Teacher Bios

Regina Ateca - K5 Teacher

Regina Ateca was born and raised in Clarksville (Montgomery County), Tennessee. After graduating from Clarksville High School, she attended Austin Peay State University. Mrs. Ateca received her Bachelor of Science degree from Austin Peay State University in 1995. She has a major in Interdisciplinary Studies and Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. While attending APSU, she also met the man of her dreams, Bob Ateca. They married and 22 years later, have four beautiful children; Lauren, Anamarie, Isaac, and Miriam. She has taught second grade, third grade, and her favorite, of course, Kindergarten!!

Mrs. Ateca enjoys attending Grace Academy football games, where her husband Bob is the head football coach. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and cooking/baking. Mrs. Ateca and her family attend Rockpoint Community Church.

Kim Boggs - 1st grade Teacher

B.S. - University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

M.S. - University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Kim is excited to begin her 4th year of teaching first grade at Brainerd. She enjoys seeing everything through new eyes each year with her first graders. She recently completed her master’s degree in education with a reading specialist endorsement. In addition to being a teacher at Brainerd Baptist, she is the mother of a fifth grader.

Kim lives in East Ridge with her husband Rick, daughter Alex, and Sammy the dog. She attends East Ridge Baptist Church where she teaches Sunday School. Her favorite bible verse is Matthew 17:20, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Elizabeth Caulkins Bookout - K5 teacher

B.S. - Brenau College

Betsy was born and raised on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee where she lived her entire childhood except for a brief time when her family moved to California. Some of her fondest memories are from her time in kindergarten while in California. After graduating from college, she briefly worked in her mother's nursery school. She began her teaching career at The Senter School where she taught kindergarten, first and second grades. She came to BBS in 1989 and also taught second and first grade before falling in love with K5. She has taught kindergarten for 24 years!

She married her husband Tim in 1987, and their daughter Elizabeth Mills was born in 1991. She lives in East Brainerd where she has a herd of cows and 7 horses! She enjoys reading, watching sports (especially cheering on her Alabama Crimson Tide), spending time with her family and exercising at the YMCA with Mrs. Hellmann and Mrs. Hangstefer.

Mrs. Debbie Duble - K4 Teacher

A. S. - Chattanooga State

B.S. - Belhaven University

Debbie was born in Brooklyn, NY, but has lived in Chattanooga most of her life. She has been married to her husband, Greg, for 21 years, and they have 3 children. She and her family worship at Covenant Presbyterian Church where Greg is an elder.

Debbie began working at Brainerd Baptist in 1996 but took time off in 2002 to be a stay at home mom. She returned to BBS in 2007 and feels truly blessed to begin her 5th year back at Brainerd Baptist School.
Debbie’s daughter, Jessica (a former BBS student), graduated as valedictorian from Chattanooga Christian School. She is now a junior at Belmont University in Nashville. Ryan is in 4th grade at BBS, and Becca is in 2nd grade. Debbie enjoys spending time with her family, watching football, and watching her oldest daughter run cross-country races!

Marilyn Fisher - Spanish

B.A. - University of the South - Sewanee

B.S. - University of Tennessee - Chattanooga

Marilyn Fisher is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, having graduated from Girls’ Preparatory School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the University of the South-Sewanee and Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from UTC. With 25 years of experience, Marilyn has taught in North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee, having served on the faculty of GPS for 13 years. In addition to her teaching experience, she also served as Assistant to the President of United Way of Chattanooga for 5 years.

Mrs. Fisher has been married to her husband Gary for 27 years. They have one daughter, Sarah, a freshman at Chattanooga State. Her hobbies include reading and traveling. Mrs. Fisher and her family are actively involved in their church, St. Alban's Episcopal.

Connie Garmon - 2nd grade teacher

B.S. - University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Connie Garmon was born in Chattanooga and has lived in the city her entire life. She and her late husband Glenn were married for thirty-seven years. Her sons are Josh and Jacob. Josh is married to Valorie, and they have a five-year-old son, Maddox.

Connie received her B.S. degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in Elementary Education. She has taught second grade in a public school for ten years. She has also taught preschool, many grades at a local learning center, and has worked as a second and third grade reading interventionist. God led her to BBS in 2005. This is her 7th year teaching second grade at BBS.

