Leadership, Faculty & Staff

Except for two brief stints, Julie Aldredge has been a dedicated Tyler resident since the age of 12. She left the area for a short time to attend and graduate from Stephen F Austin University, where she met her husband Philip. Julie served as a fifth grade teacher with Grace Community School for 19 years before she and her family moved to Arkansas in 2018, where she served as a third grade teacher and then as director of The Eagle Foundation Learning Center.  She is excited to be back in the Tyler area where she can be near family and rejoin the GCS family as well. She and her husband have two adult sons, who both graduated from Grace Community in 2015 and 2018.

Coach Chris has been part of the Grace Athletic program since 2021 as the Head Softball Coach and will also be helping coach middle school football. He has been coaching softball for 13+ years and has been in the travel circuit for many years as well. Coach Chris has been married to his wife Jennifer for 15 years and their daughter Sadie will be attending Grace Community High School starting in the fall. Prior to starting at Grace Community, Coach Chris was enlisted in the United States Navy stationed overseas, where he also received his degree in Sports Science at the American Military University.

Krystal joined Grace in 2020. She received her Associate’s degree in Applied Science, surgical technology and nursing, from Tyler Junior College. She worked as a registered nurse for a home and community service program advocating for individuals with developmental differences since 2012. Krystal and her husband, Chase, have two children, Kalynn and Kynlee, who both attend GCS. She and her family love traveling, spending time with family and friends, going to sporting events, and attending church at Concord Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Kameron has taught foreign language for over 10 years and in several different countries. Kameron received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her ESL certificate from EBC Servicios Lingüísticos in Madrid, Spain. She and her husband David have two young daughters, Adele and Elizabeth. Kameron’s hobbies include travel, culinary endeavors, hiking, reading, hosting friends and family, working with her church youth group, and catching wild critters with her kids.

Katie joined Grace Community School in 2024 as a 3rd grade teacher.  She has sixteen years of teaching experience, most recently teaching 3rd grade in Tyler ISD.  She graduated from Baylor University with her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  Katie has been married to her husband, Rick, for eighteen years, and they have two sons, Jackson and Preston.  She and her family are active members at First Baptist Church Tyler.  She enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family.

Michelle joined Grace Community School in 2024 as a biology teacher.  She is a 2012 graduate of Grace Community School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Tyler. She taught chemistry at Tyler Legacy High School for three years. She is excited to be home at Grace Community School.  Michelle loves spending time with her family, especially her nephews, and her dog, Remi. She loves to read, craft, and participate in Bible Study Fellowship. She is an active member at Flint Baptist Church.

Betsy taught as a middle school reading/language arts teacher for 8 years following graduation from SFA in 1999. She and her husband of 20 years have three children who attend GCS: Joshua, Micah, and Jesse. After staying home with her children, Betsy joined the children’s ministry of Green Acres Baptist Church where she has worked for over eight years. Betsy and her family also attend Green Acres Baptist Church.

Carley began working at Grace in 2015 and has taught kindergarten and fourth grade. Prior to Grace, she taught at Jack Elementary in Tyler. Carley received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Tyler. She and her husband, Josh, have one daughter, Rose, who was born in August of 2016.

Emily has worked as a high school teacher since 2023 at Grace Community School.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Texas at Arlington.  Emily began her career after graduating college in a Finance Advisor role and then was a Senior Accountant.  In 2022, she was called to teach and began her teaching career at a local High School in Arlington, Texas.  She loves her two dogs, an Australian Shepherd named Cali and a Golden Retriever named Duke.  Emily enjoys traveling, camping, running, or anything outdoors with her dogs.  She attends Grace Community Church.

Keith joined Grace Community School in 2019 to teach chemistry. He comes to Grace with 27 years of teaching experience in public school and has spent the last 19 years teaching all levels of chemistry, including AP and IB. He spent the previous nine years in Whitehouse where he taught AP and Pre-AP Chemistry and was the UIL Academic Coordinator and led the UIL Science team to six consecutive district titles. Keith and his wife have been married for 25 years and are members of Friendly Baptist Church where Keith serves as a Deacon and teaches the Hands and Feet Sunday School class.

Beth joined Grace Community School’s Academic Success Center in October 2018 as an NILD Educational Therapist. Prior to her work at Grace Community School, she taught at Cypress Christian School in Houston for 11 years. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. Beth and her husband, William, have three grown daughters, and they attend Grace Community Church. In her spare time, Beth enjoys spending time with family, photography, and scrapbooking.

Tina joined Grace Grace Community School as the orchestra director in 2024. Teaching music is not only her career, but also her ministry and passion. She received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Baylor University and taught in Waco for six years.  She then spent many years at home raising and homeschooling her three sons. Before coming to Grace, she directed the orchestra at Bishop Gorman. She has been married to her wonderful husband, Kirk, for twenty-seven years. Her oldest son works for Samaritans Purse, and her youngest two sons attend college. She is very active at Soma Church, loves spending time with family and friends, and especially enjoys admiring God’s beautiful creation outdoors.

Kelley has worked in the field of education for 31 years, serving as a professional school counselor in both public and private Christian schools for the past 16 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling, and a postgraduate certificate in Mental Health Counseling. In addition to school counseling, Kelley is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. Working as a school counselor, she has a desire to encourage her students to recognize their value and embrace their worth in the Lord, seeking His direction for their future. Kelley has been involved in various prayer ministries for many years and is passionate about sharing the privilege of being in God’s presence. She is a member of Grace Community Church in Tyler where she is active in the women’s ministry. Kelley and her husband have been married for 31 years, and they are blessed with two children, two children-in-law and two grandsons.

Elizabeth has worked as an elementary teacher in Christian schools since 2011. She joined GCS in 2016 as a fifth grade language teacher and worked in the Academic Support Center. She has been teaching first grade since 2017 and then began as an Instructional Coach in 2024. Elizabeth received her bachelor’s degree from Bryan College and her master’s degree from Liberty University. She attends Grace Community Church and loves to crochet, read, and hike in her spare time.

Ms. Bice holds a BA degree from Sam Houston State University and MA from University of Houston at Clear Lake City. Prior to her start at GCS in 2001, she taught sixteen years in public education in Texas. Ms. Bice loves introducing young people to theater in the middle school program as well as teaching dual credit speech. She also serves as Director of Fine Arts for GCS. Delisa worships at Bethel Hope in Tyler. She is looking forward to occasional visits to NYC to see her daughter Caitlin and grandson Oliver..

Carrie has worked at Grace Community School since 2014. She received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree in Secondary Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. Carrie and her husband, Jason, have two children at Grace, Bailey and Noah. She and her family love traveling, spending time with family and friends, going to sporting events and musicals, and attending church at Grace Community Church.

Brittany has taught elementary technology/STEM at Grace Community School since 2021. She received her master’s degree in English education from Georgia State University. Before joining GCS, Brittany taught high school English and fifth grade reading for eight years in the public school setting, both in Georgia and locally in Tyler. She and her husband, Tim, have one son, Jackson, who attends Grace Community School. Brittany loves traveling, playing board games, fishing, and hiking. She and her family are members of Bethel Bible Church.

Ashley has worked as a middle school teacher since 2023 at Grace Community School.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Communications from Texas A&M State University and her English Education Certification from UT Arlington.  Ashley taught Language Arts for 5 years in Wichita Falls, TX.  She is married to Jeremy.  They have a goofy Golden Irish named Murphy, whose passion is squirrel hunting!  They love to travel as much as possible and enjoy hiking, bike riding, movies, and cheering for the Dallas Stars!  Ashley and Jeremy attend Bethel Bible Church. 

Stephanie has worked in multiple library settings since 2011, including the preservation of special collections, digital collections, as well as public libraries. She is excited to join the Grace team as the Library Assistant. Stephanie received her bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Living from Stephen F. Austin State University and her master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of North Texas. Stephanie and her husband, Kent, have two sons at Grace and one daughter in preschool. She enjoys reading (of course!), recommending good books, watching movies, crocheting, playing board games, and traveling anywhere and everywhere.

Amber joined Grace Community School in January of 2022 as the Director of Admissions – Upper Campus. Amber received both her undergraduate degree and MBA from UT Tyler, where she was on the women’s golf team. She and her husband married in 2015, and they have two little girls at Grace. Amber and her family are members of Flint Baptist Church and enjoy playing golf together and serving others. 

Tonya has been with Grace Community School since 2017.  She is a certified public accountant with 22 years of banking and regulatory reporting experience and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler.  Tonya and her husband, David, have three children, including a Texas Tech University graduate and two daughters who attend GCS.  They attend Clearview Church in Lindale and enjoy fishing, camping, and spending time at home.

Monica has worked as a teacher and coach since 1997 at various public schools and private schools including First Baptist Dallas, Lucas Christian Academy, and Grace Community. She first taught at Grace from 1999-2003 before marrying husband, Brad, and moving to Dallas. Monica taught several high school history and computer classes, has served as the Alumni and Corporate Sponsor Director, yearbook advisor, and coached varsity volleyball, track, and cheerleading. Currently, she is serving Grace as the Women’s Athletic Director. Monica received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in Kinesiology and History. Monica and Brad have a son that is a Grace 2023 graduate attending the University of Arkansas and a daughter that is a senior at Grace.They attend Grace Community Church (OJ).

Gail has worked at the Grace Early Education Center since 2008 and has worked in the early education field for more than 35 years. Gail feels that she was called to work with younger children, and their pure hearts bring her so much joy! She is the proud mom of three adult children and seven grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren keep their families very busy. Gail enjoys anything outdoors, being around friends and loved ones laughing. Gail says Grace is her extended family. The staff and families love big, support each other in the good and hard times. She feels blessed to call Grace Community her home away from home.

