Faculty & Staff
Karen Shomo
Head of School & Upper School Principal
Karen holds a M.Ed. in Education Administration from Boston College and a BA in English from Bowdoin College, along with ACSI Head of School Certification. Prior to BRCS, Karen was an elementary school teacher and a student teacher supervisor for the JMU College of Education. Karen joined the BRCS staff as assistant principal in 2014 and 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.
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 2010. 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 2011. She is the parent of two BRCS alumni.
Daniel Padilla
Director of Athletics
Daniel holds a 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.
Matthew McDonald
Director of Student Life & Upper School History and Bible Teacher
Matt holds a M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a BA in Biblical Studies from Cedarville University. 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.
Dr. James Richardson
Director of Creative Arts
James holds a D.M.A. in Voice Performance, Pedagogy and Literature from James Madison University, a MM in Voice Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Music at Johns Hopkins University, and a BM in Voice Performance from Covenant College. Prior to BRCS, he served as Assistant Professor of Music at EMU. His personal connections to BRCS run deep – his father, Jack Richardson, was the founding principal of BRCS. James began teaching at BRCS in 2022, and is the parent of three current students and one alumnae.
Eileen Heatwole
Early Education Co-Director
Eileen holds an Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education and studied at Rosedale Bible College. Eileen has served in the Early Education Department since 2003. She is the proud grandmother of three BRCS students.
Jessica Robinson
Early Education Co-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.
Audrey Horn
Early Education Teacher
Audrey holds a BS in Family & Consumer Science from Bridgewater College. She has served in the Early Education Department since 2016. She is a mother of two BRCS students and one alumna.
Ashley Shoemaker
Early Education Teacher
Ashley holds a BS from Bridgewater College. She has teaching experience in other preschool programs. After homeschooling her children for four years, she joined BRCS in 2023, where her four children are students.
Kayla Christophel
Early Education Assistant and Aftercare Director
Kayla is a BRCS alumni. She graduated from Liberty University with a BS degree. Prior to BRCS, Kayla worked as a Family Support Specialist and as a Private Nanny.
Mia Pence
Early Education Assistant
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.
Jessica Burch
Early Education Assistant
Jessica holds an Associate of Arts and Science. She joined BRCS in 2022.
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 one child 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 graduated with a BS in science and with a Pre-K – 6th grade teaching License. She holds a Masters of Education with TESOL certification K-12. 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 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 three children who attend.
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 one child who attends and two alumni.
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.
Erin Kapoor
1st Grade 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.
Ashley Clifton
2nd Grade Teacher
Ashley holds an M.A.T. 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.
Emily Lohr
2nd Grade Teacher
Emily holds an M.A.T. 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.
Leah Conrad
3rd Grade Teacher
Leah holds a BS in Communications and History from Eastern Mennonite University. She joined BRCS in 2021 after serving as a substitute teacher. Leah is a parent to four children who attend.
Tiffany Alger
3rd Grade Teacher
Tiffany holds a BS in Math and Science and a minor in Elementary and Middle School Education from JMU. Prior to BRCS, she has 20 years of teaching experience in public school and Classical Conversations Homeschool Co-ops. Tiffany has four children, two of which will 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.
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 2014 and is the mom of three BRCS students/alumnus.
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.
Beth Rice
6th Grade Math and Bible Teacher
Beth is a graduate of Liberty University with a BS in Health and Physical Education and a minor in Secondary Education. Beth joined BRCS in 2016 with many years of teaching experience in Christian schools in Virginia and in Zambia.
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 is returning 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.
Joan Gardner
Elementary Assistant
Joan holds a Master’s 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.
Beth Zarlenga
Lower School Instructional Assistant
Beth graduated from JMU with a degree in psychology and a teaching certification for Pre-K – 3rd grade. 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.
