Teacher Bios

About Mrs. Jeanine Cheek:

I grew up in an environment that had “a form of godliness but denied its power.”  I attended church and went to a Christian school for 12 grades. When I was 13, my 21 year old brother, was tragically killed. I saw that dying wasn’t just for old folks, so I wanted to be a nice, religious girl.

At 17, I went on a summer missions trip and was required to memorize Romans 3:10-12 and Ephesians 2:8-9.
The Holy Spirit used these verses to show me I was a sinner in need of a Savior. I went back to my room, confessed my sin, and asked Jesus to save me. My heart was flooded with JOY. From that point on, I knew my life was not my own and that I was to glorify Christ with my entire being.

I met my husband, John, at a student conference in China in 1984, graduated from college with a Christian Ed./Communications degree in spring of ’85, and married 3 months later. I have 6 fabulous children (ages 35, 33, 30, 28, 26, and 17) and have 5 adorable grandkids. By God’s enabling, my husband has pastored a church in Blaine for over 20 years. We have now moved on to different ministries at the Lord’s leading. The Lord has hugely blessed me in being John’s wife and mothering our children. For this season of life, I am delighted to be at FBCS as an elementary teacher.

About Mrs. Amy Pickard:

I was blessed to be raised in a Christian home and was saved at a young age after hearing the Gospel during Awana at church. My family moved several times during my growing up years which gave me a variety of education experiences. I started elementary in a public school. We moved when I was entering 4th grade and I had the privilege of attending a Christian school for three years before another moved led my parents to homeschool. It was the teachers at my Christian school that inspired me to become a teacher.

I earned my elementary education degree from Pensacola Christian College and took my first teaching position at a Christian school on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. I taught 3rd grade there for four years before moving home to Minnesota.  This transition allowed me the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree through Liberty University. In 2011 God opened the door for me to come teach first grade at FBCS. My husband Ivan and I met here at Fourth Baptist Church and we were married in 2017. God blessed us with two beautiful girls and graciously allowed me to stay home with them for the last four years. I am excited to be back at FBCS and working with the 4th grade students. God’s plans are always the best and I am eager to see what He has instore for this year!

About Mrs. Becky Hopper: