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Jenna is a microschool director, lead teacher, educational consultant, and published author pioneering a faith-based, personalized approach to education. With a Master’s degree in Spiritual Formation from Wheaton College and a Bachelor’s degree in Education, she is passionate about creating Christ-centered learning environments where students thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

A Journey of Educational Transformation

Jenna began her career in public schools but soon realized she couldn’t teach according to the blueprint God gave her. She transitioned to private Christian schools, then into curriculum and assessment development, hoping to make a broader impact. Seeing the limitations of standardized models, she became a homeschool consultant and life coach, helping families personalize education while supporting parents in faith and personal growth.

When she discovered microschools, she saw the perfect blend of everything she loved-customized learning, faith integration, academic excellence, and a multi-age community. Most importantly, it created space for spiritual formation and discipleship, allowing students not just to gain knowledge but to grow in their faith and identity in Christ. Now, as a microschool director in the northwest Chicago suburbs, she combines homeschool flexibility with the structure of a collaborative learning studio, offering students an engaging, Christ-centered education that nurtures their gifts, character, and faith.

Jenna’s passion for education stems from her own journey of loss and restoration. In 2019, she endured a season of profound upheaval, losing her husband, grandmother, home, and job. Through faith and resilience, she stepped into a renewed calling and witnessed miraculous restoration—including meeting her fiancé, Asher, a YWAM missionary from Pakistan, in an unexpected, God-orchestrated love story.

126- What's The Best wisdom You Have Received?

The most transformative wisdom I’ve received came during my hardest season, when everything in my life was falling apart. Jesus told me:

“You don’t have to understand in order to obey. Just hear my voice and do what I say.”

I had always wanted clarity before obedience, but God was asking me to trust Him first. He continually reminded me of Proverbs 3:5-6. I realized my role was to trust and obey; His role was to direct my steps. Trying to understand everything first was my attempt to do His job, while also expecting Him to do mine. Alongside this, the Holy Spirit shifted my mindset from an either-or way of thinking to embracing “and.” I used to believe things had to be one way or another, but I’ve learned that multiple things can be true at once:

• I can grieve and trust God’s plan.

• I can feel sorrow and recognize growth.

• I can face uncertainty and take bold steps of faith.

This tension isn’t something to resist but to embrace. James 1:2-4 reminds us to consider trials joy because they produce endurance. I may not enjoy the pain, but I value the purpose it produces when surrendered to God.

This wisdom—to obey without full understanding, to trust God’s role, and to embrace life’s tensions—has shaped how I walk forward, even when the path isn’t clear.

126 - Who or What Inspires You?

I am most inspired by those who display courage, faith, conviction, integrity, innovation, perseverance, and sacrifice—people who stand for truth, live with purpose, and remain steadfast despite challenges.

I admire courage, like Martin Luther, who risked everything to stand for biblical truth, refusing to recant despite immense pressure. His boldness reshaped history and reminds me that truth is worth defending.

I am moved by great faith, like George Müller, who cared for thousands of orphans through prayer alone. When faced with empty plates, he thanked God for provision and moments later, it arrived. His life proved that God is faithful to those who trust Him completely.

I respect conviction in action, like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who resisted the Nazi regime while many remained silent. He ultimately gave his life for his beliefs, proving that true conviction demands more than words.

I value integrity, found in the single mother carrying her burden with grace and the elderly gentleman at the grocery store who, despite setbacks, still offers a warm smile.

I admire pioneers and innovators, like David Livingstone, who ventured into uncharted territories to spread the gospel and bring humanitarian aid. His faith-driven perseverance inspires me to push beyond limits.

Lastly, I am humbled by Christians in persecuted nations, whose faith costs them family, livelihood, and even their lives. Their unwavering devotion challenges me to live boldly.

These individuals - famous or unknown - remind me that true inspiration comes from standing for truth, walking in faith, and persevering through adversity.

126 - How have you over come a bad relationship?

