the PA espresso shots are double the portion size of any other coffee shop?
Why are these 2 strong brews my favorite? The bold taste & jolt of these 2 brews matches my perky & sometimes bold personality, lol! Shop Manager Nick appreciates my love of pure straight espresso.
What motivates you?
What motivates me is my deep love of country combined with a clear Call from God. Our country deserves my best and of course my Father God does, too. I’ve never had a calling from the Lord in my life before, therefore I see my work with Patriot Academy as a privilege and honor. Actually, I’m humbled that He chose me for such a time as this.
What is something God has been teaching you this past year?
God has been teaching me to say “no”. His message finally hit home late this summer. This has been a lesson I’ve been stubborn to learn over the years. This year He has clearly shown me that I need to go to Him in prayer first before saying “yes”, even when it’s something I feel drawn to.
