
Karen Shomo
Head of School
Karen holds an M.Ed. in Education Administration from Boston College and a BA in English from Bowdoin College, along with ACSI Head of School Certification. Karen has nearly 30 years of teaching and leadership experience across all education levels. She previously served as a student teacher supervisor for Boston College and for the JMU College of Education, as the BRCS Lower School Principal, and as the BRCS Upper School Principal. Karen moved to her current position in 2016. She is the parent of one BRCS alumnus.

Lori Swortzel
Lower School Principal
Lori holds an M.Ed. in Administration from Shenandoah University and a BS in Art Education from James Madison University. She came to BRCS with 28 years of teaching and leadership experience. She joined BRCS in 2023 and has one child who attends BRCS.

Jake Palumbo
Upper School Principal
Jake holds an M.Ed. in Leadership and Administration from Covenant College and a BS in Biology with a concentration in Secondary Education from the University of Richmond. Jake has over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience in Christian schools. Prior to BRCS, Jake served as High School Principal at Chattanooga Christian School. He has three children attending BRCS.

Amy Good
Director of Finance
Amy holds an MBA in Business Administration and a BS in Public Administration with a minor in Economics from James Madison University. Prior to BRCS, she worked in recruiting, staffing and finance and development for area businesses. Amy joined BRCS as a parent in 2003 and moved into her current position in 2011. She is the parent of two BRCS alumni.

Carolyn Paradzinski
Director of Admissions and Marketing
Carolyn holds a BA in English and Secondary Education with a minor in Theater and Communications from Bridgewater College. Prior to BRCS, she taught grades 6-12 in Southern Virginia for 6 years and then worked in marketing and sales for 8 years. Carolyn joined BRCS as a parent in 2008 and moved to her current position in 2012. She is the parent of two BRCS alumni.

Daniel Padilla
Director of Athletics
Daniel holds an MS in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Emporia State University and BS in Sports Management from George Mason University. Daniel joined the BRCS staff in 2018 and has one child who attends BRCS.

Matthew McDonald
Director of Student Life & Upper School History and Bible Teacher
Matt holds an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a BA in Biblical Studies from Cedarville University. He also holds an Education Certification from ACSI. Prior to BRCS, he taught and served as Director of Ministry in Christian schools in Northern Virginia and as a youth pastor. He joined BRCS in 2021 and has one child who also attends BRCS.

Jessica Robinson
Early Education Director and Teacher
Jessica holds a BS in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College. She came to BRCS with 13 years of teaching experience, including 10 years in preschool. Jessica joined in 2022 and has two children who attend BRCS.

Audrey Horn
Early Education Teacher
Audrey holds a BS in Family & Consumer Science from Bridgewater College. She also holds an Early Childhood Education Certification from ACSI. She has served in the Early Education Department since 2016. She is a mother of two BRCS students and one alumna.

Mia Pence
Early Education
Mia holds a BS in Social Work from Eastern Mennonite University. Prior to BRCS, she served as children’s ministry director at her church. She joined the Early Education Department in 2022.

Becca Slye
Early Education Teacher
Becca holds a BS from Virginia Tech. She serves as the Worship Pastor and Communications Coordinator at Full Circle Church and brings many years of experience in the Early Education setting. She is the parent to three BRCS students whom she has spent the last several years homeschooling.

Hailey Alexander
Early Education Assistant
Hailey holds a BA in Psychology from James Madison University. Hailey joins us after serving as a long-term substitute in the Early Education program.

Kayla Christophel
Early Education Assistant and Aftercare Director
Kayla is a BRCS alumna. She graduated from Liberty University with a BS degree. Prior to BRCS, Kayla worked as a Family Support Specialist and as a nanny.

Alex Wilfong
Early Education Assistant
Alex has a Child Development Associate Degree (CDA). Prior to BRCS, Alex was the owner and director of her own daycare for 20+ years, working with children 0 months to 12 years of age. She has one child attending BRCS.

Stephanie Shifflett
Kindergarten Teacher
Stephanie holds an MAT and BS from James Madison University. She joined BRCS in 2021 with 8 years of elementary teaching experience. Stephanie has two children attending BRCS.

Marissa Jacobs
Kindergarten Teacher
Marissa holds a BS in Elementary Education from Liberty University. Prior to BRCS, she taught Kindergarten for 11 years in public schools.

Angelique Liskey
Kindergarten Assistant
Angelique joined BRCS in 2023 after working at Sentara RMH Medical Center for 15 years.

