Bonnie Wells
My name is Bonnie Wells. I’m the proud grandmother of 14 wonderful grandkids, two of which go to Ankeny Christian Academy. I lived in Ankeny from 1984-2000 at which time my husband and I bought an acreage outside of Elkhart.
I substituted for several years for Ankeny Schools and then for Heartland AEA in the juvenile homes. I also worked for UPS for 12 years until my husband and I started Martial Arts America here in Ankeny, Iowa. We had over 14 branches around the Des Moines and Ankeny area. We loved making a living helping people young and old develop more confidence, improved health, learn self defense, and become a stronger family unit. We encouraged the whole family to do Tae Kwon Do together, and I give that the credit for our success. Much like Ankeny Christian Academy, it was like a family.
Six years ago we retired to enjoy our peaceful place in the country where we live with 7 cats, a dog and 2 horses. Life was very good for us, but something was missing for me. I felt a need to be doing more in my life to help in some small way. I prayed to God to show me where I needed to be, and He led me to Ankeny Christian Academy. I walked in thinking I was going to ask about substitute teaching. But I really wanted to be more active at my job. So here I am!
I have the best job in the world for me at this time of my life. I see kids when they are at their happy places – lunch and recess. They all have big smiles on their faces when they see me!