About
In 1968, Lowell and Jeanine Fitzgerald started growing Christmas trees in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Continuing this family tradition, James and Toija and their two sons began growing a new crop of trees in 2021.
Not only have the Fitzgeralds been growing trees, but they have been dedicated to growing minds as well. In fact, Toija has been an educator for the past 30 years.
A bit about me (Toija):
A devoted proponent of the Oxford comma, I have held a variety of jobs throughout my life including teacher, customer service agent, loan officer, farmer, ferry dock worker, and mother. Unequivocally, being a mom is hands-down the best job I've ever held.
After graduating from Westmont College with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, I went to work for Western Financial Bank as a loan officer.
After two years, thanks to a serendipitous meeting, I shifted gears and went to work at El Dorado School for the Gifted as an elementary teacher in fourth and fifth grades, as well as a junior high English teacher and high school Honors/AP English teacher. This incredible experience of instructing, but mainly learning from, witty and delightful students ignited my passion for teaching.
Having found my calling, I went back to obtain my teaching credential while working as an aide in a second grade special and regular education collaborative classroom at Santiago Hills Elementary, part of the Irvine Unified School District.
Completing my multiple subject credential in elementary education, as well as a single subject credential in English, I started work as a teacher with IUSD at Westpark Elementary School. I remained happily employed there for seven years, teaching second grade, as well as a year in fourth grade.
After the birth of my second son, I stayed home to be a mom. However, once my older son was about to go to kindergarten, I began to homeschool. At the time he asked me, "Am I your best class ever, Mommy?"
"Yes, Anthony, you're my best class ever," I replied.
I homeschooled both of them in all subjects through junior high, collaborating with a public charter school. It was an absolute joy, and we were able to travel extensively, giving them an extraordinary education that they otherwise would not have had. Both went on to attend high school at Crean Lutheran in Irvine, graduating with honors, as well as one of them earning the prestigious National Merit Scholarship which is granted to less than 1% of high school students in the U.S. (Proud mamma here.)
While homeschooling our sons and after they went to high school, I was the primary caregiver for both of my parents, caring for them at home until they passed.
Devoted to learning and knowledge, I continue to teach junior high English and literature classes with up to 8-10 students each week as well as tutoring students on an individual basis.
Additionally, I manage multiple rental and real estate properties, a Christmas tree farm, a non-profit homeless ministry, and arrange travel for friends and family.
My maxim: Never a dull moment!
Not only have the Fitzgeralds been growing trees, but they have been dedicated to growing minds as well. In fact, Toija has been an educator for the past 30 years.
A bit about me (Toija):
A devoted proponent of the Oxford comma, I have held a variety of jobs throughout my life including teacher, customer service agent, loan officer, farmer, ferry dock worker, and mother. Unequivocally, being a mom is hands-down the best job I've ever held.
After graduating from Westmont College with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, I went to work for Western Financial Bank as a loan officer.
After two years, thanks to a serendipitous meeting, I shifted gears and went to work at El Dorado School for the Gifted as an elementary teacher in fourth and fifth grades, as well as a junior high English teacher and high school Honors/AP English teacher. This incredible experience of instructing, but mainly learning from, witty and delightful students ignited my passion for teaching.
Having found my calling, I went back to obtain my teaching credential while working as an aide in a second grade special and regular education collaborative classroom at Santiago Hills Elementary, part of the Irvine Unified School District.
Completing my multiple subject credential in elementary education, as well as a single subject credential in English, I started work as a teacher with IUSD at Westpark Elementary School. I remained happily employed there for seven years, teaching second grade, as well as a year in fourth grade.
After the birth of my second son, I stayed home to be a mom. However, once my older son was about to go to kindergarten, I began to homeschool. At the time he asked me, "Am I your best class ever, Mommy?"
"Yes, Anthony, you're my best class ever," I replied.
I homeschooled both of them in all subjects through junior high, collaborating with a public charter school. It was an absolute joy, and we were able to travel extensively, giving them an extraordinary education that they otherwise would not have had. Both went on to attend high school at Crean Lutheran in Irvine, graduating with honors, as well as one of them earning the prestigious National Merit Scholarship which is granted to less than 1% of high school students in the U.S. (Proud mamma here.)
While homeschooling our sons and after they went to high school, I was the primary caregiver for both of my parents, caring for them at home until they passed.
Devoted to learning and knowledge, I continue to teach junior high English and literature classes with up to 8-10 students each week as well as tutoring students on an individual basis.
Additionally, I manage multiple rental and real estate properties, a Christmas tree farm, a non-profit homeless ministry, and arrange travel for friends and family.
My maxim: Never a dull moment!