She became a Christian at the age of twelve and is a long-time member of Silverdale Baptist Church. The scripture she claims daily is Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Connie enjoys spending time with Maddox, gardening, reading, andlistening to music. She loves children's literature and collects children's books. Connie also loves animals, especially dogs. She has a great sense of humor and loves to laugh.

Krista Gross - K5 Teacher

B.S. - University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Krista Gross was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee and is a graduate of Boyd-Buchanan School. She attended Brainerd Baptist School up until the 3rd grade! Krista graduated magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she majored in early childhood education.

In her spare time, Krista enjoys cooking, reading, crafting, running, singing, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves missions and has been on mission trips around the United States as well as the Dominican Republic. She considers it a blessing and a joy to be able to work at a Christ-like environment and be able to share her love of teaching at Brainerd Baptist School. She is looking forward to sharing God's love with her students in K5! Her favorite bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths."

Deb Gruner - 5th grade teacher

BS- Columbia International University

Teaching Certification- University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Deb was born and raised in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but once she moved south to go to Columbia Bible College in South Carolina, she never went back north again. After graduating from college she moved to Chattanooga to teach Bible in the public schools. While teaching, she completed the requirements for a teaching degree at UTC AND met her husband, Brad. After graduation she came to Brainerd Baptist School where she taught everything from middle school history to pre-school to Bible. From 2001 to 2009 she taught 6th-8th grade at David Brainerd Christian School. Deb returned to Brainerd Baptist in 2009 and absolutely loves teaching 5th grade.

Deb and her husband, Brad, have three children. They are all alumni of Brainerd Baptist School and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and live in Wilmington, NC; Nashville, TN and Asheville, NC. Brad and Deb are active members of First Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga.

Margaret Hall - 2nd grade teacher

B.S. - University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Margaret has lived in Chattanooga for most of her life. She lived in Knoxville for two years and taught fifth grade. Upon returning to Chattanooga, she worked in Catoosa county for 7 years teaching sixth grade. She has worked with children in some capacity for over 20 years teaching swimming, working in daycare and teaching.

She attended the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga and received her degree in education. She has two wonderful children; Ben and Maggie. Ben is a 10th grader at East Hamilton and Maggie is in the 7th grader at GPS. After staying home for five years, Margaret returned to work at BBS and taught in our K3 and K4 programs before moving into our elementary school. Mrs. Hall has been at BBS for 7 years her family are also members of Brainerd Baptist Church.

Erin Hangstefer - K5 teacher

B.S. - University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Mrs. Hangstefer is a native of Chattanooga. Even though Chattanooga will always be her home she tremendously enjoys traveling. She is a member of Brainerd Baptist Church and both her mother and grandmother taught at BBS! She taught 1st grade her first year at BBS and is now looking forward to teaching her 6th year in K-5 with her good friends Mrs. Ateca and Mrs. Bookout. Her favorite verse is, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.” (Ephesians 6:19).

On a personal note she feels blessed to have such a wonderful opportunity to teach here at Brainerd Baptist! She has loved teaching every minute, thanks to such a fabulous group of teachers and amazing families that send their beloved children to school here.

Sarah Haren - Librarian

B.S. - University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Sarah is beginning her 4th year as Librarian for Brainerd Baptist School. Sarah was born and raised in Chattanooga where she attended Tyner High School. Sarah graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Prior to accepting a teaching position with BBS, Sarah was employed in the mental health field at various hospitals throughout East Tennessee and by STARS of Chattanooga, where she worked with children in elementary schools throughout the area teaching life skills and anti-bullying strategies.

While at BBS she has been a substitute teacher, served on the PSO, homeroom mom, a golf tournament committee member, Bible teacher, girls Volleyball and Basketball coach, Student Council sponsor, and library assistant.

