Mrs. Downen's Web Page
My Education: I earned an AA/AS degree in Early Childhood Education from Brevard Community College and hold a Certificate in Practical Nursing from Southeastern Illinois College.
My Background: I was born in Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh area). During my childhood years, I lived in the Pittsburgh area, Chicago, Illinois, and the southern Illinois area. I met my husband in southern Illinois where I was a charge nurse in a nursing home. After we were married, I left nursing to help run his furniture business. We moved to Florida shortly after the birth of our son, Stephen, and started Action Carpet in the Home Depot shopping center in Merritt Island.
My Position at MICS: After the closing of our store, I became actively involved as a volunteer at MICS where our son attended school. My volunteer position led to substitute teaching for the elementary grades. I moved to a full time position as a toddler teacher where I stayed for about six months before accepting a position as a preschool teacher. This is my 13th year at MICS.
My Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family when I get the chance. I like playing board games, such as scrabble. I also enjoy playing hand bells at Merritt Island Presbyterian Church, my home church. I am currently seeking a BA in Early Childhood Education at UCF with a Minor in Mathematics Education.
My Faith and Learning Statement: I was raised Catholic. God was the central focus of my family during my childhood years. My husband and I joined the Presbyterian Church just prior to getting married. Even though God was a part of my everyday life, I realized Jesus as my personal Savior in 1984 after a near death experience. I feel called to teach the word of God to young children and feel very blessed to have that opportunity at MICS. My home church is Merritt Island Presbyterian where I was ordained as Deacon in 2004.