Board of Directors

Sarah DeBoer (Board Term 2025 – 2028) is originally from Delaware, but arrived in Harrisonburg in 1998 to attend James Madison University. She then attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS where she received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling. Sarah then moved back to the Valley to work as a licensed counselor at Journey Counseling Ministries beginning in 2008 and was the Clinical Director from 2019-2022. Sarah now serves as the Associate Director of Women’s Ministry at Covenant Presbyterian Church, where she has been a member since 1999. They are the parents to three BRCS students. Sarah enjoys being outside, organizing, spending time with friends, and playing games.

Sarah says, “BRCS stands out for its foundational commitment to biblical instruction, teaching our children to see themselves and this world through the lens of scripture, and I am honored to use my gifts to continue building on what the Board has already been doing to empower our wonderful teachers and staff.”

Savanna Funkhouser (Board Term 2025 – 2028) and her husband, Chad, are parents to three BRCS students. Savanna has enjoyed volunteering as a homeroom parent. She is also involved in the Crosslink Community Church Little Links Preschool ministry and serves as a Preschool Team leader on the VBS leadership team. Professionally, Savanna has spent much of her career working with the state legislature and currently works as the Associate Director of State Government Relations at James Madison University. She is also in the process of completing her MBA. Outside of work and school, Savanna stays busy with her children’s dance, swim, and golf activities, and in her free time, she enjoys reading and traveling.

Savanna says she is so grateful for all that BRCS has given to their family, and sees serving on the Board as a meaningful way to give back and support the school as it continues to grow.

Pearl Hurst (Board Term 2025 – 2028) is a proud BRCS parent since 2019 with four kids, Violet, Henry, Oliver, and Peter, currently scattered across 12th, 10th, 7th, and 5th grade. Her family moved to Virginia in 2017 from a farm in Washington State, trading Ponderosa pines and gravel roads for rolling hills and fireflies. Her husband, AJ, is a dialysis nurse for UVA and her partner in everything. When they’re not juggling school drop-offs and cheering from the sidelines, they run a marketing business and stay active in their church community, Aletheia, where they are honored to serve as partners in ministry.

She says, “I know great schools don’t just happen – they’re built, nurtured, and thoughtfully led.” In her downtime, Pearl plays the violin, dabbles in art, and tries to solve the daily Wordle puzzle before her kids.

Patrick Keefe (Board Term 2025 – 2028) was raised in a small rural region of western Pennsylvania. Upon graduation from high school, he served in the United States Army before returning to Pennsylvania to begin his undergraduate degree. He graduated from chiropractic school in 2004, and after working in a chiropractic clinic near Washington, D.C., he relocated to the Shenandoah Valley to start his own practice. In 2006, he founded Shenandoah Chiropractic, PC, and has worked there ever since.

When not at the office, Patrick enjoys time with his wife Tanja, sons Sean (8th) and Aiden (4th), and their lovable little dachshund. Family activities include hiking, travel, golf and running, as well as hunting and fishing. The family attends Crosslink Community Church, and have had children attending BRCS since 2019. After experiencing the positive change BRCS made in his son’s life upon transferring from public school, Patrick is honored to serve on the BRCS Board and give back to the school which has been a tremendous blessing to the Keefe family.

Meredith Read (Board Term 2023 – 2026) Meredith Read worked for nine years as a maternity nurse before stepping away to stay home with her children. Currently, Meredith serves as the Director of Women’s Ministry for her church, Faith Community Church. Meredith is co-founder of a local nonprofit, called Hope Ridge, that exists to provide a space of peace and refuge for believers to come and intentionally rest in the Lord. Meredith also has a speaking and writing ministry, MKR Ministires, to inspire believers in their faith journey. Meredith is married to Phillip. They have four children, Caroline, Kate, Samuel and George.  Meredith believes in a passionate commitment to gospel centered parenting and sharing the love of Jesus with all. In addition to spending time with family, Meredith loves to hike, kayak and drink coffee with friends.

Nichole Whatley (Board Term: 2023 – 2026) Nichole is a Founding Partner of The Marshall & Whatley Investment Group of D.A. Davidson, where she serves as a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor. For over 15 years, Nichole has committed to helping her clients reach their unique financial goals through comprehensive analysis, wealth planning, and investment advice. She also serves on the Southeast Charitable Giving Committee and the Financial Advisory Council at D.A. Davidson.  Nichole is committed to serving others and is actively involved in a ministry called Faithfully Restored Women, where she organizes local events and cares for women walking through difficult situations. Nichole and her family reside in Mt. Crawford, Virginia and attend Grace Covenant Church.  She and her husband Paul have four children who all attend school at the lower campus of BRCS; Owen, Becca, Reese and Annie. 

Derek Wyse, (Board Term 2021-2024, 2025-2028)  Derek is President of Wyse Enterprises which develops and sells software applications for summer camps and conference/retreat centers.  He lives in Harrisonburg with his two children, Brenden and Keira.  He is a member of the tech team at Church of the Nazarene and also is a coach in the BRCS basketball program.