Hello, I had the pleasure of graduating from one of the finest High School classes, ever. I went to Nettleton College and majored in Fashion Design/Merchandising taking Business classes. During the Spring I interviewed with the Art Director Mr. Smith at Child Evangelism out of Grand Rapids, MI. I started as an Apprentice Artiist working with the Artists Sam Butcher and Bill Biel. These two wonderful artists created Precious Moments . They were the greatest teachers a country girl in the big city could have. I worked from apprentice to Head the Art Department over a nine year work experience. Illustrating stories written by authors and creating ad designs.Working all aspects of the Art Department. Illustraing songs, children's crafts and sales booklets displaying CEF's Children's booklets in many medias. In 1981 I married Jeff Nielsen and moved from the Warrenton, Mo location where Child Evangelism had relocated. I moved with my new spouse to Orange Co, Ca. Later moving to the Apple Valley high desert area where our only child , a son was born. We returned to Bettendorf, Iowa where my spouses family lived. I divorced after 13 years of marriage relocating back to Sioux Falls and worked for Citi Bank. I love this city. Have a 19 year marriage to Michael Stassen . We have five great children and 7 fantastic grand children. Due to a change in health, we have started a children's book series. Teddy No Tail. We have a web page and our book is at 14 Sioux Falls branch locations and the bookmobile. We have gone to surrounding towns and will continue to promote our series. As a breast cancer survivor, I would encourage everyone to live each day to it's fullest. My son is in the US Navy and currently at sea in a submarine somewhere in the Pacific. My prayers go out to all who have served and are serving to protect the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. May the Light of God Love fill your souls with His Peace.