Hometown and Present City: Dallas
Education: Master’s in educational administration from Concordia University, Austin
Profession: Pre-K teacher, Mesquite ISD
Tell us about your family.
My family starts with my 93-year-old mother, Barbara Baker. That is not a typo; my maiden name is Baker, and I married a Barker! My husband of 16 years is Chris. I have two daughters, Alison (15) and Charlotte (11), and a bonus daughter, Randi, who is married to Johnson Dao.
How about your work or volunteer life?
I recently began my 26th year in education with my focus this year on Pre-K.
Any favorite hobbies?
I love to do 1,000-piece puzzles during my downtime, which is usually during holiday weeks and summer break. It is the perfect way for me to relax and focus on something nonessential.
What are your favorite places to travel?
I love road trips and Hampton Inn hopping. In 2022, my daughters and I took my mom on an epic adventure for her 90th birthday to help her complete her “all 50 states” bucket list. We left on her birthday and crossed off Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
We were searching for a new church home that had more of a connection with its youth. The first Sunday we visited in November 2024 happened to be the day the youth led the service. Wow! Look how God works!
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
I attend Koinonia Class with my husband. We also volunteer one Sunday a month as greeters and help with the offering.
What has surprised you most about Wilshire?
The student ministry has surprised me the most. It is impressive to see the hunger for Jesus in the hearts of the youth at Wilshire. The amount of love for everyone shows the true bond between them. This is what I was seeking for my girls!
What do you think God is up to in your life?
I returned to Pre-K after 11 years in other grade levels. This has been humbling, as I am remembering how to ride this bicycle.
Tell us about your faith journey.
I was born to Christian parents, but in my 20s I quit attending church as I didn’t feel connected with the church where I was raised. That changed when I became a mommy. I recommitted myself to the Lord.
What is something interesting most people would not know about you?
I am tech savvy, which I learned from my dad, who taught telecommunications engineering at SMU for over 50 years.
What adjectives best describe you?
Patient and determined.