Stephanie Morris
Kindergarten Assistant
Stephanie holds a M.Ed. with TESOL certification K-12 from JMU and a BS in science and with a Pre-K – 6th Grade teaching license from Bowling Green State University. Prior to BRCS, Stephanie worked as a JMU University Supervisor for practicum and student teachers 2018-2021 and has 10 years of teaching experience in public schools. She has two children attending BRCS.

Tabitha Lookabill
1st Grade Teacher
Tabitha holds a BA from Covenant College. She also holds an Elementary Education Certification from ACSI. She brings unique elementary teaching experiences to BRCS, including a year in Japan, 3 years in Georgia, 3 years at a local private school, and a year of homeschooling her children. Tabitha joined BRCS in 2021 and has one alumnus and two children who attend BRCS.

Becca Stables
1st Grade Teacher
Becca is a graduate of James Madison University with a major in Art and a Minor in K-12 Education. After teaching elementary school art, Becca and her family served with Young Life in Virginia and Scotland. She joined BRCS in 2016, and is the parent of two alumni and has one child who attends BRCS.

Shelby Ford
1st grade Literacy Assistant
Shelby is an Education Major at Liberty University. She is passionate and active in the church and just recently returned from a mission trip to Africa. Shelby is honored to join the BRCS family and support our 1st Grade learners.

Tarah Mumbert
1st Grade Assistant
Tarah holds a BS in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Education from James Madison University. She has over 19 years of experience teaching in schools and homeschooling. Tarah coaches Volleyball for BRCS, has one child attending BRCS, and is a parent to an alumna.

Ashley Clifton
2nd Grade Teacher
Ashley holds an MAT. and a BA in Psychology with a minor in Elementary Education from Mary Baldwin College. Prior to joining BRCS, she taught elementary school for 10 years in Augusta County. Ashley joined BRCS in 2023 and has two children who attend BRCS.

Emily Lohr
2nd Grade Teacher
Emily holds an MAT. and a BS in Elementary Education from James Madison University. She joined BRCS in 2022 with 4 years of elementary teaching experience. She has one child at BRCS.

Jaclyn Caricofe
3rd Grade Teacher
Jaclyn holds MAT and a BS in Elementary Education from James Madison University. Prior to joining BRCS, she taught upper elementary grades for eleven years in Harrisonburg and Staunton public schools. She is the parent of two BRCS students.

Leah Conrad
3rd Grade Teacher
Leah holds a BS in Communications and History from Eastern Mennonite University and an Elementary Education certification from ACSI. She joined BRCS in 2021 after serving as a substitute teacher. Leah is a parent to four children who attend BRCS.

Carol Hilliard
4th Grade Teacher
Carol holds a BA in Elementary Education from Bridgewater College. She began teaching at BRCS in 2009 and has two BRCS alumni.

Kim Martin
4th Grade Teacher
Kim holds a BA in Elementary Education with a concentration in English from Liberty University. She came to BRCS with 10 years of teaching experience. She joined in 2023 and has one child who attends BRCS.

Meagan Ours
4th-6th Science Teacher
Meagan holds a BS in Elementary Education from Bridgewater College and is endorsed to teach Elementary, ESL and Computer Science. Meagan came to BRCS with 8 years of teaching experience in 2nd Grade as a Dual Language Spanish Teacher. She is also the parent to one BRCS student.

Simone Bergey
5th Grade Math and Language Arts
Simone holds an MA in Education with a concentration in Literacy and a BS in Elementary Education with a Minor in History, Math, and Psychology from Eastern Mennonite University. Simone comes to BRCS with 16 years of teaching experience in public and private education. She is also the parent to one BRCS Student.

Dawn Terrell
5th Grade Bible and History
Dawn is a graduate of Bryan College with a BS in Elementary Education and a Minor in Biblical Studies. She joined BRCS in 2014 and is the mom of two alumni and has one child who attends BRCS.

Cathy Brent
6th Grade Language Arts
Cathy holds a BS in Early Childhood Education with an Endorsement in 6-8th Grade English from Virginia Tech. She came to BRCS with 18 years of teaching experience. She also served as the Children’s Ministry Director at Faith Community Church for 13 years.

Jennifer Palumbo
6th Grade Math and Resource Teacher
Jennifer holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Towson University. Most recently, she homeschooled her children and served as a teaching tutor in Georgia. She additionally brings experience in the Christian school setting. She is the parent of five children, three who are enrolled in BRCS in the fall, while her oldest two attend college.