Sarah lives in Chattanooga with her two daughters and husband. Haley, her older daughter and a BBS graduate, is a sophomore at GPS. Chloe, her younger daughter and a BBS graduate, is a 7th grader at GPS. Kyle, Sarah’s husband is the owner of Haren Insurance. Sarah is a former UT-Knoxville Head Majorette for the Pride of the Southland Marching Band. She previously owned her own baton and dance studio. In her free time Sarah enjoys hanging out with her family, exercising, watching football and being with friends. She is a member of Brainerd Hills Baptist Church where she has served as a high school girls Sunday school teacher for over 13 years.

Joann Hellmann - K4 teacher

B.S. - Middle Tennessee State University

M.S. - Middle Tennessee State University

Joann Hellmann has been a part of the Brainerd Baptist faculty for 17 years. She grew up in Nashville and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University. She taught 2nd grade in Murfreesboro for three years while earning her Masters degree at MTSU. She moved to Chattanooga after she married Jimmy Hellmann, whom she met through her college roommate. She also taught 4th grade for four years in Chattanooga.

Joann has two sons, Elliott, 27 and Rob, 24. Elliot is pursuing a degree in business from UTC and Rob is a recent graduate of the University of Tennesse, Knoxville with a Masters in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Joanne worships at First Presbterian Church in Chattanooga. She loves teaching, riding bikes, exercising, cooking, gardening and crafts! In her younger days she once rode a bicylce 150 miles to Sweetwater for the M.S. fundraiser.

Barbie Hernandez - 2nd grade teacher

B.S. - Tennessee Temple University

M.A. - Liberty University

Mrs. Barbara (Barbie) Hernandez is beginning her 4th year teaching second grade at Brainerd Baptist School. She grew up in New Castle, DE, but now resides in Ringgold, GA with her husband, Agustin. She received her undergraduate degree from Tennessee Temple University and her Masters degree from Liberty University. She enjoys discipling college ladies, cooking, and exercising. One scripture passage she would like to pass along is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." She is grateful for the opportunity to teach at Brainerd Baptist School and would like to thank all the staff for a Christ-centered work environment. Last, but certainly not least, to her new students, "Welcome, and I am so excited to begin a wonderful new school year!"

Denise Hodgkins - 3rd grade teacher

B.A. - Northern Kentucky University

M.A. - Northern Kentucky University

Denise was born and raised in Covington, Kentucky and attended Northern Kentucky University earning both her bachelors and masters degrees in elementary education. She began her teaching career in various schools throughout Northern Kentucky. In 1999, she met her husband, Clark and got married. Along came two children and Denise found herself as a stay-at-home mom for a few years. After spending a wonderful year in Maryland, Clark got a job offer he couldn't refuse and the family packed up and headed to Chattanooga. The move has been great all around including finding a church family. We feel very blessed that God has put us here as Chattanooga has quickly become our home. We love being back in the Bible Belt! We are also pleased and thankful that we found Brainerd Baptist School. We feel very strongly about academics and the Lord's word and this school exceeds our expectation. Denise has taught at Brainerd Baptist for 6 years.

Carrie Johnson - 1st grade teacher

B.S.E.D. - University of Georgia

Carrie Johnson was raised in Chattanooga and is a graduate of Girls Preparatory School. After graduating from UGA, she taught at Peachtree Elementary School in Norcross, GA. Carrie lived in Atlanta for 12 years before moving back to Chattanooga where her parents still reside. During her time in Atlanta, Carrie also worked at The Collegiate Licensing Company before becoming a stay-at-home mom.

Carrie’s family are members of Brainerd Baptist Church and her two children, Christian and Lily-Claire Mahanes, attend BBS in first and second grade. The family spends most of its time playing outdoors, visiting local parks and attractions, and enjoying weekend get-a ways with family and friends. Carrie coaches the BBS track and cross country teams. In addition to adventures with Christian and Lily-Claire, Carrie enjoys running, hiking, and reading.

Romans 8:28 is one of Carrie’s favorite Bible verses. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose”.

Lisa Kell - K4 teacher

A.S. - Dalton State College

B.S. - City University of New York

Mrs. Kell was born in San Antonio, Texas, moved to Virginia by the age of three, and landed in Chattanooga area by age six. She grew up in Chickamauga, GA where she attended Mountain View Elementary and Jr. High, and Rossville High School. While in school she enjoyed cheerleading and was Homecoming Queen. She graduated 11th in her class of 223.

