Christopher Brode was born and raised in the rural coalfields of Bedford County, PA. After attending public school for Grades PreK-12, he moved on to complete his bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Shippensburg University. Shortly afterwards, Chris moved to Lancaster County to begin teaching at Ephrata Mennonite School where he teaches fifth grade and serves on the school’s leadership team. While teaching, Chris has completed an M.Ed. degree in Gifted Education from Millersville University and is currently a doctoral student at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. Chris is a member of the Lancaster District of the Old Order River Brethren. He and his wife Sandra have seven children.