Ten years into marriage, with two young children, I found myself in an unexpected and devastating situation. The foundation of my family crumbled in a moment, leaving me to process not only the loss of my marriage but also the profound impact on my children and our future. It wasn’t just healing from a broken relationship—it was navigating a reality I never anticipated, full of grief, shock, and unanswered questions.

Overcoming wasn’t about erasing the pain but allowing God to use it as a scalpel to transform me. Rather than letting the wounds fester or define me, I surrendered them to Jesus, the Great Physician, who used the very thing meant to harm me to refine and heal me. Healing didn’t come from ignoring the hurt but from acknowledging it, and choosing to forgive - not to excuse what happened, but to free myself from its grip.

Forgiveness wasn’t about trust or reconciliation, although I desired reconciliation, it was about releasing offense and pain so it no longer controlled me. I learned that pain, in the enemy’s hands, is a dagger meant to destroy—but in Jesus ’hands, it is a precise instrument that removes what was never meant to stay.

Through my training in inner healing, I learned to recognize how external triggers pointed to areas within me that needed healing, deliverance, or a renewed mind. The Holy Spirit led me through repentance where my thoughts or actions had been out of alignment with God’s ways. I renounced lies I had believed, coming out of agreement with thoughts that didn’t reflect His truth.

I spent hours soaking in worship, weeping in His presence, trembling as I released the pain, and letting the warmth of His love heal me like a balm. There was no formula - just desperate dependence on Jesus, moment by moment, doing what He told me to do.

Much of my healing came through encounters with Jesus in the secret place. In this realm beyond time, wounds that might have taken years to heal through counseling were transformed in moments of divine encounter. The freedom and restoration I found were not just processes they were supernatural exchanges with the One who heals completely.

126 - What do you enjoy the most about you?

If I had to choose what I enjoy most about myself, it would be a combination of resilience, creativity, and unwavering faith. No matter what I have gone through—and I have been through a lot—I continue to believe in God’s goodness. Even in the hardest seasons, I have found the strength to get back up, learn, grow, and move forward with hope. My creativity allows me to think outside the box, find solutions where others see obstacles, and bring new ideas to life in ways that impact those around me.

Beyond that, I love that I don’t take life too seriously all the time. I can be super silly and fun, especially with my kids and students. Whether it’s making up ridiculous songs, doing funny voices, or turning ordinary moments into adventures, I enjoy keeping a sense of youthful joy and playfulness. It reminds me that even in the middle of challenges, there is always room for laughter.

126 - Who were you before your born again -  Can You Share a Life Changing Moment?

I always thought I was a Type A person—organized, disciplined, and highly efficient. My life was meticulously planned, with every half hour color-coded on my calendar, marking out exactly what I needed to do to reach my goals. I prided myself on being productive, believing that success was the result of my own efforts, though I didn’t fully realize I was relying on myself more than on God.

I grew up in church and can’t remember a time when I didn’t believe in God or love Him, but my true born-again moment happened much later - in 2019, when my life collapsed. My husband left, my job was gone, my house was lost, and my grandmother - my closest human connection - died. It wasn’t just loss; it was warfare at a level I had never known. 

During this time, I had a vision of myself standing in a graveyard surrounded by tombstones. Each one had writing on it—goals, dreams, prophecies, and promises about my life and future. The largest tombstone had d my name on it, and I knew I had reached a crossroads. Jesus spoke to me in that moment, saying He could get me through this, but I had to be all in. He revealed that I didn’t need to understand—I needed to let go of my right to understand. All I had to do was stay close to Him, seek Him, hear, and obey—and He would do what was impossible for me to do on my own. 

Then, He said something that changed everything:

“The graveyard in which you stand -the soil where things have died - is actually the best soil for new life. This is not just a graveyard; this is a garden.”

