My daughter, Valerie, discovered her love for teaching and training in the relatively new industry of compliance; specifically, in healthcare. Her personal journey of education and training in this field has brought her past interests and endeavors full circle; a passion to teach and train the women in the body of Christ the foundational principles of living a life of integrity and then to pursue excellence in whatever God calls us to do.

In a world characterized by 50 plus shades of gray, a Christian life defined by godly integrity will illuminate the Truth and shine Christ’s love and forgiveness deep into this dark world.

My daughter, currently has a challenging career as a healthcare Compliance Officer in Fort Smith, AR. She also has been blessed to work in a variety of industries since her teen years; entertainment, restaurant management, tourism, administrative assistant, camp counselor and wrangler and the job that first taught her the value of hard work and ethics: horse farm ranch hand

In addition to being certified in healthcare compliance Valerie received her undergraduate degree with a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre from College of the Ozarks in Missouri. She has attended the Kanakuk Institute for a year of ministry training, and she has also earned a Master’s of Science degree in Leadership and Ethics from John Brown University in Arkansas. She is currently using this education as a volunteer at her local church in the youth and music ministries as well as hosting bible studies in her home.

My daughter has provided me a wonderful son-in-law, Zack and I gladly relinquish the title “Valerie’s Biggest Fan” to this godly, loving and supportive man God has brought into my daughter’s life.

But before those wedding bells rang for my daughter, she attended the hard knocks school of single womanhood for ten years and learning how to manage the challenges and adventures of life on her own. She understands the tears and the loneliness many single woman face, but she also has tasted the merciful goodness of a resilient faith in God during her singleness.

It’s not all work for this thirty-something. My daughter’s Fall Saturday’s are a favorite pastime; college football season watching the Buckeyes or the Razorbacks with her husband while text messages fly with her brothers and with her dad and with ME!

Valerie loves animals, but none so much as her dog, Joey. Cuddle time with this adorable Pug mix is high priority in her distressing routine. My daughter is the true animal whisperer and now has four fur-siblings to keep Joey company, though I am not so sure this spoiled first pooch embraces the growing family!

In contrast to the gridiron, one of my daughter’s most cherished activities is live theater. Thanks to me introducing her to Golden Age Musicals, she hung up her sports cleats as a teen and pursued her passion as a performer. She remains involved with theatre through her local community theatre serving on the board, directing, performing and helping in any way she can in this unique mission field.

With family and friends spread out all over the United States and the world, travel is a necessity. But it is also a great adventure to have such a wonderful “excuse” to visit new places and experience other cultures just within the United States. A tour of Europe is high on my daugher’s bucket list.

The diversity of Valerie’s work and life experiences gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and pitfalls Christian women face in the marketplace, in the classroom, in the community and in the home. I know she will continue to encourage, bless and challenge the women God brings into her life and I am so thankful we can do this season of life together for The Gospel’s Sake!

My daughter’s life verse is Proverbs 2:3-5

Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,

If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.