Staff

FACULTY & STAFF

Pastor Tod Brainard came back to Santa Rosa Christian School in 1987 as teacher after attending and graduating from SRCS in 1982. He has 33 years of teaching and administrative experience in Christian Education, including Music, Bible and History Classes on the elementary and secondary levels. He currently holds an AACS Professional Teaching Certificate in Bible and Music Instruction. In addition to his duties at SRCS, Pastor Brainard serves as President of the Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools, Inc. of Florida and serves on the National Board of Directors of the American Association of Christian Schools, Inc. Pastor Brainard attended Santa Rosa Christian College for two years and then graduated from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Sacred Music with a Bible minor. He also holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. He enjoys his pastoral ministry at Grace Bible Church, working in his yard, fishing, reading, and spending time with his family. His favorite verse of Scripture is Philippians 3:10: “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.”

Dr. Adam Watt, Administrator

Dr. Watt serves as Administrator of SRCS and Assistant Pastor of Grace Bible Church. He has 17 years of teaching experience, and has taught a variety of secondary courses including Bible, the Sciences, History, English/Literature, higher Maths, and Spanish. Dr. Watt also leads the accreditation process at Santa Rosa Christian and has served on several accreditation teams for the American Association of Christian Schools. His degrees include Bachelor of Theology from Foundations Theological Seminary, Master of Theological Studies from Louisiana Theological Seminary, Education Specialist in Education Leadership from Pensacola Christian College and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Pensacola Christian College where he also serves as an adjunct assistant teaching professor. He holds a Lifetime Teaching Certificate in Bible and Administration. Dr. Watt enjoys spending time with his four boys, playing basketball, and participating in mission work when possible. His favorite verse is Galatians 2:20: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Doris Peppard, Registrar & School Principal

Mrs. Peppard came to SRCS as a fourth grade student in 1962 and was a member of the first graduating class in 1971. She has 43 years of teaching and administrative experience. After graduating from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (1975), Mrs. Peppard earned a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College in 2007. She also holds an AACS Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education. In addition to serving as the school registrar, Mrs. Peppard also teaches a variety of Academy classes. She has three children and six grandchildren. Her favorite verse of Scripture is Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

David Dare, Secondary Academy Principal

Mr. Dare graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College. He first began teaching as a sixth-grade teaching assistant in a deaf school in Lima, Peru in 2015. He also taught sixth grade for a semester at Pensacola Christian Academy.Now in his third year at SRCS, Mr. Dare has taught third-grade, middle school Science, Math, and Bible classes. This year he serves as the academy principal and teaches Bible, Spanish 2, and American Sign Language. Mr. Dare’s hobbies include sports such as soccer and disc golf, puzzles, LEGO, and ‘dad jokes.’ His favorite chapter is Psalm 1 where one can find the “blueprints for blessings.” These verses state, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish." Mr. Dare is certified in elementary education and is currently completing a masters in educational administration.

Victoria Bennett, Elementary Coordinator

Mrs. Bennett received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College with a minor in vocal performance. She completed a half-year internship at Pensacola Christian Academy and holds an AACS Professional Certification in Elementary Education. Mrs. Bennett taught Fourth Grade at SRCS for four years and now works with Ms. Peppard assisting in the Elementary department. Her favorite verse is I Corinthians 9:19: "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more." Her goal is to put aside selfishness and serve others while demonstrating Christ through her life.

Devin Brainard, Secondary Social Studies

Mrs. Brainard teaches Secondary History at SRCS. She has four years of teaching experience and received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of West Florida with a Minor in Professional Education. She holds an AACS Teaching Certificate in History. As an alumni of Santa Rosa Christian, Devin has enjoyed returning to teach in the Academy. Her favorite verse of Scripture is Psalm 73:28: "But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works."

Denise Jernigan, Middle School & High School

Mrs. Jernigan has ten years of teaching experience. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Colorado Christian University. She has four children and one granddaughter. She is teaching High School English and 6th grade Bible as well as coaching the Lady Eagles volleyball team. One of her favorite Scripture verses is "God is my strength and power: and He maketh my way perfect (II Samuel 22:33)."

Courtney Thompson, Secondary English

Ms. Thompson's previous teaching experience includes teaching a remedial English course (EN 099) for freshman beginning their college career at Pensacola Christian College and also tutoring students in English for a year at PCC.
She received her Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Pensacola Christian College in 2019 and received her Masters from the same college in May of 2021. This is her first year teaching English at SRCS. Ms. Thompson's theme verse for this year is Psalm 121:2, “My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”

Melissa Mann, Secondary Mathematics

Mrs. Mann is in her third year of teaching middle and high school math at SRCS. She graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 2019 with a Bachelors of Science in Math Education and History Education. Miss Koch's life verse is Psalm 121:1-2, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."

Noah Edmondson, Secondary History

This is Mr. Edmondson's second year teaching at SRCS. He received a Bachelor's Degree in History Education with a minor in Physical Education from Pensacola Christian College and graduated in 2021 with a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. He teaches Middle and High School history classes at SRCS as well as middle school P.E. One of Mr. Edmonson's favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 40: 31, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Esther Dare, Secondary Math and Writing

Mrs. Dare graduated from Shawnee Baptist College in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in Math and English Education. She taught for two years in Ohio and homeschooled her children for four years. She is currently teaching Secondary Mathematics and a few other classes at SRCS. One of her favorite verses is Matthew 19:26, “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

Cynthia Cook, Secondary Teacher

Mrs. Cook homeschooled her five children for 12 years through the Abeka curriculum. She began teaching at SRCS in 2017 and has taught different classes ranging from elementary through high school. She graduated from Pensacola Christian College with an Associates Degree in Legal Office Administration. Mrs. Cook's life verse is Luke 1:37, "For with God nothing shall be impossible."

