Get to Know – Erin Oglesby
The Christ School welcomes Erin Oglesby to our family. Erin, who joined our Bridge team as a 2nd grade teacher, has an engaging and welcoming personality that can make you feel like you are a familiar friend. “Truth be told, I am an alien,” Erin smiles. “No, not from Mars, but Montreal. When I was in first grade, my father, an Episcopal priest, was called to a new ministry in the United States. We left Canada during a blizzard and arrived in the Sunshine State wearing snowsuits! Don’t worry, there was a cold front and it was a cool 83 degrees. Since that move I have lived in Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, DC, and Maryland. I have been married almost 20 years to my college sweetheart and have two creative sons, Matthew and Andrew. I love the arts and have a passion for musical theatre. Here is a fun fact – years ago, I performed a solo cabaret show in Orlando at a dinner attraction.”
“God had a plan that I could never have imagined that brought me to The Christ School,” Erin continues. “I was researching schools and came across the amazing things TCS was doing to help students with dyslexia. At that time, I had multiple students in my classroom who were diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia and I was constantly looking for ways to best support their needs. After learning about TCS’s Bridge program, I mentioned it to my resource specialist in Maryland. I had long wished that our school could support students with a program like The Bridge. Flash forward a few months to a social media post calling for a teacher for Bridge and, well, the rest is history. There is not a doubt in my mind that God’s hand was guiding this incredible opportunity.”
“I love teaching,” says Erin. “Especially in the early elementary years. I love all the light bulb moments and the excitement and the passion they have for learning. I love to see the smile on my students’ faces when they ‘get it’. Now, that smile has a different meaning. That smile means so much more to me when I not only see, but know, how many obstacles that child has had to overcome in order to reach success. That smile is worth everything!”
Erin continues, “My class at TCS is spectacular. The students are creative, artistic, fabulous storytellers, and super funny. They come to school each day with a smile on their face and perseverance to conquer any challenge that may stand in their way. Each day I watch my students be more confident in themselves and their abilities. I treasure those moments when they look up from an activity or lesson and say ‘Mrs. O, look at what I did!’ I can’t wait to see how each of them bloom; not only academically, but also spiritually this year.”
“Not only do I love the students at TCS, but the faculty and staff are out of this world,” she says. “Christ’s love is everywhere! Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Moving to Orlando has been a huge transition for my family and TCS has gone over and above to make sure we feel welcomed and loved. All day, every day, the building is filled with smiles, laughter, and love. TCS really lives out their mission of sharing Christ’s love. My son, Andrew, started TCS in 6th grade this year. He is a showman and loves music, performing, and entertaining. Spotlight, the musical theater class here, has been such a wonderful experience for him. I know that he values the friendships and adventures TCS has provided in the short time we have been a part of the school.”
Erin shares her favorite Bible verses:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13
“Every time I come across a difficult moment in my life, I remember these passages. I try my best to live my life to His glory and know He has this amazing plan and all I need to do is listen,” she says.