Biography

Mrs. Varnau (V) grew up on a lake in Michigan where she began her interest in science and art with two parents who are also educators. When she was in college, she was a swimming instructor, a teaching assistant for Biology classes, and a Sunday School catechist, all which helped her choose a path as a teacher. When Mrs. V and her husband moved to California, she chose Saint Lawrence as her home community in Silicon Valley, where the school was looking for a science teacher in the new Middle School buildings.

For the past three decades, Mrs. V has taught various grade levels in science and raised two children in the Santa Clara/Sunnyvale area. When she is not busy planning the next experiment or engineering challenge, she enjoys watching Science Fiction with her husband, playing board games with her son, going on Pokemon walks with her daughter, visiting family in the Midwest, swimming, Calligraphy, painting, and photography. Recently, she’s been enjoying trying out different tea shops.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Purdue University 

• Master or Arts in Natural Science, San Jose State University

• California Single Subject Clear Credential in Life Science with supplemental Introductory Science Authorization

• Institute in Leadership Ministry (ILM), Diocese of San Jose