COUNTRYSIDE, IL, June 01, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Jeannine Hoekstra-Stump has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Stump has established a multifaceted career distinguished by her expertise in art and biblical studies. In her current capacity as a spiritual development specialist at By the Hand since 2021, she develops lessons for tutorials and writes extensively. Her commitment to fostering growth in others is evident in her approach, which centers on cultivating a profound sense of awareness that endures throughout life—a professional achievement she regards as her most significant.

Since 2026, Ms. Stump has also served as a math, reading and writing tutor with Club Z Tutors, where she continues to empower students, often transforming underdogs into scholars through personalized instruction. Her dedication to the arts is further reflected in her role as an art teacher at Fame Center beginning in 2025, where she inspires creativity and artistic expression among her students.

From 2017 to 2025, Ms. Stump taught at Little Sunshine Playhouse, earning recognition as Teacher of the Month in April 2018 for her outstanding contributions to early childhood education. In 2017, she briefly contributed her skills as a teacher at Helping Hand and as a tutor with Club Z Tutors, demonstrating versatility across educational settings.

Her earlier tenure at Covenant Christian School from 2015 to 2017 allowed her to integrate faith-based values into academic instruction. Prior to this, Ms. Stump managed photography operations at Walgreens from 2009 to 2015, overseeing creative projects and customer service initiatives. She began her association with Covenant Christian School as a substitute teacher and aide from 2005 to 2008.

Ms. Stump's foundational years in education include teaching positions at Elm Road Elementary in Mishawaka, Indiana, from 1987 to 1991 and Timothy Christian School in Elmhurst, Illinois, from 1986 to 1987. These formative experiences shaped her holistic approach to teaching and mentorship.

In addition to her educational roles, Ms. Stump owns A Touch of Spring, an Etsy shop that showcases her artistic talents. Her professional affiliations include membership in the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the LaGrange Art League in LaGrange, Illinois, the Nature Artists Guild, and the Gritty Faith Community—organizations that reflect her commitment to both creative and faith-based communities.

Ms. Stump's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a kindergarten endorsement from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, earned in 1986. She was recognized with the Outstanding Christian Student Award upon graduation. Furthering her qualifications, she obtained an art therapist certificate in 2023, enhancing her ability to integrate therapeutic techniques into educational and artistic endeavors.

She attributes much of her success to the encouragement of supportive friends and the influence of esteemed organizations and educational institutions throughout her journey. The guidance of her parents played a pivotal role; her mother encouraged her to get involved in Sunday school teaching during junior high, while her father celebrated her artistic achievements by displaying them prominently at home and preserving inspirational newspaper clippings. These formative influences continue to inspire Ms. Stump's aspirations within academia and beyond.

Civic engagement is central to Ms. Stump's life. She has volunteered as a Sunday school teacher at Trinity Western Springs Presbyterian and contributed time to their homeless mission outreach efforts. Her artistic accomplishments have been recognized with the Alla Jablokow Nature Award from the LaGrange Art League in 2019.

Ms. Stump's creative output includes several published works: "Desert Times" featured in Gritty Faith Collective Wild Wizard Scene Volume 21 in 2026; poetry contributions such as "Joy in Collected Whispers" (2008) and "Depth" (2007) published by the International Library of Poetry.

Currently, Ms. Stump is finalizing illustrations for her picture book, "Wonderwalk," under contract with a hybrid publisher and scheduled for release soon. The book features watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations complemented by occasional calligraphy—mediums that showcase her artistic versatility.

Born in Oak Park, Ms. Stump is the proud parent of three children: Trevor holds a doctorate in psychiatric pharmacy; Daniel earned a finance degree from Butler University; Emily works as a teacher with a degree in sports business and serves as a basketball coach at Granger Christian School. Ms. Stump also celebrates the achievements of her daughter-in-law Megan, who holds both an education degree from the University of Mississippi and a master's degree.

Her siblings include Kathleen Hoekstra, James Hoekstra—a pastor—and Michelle Hofstra, director of learning at By the Hand.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Ms. Stump enjoys photography, walking—especially in wooded areas—and gardening. Looking ahead, she plans to write a leveled reader for second graders about navigating depression based on personal experience, develop Bible studies and illustrate additional books. She eagerly anticipates becoming a grandmother soon; her granddaughter will be named Mary Carol, in keeping with Southern tradition and family heritage.

Ms. Stump's enduring commitment to education, art and community service continues to shape lives while reflecting the values instilled by those who inspired her earliest ambitions.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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