Heather comes to Grace from Wylie Primary School in Henderson, Texas. There she taught Pre-K, Head Start & Kindergarten in her 6 years with the school. She has enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom for the past 9 years. Heather grew up in Henderson and graduated from Texas A&M University at Texarkana. She has been married to her husband Pat since 2007. They have two boys, Layton & Alden, who attend Grace. She is a member at Calvary Baptist Church in Henderson, where she lives. She enjoys sports, the outdoors, traveling & spending time with her family.

Jeanna joined Grace Community School in 2024 as a Grace U High School English Teacher.  She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Teaching from the University of Texas at Tyler.  She has worked in teaching and training positions for thirty years with organizations like Christus Health Systems, Kilgore College, and Christian Heritage Classical School of Longview.  She and her husband, David, have two adult daughters.  Besides spoiling her beloved pets, she enjoys reading and cooking.  Together, they attend Greggton Global Methodist in Longview.

Lisa has worked at Grace Community School since 2015. She received her bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and her master’s degree in Teaching from The University of Texas at Tyler. Lisa and her husband, Wes, have one daughter and one son at Grace. She and her family attend the Indian Creek Church of Christ.

Kristen has worked as a middle school teacher since 2023 at Grace Community School. She received her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a focus on Mathematics in grades 7-12 from Dallas Baptist University.  Kristen began her teaching career at a local middle school.  She is excited to teach at a school that integrates Christian beliefs and values during the school day.  She is married to Reed Burdette, and they have a puppy named Daisy.  They love to be outside anytime, walking, hiking, or camping. They also love to play all kinds of new games together with family and friends.  Kristen and Reed attend Green Acres Baptist Church.   

Laura has worked as an elementary music teacher in public schools since 1994. She has been with Grace Community School since 2011 as an elementary music teacher and varsity girls golf coach since 2013. Laura received her bachelor’s degree from Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. She and her husband, Mark, have one son who graduated from Grace in 2016 and twin daughters who graduated from Grace in 2019.

Myranda received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2013. She is married to her husband, Matt, and has two daughters, Annakate and Lucy. She taught 3rd grade before staying home with her girls. During her time at home, she was the Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Living Acts Church in Tyler, where they are members. She enjoys working out, house plants, and reading.

Karen has worked at the school since 2009. She provides staff, parent, and student support for myGCS, our school management system, and serves as the registrar. Karen received her bachelor’s degree in Computing Science from Texas A&M. She and her husband, Mike, have three children who graduated from Grace. They attend Marvin United Methodist Church.

Diane has worked as the college and career counselor since 2023 at Grace Community School, along with 34 years of experience in education with Tyler ISD as a teacher/coach but primarily as a counselor.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and her master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University.  She is married to Craig Carnes of 31 years, and they have two children – Case is 27, and Claire is 24.  They all love the outdoors and especially hiking and walking! Diane also loves to cheer on her Baylor Bears and the Arkansas Razorbacks! She truly enjoys watching most sports, reading, planting flowers, AND spending time with family and friends – most important to her!  She and her husband attend Marvin Methodist Church.

Randi has been serving in the academic success center since 2022. She received her master’s degree in early childhood education and special education from Grand Canyon State University and her bachelor’s degree in general studies from Texas State University. Prior to joining GCS, Randi taught second grade in Tyler public school after moving from the Houston/Katy area, where she taught preschool at a Christian school. She and her husband, Jacob, have five children, and they attend Grace Community Church.

Jacob joined Grace Community School in 2024 as the High School Assistant Principal. Since 2006, he has been involved in public education in the Katy, Cypress, Tyler, and Whitehouse school districts, working as a classroom teacher, athletic coach, and campus administrator. Jacob received his undergraduate degree from Sam Houston State University and graduate degree from Lamar University. He and his wife Randi have five children attending Grace Community School.

Morgan Chandler joined the Grace Community community coaching staff in 2022 as one of the girls junior high volleyball coaches. She will be starting her 11th year coaching and thrives with ages 11-15. Coach Chandler has been married to her husband, Blake for seven years and loves spending her time outdoors.

Heather joined Grace Community School in 2022 as the Elementary Receptionist. Heather is happily married to her husband, Trevor, and has one daughter, Emslee. Heather enjoys spending time with family and friends, kayaking, designing, and reading.

Pam joined Grace Community School in 2024 as a Grace University K-2 Music teacher.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in music from Austin College.  She spent nine years teaching elementary music and first grade in Whitehouse and Tyler ISD.  She also taught music in private schools, homeschooled her kids, and currently teaches piano lessons at home and group lessons at Grace University.  She and her husband Brian have four adult children:  Austin, Adam, Karis and Hannah.  Pam enjoys walking their dog, doing yoga, cooking for family gatherings and reading memoirs.  Brian and Pam live life with their loved ones at Friendly Baptist Church.

Riley joined Grace Community School in 2024 as a High School ASC Teacher.  She is originally from Fort Worth, Texas, but has lived in Tyler with her husband, Colten, since 2020. Colten and Riley met at Texas A&M, where they were in charge of Kanakuk summer camps staff meet-ups. Riley graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Math/Science 4-8. She taught middle school math for three years before moving to Tyler and working at Tyler Legacy High School. After having her first baby, Riley worked for Green Acres Baptist Church in the Kids Ministry.  In their free time, Colten and Riley love to hang out with their two kids, Collins and Case, spend time with their Connect Group from Green Acres, and travel!

Christy has worked at Grace Elementary since 2015. She has two children, Zayden and Zoe, who attend Grace. She loves spending time with her family and their two dogs, Kingsley and Penny. Christy and her family are very active at Bethel Bible Church, where she loves volunteering in the preschool and worship team. 

Jennifer joined Grace Community School as a Kindergarten Teacher in 2024. She previously taught at Rice Elementary School for several years. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communication from Angelo State University in 2006 and later pursued an Alternative Certification in EC-6 to follow God’s calling into education. Jennifer and her husband, Matt, are actively involved in the nursery and youth ministries at Hilltop Worship Center. The Coberns have four sons attending Grace. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Coach Ashley Colburn began coaching and teaching at Grace in 2022. She attended Lamar High School in Arlington and played D1 volleyball at Northwestern State University. Her team won the school’s first conference championship in 2014. She coaches the ages of 14-17. Ashley married her husband Tyler in 2018 and has two fur babies at home. Her passion is working with kids and helping them grow not only on the court but as people as well. 

David began serving at Grace in 2020 as the visual communications coordinator. He has a vast array of knowledge and experiences, including freelance designer, illustrator, photographer, and videographer for the last 20 years. His full-time portfolio includes marketing director for a national real estate company, a production artist for an international advertising agency, and a designer and fabricator for a local, custom metal fabrication business. David and his wife, Adrianne, have four children ranging in ages from 22 to 4 years of age, with the youngest attending Grace. Their family are members of and serve in the nursery, children’s, youth, and student ministries at Summit Heights Fellowship in Hawkins, Texas.

Jason joined Grace as a Bible teacher in 2020. He has been a youth pastor and an architect. He received a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife Amber have three children, Alexis, Emory, and Joshua.

Sherry has worked at Grace Community School since 2017 and is currently a fifth grade teacher. She was a classroom teacher for five years before becoming a mother. While homeschooling her six children, she also taught at Venture Academy and Pine Cove Outdoor Education. Sherry received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. She and her family are members of Grace Community Church and her son, Gabe, attends Grace Community School.

Cindy has worked as Technology Intervention Specialist since 2023 at Grace Community School.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on STEM Education from the University of Texas at Tyler.  She was a 2nd-grade teacher in the Gifted & Talented program for six years and became an Innovation Specialist STEM teacher for 17 years.  She has a precious chihuahua named Coco Bean.  She enjoys playing trivia with her family and friends. She used to play on a nationally ranked trivia team that made it to the National Trivia Championship three times. She also enjoys traveling. Some of her favorite trips have been to Ireland, Greece, Italy, Austria, and Ephesus. Getting to stand where Paul spoke to the Ephesians was unbelievably moving.  She also attends Green Acres Baptist Church.

This will be my 43rd year at Grace. For the first 40 years, I taught grade 6 in the five-day track, while the last two have been with grades 7+8 at Grace U. After all these years, I still count it an honor to have a job that allows me to interact with so many amazing students and great families. As a friend once said, “Teaching at Grace is a pretty good gig in the Kingdom of God.”

Karolyn joined Grace Community School in August 2016 as the Director of Communications and Marketing. Prior to her work at Grace Community School, she worked for the East Texas Food Bank for nearly ten years and KLTV, an ABC affiliate, as a television reporter. Additionally, she worked as the Executive Director of St. Paul Children’s Foundation. She earned her bachelor’s in Communication Broadcasting with a minor in Marketing at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Blaine Davis has taught at Grace Community High School in the English Department since 2007. He is a graduate of Wheaton College with a BA in English Literature and Secondary Education and of University of Dallas with Masters of Humanities in Literature. He is currently working on his M.Div at Cranmer Theological House and hopes to be ordained in the North American Lutheran Church in the near future. He and his family have worshiped and served at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for the past 18 years. Blaine is happily married to Karin, his wife of 20 years, and they have two daughters who also attend GCS. He is passionate about the integration of faith and learning, discipling present and past students, and building Christian community. To that end, he and his family have opened Sola Bread Co, a French bakery and wood-fired pizza joint that exists to gather people from all walks of life together around a common table. Apart from his culinary interests, he loves poetry, especially the work of Gerard Manley Hopkins, and enjoys building and working with his hands.

Carrie joined Grace University in 2018. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Harding University. Carrie and her husband, Brandon, have three boys Eric, Josh, and Ethan. She is a member of Shiloh Road Church of Christ, and in her spare time enjoys reading, playing board games, gardening, and traveling.

Grant joined Grace Community School in 2018 where he will serve as the high school geometry, foundations of college math, college algebra, and statistics teacher. He has previously worked as a high school math teacher since 2014 for Sheridan County School District #1 in northern Wyoming, with teaching experience in Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, as well as three dual credit courses through Sheridan College in Sheridan, Wyoming. He received his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and his master’s degree in Mathematics Education from Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. Grant and his wife, Haleigh, have two young children: Abraham and Juniper.

Salomon graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler where he received a with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies EC-6. He has worked for Grace Early Education Center since 2014 as the Lead teacher for the afterschool program and as a pre-kindergarten teacher. He and his wife, Rachel, have been married for three years and have a daughter, Nicole. He has ten siblings and is the first to graduate from high school and attend college.

Danny started teaching at Grace in 2007. He taught biology in the high school and now teaches 7th grade Life Science. He has coached football (MS and HS), baseball (HS), and track (MS and HS), and basketball (MS). His wife and family are members of Glenwood Church of Christ. He received his B.S. and M.S. from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M, Commerce). He has been teaching school since 1972, and the years here at Grace have been the greatest.

Holly has worked as an elementary ASC teacher since 2023 at Grace Community School.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Special Education from New Mexico State University.  She was a special education teacher from 2015 to 2019 and in 2020, began teaching middle school math.  She is married to Jim, and they have two sons,  Lincoln and Hudson.  They also have two Boxers, and their names are Dakota and Paisley.  Holly enjoys dancing, watching sports, target practice, reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with friends and family.  She and her family attend Rock Hill Baptist Church.

Jennifer serves as elementary principal. Before becoming the elementary principal, she was the elementary assistant principal and a junior kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade teacher. Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech University and her master’s degree from Centenary College of Louisiana. After teaching for five years in public schools in Louisiana, Jennifer joined the Grace Community staff in 1996. She and her husband, Jeff, have two sons. Jody attends Grace High School and Justin graduated from GCS in 2012. The Doziers are members of Green Acres Baptist Church. Jennifer enjoys Jazzercise, reading, and all sorts of crafts.

Rachel is a first grade teacher at Grace. She graduated from Grace Community School in 2014 and earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Abilene Christian University. She also continued her education and obtained her Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning from ACU. Before her time at Grace, she taught third grade at Jack Elementary in Tyler. Rachel and her husband, Garrett, have a daughter, Jamie, who attends the EEC. They are all active members of Bethel Bible Church Downtown.

Eric has been serving as a Systems Support Specialist at Grace since January 2023, marking his first role in the IT field. This role allows him to support the mission of reaching the lost and educating future generations.

Originally from Tallulah Falls, Georgia, Eric is an only child whose parents still reside in the same house where he grew up. He now calls Tyler home. He has a passion for exploring new places by car and capturing photos of his discoveries. Despite never having flown, he’s visited 28 states, DC, and Ontario, Canada.

Before joining Grace, Eric gained experience in a variety of fields, including outdoor education at Sky Ranch, as well as various government, non-profit, security, and hospitality roles. He attended the University of Tennessee, where he studied general business (Go Vols!).

In his current role, if it’s connected to Grace’s network and isn’t working as it should, Eric is one of the folks who figure out why.

Eric believes that God has entrusted us with resources and time as gifts, and he strives to be a good steward of both. When he is not around campus, you can probably find him at a local coffee shop.

Meagan is starting her first year at Grace. She graduated in May from Missouri State University with her Masters of Athletic Training. Before that she attended William Woods University where she got a BS in exercise science, human performance and played basketball for one year and volleyball for three. She is originally from a small town in Missouri but currently resides with her sister in Texas. She is excited to start her career and use her new skill set. She is also excited to have the privilege to work at a private Christian high as she went to one herself for high school and understands the opportunities it can give the students. 

Melissa has been the middle school art teacher and high school art and ceramics teacher since 2014. Melissa received a bachelor’s in Art from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and a secondary teaching certificate from Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. After many years of homeschooling her three children, Melissa has taught high school visual arts and ceramics since 1999, developing a three-tiered ceramics program along the way. She and her husband Andy, also a Grace teacher, now have three grown children and three adorable grandkids.

Jacquelyn joined Grace Community School in Spring of 2020 and serves as the Development Manager, Annual Programs and Planned Giving. Prior to Grace, she stayed at home with her girls. Previously, she worked at the Texas A&M Foundation in gift planning. Jacquelyn received her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Texas A&M. She and her husband, Jared have three daughters that attend Grace Community School. They are members of Marvin United Methodist Church.

Ann has worked as an elementary, middle school, high school, and junior college teacher for various public and private schools for twenty-six years. She started at Grace in 2010 as the ninth grade World History/Geography teacher. She received her B.S. in Education from Harding University and was certified to teach AP World History at TCU. Ann and her husband, Randy, have five children, three of whom have graduated from GCS. Besides loving to learn, Ann is passionate about her positions with Go Gold Network of East Texas, a non-profit organization walking alongside of pediatric cancer families, and also Toys for Tots. Whenever possible, she loves to write, and be Lolli, in the Lolli & Pops grandparent partnership she has with Randy.

Jamey has worked as a first grade teacher at Grace Community School since 2015. She taught for eight years in Louisiana prior to moving to Texas in 2012. Jamey has received her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University. She and her husband, Chris, have three children, two at Grace Community High School and one at Grace Elementary School. Their family attends Rose Heights Church in Tyler.

Jay Ferguson is the Head of School of Grace Community School in Tyler. Grace Community School is the largest private school in East Texas, serving nearly 1000 students in grades kindergarten through 12th. He has served in that position since June 2003. Grace’s mission is to assist Christian parents in educating, equipping, and encouraging their children to influence the world for Christ. Jay was a practicing attorney in Dallas and Tyler for ten years before joining Grace Community School in 2002 as its Director of Development. After the departure of the school’s long-time Head in summer 2003, Jay became Interim Head of School. He assumed the full-time Head of School role in fall 2003. Since that time, Jay has worked to build a flourishing culture at Grace, a vibrant educational community that has been awarded Blue Ribbon Exemplary status by the U.S. Department of Education in 2015 and 2017. Jay has written extensively on Christian education and related issues. He has contributed to Building a Better School, published by Paideia Press, Mindshift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education, published by Purposeful Design, and Religious Liberty and Education, published by Rowman and Littlefield. He is currently co-editing Building a Better School II, focusing on board governance. He is a regular contributor to Christian School Education and the ACSI and CESA blogs. He also writes a weekly blog on spiritual, education, cultural, and parenting issues. He is an adjunct professor in school law and governance at Covenant College in Georgia, at Gordon College in Massachusetts, and at Baylor University. He is a frequent speaker at national seminars, and served on the adjunct faculties of the Van Lunen Center at Calvin College and at Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. Jay is a past recipient of the W.C. Windsor Award for outstanding service in the Tyler community. He was named Smith County Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year. He currently serves on boards of organizations operating at the local, state, national, and international level. He is the Past President of the Texas Private School Association, the Past Chair of the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability, and is the Current Chair of the Association of Christian Schools International. He has a heart for training heads of school, leadership teams, and school boards. Jay holds a Bachelors’ Degree from Baylor University, a Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law, and a Masters’ Degree in Educational Leadership from Covenant College. He earned his PhD in Leadership Studies at Dallas Baptist University. He and his wife, Ashley, are members of Grace Community Church, and have served over 20 years in small group and children’s ministries. He currently serves as an elder of Grace Community. He and Ashley have three teenage daughters, Emma, Annie, and Ellen. He has taught them to love Jesus and football, in that order, which he considers his gift to future sons-in-law, Lord willing.

Tyler joined Grace Community School in 2024 after serving in various teaching and coaching roles over the past eleven years at Midland Christian School and Lubbock Christian School. Those roles include teaching 4-6^th grade PE and 8^th grade science and being the Head Track & Field Coach, Offensive Coordinator, and Offensive Line Coach. Tyler earned his bachelor’s degree in Youth & Family Ministry from Abilene Christian University while participating in football and track & field for the Wildcats. A Tyler, Texas native, he graduated from Legacy High School (formerly Robert E. Lee), where he was part of the state championship football team in 2004 and won a state championship in track and field in 2007. Tyler has been married to his wife, Erin, for three years. They have a daughter, Everly, and a high-energy Yellow Lab, Luka. The Fleets enjoy family walks, working out, playing golf, and watching or playing just about any sport.

Shanequa joined Grace Community School Early Education as a K4 Teacher in 2023.  She received her Associates of Art degree from Northeast Community College and is completing her bachelor’s degree in Communications.  She earned her Registered Behavioral Health Certificate.  Shay has enjoyed working with children at the Andrew’s Center and Mentoring Alliance.  She attends and is involved with her Church home, Church of the Pines.

Karla has been in Christian education since 2006 and has served at GCS since 2019. She has an undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech University in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M. After serving as the principal at Grace University, she began serving as the principal at the 5th/6th campus in 2021. She and her husband, Dan, are the parents of Christopher and Leslie, Carter and Kelley Grace and Caeden. They are very excited to welcome their first grandbaby in the summer of 2023! They attend Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview.   

Sarah has taught at Grace Community School since 2012 after relocating to Tyler from California. Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Cellular Biology from the University of California, San Diego.  She has since earned her Masters in Education from UT Tyler in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Biology. She currently teaches Advanced Biology in conjunction with ETBU, Anatomy & Physiology and Forensic Science here at Grace. Teaching is Sarah’s second career. Prior to teaching, Sarah was a researcher for Howard Hughes Medical Institute studying pituitary development at UCSD for fifteen years. Sarah and her husband of 34 years, Kevin, have three adult children and are both active members of Grace Community Church.

Darla has worked as a nurse since 2007 and has been with Grace Community School since 2010 as the “Monday Nurse” at the lower campus. Darla received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from The University of Oklahoma. Darla and her husband, Chris (Class of 2004), have two daughters. The Foreman family worship at Bethel Bible Downtown and serve with the music and childrens’ ministry teams.

Jace has worked as the Grace Men’s Varsity Golf Coach since 2019. Jace is from the Lubbock, Texas, area and has a Petroleum Engineering degree from OU. Jace and his wife, Malory, have two children: Henry and Shepherd. The Fosters enjoy chipping around in the backyard and time out on the lake. 

Kendall has worked in the middle school since 2010 at Grace Community School and serves as the Assistant Principal 5th & 6th Grade and Grace University. He has taught sixth-grade P.E. and coached high school baseball and football during his time at the school. Kendall has received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. He is happily married to Emily Fox and they both work with the student ministry at Grace Community Church.

Ms. Melissa is beginning her second season as Director of the Cougarettes, having served as the Assistant Director from 2019 – 2022. As a coach and mentor she places high value on poise, discipline, precision and teamwork all within a fun and encouraging atmosphere for her students. She loves being able to teach the Cougarettes to give glory to the Lord through dance while promoting school spirit and representing our school and community well. Melissa grew up in a small town northeast of Dallas and was a studio-trained dancer from a young age. She discovered her passion for drill team in school and was a junior 1st Lieutenant and senior Head Dance Captain of her high school team. She then continued her dance career at the collegiate level as a member of the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles from 1999 – 2001 under the direction of Ruth Flynn. As an Apache Belle, she traveled and performed internationally – most notably in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Lord Mayor’s Ball in Dublin, Ireland. Other performance credits include Dallas Cowboys pre-games and halftime shows, a featured appearance on the television show Texas Country Reporter, participated in Houston’s Bank of America Thanksgiving Day Parades, Tyler Rose Parades, and performances at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Melissa was honored to serve as Chaplain her sophomore year of Apache Belles. Throughout her dance career, she consistently received both personal and team top honors, awards and scholarships throughout camps, competitions and conventions. Following TJC, Melissa then attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations. In addition to directing the Cougarettes, Melissa also works full-time for a local advertising agency and writes for a local magazine, as well as a regional outdoor magazine. After college, Melissa lived in Houston and Dallas for 10 years before returning to East Texas in 2013 with her family. She attends Grace Community Church – UB Campus. Her daughters, Caroline and Natalie, are students of Grace Community School and are active participants in the athletics and fine arts programs at school.

Prior to coming to Grace Community in 2022, Eddie had been with All Saints for 30 years.  He served as Director of Athletics for 20 years, was Director of Development for 5 years, and Head of Middle School for 5 years.  He has coached varsity basketball for 15 years and varsity baseball for 3 years.  During his tenure at All Saints, the school has won five TAPPS Overall Championships and finished as runner-up twice.  He has been selected District Coach of the Year 10 times, led 4 teams to the TAPPS Final Four, and was awarded the Edd Burleson Leadership Award in 2017.   He received his Bachelors in Kinesiology from Jarvis Christian College and his Masters in Education Leadership from UT Tyler.  Eddie has been married to Misty for 30 years and has two sons Aston (25) and Logan (20).  The Francis family are long time members at First Christian Church. 

Kayla joined Grace Community School as the Admissions Coordinator in January 2022. Previously she worked at the Refinery Chiropractic as a chiropractic assistant and has worked for Grace Community Church and Grace Early Education in the past. Kayla moved to Tyler from Columbia Missouri to attend UT Tyler and graduated from there with a bachelor’s in Business Management. Kayla has lived in Tyler since 2017 and attends Grace Community Church. When she’s not working, Kayla enjoys being outside and hanging out with friends. She also trains dogs and takes Krav Maga self-defense classes in her free time.

Rainey has taught middle school at Grace since 2013 in the areas of 8th grade English and 6th grade Reading. She received her Associates of Arts degree in Advertising Design from the Art Institute of Houston before earning her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Texas at Tyler. She and her husband Joe have two adult children, Reagan and Parker. Rainey and Joe have been active members at Marvin United Methodist Church for 32 years. Being an avid golfer for over 30 years, Rainey can be found playing a round or two on weekends and supporting her favorite college teams, the Aggies and the Sooners.

Jennifer joined Grace Community School in 2018 as the high school and middle school choir director. She has a Bachelor of Music degree from Stephen F. Austin State University with a choral music emphasis as well as a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Tyler. She has over 20 years of experience teaching voice and directing choirs in both public and private schools from the middle school to collegiate level. Her choirs have performed under her conducting baton in Dublin, Prague, Salzburg, Vienna, Munich, and Dresden, as well as Carnegie Hall and Disney World. Jennifer has two sons, Cameron and Charles, who are both enrolled at GCS. They attend Green Acres Baptist Church where Jennifer actively participates in the music ministry.

Becky is a third grade teacher at Grace. She began teaching at Grace Community School in 2000 as a third grade teacher, but left in 2005 to be a stay-at-home-mom. In 2013, she returned to the third grade classroom. Becky received her bachelor’s degree from the Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Becky and her husband, John, have three sons at Grace. They are all active members of Green Acres Baptist Church.

Born and raised in San Antonio, TX Coach Garza moved to Tyler in 2011. He played football at TJC and Texas College and is in his 6th year of coaching. In his first year with Grace, he’ll be coaching varsity/middle school football, middle school basketball, and middle school golf. Coach Garza has been married to his wife Shelby for three years and has two daughters Charlotte Grace and Ellie Kye.

Jennifer has worked as a Communications Coordinator since 2023 at Grace Community School.  Jennifer served in many different capacities, including managing and carrying out daily responsibilities at a court reporting firm and a marketing/special project position at a neurosurgeon practice. After staying home and raising her children, she reentered the workforce managing and overseeing the operations at Restore Family Counseling in Tyler.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Texas at Tyler.  Jennifer has been married to Kirk for 21 years, and they have three beautiful children: Brooklyn, Mac, and Grayson, and two dogs: Maverick and Dolly.  She enjoys swimming, snow skiing, dinners out, and four-wheeling.  She and her family attend Green Acres Baptist Church.

Stacey began teaching in 2001 after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Bible-Theology from Mid-America Christian University. She taught third, fourth, and fifth grade in Oklahoma’s Moore Public School District for fifteen years before taking four years off to stay at home with her children. She received National Board Certification in 2006. Her family relocated to Tyler in August of 2019. Stacey and her husband, Nathan, have two children and attend Grace Community Church. Stacey enjoys traveling, sports, and time with family.

Stephenie received her Region VII Alternative Teaching Certification in Math 4-8, in 2003 and has been teaching in various capacities for the past sixteen years. Her career began in public middle school, but most recently she home-schooled her five children. She is thrilled to be teaching in a school setting once again, and her kids are equally excited to be attending Grace. When they aren’t at school, the Gilmores can be found watching Aggie football, playing sports, relaxing with friends, and working on house projects.

Since receiving her degree in English from Texas A&M in 2013, Hannah has taught English at the middle and high school levels. She has also worked in safe homes with teen girls for five years. She graduated this summer with her graduate degree in English Rhetoric and is excited to be a part of the Grace Community Family. In her free time, she can be found at the gym, anywhere outdoors, traveling, or spending time with family and friends.

Karen has worked as an elementary teacher since 2023 at Grace Community School. She received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California State University. She has taught First Grade in public schools in Texas and California for 19 years. She and her husband moved back to California in 2016 to continue  teaching at a Christian school for an additional 6 years. They are happy to be back in Texas! She is married to Daniel Goetz and they have 3 adult children: Stephen and his wife, Melanie, Jonathan, and Hannah. Karen enjoys spending time outdoors in God’s marvelous creation, reading, loves her time with family and friends, and is blessed to be a part of the Grace Community.

Katie joined Grace Community School in 2024 as the 7th & 8th Grade Writing teacher for Grace University.  She has her bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education from Piedmont University.  She taught third grade at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano and third grade reading and ELA at SpringHill Intermediate in Longview.  Katie and her husband Michael were high school sweethearts.  They have been married for seventeen years. Together they have four children who all attend Grace.  Ryleigh is in eighth grade, Reagan is in fifth grade, Rowan is in third grade and Lincoln is in kindergarten. They also have a dog named Gracie.  Katie enjoys playing pickleball with Michael, traveling and being outdoors with her family, watching college football, baking, holidays, and writing books for children.  Micahel is the lead pastor at Green Acres Baptist Church. Their family has been at Green Acres for five years and love it! They are very thankful for their church.

Julie began with Grace Community School in 2017 as a third grade teacher and now works in the Academic Success Center. She has taught junior kindergarten, kindergarten, and third grade for four years at Lake Norman Christian School in Davidson, North Carolina. Julie received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, Alabama. In her spare time, Julie enjoys reading, traveling, exploring new places, and learning new ways to create different kinds of crafts

Todd grew up in Tyler and has been teaching History and Literature at private schools in east Texas and St. Paul, Minnesota for twenty years. He has a degree in Christian leadership, (a ministry degree) with a minor in Education from Ecclesia College. Todd, his wife Samantha, and their son Dominic are members of Christ Episcopal Church, where each serves as lay ministers in some capacity. The Hagues love sports, (particularly baseball) and travel.

Rhonda began teaching at Grace in 2004. She has over 30 years of classroom teaching experience and is currently teaching junior English, including AP English Language and Composition. Rhonda attended the University of Texas at Tyler, where she earned a degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies. She enjoys spending time with her daughter and granddaughter, who attends Grace Elementary School. When she is not in the classroom, she is traveling and sponsoring student international trips, reading, gardening, watching sports, fishing, and spending time with her family and friends. Rhonda is a member of Emerald Bay Community Church.

Carl has been a part of the Grace community since 2020 and joined the administrative team in 2021. He is the parent of a Grace alumnus and his other three children attend Grace. Beyond his work with Grace, Carl is also a partner with the fundraising consulting firm Alexander Haas and brings more than three decades of nonprofit experience to his role with the school. Carl holds a B.A. in Political Science from Texas A&M University.

Jasmine has been teaching since 2017 and joined the Grace Community School in 2022 as the elementary art teacher. She has taught at Oscar Hamilton Elementary and Foreman High School in Foreman, AR. Jasmine received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and her Master’s at the Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR. She attends Green Acres Baptist Church, and loves to travel, draw, and swim in her spare time. 

Colton joined the Grace Community coaching staff in 2023 as the assistant coach for the junior high and high school swim programs. He attended Grace Community School for 13 years and graduated in 2023. He knows the importance of hard work and dedication through his years swimming for Grace. He is a member of the TAPPS 2021 state championship swim team, and has earned many accolades throughout his swimming career.

Brooke has worked as an elementary ASC teacher since 2023 at Grace Community School.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University.  Brooke is an Alumni of Grace, and she graduated in 2010!  She taught elementary students and tutored beginning in 2014, and then she stayed home for several years to raise her boys.  Brooke is married to Travis, and they have one son (Tripp) and a daughter (Tinley) who attend Grace Elementary. They have dogs and chickens and enjoy attending Rose Heights Church.  

Mikaela joined the Grace Community School staff in 2013 after being a Grace school parent for many years. She is married to Trey, and they have two daughters, Caitie and Sadie. Her oldest graduated from Grace Community in 2013, and Trey and Mikaela served as parent volunteers in several capacities over the years. She enjoys spending time with family and friends outdoors, traveling, and gardening. 

Anna joined the Grace Community School faculty in 2022. She is a 2015 graduate of Grace Community School and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. Anna began her teaching career in public education for three years in Tyler, Texas. She will be teaching sixth grade history at Grace Middle School. Anna and her husband, Nicholas, are members at Flint Baptist Church where she leads the fifth and sixth grade girls each Sunday morning.

Nick Hawkins joined the Grace Community School faculty in 2023 after earning his degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. With a passion for education, he is committed to helping students grow both academically and spiritually. Outside the classroom, Nick enjoys staying active through sports, diving into a good book, and exploring the latest in technology. He and his wife, Anna, are members of Flint Baptist Church, where they have been actively involved for years. The couple has been happily married for six years.

Coach Hemphill has played soccer for twenty years, both at the high school and college level. He set the Georgia 5A state record for career goals with 115, was a First Team All-District, and District MVP selection. He played football for The University of Georgia for one year, and was a two-year starter for the Darton College Cavaliers soccer team in Albany, Georgia, earning All-Conference honors. He earned a trial for a professional team in England before retiring to pursue ministry. Coach Hemphill has coached soccer off and on for ten years. He served as an assistant coach at Lee County High School and Deerfield-Windsor School (Georgia). He currently coaches the middle school soccer teams for Grace and is an assistant coach for the boys and girls varsity teams. He also coaches a girls club team for FC Dallas in Tyler. In addition to soccer, Coach Hemphill has coached middle school and high school football at Grace Community School since 2010. He is also an online seminary student pursuing a master’s degree in Christian Apologetics.

Cyndy joined Grace in 2024 as an Elementary Instructional Aide.  She received her BSEE from Mercer University in Georgia. Cyndy taught for thirty-eight years before retiring in 2022, and she and her husband, John, moved to Tyler. She has three grown children, Jennifer, John, and Chris, who teaches and coaches at Grace. Cyndy loves traveling and spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters Aurora and Hazel. She and John attend Grace Community Church on University Blvd.

Leigh has worked as a Garce University teacher since 2023.  She received her bachelor’s degree in English from Dallas Baptist University and her Master’s Degree in English from the University of Texas at Tyler.  Since 2010, she has been an adjunct English Professor at Dallas Baptist University.  Leigh has a niece and nephew who call her their Tee-Leigh, and she has a cat named Squeaky.  She enjoys reading, singing, watching movies, acting, watching theatre, running, swimming, and analyzing popular culture from the biblical worldview.  Leigh attends Living Acts Church.  

Angie was excited to rejoin the Grace Community team in 2018 after previously teaching fourth and fifth grades from 2011 to 2016. She received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in Elementary Education (Gig Em!) and has 25 years of experience in elementary education as a teacher and a librarian. Angie and her husband, Bill, have two daughters in high school at Grace, Molly and Anna Claire. She and her family love traveling, spending time with family and friends, cheering at the girls’ extracurricular activities, and attending church at Grace Community Church.

Jessica has been a part of the upper campus Academic Success Center since 2021. She received her bachelor’s degree from Cedarville University in Ohio. Jessica has previous teaching experience which includes years teaching second and third grade, as well as homeschooling her four children for 13 years. Her oldest son, Payton, graduated from high school, and her other three children, Colby, Caleb, and Olivia attend Grace Community School. Jessica and her husband, Steve, attend Grace Community Church, Old Jacksonville Campus along with their children. She loves to travel, camp, hike, run, and just enjoys the great outdoors.

Emma joined Grace in 2024 as the sixth-grade Reading teacher. Previously, she taught ELAR for two years at Bullard ISD after graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University with a BFA in Creative Writing. She lives in Bullard with her husband Dedrick and their cat Knives; the Hills, minus the cat, are happily members at Southern Oaks Baptist Church. When she is not teaching, Emma spends her time reading and writing fantasy books or playing card games with her family.

Tracy has worked as a middle school and high school teacher since 2007 at Santa Fe Middle School, Bay Area Christian School, and Grace Community School since 2014. He has taught 8th grade US history, been an assistant coach for boys varsity basketball, and has coached cross country and track. Tracy received his bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist University and his master’s degree in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Tracy and his wife, Debra, have two children. His son, Joshua, is a graduate of Boyce College in Louisville, KY, and lives and works there.  Hannah, his daughter, is a 2017 graduate of Grace and currently lives in Louisville, KY, with her husband, Dominic D’Ettorre, and they actively serve their local church. Tracy also serves as the bi-vocational Pastor at Westwood Baptist Church in Tyler, TX.   

Amanda joined the Grace Community School team in 2022 and is currently a second grade teacher. She has taught third grade and second grade for five years before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 2017. She and her husband, Wes, have two children who also attend Grace. Amanda received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Tyler in 2011 and is an active member of Living Acts Church in Tyler. She enjoys spending time with her family, running, and baking!

Coach Hubbard joined Grace in 2024 as the Offensive Coordinator and Texas History teacher in Middle School.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and History and a master’s in Educational Leadership (Principal Certification).  Coach Hubbard brings over thirty-five years of experience to Grace with a background in Athletic Administration and serving as a Head Football, Basketball, and Track Coach, along with several years as a school administrator in the role of Principal and Assistant Principal.  His teaching and coaching career covered thirty-two years before retiring to go into full-time ministry as a Worship Pastor.  After two years, God’s calling was evident, and he returned to Coaching again as a Head Basketball Coach/Head Track Coach/Assistant Principal for the last four years. Along with coaching, he is also a bi-vocational Worship Pastor serving churches whenever needed in an interim role or leading revivals and conferences.  His hobbies include following his three grown children, who are also teachers and coaches, and chasing after his five grandchildren and their activities with his wife of thirty-seven years, Ginger. Coach Hubbard and Ginger enjoy music, yard work, and relaxing in their spare time with a good cup of coffee.

Jessica has worked as a high school teacher since 2003. She has worked in the public schools and at Grace since 2013. Since 2018, she has served as Director of Curriculum & Instruction and the Purposeful Design Director (STEM) for K-12 grades. She has also served as the mathematics department chair, TAPPS Academic Coordinator, and TAPPS Mathematics Coach. Jessica received her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Tyler and her master’s degree in Mathematics from Stephen F. Austin State University. Jessica and her husband, Craig, have a daughter, Randi, who attends school at Grace.

Debbie joined Grace University in 2020. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in elementary education and reading specialization. She has over 20 years of teaching in the classroom, homeschooling her children, and tutoring. She and her husband Keith have four adult children and five grandchildren. They love spending time outdoors, hiking, gardening, and enjoying time with family and friends.  

Wes joined Grace Community School in 2021. He received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education math and a minor in religion from East Texas Baptist University. He later attended Lamar University, receiving a master’s degree in educational administration. Wes has eight years of experience, having served in many roles, including administration, teacher, and coach at both Gladewater High School and Brownsboro High School. Coach Johnston and his wife, Miranda, have two sons, Hudson and Knox, and a dog, Dixie. He loves to hang out with his family, coach, and ride his motorcycle.

Sarah has been an elementary public school teacher for the last 17 years. She has taught in various districts around east Texas and has spent the last 7 years as an RTI teacher for her campus. She received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, specializing in reading and music, from East Texas Baptist University in 2003. She has been happily married to her husband, Brandon, since 2003 and they have four children: Kate, Kennedy, Addison, and Drake. She spends her time with her children’s sporting events and relaxing with family and friends. She and her family attend Rock Hill Baptist Church in Chandler.

Coach Jones joined the Grace Community School in 2022. He has an extensive coaching career, including Allen High School, Decatur High School, and Prestwood Christian Academy. He has an undergraduate and master’s degree from the University of North Texas.

John has worked as a high school teacher from 1996 to 2000 in the Houston public school system and in the local public school system from 2000 to 2012. He has been at Grace since 2012 coaching speech and debate, and teaching Modern World History, US History, US Government, and Economics. He received his B.S. in Political Science from Texas A&M University. John and his wife, Bonita (Bo), have two daughters at Grace, Ela and Madeline. John and his family are members of First Baptist Church Tyler (South Campus) where John teaches an adult Sunday school class and Bo works with the eighth and ninth grade girls. John is a self-described nerd who loves all things political, science fiction, the 80’s, and Star Wars, He also loves running and hiking with his family.

Lauren has worked as an elementary teacher since 2023.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in English as a Second Language.  She taught 5th & 6th grade reading overseas for a year in Israel/Palestine with Palestinian students who were 97% Muslim.  The past 8 years, she taught at Velma Penny Elementary where she taught 1st grade for 6 years and 2nd grade for 2 years.  She is married to her husband Chase.  They have a sweet goldendoodle named Ellie who’s passion in life is snuggling and chasing the water hose.  Lauren enjoys traveling, reading and all things outdoors including hiking and camping. She and Chase are National Parks enthusiasts and currently attend Grace Community Church at UB.

Maggie Williams Koehn is in her fourth season as the Varsity Coach for Grace Cheer. A Tyler, Texas native, Koehn is a Baylor University graduate where she was on the Baylor Co-Ed Cheer Team for four years. She served as a team captain on the cheer team while pursuing a degree in Studio Art – Graphic Design. She also has earned a Master’s of Science in College Student Personnel from Arkansas Tech University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership in Higher Education through Abilene Christian University. She grew up dancing at Dance-N-Drill and danced and cheered for 12 years and transitioned out of dance and into competitive cheer at Spirit of Tyler in high school. That is where she ultimately fell in love with cheering. Maggie started taking coaching to the next level when she became the head cheer coach during her master’s program at Arkansas Tech University. Maggie continued to
coach at the collegiate level back in her hometown at UT Tyler. She just finished her time at UT Tyler where she coached there for seven seasons with the UT Tyler Spirit Squad teams. The Spirit Squad is made up of Dance, Mascot, STUNT, and the Cheer team. She also cheered professionally for three years for the Houston Rockets and one year for the Indianapolis Colts. Maggie also served as the Interim Director of External Operations and Relationship for Patriot Athletics and additionally advised the Greek sorority, Zeta, and the student-athlete advisory committee, also known as SAAC. Academically, Maggie has trained others and presented on leadership on multiple occasions, including local schools in East and Central Texas, along with an East Texas Leadership Summit as a co-presenter with Dr. Colleen Marzilli. She has also created a curriculum with the Associate Dean of Students at UT Tyler, Kim-Harvey Livingston, for freshmen Student-Athletes that provides leadership skills and coordinates with a mentorship program. Her most recent venture with her husband was the acquisition of DND Flyers to which she and Stephen relaunched as Flyer Athletics Tyler. They have been in business since May of 2021 and have already had over 1000 athletes walk into their facility, from hosting college recruitment clinics to kid’s camps, to training our own athletes at Grace. The Koehn’s exude the Spirit for Grace Cheer and the school and we can’t wait to see you and meet you at events this year.

Tammy has been a part of the upper campus Academic Success Center since 2021 and has been a long time Grace mom for more than 24 years. Her four children have attended or are currently attending GCS: Seth, Class of 2011, Sarah, Class of 2012, Kate, Class of 2019, and Kaden will graduate in 2022. She also has three precious grandsons, Landry, Levi, and Layton. Tammy received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and is a member of Southside Baptist Church.

John has taught high school math at Grace Community School since 2021. He earned his Ph.D. in secondary education with a minor in mathematics from Mississippi State University in 2006. John also has a master’s degree in mathematics from Mississippi College. He began his teaching career in 2000 in Mississippi, teaching both middle school and high school mathematics. Prior to joining GCS, John was a professor in the School of Education at The University of Texas at Tyler for 16 years where he taught and trained math teachers, published papers, and secured grant funding. John and his wife, Sherri, have a large blended family with eight children and one granddaughter.

Marsha is the new receptionist for Grace Community High School.  She has an Associate of Art degree from Southwestern University in Waxahachie, Texas.  Marsha lived in Lindale for 19 years before moving to Montana, but recently moved back to Tyler in June of 2022. She has two daughters who reside in Tyler.  Her daughter, Lauren, is a 2nd grade teacher in Lindale and is married to Chase King.  Her daughter, Ashley, is a dental hygienist and is married to Zach Ochran. Marsha is in the process of finding a church home here in Tyler.

Ruby joined Grace Community School in July of 2022 as the Billing Specialist in the Accounting Department. She was born and raised here in Tyler. Ruby and her husband, Luis, have two children, one of which currently attends Grace. She and her family love traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Mike serves as the Athletic Coordinator for Grace Community School. He will also serve as the middle school men’s head basketball coach and the assistant high school softball coach. Before coming to Grace, Coach Lee was an athletic director and coached basketball, cross country, softball, and track.  As a head cross country coach, his teams finished in the top ten in state seven out of eight years with two State Championship runner ups. At both Bishop Gorman and All Saints Episcopal, he was part of a staff that broke the single-season record for wins in women’s basketball. 

Mike has two daughters. The youngest daughter, Brooke, lives and works in The Colony, Texas. Brittany is married to Aaron Bonneville, and they have two children, Corbin and Harper, and reside in Fort Worth, Texas.

Shelly began her role in 2022, as the Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Grace Community School. Before becoming Executive Assistant, she was a testing proctor and substitute teacher for Grace. Shelly received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler and brings over 25 years of experience in leadership, customer service, and sales. Shelly and her husband, Jeff, have two boys, Austin and Walker, who attend Grace Community School. The Linville family are active members at Green Acres Baptist Church. They enjoy spending time together camping, fishing, playing baseball and tennis, gardening, and anything outdoors.

Kara started teaching third grade at Grace University in 2022. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Family Relations and Child Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Oklahoma State University. She has taught kindergarten, first, second, and third grades. Kara and her husband, Danny, have three boys, Eli, Nate, and Thadd, who all attend Grace Community School. She and her family enjoy spending time together, traveling (especially to different Major League Baseball parks), and attending the boys’ extracurricular activities. They also attend Grace Community Church University Boulevard Campus.

Coach Loftis joined Grace Community School in 2018 as the varsity girls basketball coach and middle school history teacher. Devan comes to Grace from Brentwood Christian School in Austin, Texas, where he has been serving as associate athletic director, teacher, and head girls basketball coach for the last 18 years. Devan is married to Kaylee Loftis, an East Texas native and also a Christian educator and coach. They have three children: Brinton, Lucy, and Macy, who attend Grace Community School.

Kaylee joined Grace Community School in 2018. Kaylee comes to Grace from Brentwood Christian School in Austin, Texas, where she taught Pre-K4. She also taught kindergarten and coached various sports in middle school and high school at Brentwood over her 18 years with the school. She grew up in East Texas and graduated from Harding University where she met her husband, Devan. They have three children, Brinton, Lucy, and Macy, who attend Grace.

Lisa began serving at Grace Community School in 2022, where she began teaching fourth grade. Before joining Grace, she taught middle school English and writing after graduating from A&M in 1992. She and her husband, John, have been married 30 years and have three children. She has worked in the Kids’ Ministry at Green Acres Baptist Church for seven years. She and her family attend Green Acres Baptist Church. Two of Lisa’s favorite things to do are reading and traveling.

Amy returned to teaching in 2014 after staying home for several years with her three children. Nathan, Maggie, and Brady attend Grace community school. She graduated from Baylor University with a degree in education with a math specialization. She and her husband, Blake, enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family. They attend Grace Community Church.

Polly began teaching third grade at Grace Community School in 2024.  She has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies (grades 1-8) and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas at Tyler.  She has worked in public education for the past twenty-four years, teaching second, fourth, and sixth grades and teaching for one year as an instructional specialist.  Polly and her husband, Scott, have three sons and five grandchildren.  She is a member of Flint Baptist Church and enjoys reading, traveling, assembling jigsaw puzzles, and playing games with friends.

Jennifer began working at Grace Community School as an ASC NILD professionally certified therapist supporting the elementary campus in 2023.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Speech Communications from Stephen F. Austin State University.  She brings 17 years of teaching experience in early elementary and kindergarten.  From 2018 to 2023, she was an NILD therapist teacher at The Woodlands Christian Academy.  She and her husband celebrated 30 years of marriage in 2022.  In 2023, her son Paxton entered his third year of medical school, and her daughter, Jessica, is graduating from Texas A&M.  They have a darling, quite spoiled Yorkie named Rosco.  Their family enjoys spending time together and enjoying delicious meals. Jennifer enjoys all interior and exterior design aspects, reading good books, touring museums, and savoring a fabulous cup of coffee!

Ray has worked as a Grace University Spanish teacher since 2023 at Grace Community School.  He received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish and his Master’s in Counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University.  Ray has over 24 years of professional experience.  He is a bilingual therapist, and has 3 years of teaching experience.  Ray is married to Beth, and they have two daughters – Lydia and Anna, and two sons – Micah and Nathan.  He enjoys camping, hiking, riding bikes, swimming, and movies. Ray attends Bethel Bible Church.

Amy worked as a 3rd-grade elementary school teacher starting in 2010 for seven years at Grace Community School.  She took a break to be a stay-at-home mother and returned in 2023.  Amy is also an Alumni of Grace, graduating in 2005.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University.  Amy and her husband Paul have two children at the elementary school, Kelly and Patrick. They have a boxer named Coco.  Amy enjoys reading, playing games, and going for walks.  She and her family attend Living Acts Church.

Amber has been at Grace Community School since 2007 and currently serves as the elementary assistant principal. Before becoming the assistant principal, she was a third grade teacher, as well as an eighth grade English teacher. She has also taught as a high school English teacher at a public school in the East Texas area. Amber received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. She and her husband, Todd, have one daughter at Grace and another daughter who graduated from GCS (Class of ’14) and is attending Abilene Christian University.