Leisha Nissley
Lower School Music Teacher
Leisha holds a BA in Music Education with a concentration in piano from Bridgewater College where she was an honors student, earned a minor in Spanish, and was recognized for “”excellence in the performing arts.” She has also completed Kodály Level 1 certification (music education methodology) from James Madison University and is an active member of the National and state Music Educators Associations.
Cristy Wheelbarger
Lower School Physical Education Teacher
Cristy holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Major in Early Childhood Education 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.
Alesia Talbot
Librarian
Alesia holds a BA with a double major in Library Science/Educational Media and French from James Madison University. She joined BRCS in 2022 after serving as a school librarian in Rockingham County for 23 years.
Tom Bates
Middle & High School Social Studies & Bible Teacher
Tom holds a MA in History from James Madison University and a BA from Montclair State University. Tom joined BRCS in 2002 and has three children who also attend.
Clay Gordon
High School History Teacher
Clay holds a BS in Business Administration and Management from Kaplan University, Teacher Licensure from Shenandoah University, and Special Education Licensure from Liberty University. He also served in the military for 13 years. Prior to BRCS, he taught in middle, high and adult education for over a decade. Clay joined BRCS in 2023 and has two children who also attend.
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.
Andrew Strunk
Middle & High School Bible Teacher & Receptionist
Andrew holds a BA in Biblical Studies from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Prior to BRCS, he served as a youth and worship pastor in Virginia and Tennessee. He joined BRCS in 2023 and has three children who also attend.
Michelle Schmidt
Middle School English Teacher
Michelle holds a BA in English 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.
Heather Baroch
High School English Teacher
Heather holds an MBA and a BS in Public Administration with a minor in English 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.
AllyeB Sconyers
High School English Teacher
AllyeB holds a BA in Literature from the University of North Carolina-Asheville. 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 two children who attend.
Christy Goehner
Middle & High School Math Teacher
Christy holds a 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.
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. 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.
David Pence
High School Math Teacher
David holds a BS in Biology with a Chemistry minor from Eastern Mennonite University.
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 a 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.Prior to joining BRCS, Melissa spent 15 years homeschooling her three children and teaching science in homeschool co-ops. She joined BRCS in 2016.
Karli Fithian
Middle School Science Teacher
Karli holds a BS in Biology from Christopher Newport University. Prior to BRCS, Karli worked as a laboratory technician and as a middle school ministry volunteer. Karli joined BRCS in 2024.
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 has served as a full time missionary and worship leader in Guatemala and moved back to the states in 2016. He has 2 children at Blue Ridge.
Chrissy Lopez-Cotaina
High School Spanish Teacher
Chrissy holds a BA in Spanish 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 a 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 with a BS in Communication, Technology, and Culture. She played field hockey at Bridgewater College and also has experience in track and field, soccer, and swimming. While at BC, she served as a youth leader and administrative intern at Crosslink Community Church
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.
Susan Brent
Fashion Design and Resource Teacher
Susan is a graduate of Longwood College and the National School of Dress Design. She is certified as a Technical Professional in Dress Design. Susan joined BRCS in 2014 after many years of teaching in local public high schools.
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.
Bethany Suhr
Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Beth is a BRCS alumnae. 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.
Julia Define
Events & Volunteer Coordinator
Julia is a BRCS alumnae. She holds a BA in Communications with a Concentration in Interpersonal Communication and a minor in Sociology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. 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.
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 four children who attend.
Svetlana Adamson
Upper School Administrative Assistant and Cooking Class Instructor
Svetlana is a BRCS alumni. 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.
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.
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 alumnae.
Sheryl Wyse
Finance Office Assistant
Sheryl graduated with a BS from Eastern Mennonite College, a MED 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.
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 a varsity soccer coach.
David Lehman
Maintenance Assistant
David holds a BS in Math Education and Agricultural Development and a Masters of Divinity. He taught at BRCS from 1996-2001 and retired after 18 years of teaching math and 20 years as a pastor. He also has experience as a carpenter.
Maryam Albahri (Rizkalla)
Upper School Custodian