This week’s Staff Feature is Mrs. MacKenzie McDaniel, one of our Second-Grade Teacher’s Aides. While this is her first year on staff, Mrs. McDaniel’s connection to St. Luke’s goes back many years. She attended St. Luke’s from Pre-K through eighth grade, graduating in 2009. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a special education endorsement from York College in Nebraska and later received her master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from UCF.Mrs. McDaniel enjoys reading, spending time with family, visiting Disney and the zoo, watching sports, and collecting sports cards, a hobby she shared with her dad growing up. Sports have also been a big part of her life. She played basketball, volleyball, and soccer while at St. Luke’s and went on to play college basketball. In 2009, she was named MVP of the State Tournament. Mrs. McDaniel and her husband, Rohan, have two daughters, Marley and Avery, who both attend preschool at St. Luke’s, and their family is expecting their third child this fall.
Mrs. McDaniel especially values gathering as a school for weekly Chapel. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” She credits St. Luke’s with helping build the foundation of her faith, making her return especially meaningful as she now can serve the next generation of students while watching her own children grow at St. Luke’s. St. Luke’s is grateful for Mrs. McDaniel and the faith, dedication, and unique connection she brings to our school community.