Rick has taught music at Grace University since 2021. He earned a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministries and a minor in music from East Texas Baptist University. Rick has traveled nationally and locally for several years, leading churches, camps, ministries, and others in worship. He and his wife, Sharyn, have two boys who attend Grace University, Connor and Cade. Rick and his family enjoy swimming, tennis, and many other outdoor adventures together.

Lisa joined the Grace Community School team in 2022. She grew up at Grace Community Church, where she met and married my husband, Nate.  Lisa graduated from Chapel Hill High School and went to Oklahoma Wesleyan University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science.  She has been an inclusion instructor at Cumberland Academy Elementary School for six years, working mostly with students in Special Education, before coming to Grace.  Lisa has two sons, Noah and Solomon.  They attend and serve at South Spring Baptist Church.  Lisa loves soccer, reading, and long walks in the country.

Laura has worked as a Junior High and High School Teacher since 2008, teaching English, Latin, Humanities, Creative Writing, Speech, and Psychology. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston, a master’s degree in humanities from the University of Dallas, and a master’s degree in Composition from Liberty University. She also taught dual credit English, General Psychology, and Intro to Humanities for several years and has provided one-on-one ACT prep for local high school students since 2012. Laura has been married to Tom since 1999. They have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and two grandchildren. Laura enjoys living in the country and homesteading with her family. She is an active member of Sylvania Church, serving in the children’s ministry and chairing the Women’s Council.

Russell McLennan is so pleased to be part of the Grace Community School family. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he also serves as lead pastor at 903 Community Church in Flint, Texas.

A graduate of the University of Oklahoma and Dallas Theological Seminary, Mr. McLennan loves engaging in deep and personal conversations about Christianity with his students.  He believes critical thinking and candid discussions about our faith will ultimately lead all of us to a more genuine relationship with the Lord. 

Outside of work, Russell loves spending time with his wife Kinzey and their two daughters. He enjoys playing soccer, basketball, reading, woodworking, and especially kittens. Fun fact: Mr. Russell likes to compete in the Scottish Highland games and even owns a kilt!

Judy has been a teaching since 1988 and joined Grace Community School in 1992 as elementary music teacher, fourth grade teacher, and is currently the fifth grade humanities teacher. Judy received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas at Tyler and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Judy and her husband, Jeff, have a daughter, Erin, who graduated from Grace Community. Judy attends Grace Community Church and she has been a member of Tyler Morning Toastmasters since 1996.

Rachel recently moved to Tyler from South Dakota and is coming from Legacy High School where she taught sophomore English last year. Her husband, Michael, works as the student minister at Green Acres Baptist Church—Flint Campus. They enjoy serving the middle school and high school students at their church and being a part of their connect group.

Tania has taught elementary Spanish at Grace Community School since 2021. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Turabo in Puerto Rico. She was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and served for over 20 years in the mission field, working with children and youth ministries on the island and in over 25 countries. Tania, and her husband, John Ray, have four children who attend Grace Community School and Grace Early Education Center. She and her family have been part of the Tyler community since 2013 and attend Grace Espanol at the Old Jacksonville campus.

Deena and her husband, Gary, have been married for thirty years and were GCS parents for 24 years! They have four beautiful daughters, Haley (and husband Joe), Bradi-Kathryn (and husband Stephen), Madison, and Christin. They have six precious grand-babies under the age of six years old, Emery-Grace, Levi, Annie-Caroline, Charlotte, Tripp, and Sullivan. After graduating from UT Tyler and starting a family, Deena enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom. She joined the Grace staff in 2005, teaching kindergarten, then later junior kindergarten, and in 2020 began teaching first grade.

Breanna received a B.S.E. from East Texas Baptist University and masters from University of Texas, Tyler. She joined the GCS staff in 2016 and is currently working in the high school office as an administrative assistant.

Tom has been a high school teacher and coach since 2023 at Grace Community School.  He received his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physical Education, a master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a master’s degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  In 1994, Tom began his career in teaching mathematics, coaching and ministry and has poured his heart into many children’s lives through these avenues.  He is married to Anita, and they have two grown children, Colton and Courtney.  Tom and his wife enjoy deer hunting together, hog hunting (just Tom), and watching the Dallas Cowboys, as they are huge fans!  Currently, he and Anita are searching for a new church home.  

Sundee joined Grace University in 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and has experience teaching Pre-K, kindergarten, and 2nd grade. She and her husband, Rowdy, have a son, Chandler, who is a Grace Community School 2015 graduate, and a daughter, Bailey, who is a Grace Community School 2017 graduate. Sundee’s youngest daughter, Avery, attends Grace Community School. Sundee and her family attend Grace Community Church.

Brenda (R.N., BSN) has worked as the Grace elementary school nurse since 2000. She received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She and her husband, Frank, have six children, four of whom have graduated from GCS. Their family enjoys being involved at First Baptist Church, South Campus where she and Frank teach first grade Sunday School. Brenda loves “digging in the dirt”, reading, and spoiling her six grandchildren.

I was born in Texas and raised for a few years in Saudi Arabia before we made our way back to Texas.  I grew up in the church and have been in a ministry-supporting role all my life.

I married Robin in December of 1999, and we have six children: Sarah, Haven, Rachel, Israel, Samuel, and Jeremiah.

I joined the Grace staff in August of 2007, and my deep hope is that we would exemplify Stephen in Acts 6.

Kim joined the Grace Community School team in 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Kim taught at Christian Heritage Classical School in Longview for 19 years and has taught kindergarten, first grade, and early childhood special education. She and her husband Jim, have two children who attended CHCS from K-12th. They have been active members of Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview throughout their years in Texas.

Wendee is joining the Grace family as an Instructional Aide as well as the Coordinator for our Jr K and Kindergarten After School Program.   She and her husband, Greg, have 8 children, and their youngest will be attending Grace.  Her family is new to Tyler and attend Green Acres Baptist Church where Wendee is involved with the Choir and Worship ministry.

Mischa has been with Grace Community School since 1998. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She and her husband, Jim, have a son and a daughter who are Grace graduates. Mischa and Jim are members of Bethel Bible Church downtown.

Anna joined the Grace team in 2020. She received her bachelor’s degrees in Painting/Drawing and Art History from the University of North Texas. She teaches art at Grace Middle School 5th and 6th and Grace University. Anna is married to the delightful Drew Pierce, and they have two dear preschoolers!

Amanda is coming to Grace Community School Athletics from Whitehouse High School in Whitehouse, TX where she spent the last four years as an assistant athletic trainer. She moved to Texas from northwest Arkansas. Before coming to Texas to work at Christus Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, she pursued her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training at Southwestern College (KS)while participating in volleyball at the collegiate level. During her first two years at Christus, she obtained a Master of Science in Health, Physical Education & Recreation from Emporia State University. She has always had a passion for helping student-athletes achieve their goals while utilizing the skill sets she has learned throughout her career.

Libby comes to Grace from Pine Cove, where she served on the communications team. She graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Child and Family Studies.

I am entering my 2nd year at Grace as the Head Speed and Strength Coach. I am currently the Head Varsity Cross Country Coach and Assistant Track Coach for MS and HS. I come to Grace after almost a decade of experience coaching at the Division 1 level and leading multiple athletes to national championships and All-American honors. I have a passion for solving puzzles and creating connections. My wife, Randi, and I have a 6 year old son, Dean, and 4 year old daughter, Dani. I am excited to help lead future generations towards Jesus and help the community at Grace grow closer to Him! Go Cougs!

Jennifer has worked as an administrative assistant since 2023 at Grace Community School.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Texas State University.  She began her teaching career in 2012 as an elementary teacher and also a teacher at Southern Oaks Mother’s Day Out Preschool.  Jennifer is married to Jared, and they have three children, Corbin, Piper, and Cade.  Their family enjoys traveling, Kabobs and Marco’s pizza on Friday nights, and taking walks together. They attend Westwood Baptist Church.

Alison graduated from Drake University with an All Science Secondary Education degree. She attends Grace Community Church on Old Jacksonville with her husband, Ric, who also teaches at GCS. She has taught and coached at the middle school level since 2013.

Ric has been teaching history at the high school level since 2012, and has been with Grace Community School since 2015. He received his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and History/Social Sciences with an endorsement in Math from Wheaton College, where he also had the privilege to play college football. He has been married to Mrs. Radcliffe since the summer of 2013. She, too, is currently working at Grace Community School in the middle school as the eighth grade math teacher. Ric also serves as a football coach on both the varsity and junior varsity levels, as well as one of the high school track and field coaches.

Katie Ritcheson began teaching drama at Grace Community School in 2017. She is a 2003 graduate of Grace Community School. Katie studied theater and music at Tyler Junior College and Stephen F. Austin State University before beginning a career teaching middle school theater in Whitehouse and Waco. She and her husband, Doug, have two daughters at Grace.

November has worked in education since 2001. She has been with Grace Community School since 2008. Over the years, she has taught math, served as a college guidance counselor, and currently works as the Student Activities Director and Chapel Coordinator. November received her bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University, her Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler, and certification in College Guidance from Anderson University in conjunction with the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals. November and her husband, Brandon, have four daughters, two of which have graduated from Grace Community School and two that currently attend. They are active members at Green Acres Baptist Church.

David Robinson is the Middle School Principal 7th & 8th for Grace Community School. David returns to Grace after a tenure as Head of School at Washington Christian Academy in Olney, Maryland. Prior to his appointment at Washington Christian Academy, he served as the Director of Equity and Inclusion and Men’s Head Basketball Coach for Grace Community School. David holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Clarks Summit University. Over the course of his career, David has taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels while also serving as a varsity basketball and football coach. Having spent his entire professional career working in Christian education, he has a passion for cultivating an environment in which each student can experience the truth, beauty, and goodness that come from a life rooted in Christ. In his free time, David enjoys watching movies, reading books on leadership, coaching and skill acquisition, and listening to music. David and Erica have two daughters, Nya and Raven, who are students at Grace. 