Karen Barnes, Spanish & Middle School English

Mrs. Barnes has 31 years of experience in education. She has a degree from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in Agriculture with an emphasis in animal science and Horticulture. She served in the military for ten years. She enjoys teaching Spanish and has taught it for 20 years. She has also taught English, Social Studies, Science, and Reading. Mrs. Barnes loves teaching and truly believes it is a calling from God. Her favorite Bible verses come from Psalms 91 and Ecclesiastics 3:1.

Ashley Ditmore, Fifth Grade

After homeschooling her own children for several years, Ms. Ditmore is a third year teacher at SRCS. She graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Elementary Education. She is involved in her local church and enjoys helping in the ladies' Sunday School class as well as children's class. Two of her favorite Bible verses are Exodus 14:14 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Elizabeta Camara, Fourth Grade

This is Mrs. Camara's first year at SRCS. She received a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Pensacola Christian College. Mrs. Camara is a native of Macedonia, and speaks multiple languages. She has a passion for languages and longs to pass that passion on to her students. She is currently teaching fourth grade. Her favorite verses are Phil. 1:21 and 1 Thes. 5:24 which are a reminder that God is the One who will get us through all things.

Shannon Breedlove, Fourth Grade

Mr. Breedlove is a 4th grade teacher at SRCS, and has six years of experience in education. He has an associate degree in Church Ministries and is currently pursuing his bachelor's degree. Mr. Breedlove loves teaching, studying his Bible, being a husband, father and serving at church. His favorite Bible verse is Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Melinda Bates, Third Grade

Mrs. Bates has been an elementary teacher for over 24 years with experience in many states due to being member of a military family. After teaching 6th grade for 7 years at Santa Rosa Christian School, Mrs. Bates moved to 3rd grade this year. She graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Southeastern University with Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Magna Cum Laude). Two of her favorite verses of Scripture are Philippians 3:13-14 and Isaiah 40:31. "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Sarah Smolinski, Second Grade

Sarah Smolinski is a second grade teacher at SRSC. She graduated Pensacola Christian College with her B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education. Miss Smolinski's favorite verse is Proverbs 13:12 "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life."

Kyleen Evans, Second Grade

Mrs. Evans is a second year teacher at SRCS. She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with cum laude honors and a Master of Science degree in Education Administration summa cum laude honors from Indiana Baptist College. She has taught various grades and age levels, and homeschooled her children for five years in Connecticut and Indiana. Her favorite verse is I Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you."

Victoria Roe, First Grade

This is Ms. Roe’s second year teaching first grade at Santa Rosa Christian School. She previously taught Kindergarten Language Arts and had a successful experience with ELL curriculum. Ms. Roe will be graduating this May after completing her degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University. John 1: 16 is one of her favorite Bible verses, “And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace” which reminds us that God’s love for us is grace.

Jennifer Gordon, First Grade

Mrs. Gordon began teaching kindergarten in 1999 in South Dakota. She has teaching experience in many states due to being a military spouse. Mrs. Gordon has taught in public, private and home-school settings. She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Black Hills State University, Suma Cum Laude and current teaching certificates in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Florida. She was a missionary in both Africa and Australia and grew up serving Christ with Child Evangelism Fellowship. Her favorite verses are Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths."

Mary Dare, Kindergarten

Mrs. Dare graduated with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood education from Pensacola Christian College. She taught a combined class of 1st and 2nd grade before assisting in 2nd grade at SRCS. This year she serves as one of our K5 teachers. Her favorite Bible verse is ““The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8

Talya Cook, Kindergarten

Miss Cook has two years of experience working at Santa Rosa Christian Learning Center. She helped teach classes k2-k4 while at the learning center. She is currently working on her associates degree in Biblical Studies. She is very excited to be teaching Kindergarten. Her favorite verse in the Bible is Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Kelly Carey, Elementary Physical Education

Mrs. Carey was born and raised in Bozeman Montana. She grew up playing all kinds of sports
and enjoying the outdoors. She recently moved to Milton with her husband and three sons. Before
Santa Rosa Christian School Mrs. Carey was part of a classical education curriculum homeschool
program. Being involved as a teacher with that group, and a youth group/ children’s church leader has
made her realize her passion for instructing the next generation. Her Favorite Scripture is Romans 8:1-2 which states, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."

Debra Smith, Technology & Librarian

Mrs. Debra Smith attended Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri for two years before moving to Florida with her husband. She had the privilege of staying home to raise their two sons who attended Santa Rosa Christian School. Mrs. Smith loved volunteering in the library so much that she began teaching library skills and Elementary Technology. She is also a valuable teachers' assistant. She has been with SRCS for three years. Her favorite scripture verses are Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and 7, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Jenna Statt, Music

Mrs. Statt teaches music at SRCS. She is beginning her fourth year of teaching and her second year at SRCS. Mrs. Statt teaches Elementary general music classes, Middle and High school choir and private lessons. Mrs. Statt holds a Master’s degree in Music Education with an emphasis in piano and has 20 years of experience with her instrument. Mrs Statt’s desire is to cultivate a well-rounded, biblical approach to her music classes and private lessons. Along with a solid musical foundation, students will be taught how to appreciate, enjoy and ultimately use music as a means to glorify God. Mrs Statt’s life verse comes from Psalms 104:33, “I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”

STAFF