Alicia is originally from Bridgeport, Nebraska but being a “Pastor’s Kid” has also lived in Iowa and West Virginia.  She went to college at Muskingum College (now Muskingum University) in New Concord, Ohio.  She graduated with double major in History and Middle Childhood Education.  During her time there she published two local history books and had her first internship as a Youth Director at College Drive Presbyterian Church where she worked with Middle and High School Students.  Alicia took her first teaching job in Cleveland,Ohio and has also worked with youth in Warren, Ohio and Bickleton, Washington where she has lived and worked for the last seven years. Throughout her 15 year teaching career she has taught 5th and 8th grade as well as K-12 Special Education, with an emphasis in Behavior Management. The Winter of 2023 she felt the call to FPC in Mattoon and she relocated here in June of the same year.  She has a rather vivacious seven year old daughter named Cora, a dog named Winston, and two cats Jax and Jitterbug. 

As a former teacher, Alicia loves to read and learn new things.  When she has the time she also has passion for cooking, baking and enjoys “hygge,” the Danish word for a love of all things cozy. She likes trying new things and going on short adventures, getting to know the local area and history. In TV and Movies, she prefers comedies such as “The Office” and “The Good Place” but also has an affinity for fantasy like the Harry Potter series. She loves herbal teas and cookies. She has recently taken up the craft form of “felting” and has enjoyed that as well. 

First and foremost, Alicia loves God and has a passion for youth and outreach into the community.  She has a very big heart and wants to help wherever it is most needed. She loves being creative and finding solutions to problems. She views the Gospel as a common sense approach to life and loves the rules that God has given us for life. She believes that the Bible is God’s Holy Word and enjoys studying it daily.  She is looking forward to working with the youth and community missions here in Mattoon.