Dena Elder taught mathematics for seven years prior to the blessing of becoming a mother to three fantastic children. As she homeschooled her favorite students of all time, the Lord has redeemed her own education in the classical Christian model. In addition to her academic teaching experiences, the Lord has used Dena to teach biblical truths as well as their application to everyday living to 5th and 6th grade girls through the Awana program at her church. Dena trusted in Christ at a Good News Bible camp around the age of 8. Dena boldly gives testimony of the continuing journey of her personal intimacy with Him, and continuing to cooperate with His power as He transforms her into Christlikeness. Dena loves her students and desires to teach mathematics and Jesus passionately to the next generation of Christ-followers. Dena received her B.S. Ed. with Secondary Mathematics Teaching Certification from Shippensburg University. During her career as a classroom teacher, she also earned a Master’s Equivalency in Secondary School Counseling.
Dena is passionate about Jesus, The Bible, her family, and running. To date, Dena has crossed the finish line in two marathons, 16 half-marathons and three triathlons. She is currently pursuing the goal of running a half-marathon in every state east of the Mississippi River! Dena has been married to David, a dashingly handsome accountant, for nearly 3/5 of her life. The Lord entrusted them to raise three amazing children to follow hard after Him. After graduating with a degree in Mathematics, oldest daughter Maelyn married her own handsome accountant Daniel and is currently teaching high school math (sounds eerily familiar, no?). Middle son Jonathan is eager to follow the Lord into the healthcare field with a specific specialty yet to be determined. Youngest daughter Kathryn is dancing professionally in the sunny state of Florida.