Mrs. Kell attended several colleges. She received her A.S. Degree from Dalton State College. She then transfered to UTC and after one year there moved to New York city to attend City University of New York. It was there that she received her Bachelors Degree.

After graduation, she moved to Honolulu, HI where she taught K4 and where her son was born. The Kell family moved to Chattanooga in 1991. Mrs. Kell now has two children. Karl graduated from McCallie in 2008 and is a junior at DePaul Univeristy in Chicago where he is majoring in Computer Science. Kourtney graduated from GPS in 2010 and is a sophomore at St. Petersburg College.

Lisa has been married for 28 years to Jeff, who is an electrical contractor. The Kell family loves sports. As a family, they enjoy snow skiing every year. They are also very passionate about missions. Between the 4 members of the family, they have been to Romania 15 times! Mrs. Kell runs a Childrens Camp there every summer for orphans and very impoverished children.

Lisa has been at Brainerd Baptist School for 18 years and says the working at BBS as been one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Susan C. Ledbetter - 5th grade teacher

B.S. - University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

M.Ed. - University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Susan is a Chattanooga girl: born, raised, and educated in this great city. She has been married to Mike Ledbetter for 32 years; they have two sons who are both BBS alumni. Her oldest son, Todd, graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan and is working on a master's degree in Sport Psychology. He is the PE teacher at BBS. Chad graduated from Chattanooga State and is presently in the construction business. His wife, Jessica, is also a BBS alum.
Susan began her teaching career at Brainerd Baptist School 24 years ago. She has taught fifth grade since that time. She is a lifelong member of Brainerd Baptist Church where she has taught Sunday School to children from preschool age to youth. In her spare time, Susan loves to read, take long walks, and workout at the BX. One of her favorite verses is Galatians 2: 20 – “I have been crucified with Christ: and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the real life I now have within this body is a result of my trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Living Bible)

Todd Ledbetter - Physical Education

B.S. – Tennessee Wesleyan College

Mr. Ledbetter is beginning his 5th year as teacher, Athletic Director and coach at Brainerd Baptist School. He is presently serving as the commissioner of the ISC soccer league and is also the assistant varsity soccer coach at Ooltewah High School. Todd’s mom began teaching at BBS when he was four years old, at which time she enrolled him in the K4 program here at Brainerd. Todd graduated from BBS after the sixth grade and then went on to graduate from Boyd Buchanan School.

Todd graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, TN. While at Tennessee Wesleyan he was a four-year member of the soccer team, and also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Baptist Collegiate Ministries Todd is currently pursing his master degree in Sport Psychology. He is an avid soccer player and sports fan. Todd’s love of sports has given him the drive and determination to share his enthusiasm to others, hoping to instill in them a life-long love for exercise and well-being. Mr. Ledbetter is also a member of Brainerd Baptist Church.

Brooke Marsh - Director of Technology, Computer Teacher

B.A. - Covenant College

M.A. - Johnson Bible College

Brooke grew up in Chattanooga and graduated from Chattanooga Christian School. She then went on to Covenant College. While in college, she married her high school sweetheart, Bruce Marsh. After graduation from Covenant, she began working at Brainerd Baptist School as the School Secretary. She has worked at BBS for 20 years, serving in a variety of roles including: School Secretary, Office Manager, Director of Technology, and, after completing her M.A. in Educational Technology and Bible, Bible and Computer Teacher.

Brooke and her family attend Brainerd Baptist Church. She and her husband have two children, Daniel (who graduated from BBS and is now homeschooling in 9th grade) and Heather (who graduated from BBS and is homeschooling at Classical Conversations of Chattanooga for 7th grade). Her hobbies include reading, quilting, arts & crafts, decorating, gardening, and playing games with her family. She also likes to go on missions trips whenever she can. In 2005, she and her family went to Venezuela to conduct VBS and help with evangelism with Brainerd Baptist Church. In 2008, she went to Ecuador with Brainerd Baptist Church. Last year, she went to Uganda with the church. She has also gone on missions trips to Mexico and Israel.