Jared Stutzman
Music Director
Jared holds a Bachelor in Music Education from Ohio State University. He joins us after 17 years of service as choral director and music department chair. He has directed four middle and high school choral groups, oversaw an extensive performance schedule, led performances of masterworks including Handel’s The Messiah and Vivaldi’s Gloria, and organized biennial European choir tours for the Touring and Chamber Choirs. Jared also has extensive experience in musical theater and is an accomplished strings orchestra director. He has taught middle and high school strings ensemble classes, and is eager to launch a strings program at BRCS. He has three BRCS students, with a future Bear at home.

Christa Stoner
Lower School Music Teacher
Christa holds a Bachelor of Music Piano with a Minor in Voice from Nazarene
Bible College. She is also certified as a Musikgarten Instructor from Virginia Commonwealth University. She comes to BRCS with 25 years of experience in the classroom, as a worship leader, and as a private instructor.

Beth Sutton
Lower School Art Teacher/6th Grade History Teacher
Beth holds a BA in Art Education from Bridgewater College. Before BRCS, she taught art for five years in Harrisonburg City and then led the art program at BRCS from 2012 to 2015. She returned to BRCS after two years teaching 5th grade at a private Christian school in Warrenton, VA, and six years homeschooling her children. Beth has three children attending BRCS.

Beth Zarlenga
Lower School Instructional Assistant
Beth holds a BS in Psychology from JMU and a teaching certification for Pre-K – 3rd grade from JMU. She has previous experience in Christian education in Pre-K, 1st and 2nd grade. She is the parent of two BRCS students.

Tara Hostetler
Resource Teacher
Tara holds a BS in Psychology with a Minor in Special Education from James Madison University. Tara is our longest-serving staff member, having joined BRCS in 1998.

Marta Podgayskiy
Lower School Spanish Teacher
Marta holds a BS in Elementary Education from Bridgewater College. She is trilingual and joined BRCS in 2016. She has two children attending BRCS.

Cristy Wheelbarger
Lower School Physical Education Teacher
Cristy holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Major in Early Childhood Education and a teaching certification from James Madison University. Prior to BRCS, she taught elementary school for 17 years in Shenandoah County. Cristy is also a JV Volleyball Coach. She joined BRCS in 2021 and has three children who attend BRCS.

Ashley Adams
Lower School Librarian and Technology Teacher
Ashley holds a degree in Criminal Justice and has served time in the Air Force. She is the proud parent of two BRCS students and has served the school in multiple roles. She loves to share her passion for books and seeks to instill a love of reading with our students.

Tyce Shank
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Tyce holds an MA in History and a BS in Social Studies with teaching licensure from Liberty Universtiy. He is a native of Harrisonburg. For the past five summers, Tyce has served with WinShape Camps for Communities as a team counselor and theme director. He also served as a Resident Shepherd at Liberty for several semesters.

Tom Bates
High School Social Studies & Bible Teacher
Tom holds an MA in History from James Madison University and a BA from Montclair State University. He also holds a Secondary Education Certification through ACSI. Tom joined BRCS in 2002 and has one alumnus and two children who attend BRCS.

Drew Ridder
High School Bible and Lego Robotics Teacher
Drew holds a Master of Ministerial Studies from Nazarene Bible College and a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech. He is the lead pastor at Living Stone Church of the Nazarene in Verona. Drew joined BRCS in 2014 and is the parent of two BRCS Alumni.

Michelle Schmidt
Middle School English Teacher
Michelle holds a BA in English and Secondary Education from Grove City College. Prior to BRCS, she taught for 14 years in middle school language arts in Christian schools and public schools in Virginia and Pennsylvania. Michelle joined BRCS in 2021 and has three children who also attend BRCS.

Heather Baroch
High School English Teacher
Heather holds an MBA and a BS in Public Administration with a minor in English and Secondary Education from James Madison University. Prior to BRCS, she taught high school English for 4 years. Heather joined BRCS in 2018 and has one child who attends BRCS.

Joan Gardner
High School English and Resource Assistant
Joan holds a Masters of Music Education from James Madison University and a BS in Music Education from Old Dominion University. She joined BRCS in 2021 after many years of experience working in area schools as a music teacher and a classroom assistant. Joan is a former BRCS parent and a current grandparent.

