Julia Thiessen

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Teacher

jthiessen@westgatemennonite.org

Julia Thiessen joined the Westgate staff in 2013, and teaches primarily Canadian History and Christian Studies. She also participates in shaping the chapels and spiritual life of the school. Julia grew up in Altona, Manitoba, attending Altona Mennonite Church and receiving baptism there. Camps played a huge role in her faith development, and she spent six summers on staff at Camp Assiniboia, where she first learned to lead children in song. She is currently a member of Charleswood Mennonite Church, where she teaches Sunday School and helps plan worship. Julia attended Canadian Mennonite University, completing an Honours degree in Biblical and Theological Studies, with minors in History and Philosophy. She also has a Masters of Arts in Religious Studies from McMaster University, and studied education at the University of Toronto, focusing on Senior Years History and Religion. Julia has spent five years of her life in Germany, first as a child while her parents worked with Mennonite Central Committee in Berlin, and then as a young adult while working as a nanny in southern Germany. She sometimes teaches beginner German at Westgate. Outside of church and school involvements, Julia takes dance classes, hears live music, and tries to show up to support protests for peace and justice in Winnipeg.