Ashlee Eiland has been serving as the Head of School for Living Stones Academy since Aaron Winkle’s departure this summer. She’s getting to know students, staff, families, and friends of LSA this fall by greeting people at the door, hosting community events, and many one-on-one interactions.
Ashlee is a pastor, published author, and thought leader — and she is really good at asking questions. We thought we’d ask her some questions to get to know her better:
How did God lead you to this position of Head of School of Living Stones?
I’d been serving as room parent for three years and was never shy about how much I loved the LSA staff and community. The night Aaron’s transition was announced, I received multiple text messages from friends asking if I would consider applying. Those texts were the beginning of a period of careful discernment (mixed with much excitement, I confess) that included family and a close circle of prayer partners. During this time of discernment, I served at the school one afternoon in a pastoral role. I was completely at peace. I thought, “God, if this is where you’d like me to serve, I won’t fight you. I’m completely willing.”
Who do you live with?
I live with my husband, Delwin, and our three kids: Brooklyn (9), Myles (8) and Journey (5). It’s also an honor having my mother live with us when she’s here from Texas, which is about half the year. Having three generations under one roof has provided unexpected joy in our home. We also have three dogs who are very much part of our family: Jasper, Chance, and Louisiana (Louie).
How would you describe the LSA community?
The LSA community is hospitable, warm, welcoming and generous. As a family we were grateful recipients of those qualities first-hand: from our initial tour of the school to the most recent Fall picnic, I’m always amazed by how much this community feels like God’s vision for God’s people. LSA is also courageous. This community has weathered seasons of difficulty and loss with graciousness while holding onto Christ and pursuing justice together. I’m so proud to be part of a community like that.
What was your elementary school experience like?
I attended a small, all-girls Catholic school in Houston, Texas, from Kindergarten through 12th grade. My Kindergarten class was held in a log cabin and I was taught by a nun named Sister Costello. We wore uniforms (ours were plaid) and had a global student body. LSA reminds me a lot of Duchesne Academy: I had friends from all over the world in my class (Iran, India, Japan, Nicaragua, England, and Pakistan, to name a few countries), and we learned so much about each others’ cultures.
The worship theme this year is “Live Like Jesus, Love Like Jesus.” What does this theme mean to you?
These are simple words, but as I continue to follow Christ I’m humbled by how challenging it is to live and love like Jesus. This is no easy feat. It’s actually a tall order, especially given our current cultural moment that feels so divisive! Our theme is a call to continue living counter-culturally in the ways that Jesus taught us: ways that are self-emptying, stunningly grace-and-truth filled, always loving. I really enjoy learning how to live out the theme this year alongside our students. Our staff are teaching us so beautifully during worship times. Those spaces encourage me deeper in my faith.
What’s one thing that you want us to know about being the Head of School?
Being Head of School has given me the chance to witness just how incredible our staff really is. My job doesn’t work without every single one of them! From our admin and leadership teams to our caring and engaging teachers, I get a front row seat to just how much time, energy and collaboration go into making a school day happen. So much happens behind the scenes that many of us will never see. But I love what I do in large part because of who I get to do it with.