AllyeB Sconyers
High School English Teacher
AllyeB holds a BA in Literature from the University of North Carolina-Asheville. She also holds a Secondary Education Certification through ACSI. Prior to BRCS she homeschooled her four children for 14 years and taught high school English in a local homeschool co-op. She joined the BRCS in 2022 and has one alumna and one child who attends BRCS.

Christy Goehner
Middle & High School Math Teacher
Christy holds an M.Ed. in Middle School Education and a BS in Psychology from James Madison University. Christy joined BRCS in 2013 and is the parent of one current student and three alumni.

Glenise Henry-Quinones
Middle School Science and Technology/STEM Teacher
Glenise holds an M.Ed. from William Howard Taft University and a BS in Biology and Education from the University of the West Indies. Prior to joining BRCS, she taught middle and high school science and STEM courses for nine years in Jamaica, North Carolina, and Virginia. Glenise is excited to help launch the BRCS middle school STEM program.

Anne Zumbro
Middle & High School Math Teacher
Anne holds an M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a BA in Economics and minor in Geology from the College of William and Mary. She also holds a Secondary Education Certification from ACSI. Prior to joining BRCS, Anne served as an Associate Dean of Students at Bridgewater College. She also homeschooled her daughters for 12 years.

Rachel Phaup
Middle & High School Math & Resource Teacher
Rachel holds a BS in Family and Child Science and Education from Florida State University. She joined BRCS in 2017 with high school and alternative school teaching experience. She has two children who attend BRCS.

David Pence
High School Math Teacher
David holds a BS in Biology with a Chemistry minor from Eastern Mennonite University. He also holds a Secondary Education Certification through ACSI. Prior to BRCS, he worked in the technology field for 4 years as a project manager and operations analyst. He joined BRCS in 2022.

Nick Guilbert
High School Calculus, Physics, Economics, Photography Teacher
Nick holds an MS in Physics from North Carolina State University and a BA in Physics from Wesleyan University. Prior to BRCS, he taught for over 30 years and served as a reader for Advanced Placement Physics Exams, and in science and math curriculum development. He is also a published author in his field. Nick joined BRCS in 2022.

Melissa Furman
High School Science Teacher
Melissa holds a BS in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry from Liberty University. She also holds a Secondary Education Certification from ACSI. Prior to joining BRCS, Melissa spent 15 years homeschooling her three children and teaching science in homeschool co-ops. She joined BRCS in 2016.

Bryan Saulton
Middle School Spanish Teacher & Guitar Instructor
Bryan has an Associates degree in Culinary Arts from the Art Institute in Washington and an Associates in Applied Science from Marshall University. He holds a teaching certification through ACSI. He has served as a full time missionary and worship leader in Guatemala and moved back to the states in 2016. He has two children at Blue Ridge.

Chrissy Lopez-Cotaina
High School Spanish Teacher
Chrissy holds a BA in Spanish and Education from Bridgewater College. Chrissy joined BRCS in 2009 and is the parent of two alumni. Chrissy also coordinates biannual BRCS high school cross-cultural missions trips.

Jenn Jellum
Upper School Resource Coordinator and Teacher, Yearbook Teacher
Jenn holds an M.Ed. from James Madison University in Early Childhood Education, along with a BS in Family and Child Development from Virginia Tech. Jenn joined BRCS in 2013 and is the parent of an alumna.

Allison Thompson
Assistant Athletic Director and Upper School PE Teacher
Allison is a graduate of Bridgewater College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication, Technology, and Culture. During her time at Bridgewater, she was a student-athlete on the field hockey team. In addition to her athletic involvement in college, Allison served as a youth leader and administrative intern at Crosslink Community Church. She has experience in coaching and leadership development in young women.

Stephanie Pellerin
Art Teacher
Stephanie holds a BS in Art Education from Eastern Mennonite University. She joined BRCS in 2015 with several years of experience teaching art and working as an independent artist. She is the parent of one BRCS student.

Sara Wilcox
Piano Instructor
Sarah is an accomplished musician, composer and teacher. She graduated from JMU with a Bachelors in Music with a vocal concentration. Sarah has been teaching in schools and providing private piano and vocal lessons for 10 years. She enjoys composing and producing original music and sharing her love of music with her students.

David Swanson
Violin Club Instructor
David graduated from JMU with a degree in Music Industry and a Masters in Business Administration. He is the owner of Carrendo Studios and has several years experience in teaching group violin classes.

