MISSION: MARIKINAAN EXCEPTIONAL VISION
THE PERSON BEHIND THE MISSION

Hey, I’m Mandy.

A special educator with a heart for students, families, and the Philippines.

Mandy, pictured on her original Mission Marikina site
EDUCATION MEETS CALLING

Small steps.
Enormous celebrations.

I’ve been around missions my whole life. My first trip to the Philippines was with my Grandma Roller when I was 15, and the country kept drawing me back.

Along the way, I became a special educator, earned my master’s in special education at KU, and learned just how enormous a seemingly tiny step can be. In special education, we celebrate every bit of progress gloriously!

In summer 2026, I went to the Philippines to train, observe, coach, and help teachers begin putting supports in place. I came home with a vision for what this ministry could become—and a growing conviction that I need to be there.

Read my full story
A LITTLE MORE OF MY HEART

The soundtrack to this season.

Sometimes a song says what I’m still finding words for. Listen along and read what these songs have meant to me.

Visit Mandy’s Playlist