About Ellie Hyvonen

Ellie Hyvonen is a teacher who specializes in conversational Spanish, College and Career, drama and classical arts, and ESL for international students. Ellie obtained her ESL teaching certificate from Wheaton College and has experience teaching various populations. She has enjoyed teaching Afghan refugees through World Relief, as well as adolescent girls in Costa Rica. During her time in Costa Rica, she immersed herself in the language and taught Bible and art therapy classes in Spanish as part of an internship. In terms of education, Ellie holds a Bachelor's degree in Christian Education and Ministry, and also has a certificate in Human Needs and Global Resources. She graduated with honors (summa cum laude) from Wheaton College in Chicago. She is currently in the process of becoming certified as a dual Life and Health Coach and is excited to use these new skills in the world of education and mentoring with her students.

 

Ellie has a diverse range of professional experiences. She has worked as a counselor at Bible camps, served as an administrative assistant and post-abortive coach at CareNet in Chicago and as an administrative assistant at Real Options in Manchester. She has also been involved in missions work with Vision International Missions, held administrative roles within her church leadership team, led worship, taught worship dance and art therapy at a rehab home for adolescent girls, and conducted Bible studies and mentor groups for high school girls. This year, she recently joined the leadership board with Vision International Missions (VIM) and is leading two trips through their organization. When not teaching part time, she works as a spiritual formation counselor and caretaker staff at New Life Home for Women and Children. 

 

In her free time, Ellie enjoys being social and engaging in activities such as line dancing and working on her family's farm during the wood cutting season! She is a fan of the TV show "Friends" and Ellie has been playing the piano her entire life. Although she no longer competes, she enjoys playing music with her violinist brother and performing duets with her grandmother. Additionally, she has a passion for training teams of oxen and horseback riding. She describes herself as crafty and enjoys creating scrapbooks about mission trips, soul collages, as well as making chainmaille jewelry to support missions. Ellie's favorite books include "Ella Enchanted", "The Knowledge of the Holy" and "The Tale of Two Cities" (There is never just one!).

 

Her ultimate goal is to walk alongside young girls who have faced similar struggles as she has. She hopes to encourage them in their faith and help them care for their bodies and gifts for the Lord. An interesting accomplishment for Ellie was when she created and taught a whole curriculum about God's design for the family in another language!