We’re so excited to announce Linda Hoyt as our new Office Assistant at Coram Deo Academy! Her warm and inviting presence will care for students, parents and teachers at that entryway into our school. This will enable Susan MacKay to focus more of her attention on the strategic operations of the school.  

 

Linda Hoyt began her professional career as a RN, took time off to raise her daughter and returned to work as a teacher’s assistant at her daughter’s school. She enjoyed working with the children so much that she returned to college and graduated from California Baptist University with a B.A. in Education. She spent the next 14 years teaching second and third grade in a classical Christian school. Linda and her family recently moved to Westfield and attend Cornerstone Bible Church. We caught up with Linda to learn more about her in an interview format.  

 

1. Linda, tell us about your family? Are you married? Have kids? Pets?

 

My husband, Mark, and I have one daughter. Our family also includes our dog, Sugar, and our grand-dog, Tucker.  

 

2. Where did you go to school?

 

I graduated from Santa Ana College with my nursing degree and later attended California Baptist University, graduating with a B.A. in Education. I completed my teaching credential and cleared it while teaching at Olive Branch Christian Academy in Corona, California.  

 

3. What gets you up in the morning?

 

I am up with the birds every morning! I am an early riser and just love the peace and quiet before the busy day starts. I like to say my prayers, plan out my day and then turn on the news to see what is happening in the world.  

 

4. What are your favorite hobbies?

 

I enjoy crafts of all kinds and especially ones that involve glitter! I also enjoy going out with my daughter and our dogs for long walks in the local parks. In addition, I am a huge fan of Christian music. If there is a For King & Country, Rend Collective or Keith & Kristyn Getty concert nearby you will find me there!

 

5. What is one of your hidden talents?

I love to wrap gifts and gift baskets. Years ago, I started a little business called, The Happy Wrapper, and wrapped gifts at the holidays for customers at local stores. I also assembled and wrapped all the gift baskets for our annual school auction – an event that I looked forward to every year!  

 

6. What is your favorite book and why?

 

I am an avid reader but do not have one favorite book. I enjoy biographies and books about current events.

 

7. How long have you lived in Indiana and why do you enjoy living here?

 

My family and I moved to Westfield about six months ago. We have enjoyed the beautiful change of seasons, especially the fall leaves. Our family has traveled and lived in many locations around the country and feel that Hoosiers are some of the friendliest people we have met. We are looking forward to getting involved in our new community.

 

 

8. What meaningful event in your past has significantly influenced your life?

 

My husband and I went through eleven long years of infertility treatments in our quest to have a child. We tried everything without results. Finally, the doctor said there was nothing else to try and encouraged us to move on with our lives. I went home absolutely devastated. I had been praying fervently for a child for all those years. But this time, my prayer was different… I prayed, “Lord, not my will, but yours be done.” Within a month I was pregnant! God blessed us with a beautiful, healthy daughter, which was the desire of my heart. I learned a powerful lesson from this event – one that has changed how I approach all major events and decisions.

 

9. What historical figure would you like to spend a day with?

 

I would like to spend a day with our 40^th president, Ronald Reagan. I admire his positive, optimistic attitude and clever wit. Even more so, I have admired his strong and unwavering faith and his willingness to express it frequently and publicly. His unique journey – from actor to President – is an amazing example of how God uses people from all walks of life to accomplish His work. Ronald Reagan was a positive and courageous role model. To spend a day with him would be an honor!

 

10. What would we be surprised to learn about you?

As a mom, nurse and teacher, I can stay calm amidst all kinds of unexpected and chaotic situations. However, reptiles – even small ones – totally freak me out. One day, a small lizard made his way into our house. I found him in the bathtub. We looked at each other, frozen in fear, and I knew I could not just pick him up and take him outside. So, as he sat motionless and terrified, I proceeded to saran wrap him into the tub and go find help. My husband was out of town, so I enlisted a friend who was a biology teacher to take care of my lizard problem. She calmly picked him up and escorted him outside – no big deal. I was so embarrassed!