She is the coach of the BBS Lego Robotics team and likes to offer crafts and sewing classes after school.

Deborah McFarland - Music teacher

B.S. - Carson Newman

Deborah was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. She graduated from Carson Newman College where she met and married her husband 36 years ago. She has 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren, all living in the Chattanooga area. Deborah has been teaching for 25 years. She has taught K5, 2nd, 4th, 5th and Music. This is her 7th year at BBS.

Her favorite things to do are spend time with her family and Bible study.

Koko Payne - first grade teacher

B.S. - University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Koko has lived in Chattanooga most of her life. She attended Ooltewah High School where she met and later married her husband, Barry Payne. They have been married for 21 years and have two sons, Cameron and Cody. Both boys attended Brainerd Baptist School. Cameron is 20 and is a junior at Samford University; Cody is 17 and in 11th grade at Boyd-Buchanan School. Koko and her family worship at Silverdale Baptist Church.

Koko began her teaching career in the Chattanooga Public School System where she taught 1st grade for 6 years. She then took time off from teaching to begin a family. When her youngest son was in K4 she returned to the teaching field as a K3 teacher here at BBS. She also taught first grade and K5 at BBS as well.

Koko loves watching her son's football games, and also enjoys biking, playing with her dog Lucy, and spending time on the lake with her family.

"SHINE - You are the light of the world!"

Jessica Robinson - 3rd grade teacher

B.S. - Lipscomb University

M.S. - Middle Tennessee State University (in progress)

Jesse Robinson is beginning her 2nd year teaching third grade at Brainerd Baptist School. She grew up in Murfreesboro, TN and attended Lipscomb University earning her bachelors degree in elementary eduction.

She enjoys reading, crafting, and cooking. She is excited to teach and share God's love with her students. Her favorite verse is, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

Beverly Starnes - 4th grade teacher

B.S. - University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Beverly was born and raised in Canton, Ohio. She moved to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee. The Lord led her to Chattanooga where she taught at Tennessee Temple Academy. She then worked for the State of Tennessee. Ms Starnes has been at BBS for 9 years and currently teaches 4^th grade.

Beverly has 2 children that live in Chattanooga and 1 that lives in Washington DC. She enjoys reading, riding bikes, watching old classic films and spending time with friends and family. One of her favorite verses is II Timothy 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and love, and of a sound mind.” Beverly enjoys the Christian atmosphere at the school and feels it is a privilege to teach at BBS.

Deb Strickland - 3rd grade teacher

B.A. - University of West Florida

Mrs. Deb Strickland began her teaching career in 1975. She has been married to Dan Strickland for thirty-six years. They have two children, Amy and Brian, who are former BBS students. Amy is now married and living in Chattanooga. She and her husband Chris have two young children. Brian has completed a degree in biology at UTC and is a newlywed. The family has served on staff in churches in Texas, Colorado, Georgia and Tennessee. In 1993, Mr. Strickland took a position with Turning Point Ministries in Chattanooga. Deb accepted a position at Brainerd Baptist School that same year and is pleased to have been a part of the staff for the last 18 years.

Deb enjoys traveling, music, scrapbooking, photography, cooking, friends, family, and teaching her third grade classes.

Deborah Stromberg - Bible teacher

B.A. - Columbia International University

Deborah was born and raised in Hartsville, South Carolina. At the age of eight she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior. At the age of ten, she committed her life to full-time Christian service.  After graduating from high school, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible Education. Deborah began her teaching career as a Bible teacher in four public elementary schools in Chattanooga. She and her husband joined South America Mission and spent 4½ years in Bolivia, South America. After teaching two years in Miami, she taught second grade for six years and was Elementary Coordinator for 12 years at The Kings Academy in West Palm Beach, Fl. She taught first grade at BBS for 6 years before becoming the Bible teacher in 2008.

Deborah married Doug Stromberg and they have three daughters, Amy, Bethany and Cari, two son-in-laws, and five grandchildren. Also she is the proud Grammy to Cooper, her Cavalier King Charles dog. In her free time, Deborah enjoys walking, reading, playing with her grandchildren, and eating chocolate covered peanuts.