Riley Mass
Drama Director
Riley holds a BS in Accounting from Thomas Edison State University. She has a passion for teaching and the world of theater. She co-taught theater at the ACE Homeschool Co-op and performed in local productions of “My Fair Lady” and “Newsies.” Riley joined BRCS in 2019.

Ashley Kuhler
Agriculture Teacher
Ashley holds a BS in Agricultural Science from Virginia Tech. She has broad experience in agribusiness, including middle school teaching, FFA advising, and service on the Shenandoah County Farm Bureau Board. Ashley and her family own and operate Shady Hill Homestead. As part of the new agriculture initiative at BRCS, she will teach the Introduction to Agriculture elective.

Bethany Suhr
Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Beth is a BRCS alumna. She holds a BA in Youth Ministry from Olivet Nazarene University. Prior to BRCS, she served as the Executive Assistant at the Augusta Health Foundation and for the Vice President of Student Development at Biola University. Beth joined BRCS in 2022 and has two children who attend BRCS.

Julia Define
Events & Volunteer Coordinator
Julia holds a BA in Communications with a Concentration in Interpersonal Communication and a Minor in Sociology from Virginia Tech. Julia has extensive event planning experience. She joined BRCS in 2021 and has two children who attend. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Julia is a former BRCS student and a current mom of two BRCS students.

Aaron Gibson
IT Specialist
Aaron (AJ) holds a BS in Computer Technology from James Madison University. He attended BRCS as a student. He joined BRCS in 2023.

Paula Fulton
College & Career Counselor
Paula holds a BS in English and Secondary Education. Prior to BRCS, she taught at a university model school. She joined BRCS in her current position in 2023.

Michelle Vaughan
Nurse

Jae Hoeksema
Lower School Administrative Assistant
Jae holds a BS in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from West Virginia University. Prior to BRCS she homeschooled her children while her family lived overseas. She joined BRCS in 2022 and has three children who attend BRCS and one alumna.

Svetlana Adamson
Upper School Administrative Assistant and Culinary Instructor
Svetlana is a BRCS alumna. She graduated from Liberty University with a BS in Family and Consumer Sciences and a Minor in Psychology. She is also a Notary. Prior to BRCS, she worked for 10 years as a Case Manager and Community Living Specialist for Valley Associates for Independent Living. She also has one child who attends BRCS.

Rebecca Allen
Upper School Administrative Assistant

Erica Sudeck
Lower School Receptionist
Erica holds a BA in Early Childhood Education from LeTourneau University. After serving as a soccer coach and substitute teacher at BRCS, she joined the staff in 2021. She is the parent of four BRCS students.

Lori Wood
Lower School Receptionist
Lori spent many years in the accounting field. She and her family have served in missions work in the Middle East for ten years. She currently leads the preschool ministry at Faith Community where her husband serves as senior pastor. She joined BRCS in 2023 and has one child who attends BRCS.

Deb Swartz
Finance and Admissions Office Assistant
Deb has experience as an Assistant Manager in Food Service at Merck and RMH before staying home with her children. She has also served as the Primary SS Superintendent and serves on the Food Committee at Dayton Mennonite Church. Deb joined BRCS in 2017 and is the mom of one BRCS student and one alumna.

Sheryl Wyse
Finance Office Assistant
Sheryl graduated with a BS from Eastern Mennonite College, an M.Ed. from James Madison University, and has 27 hours of Doctoral Studies from University of Virginia. Prior to BRCS, Sheryl spent 30 years (1968-1998) in Harrisonburg City Public Schools as a 1st grade teacher, Spotswood Elementary School Principal, Thomas Harrison Middle School Principal, and Director/Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction at the Central Office. We are thankful for all the ways Sheryl serves at BRCS. Sheryl has 2 grandchildren attending BRCS.

Erin Kapoor
Lunch Manager & Business Office Assistant
Erin has a BS in Community Health and Physical Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She previously served as a Program Manager at VCU Health System. She joined BRCS in 2023 and has one child who attends BRCS.

Eric Blosser
Director of Maintenance
Eric holds a degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Bible and Religion from Eastern Mennonite University. He joined BRCS in 2018 and is the parent of three BRCS students. Eric also serves as the Varsity Soccer Coach.

Bob Grathwol
Maintenance and Lower School Custodian
Bob retired from the US Postal Service. After serving for over 10 years as a Campus Safety Officer at Bridgewater College, Bob joined the maintenance department at BRCS. The students love seeing “Mr. Bob”.

Jeff Arbogast
Transportation Manager