Even though I had professed my faith many times - even being baptized as a teenager - it wasn’t until everything in my life died that I experienced true rebirth. It was like a personality shift - the things I used to be good at were turned off. I went from being an overly structured planner to living spontaneously, moment by moment, dependent on the Holy Spirit. I even lost my ability to keep track of time, sometimes forgetting what day it was, because God was teaching me to rely on Him for everything - even the practical things like remembering when to pay a bill. 

This radical freedom was something I never knew existed. I stopped carrying the heavy burden of responsibility and became more childlike, lighthearted, and fun. I realized that my life wasn’t about producing, achieving, or doing great things - it was about being who God created me to be, loving Him, and growing in relationship with Him. From that place, fruitful impact naturally happened, but the focus was no longer on striving - it was on abiding. 

Before 2019, I was full of head knowledge - always reading, studying, and earning degrees and certifications. But none of that helped when my world fell apart. True wisdom came through intimacy with Christ in the secret place. I stopped trying to gain knowledge and instead began to experience the fruit of revelation. I stopped eating from the tree of knowledge and began eating from the tree of life.

126 - What is a Micro School?

A micro-school is a small, private school with a personalized learning environment for a small group of students.

126 - Why did you start your Micro school?

I actually had no idea I was going to become the director of a micro-school this past year. My journey into the micro-school world began unexpectedly but divinely. One day, I saw a Facebook post from a mom whose child I had taught in kindergarten over a decade ago. She was looking for teachers for a faith-based school, and I felt a strong prompting from the Holy Spirit to reach out. As we talked, I realized that micro-schools were exactly the kind of education I had always been searching for but didn’t know existed.

At the same time, my own daughter was struggling significantly in first grade, even though she was in a well-respected Christian school. The pace was too fast, the workload too overwhelming, and she needed a personalized learning experience that the traditional model couldn’t offer. My once bubbly, joyful child became anxious and withdrawn, experiencing nightly panic attacks. I knew she needed a different kind of education, but as a single mom without support, I didn’t know how I could possibly homeschool her while also working full-time.

By faith, I said yes to teaching at the micro-school - even before there was a budget to pay me. At the last moment, a generous donor stepped in to cover my salary, and I dove into learning the micro-school model. I trained in November and December 2023 and stepped in as the lead teacher in January 2024, finishing out the school year and getting a crash course in multi-age classroom teaching. My daughter, now in an environment where she is loved, safe, and free from unnecessary pressure, began to blossom again. Her joy returned, and I knew we had rescued her from a downward spiral.

I didn’t care that she was “behind” by traditional first-grade standards. Too many systems push kids forward without addressing the cracks in their foundation, leaving them struggling for years. I wanted to build a solid foundation for her not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually by removing the thorns that had pierced her heart and spirit in the process.

That was my confirmation. I stepped into the role by faith alone. Over the summer, I worked without a salary, trying to raise funds even though I had no fundraising experience, believing that God would provide. I was all in, not just for my children but for the many others who needed a school like this.

126 - Why are they important to the education system? 

Micro-schools provide the flexibility, personalization, and faith integration that many students desperately need but cannot find in traditional settings. Many of our students, like my daughter, came from situations where academic pressure, overwhelm, or bullying had caused them to shut down emotionally and mentally. A micro-school offers them a safe, nurturing space where they can heal, grow, and thrive at their own pace.

Our micro-school is a Christ-centered learning community designed to partner with families in raising up children who know and love Jesus while equipping them with the skills, wisdom, and confidence to fulfill their God-given purpose. With a strong foundation in biblical truth, it provides a safe, nurturing environment where students develop spiritually, academically, and emotionally. Rooted in a faith-based “Know-Be-Do” approach, education here is not just about acquiring knowledge but about growing in character, strengthening identity in Christ, and learning how to live out faith in practical ways. Learning is personalized, allowing students to progress at their own pace while being both challenged and supported. Multi-age group settings foster mentorship and leadership opportunities, while hands-on, real-world learning experiences make education engaging and relevant. The curriculum integrates the Bible into all subjects, reinforcing a biblical worldview that shapes students ’perspectives on history, science, literature, and the arts. Daily rhythms of prayer, worship, and discipleship cultivate a Christ-centered atmosphere where students don’t just learn about God—they encounter Him. Above all, this micro-school exists to disciple the next generation, preparing students to stand firm in their faith, think critically, and boldly share the love of Christ with the world.