Mrs. Cheri Taylor - K3 teacher

A.S. Early Childhood Education - Chattanooga State

Cheri Taylor has been a member of the Brainerd Baptist family for 20 years. The first 4 years, she was a Brainerd Baptist School parent, and this is her 16th year on staff as a K3 teacher. She has an AS from Chattanooga State in Early Childhood Education, and has over 30 years experience teaching in the PreK and Kindergartenareas. She has lived in Chattanooga her entire life and married her high-school sweetheart. She and Robbie have been married for 32 yearsand are active members of Silverdale Baptist Church. Both of her children attended Brainerd Baptist School, and then went on to graduate high school from Boyd Buchanan. Ryan is 23 years old and currently lives in Buckhead Georgia. Sydney is 21 and is attending UTC, and will graduate in May. She plans to attend nursing school after graduation. Sydney will be getting married this October 1st, so things are very busy in the Taylor household. Their new son in law is also named Ryan. The whole family enjoys the outdoors and sports. They love UT football and Braves baseball. Robbie and Cheri stay very busy bicycling , walking , participating in fitness classes, and Cheri especially enjoys yoga.They also love animals and 2 pets are part of the family. They have abig golden retriever named Duke, and a cat named Miss Millie. They love spending time as a family by playing board games, dominoes ,and card games. Cheri also has a specialty apparel business named Taylor Made Specialties that specializes in screen-printing and embroidery that keeps her busy after school hours.

Mrs. Paige Turner - K4 teacher

B.S. - Southern University

M.S. - University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Paige Turner was born and raised in Chattanooga. She received her Bachelors degree from Southern Adventist University and is completing her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education/Special Education at UTC. Paige met her husband Evan in 1997 on a blind date and they were married 2 years later. She and Evan have two children, Cooper (3^rd grade) and Peri (K5). Paige has loved being a part of Brainerd Baptist School as a parent and feels extremely blessed to now have the opportunity to be a part as a teacher.

In her spare time, Paige loves sewing, baking, watching football, and spending lots of time with her family.

She and her family attend Ooltewah United Methodist Church.

Christine van der Meer - Art teacher

B.A. - Berry College

Christine grew up in Madison, Alabama. In high school she was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Italy. There she fell in love with the art of the Italian Masters and found a love for traveling. She attended Berry College in Rome, Georgia. A year before graduation, she returned to Italy and studied for a semester at Lorenzo de Medici University in Florence. Christine graduated from Berry with a B.A. in Studio Art. She has shown her artwork in various art contests and gallery shows.

Christine spent two summers directing the Association for Visual Arts’s summer art camp for kids, and has tutored and taught for various visual art programs in Georgia and Tennessee. She enjoys working with artists of all ages and encourages creativity through experiences in the classroom and out of doors. She is so thankful that God has brought her to a wonderful school. She spends her spare moments as a rowing coach at GPS, and when she is not on the water with the girls, she is trail running, playing outside, spending time with friends, and planning her next big traveling adventure. This past summer she spent time in the Dominican Republic

Jean Werner - 4th grade teacher

B.S. - Tennessee Temple University

MA - University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Mrs. Jean Werner has been teaching for many years in Christian Schools in the Chattanooga area. She is a graduate of Tennessee Temple University with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. She has a masters degree from University of Tennessee. Her hobbies include gardening, needle work, and crafts. She likes music and has sung in a church trio.

In 2008 Mrs. Werner became the proud grandmother of twin baby girls. She has been with BBS for 29 years and loves teaching the fourth grade. Her life verse is I Cor. 15:58.

Mrs. Micki Winn - K3 Teacher

B.S. - Union University

Micki Winn is beginning her 4^th year teaching at Brainerd Baptist School. She taught Kindergarten and first grade before taking 4 years off to begin a family and be a stay at home mom. She will be starting her 2^nd year teaching in our K3 program this year. She grew up in Brentwood, TN and graduated from Union University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Micki moved to Chattanooga when she married her husband, Matt, in 2003. Micki and Matt have two children, Evie, 5 and Connor, 3. They are members of Northshore Fellowship. Micki loves teaching and enjoys sewing, reading, and crafts in her spare time.