Ranel McDaniel

I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Portland State University. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Oregon State University. I have over 9 years of experience working in the field of Mental Health specializing in adults with severe mental illness. I have approximately 5 years of experience in administrative roles. 

While an undergraduate, I was a teaching assistant for an Introductory Psychology class. I also participated in a Cadet Teaching program during High School where I taught 3rd graders Spanish. I was a substitute Education Assistant at Pleasant Hill School District and have been a parent volunteer there for over eleven years. I most recently worked as a Preschool Teacher at Springfield Christian Kindergarten and Preschool starting in 2017. 

I am married and have three children at home. My family is my heart. I love to spend as much time with them as possible. I love nature and it is the place where I feel closest to God. I enjoy basking in the beauty of God’s creation. I find peace and solace in the sights and sounds of nature; the feel of the wind in my hair and the sun on my skin. I enjoy camping, backpacking, hiking, kayaking, floating rivers, and boating. I also enjoy walking, reading, canning, making homemade soaps and lip balms, and spending time with family and friends. 

I love to travel. I enjoy exploring new locations and being exposed to different cultures. While working on my Spanish degree, I lived in Quito, Ecuador for a study abroad program. I have also traveled to Spain, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Portugal, England, Italy, The Netherlands, St. Maarten, Tahiti, Moorea, Canada, Mexico, Anguilla, Jamaica, and 23 states, including Hawaii. 

I believe I was called to help others, and I knew at an early age that I wanted to spend my life helping to make a difference in the lives of others. This calling has changed and evolved during my life, but I have always felt it was vital that I make a positive difference. I know God has called me to City First Christian Academy. Here, I enjoy working with both Preschoolers and High Schoolers in my roles as Preschool Director and High School Spanish Teacher. I love teaching the fun and interesting Spanish language as well as the various beautiful and intriguing cultures that speak Spanish. Being able to teach Spanish through the lens of Christianity is a wonderful experience. Most of the Spanish-speaking world is Christian and, God is an integral part of the culture and the language. I also love working with the Preschool and helping teach and spread God’s love while also supporting and encouraging the Preschool Staff. I believe teachers are helpers. I believe that by teaching through the lens of Christianity, we are glorifying God.

Romans 12:6-7 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach.”