126 - What Values Do Micro-schools Bring?

Micro-schools cultivate values that shape not just students but entire families and communities:

• Faith & Character Development – Students are discipled in biblical truth, forming a strong identity in Christ alongside their academic learning.

• Personalized Learning – Education is tailored to the child, allowing them to learn at their own pace in ways that fit their unique needs.

• Community & Connection – Small class sizes foster deep mentorship, meaningful friendships, and a family-like environment.

• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Students are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions, and apply their learning in real-world ways.

• Freedom & Flexibility – Learning is not confined to a rigid system, but instead allows children to explore, create, and develop confidence in their abilities.

What values do they bring and who do they help?

Micro-schools serve a wide range of students and families, especially those who:

• Struggle in traditional education settings and need an environment where they are understood, supported, and given space to thrive.

• Desire a faith-based education where biblical principles are woven into every subject.

• Need a flexible, personalized approach that allows students to learn at their own pace without unnecessary pressure.

• Seek a close-knit, intentional community where students are not just a number but are truly known, loved, and challenged to grow.

Micro-schools are not just another option for education - they are a transformative model that equips students academically, spiritually, and emotionally. I never planned to start this journey, but God knew what He was doing, and now I see the undeniable impact this model has not just on my own children, but on so many others who have finally found a place where they belong.

 126 - Are you a woman of faith and what's does that mean to you? 

Yes, I am a woman of faith—but what that means to me today is vastly different from what I once thought it meant. If you had asked me 10, 20, or even 30 years ago, I would have still answered yes. But back then, I believed faith simply meant believing in God’s existence and accepting Jesus as my Savior. I thought being a “woman of faith” meant being influential, writing books, or speaking at conferences. What I didn’t yet understand was the real-life, experiential part of faith - the kind of faith that requires complete dependence on God in every moment.

It wasn’t until my life completely collapsed in 2019 that I was truly born again. I reached the absolute end of myself—no strength, no solutions, no ability to fix the broken pieces of my life. I had no choice but to depend fully on God, not just for guidance but for my very survival. That was the moment faith became my way of life. 

Faith for me is no longer just belief - it is obedience in action. It is hearing God’s voice, doing what He says, and trusting Him to do what I cannot. Faith without action is dead. 

One example of this was when I had nowhere for my children and me to live. Every apartment I found was either too expensive or unsafe, and I was feeling overwhelmed by the urgency of our situation. In the middle of all this stress, Jesus told me to go to a coffee shop. Honestly, I was frustrated—how was this going to help me find a place to live? But I knew His voice, and I chose to obey. 

Sitting there with my coffee, staring at a paper filled with crossed-out options, I overheard a barista talking to a customer about an affordable, unlisted apartment complex. I immediately drove there, but there was no leasing office in sight. Then, God told me to talk to a woman walking her dog. It turned out she had the personal phone number of the rental manager saved in her phone. I called, explained my situation, and even mentioned that I was a Wheaton College graduate. That detail somehow opened a door of favor, as the manager was a graduate of Trinity—another Christian college. By the end of the conversation, he moved me to the top of the waiting list, and the next day, I signed a lease for an apartment in the exact safe and peaceful place we needed. At the time, I didn’t even have a job lined up, but God provided everything. 

That’s just one of many stories. Being a woman of faith doesn’t mean I have all the answers. It means I walk with the One who does.

You can listen to Jenna full interview on the NiteMoodzHQ Podcast with Michael Thomas. If you or you know some a person of influence and want to be featured in our next month edition send us an email.