JoDee Luna is a writer, artist, and educator who describes herself as a creative eclectic due to her diverse history, multiple talents, and various career pursuits.   JoDee Luna grew up in the rural town of Leona Valley nestled between two mountain ranges in southern California. She fondly remembers creative sessions around the kitchen table with her sister and mother. JoDee’s life and career path reflect her eclectic nature. She has, at various times, been a missionary, pastor’s wife, professional development trainer, digital designer, photographer, sculptor, dancer, artist, classical guitarist, hair stylist, arts and craft business owner, teacher, theatre arts coordinator, ballroom dance teacher, and gardener. She also has a passion for giving back, and she is especially interested in literacy. She has taught grades fifth through eighth and facilitated a middle-school literacy program, READ 180, designed by Scholastic Inc., for the last four years.  JoDee savors time with her husband and their four children, their extended family, and their many friends. JoDee has designed an accompanying website, http://www.refrainfromtheidentical.com, intended to build a support community for creative eclectics while providing artistic resources. For her, life is not fully lived without sharing her creativity with others. 

Teacher of the year, Endeavour Middle School 2005/2006, Desert View Elementary School 2002/2003

Recipient of CTAP, California Technology Assistance Program, Grant 2005/2006

Outstanding Student, School of Education California State University Bakersfield May 2004

Outstanding Student, Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction California State University Bakersfield/Antelope Valley Extension, May 2004

California History/Social Science Conference presenter, Los Angeles, CA, April 2004

Scholarship Recipient to Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute in Early American History Williamsburg, Virginia August 12-19th, 2003

Member of Alpha Chi, CSUB National College Academic Honor Society, 2002