Dawson Family Profile

Dony and Michelle were married in Los Angeles in 1995, and have lived in Arlington, TX for 13 years.

Dony is a talented architectural designer, working full time for a large engineering company, for which he has been employed for 13 years. Dony also runs his own part-time business as a photographer, his primary work in portraits and weddings. Dony served a two year mission for the LDS church in South Africa, teaching the gospel in both English and Afrikaans. Dony has continued to serve in the LDS church in various positions as counselor in Young Mens and Elders Quorum presidencies, counselor in the Bishopric, Young Mens President and currently as Marriage and Family Relations instructor. Dony enjoys teaching his children and spends at least an hour every Sunday afternoon sitting with his children, teaching them gospel principles and important life lessons. He also teaches his children art, photography, home and yard maintenance, and hard work. (Yes, this was written by his wife.)

Michelle is a stay-at-home mother. While caring for the kids and home is her primary work, she also teaches fitness classes and volunteers as PTA Treasurer at the kids' elementary school. Michelle enjoys singing and teaches voice lessons, and formerly directed several different choirs in both church and school settings. Michelle is currently serving as primary teacher to the 11 year old children in church.

Shane (14) is entering the 9th grade and wants to be an author. Shane has been writing short stories and novels since 4th grade and has won numerous spelling bees. Shane is a talented writer, and served as Chief Editor for his Junior High school magazine. To say “Shane reads a lot” is an understatement; he checks items out from the library multiple times each week, and checks his library account daily. Shane served in church as Deacons Quorum president. Shane has earned his Orange Belt in Jiu-Jitsu.

Christelle (11) is entering 6th grade and wants to be a mother when she grows up. Christelle has been taking piano lessons for 3 years, and enjoys playing just for fun. She loves Jiu-Jitsu, and has been training for over a year and has earned her Orange belt. Christelle enjoys creating art and has had art displayed in the local Art Museum and also in the school District Administration Building. Christelle really loves to play soccer during recess at school. Christelle also loves to cook and has prepared many dishes and desserts for the whole family.

Kimberly (9) is entering 4th grade and wants to be a different occupation every time you ask her! She is an outstanding singer and also enjoys the piano lessons she has been taking for 2 years. Kimberly met a girl from China in her class at school, and naturally became a dear friend and helped her learn the English language and get accustomed to life in America. She is known for being kind and helpful, as she also was a dear friend in 1st grade to a girl who had downs-syndrome. Kimberly has also earned an Orange belt in Jiu-Jitsu, but will tell you it is not her favorite thing.

Rebekah (7) is entering 2nd grade and looks forward to turning 8 so she can be baptized and take piano lessons. Rebekah has a strong, solid singing voice and will usually sing her heart out when given the opportunity. Rebekah is one of the smallest in her Jiu-Jitsu class, but has earned an Orange belt and is very strong!

Nathan (5) is thrilled to finally be starting kindergarten, and practices making his own lunches already. He wants to be a “builder” when he grows up and plans to also be a pilot and take his kids on plane rides. Nathan creates something new every day, he likes to use up every piece of tape, card board and paper available to create an imaginative structure.