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When I learned that Stepheny (Moore) Johnson ‘95 was honored as the Middletown Unified School District's Teacher of the Year, I wanted to hear her Justin-Siena story. Stepheny, a Transitional Kindergarten Teacher at Coyote Valley Elementary School, is recognized in glowing terms: “Ms. Johnson's joyful energy and dynamic approach make her classroom a place where students are excited to explore, sing, move, and grow together. She adapts to each child's unique learning style with patience and care, helping even her most challenged students build confidence and emotional strength.” Wow! How proud Stepheny’s alma mater is of her!
When I asked Stepheny why she wanted to attend Justin-Siena, her response was clear and concise: “Theatre! Theatre! Theatre!” Inspired and encouraged by then Theatre Department Director, Alex Urban, she knew that with his support, she would apply.
At first, although Stepheny found the academic part of Justin-Siena a bit overwhelming, she also found it warm and welcoming. With hard work, discipline, and the support of her teachers, she found her path to become a solid student. Having no problems with the social side of school, and making fast friendships through service outreach and theatre, she loved coming to school every day. Alex Urban became Stepheny's favorite teacher. He was by her side in paving her way, her biggest cheerleader, and her inspiration to become a teacher herself. Having established her own kids' theatre program in Lake County, Stepheny continues Mr. Urban’s legacy by imparting the magic of musical theatre into the lives of children.
Stepheny recalls her Senior Retreat as her favorite Justin-Siena memory. This priceless opportunity to bond, share, and grow with her classmates was a spiritual experience that impacted the person she is today.
After Justin-Siena, Stepheny went to junior college then to Chico State, graduating in 2000 with a degree in Liberal Studies. She reminisced that older Stepheny could have told younger Stepheny that by going to Justin-Siena, she would grow her opportunity to go to college wherever she wanted. Stepheny subsequently earned her Multiple Subject Teacher Credential from Fresno State. Though it was challenging to study and raise her family simultaneously, she did it!
Stepheny feels that she is now tapping into the work ethic Justin-Siena prepared her for; she is blowing her own mind with what she can and has achieved. Prior to her career in education, she ran her family's winery and golf course for many years. When COVID shut the world down, she asked herself “now what?” Her decision was to use her degree to help children, a road that has brought her much joy. “Every day is a good day when you are with 5 year olds; it’s a blessing.” Teaching has always been a part of Stepheny; it’s in her heart.
Life continued to happen - marriage, babies, family, businesses. In 2015, her family lost their home in the Valley Fire. With half of the community leaving the area, the family had to pivot and fold their businesses. As always, Stepheny leaned into the resilience, tenacity, and fortitude she honed at Justin-Siena. Stepheny is married to Gary Johnson, Napa High '85. Cooper, their son, is in the Business Entrepreneurship Program at San Jose State University. Seventeen year old daughter Carly, a standout volleyball player, is in her senior year at Middletown High School. Stepheny and Gary enjoy attending concerts, especially BottleRock. With her mother, and brother and his family, living close by, they all get to do life together, spending most weekends having meaningful family fun.
Stepheny loves to come back to JS to watch the theatre productions. When fellow classmate Matt Miller was directing the program, she felt great to be able to return to lend a hand with the ever-popular opening night Galas. Having attended many Crab Fests with her bestie Rian McCarroll ’96, to this day she appreciates that girlfriend Jenny Gass ‘93 texts her each year to remind her to come down the mountain for this event.
Back in Stephany's days at JS, “Chinese Food Wednesday” was a hit in the Dining Hall. I plan to feel out how Chef Juan might put his personal spin on a rotating spotlight of cuisine in the Dining Hall for our students - “Wok this Way Wednesday...Taco ’bout it Tuesday.” Sounds fun to me, and hopefully Stepheny will come back to Justin-Siena to join me for lunch.
It was a pleasure to share the story of Stepheny Moore Johnson. She is truly ALLHEART!
Jennifer Rasler ‘86
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