I have served in a variety of educational leadership positions throughout my career. Prior to a becoming principal for seven years, my experiences included serving as a paraprofessional for five years and an elementary teacher for twenty years in Michigan. I also served as a consultant for new teachers, and as an instructional leader and curriculum coordinator at Harvest Preparatory School in Canal Winchester, Ohio, where I provided professional development and conducted teacher evaluations, as well as leading Wednesday Chapel Ministry. I have 5 years of Ministry and Pastoral experience in Ohio, North Dakota, and South Carolina, and am a Christian with a developing relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and have been an intentional and faithful weaver of HIS gospel throughout my life. I have authored two Christian books and served as a speaker in Ohio, Florida, North Dakota and Michigan.

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a major in English, which included certification to teach K-8 and 9th grade English, from Western Michigan University; a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University; and a Principal’s Certificate from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. Additional activities throughout my life have included: a Beautician Certificate from National Beauty College, in Benton Harbor, MI; a Realtor’s License from North Dakota; and a Grant Writer’s Certificate from St. Louis, Missouri. By pursuing lifelong learning and living in the grace and mercy of Christ, I strive to serve as an example to students and teachers, encouraging their life-long learning.

I am blessed to be the wife of my dear and handsome husband, Reinhart C. Ruff, and the mother of two amazing, grown, children, Wendy Reed and Bret Ruff. They are the loves of my life, as well as my wonderful, four grandchildren, and four great grands, who never fail to amaze me. I have had the same expectations for them as I do the children whose lives I have the privilege and honor to speak into, and whom I love dearly. My desire is to see all children excel and become productive human beings, who have ample opportunities to become followers of Christ and to be whatever they desire to be when they grow up.

My goals are to provide a supportive climate and culture at Journey Church and Journey Christian Academy that is conducive to teaching and learning. Additionally, I desire to provide the information and instruction in the love and grace of Jesus, through example and teaching. I am a Spirit-led and Grace-driven woman of God. By being so, my desire is to provide for each individual student and teacher the kind of educational climate that leads to the growth required for them to achieve their highest potential, along with “joy unspeakable and full of glory” in their lives.