Coach Russell has coached football for 30 years. He lives by the words in II Timothy 4:2 which states “There is no offseason!” He is married to the former Jana Crosby and the two graduated from the University of Houston in 1991. Tim and Jana have two daughters: Bailee and Macey. Macey attends Harding University, and Bailee was killed by a drunk driver in 2016. Coach Russell enjoys the team atmosphere that each great football team possesses.

Josue joins Grace Community School again in 2017. He served at Grace from 2004-2008 as the high school Spanish teacher and boys and girls head soccer coach. Josue has been the Grace Men’s Soccer Head Coach since 2017. In 2017 he was an assistant to GCS Women’s Soccer program and assisted head coach Mitch Smith to win a TAPPS Soccer State Championship. Sabillon has coaching experience at the collegiate, high school, and club levels, and returned to Grace Community High School from Belhaven University in Jackson, MS. He previously has worked as an assistant college coach at Meridian Community College in Mississippi (2001-2002), at Tyler Junior College in Texas (2002-2008). Sabillon is a Two-Time All-American at Meridian Community College (1995-1996), as well as a 2012 NJCAA Hall Of Fame Inductee. Sabillon transferred to Marshall University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in business administration. He also holds a USSF “A” license and an NSCAA Premier Diploma. In 2013 he received his masters in sports administration from Belhaven University. Josue Sabillon, a Honduran native, is accompanied by his wife Andrea, and their two daughters, Isabela and Cecilia.

Robert Sawler joined Grace in 2024 as a varsity football coach. He is originally from Keller, TX, and moved to Tyler in 2022 with his wife, Hadlee Sawler, a Grace alumni. He played football at Abilene Christian University and Oklahoma Baptist University, where he also received his Masters in Business. Robert and Hadlee spend their Sundays volunteering at Church of the Pines, and love spending time with their friends and family.

M.Ed East Texas Baptist University, M.A. Stephen F. Austin State University, & B.A. Baylor University

Chelsea joined Grace Community School in 2017. She teaches Dual Credit U.S. History and the upperclassman Bible elective Christ and Culture. Chelsea is a 2005 graduate of Grace where she placed at state-level speech and debate competitions and was the 2005 TAPPS Fine Arts Student of the Year. Chelsea attended Baylor University where she studied Communication, English, History, and Political Science and graduated in 2009 from Baylor University’s Honors College with a University Scholars degree. She graduated in December 2018 with her Masters in Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University. In 2023, she earned her Masters in Education with a specialization in History from East Texas Baptist University. After college, she served as the East Texas deputy regional director for U.S. Senator John Cornyn. She then felt a calling toward Christian education, first serving as the director of development for the Honors College at Baylor University and as a college advisor at All Saints Episcopal School before returning to GCS. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Tyler, and in her spare time, Chelsea enjoys reading, singing in the church choir, playing board games with family, watching nerdy movies, and traveling.

Heather began teaching public school in Tyler in 2003 where she taught 1st and 5th grades. She left in 2010 to be a stay-at-home-mom, and then returned in 2018 to teach art and music at Hand-In-Hand Preschool in Tyler. Heather received her bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. She and her husband, Brandon, have three children, Hunter, Skylar, and Summer. They enjoy outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends, and attending Lifebridge Tyler Church.

Coach Scott began his volleyball coaching career in 2010. He has coached age groups from 13 to 18. His coaching highlights include:  2013- 5th place at USAV National Volleyball Championships (15’s), 2014- 5th place at AAU National Volleyball Championships (16’s), 2015- 5th place at AAU National Volleyball Championships (17’s), 2016- 14th place at USAV National Volleyball Championships (18’s).

Stephanie joined Grace Community School in 2021 as the athletics assistant, high school bible teacher, and middle school volleyball coach. She received a bachelor’s degree from Texas College and has worked in church administration for over 25 years. She also taught for several years at private schools in the Dallas area. She and her husband, Reginald, serve as pastors of Kingdom Family Church in Tyler and have a passion for sharing the gospel. They have two sons at Grace, Darius and Daniel.

Jeff has worked as a high school teacher since 1991 and started at Grace Community School in 1997. Jeff teaches high school mathematics and directs the Grace Community Drumline, which was established in 1998. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Stephen F. Austin State University. Jeff is married to Kathy, who also teaches at GCS.

Kathy has worked as a teacher for more than 30 years. She has worked in public school special education for seven years before coming to Grace in 1997. For the first eleven years, she taught fourth grade at the lower campus. Since then, she has been teaching sixth grade science and math. Kathy earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Texas at Tyler. Kathy is proud to help her husband Jeff, also a Grace teacher, with all of the responsibilities of the GCS Drum Line. You can hear her during football season as the “voice of the Cougar halftime.”

LeAnn has teaching experience in both public and private schools. Before coming to Grace, she taught in both the Klein and Plano public school systems. She has been with Grace Community School since 2006, teaching kindergarten, first, and second grades. LeAnn received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. She and her husband Sam have two children, Jake and Michelle.  Both are graduates of Grace.  LeAnn and her husband are members of Green Acres Baptist Church. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, shopping with friends, and attending Aggie football games.

Holly has taught kindergarten at Grace University since 2014. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from ACU and began teaching first grade in 1991. She has taught first grade and Kindergarten for a total of 22 years. Holly and her husband, Jared, have two sons, Carter and Jacob, who graduated from Grace Community School. Holly enjoys family time together, traveling, reading, snow skiing, and playing with her golden retriever.

Jennifer joined Grace Community School in 2021. She received her bachelor’s degree in information technology and marketing from Baylor University. Jennifer and her husband, Michael, have three children, Grace, Brock, and Cullen. Grace attends Baylor University, while Brock and Cullen attend Grace Community School. Jennifer enjoys traveling, biking, movies, reading, and being outdoors. She and her family attend Grace Community Church.

Chris joined our coaching staff in 2021 and has worked in the tennis industry his entire career.  Chris was the General Manager at Tyler Tennis & Swim Club club for six years, Adult Tennis Director at Midtown Athletic Club in Chicago, and Director of Tennis at Cascades Country Club for nine years.  Currently, he is a coach at Tyler Junior College working with the nationally ranked men’s and women’s tennis programs.  Chris has been a USPTA certified professional since 2008 and was awarded the USPTA Texas Tennis Professional of the Year in 2016.  Chris and his wife, Lacey, moved to Tyler in 2006 from Missouri to attend TJC and UT Tyler.  Their two children, Blake and Abby, attend Grace Community School and are members of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler.

Tara has worked as an elementary teacher in a Christian school setting since 2010. She has been with Grace Community School since 2015 and has taught second grade, kindergarten, and junior kindergarten. She received her bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University. Tara and her husband, Clay (Grace alum ’04), are newlyweds as of 2013 and are enjoying life as a couple.

Victoria joined the Grace EEC-Tyler team in 2013. She began working with children at an early age; her first job was at a local gym and then expanded to babysitting and nannying for those families. After graduating from high school, she coached volleyball and mentored girls in elementary, middle school, and high school. Victoria was fortunate to stay at home with her son for almost two years after he was born. Then, when she returned to work, she chose Grace EEC and said the community blesses them. Her son attends Grace Community School.

Coach Spitzer joined the GCS baseball staff in 2008. He served four years as the middle school assistant coach and head coach from 2012 to 2016. In 2017, he assumes the varsity assistant coaching position. Time flies when you’re having fun! Coach Spitzer graduated from Baylor Law School. He and his wife, Trish, have four sons:  Jacob (GCS Class of 2013), Jonny (Class of 2015), Josh (Class of 2017), and Joseph (Class of 2020). The family attends Grace Community Church.

My name is Eddie Starkes, I coach offensive line from the junior high through high school. This will be my 2nd season at Grace and I also graduated from Grace 2009.

Tonya began working at Grace in 2014 as an instructional aide. She teaches math and phonics groups in the 1st and 2nd grades. Tonya is married to Samuel, and they have a daughter Gracie who has attended Grace since Kindergarten. Gracie is a senior and the Head Dance Captain of the Cougarettes. They also have a fur baby named Lilly. Her family has enjoyed attending New Life Worship Center for the past 12 years. Tonya enjoys spending time with her family, reading, design, and time at the beach. 

Coach Tamplin was born and raised in the San Francisco area. A leap of faith brought him and his wife, Melissa, to Bullard in 2010. He has coached soccer for 32 years, mostly club and high school while living in California. Reid carries a National D License and has a passion for soccer and coaching kids.  He and Melissa are members of the Branch Community Church in Bullard and have four children scattered throughout the country.

Brennan is a 2012 graduate of Grace Community School and earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the United States Air Force Academy. Brennan served on active duty in the Air Force for five years and had the opportunity to work as an engineer and program manager at the AF Research Laboratory, a small-business liaison, and STEM outreach coordinator. A passion for education pushed him to switch careers, and thus he joined the GCS team in 2021 to teach mathematics and engineering. Brennan also earned a master’s degree in education from Wayland Baptist University.

Janet Taylor is the head coach for the high school and junior high swim programs. She believes that many life skills can be learned through swimming, such as goal-setting, developing a plan of action to reach those goals, time management skills, and a strong work ethic. She understands how important relationships are in swimming, and how these friendships tend to last a lifetime. Most of all, Janet believes in Colossians 3:17 and wants to instill this verse into her swimmers, ”whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Janet graduated from TCU and was a three sport letterman in swimming, gymnastics, and golf. After graduation, she was head women’s swim coach at TCU for several years. She is in her 25th year of coaching at Grace and has led the Cougar swimmers to six state championships. Over the past 45 years of coaching, Janet has coached swimmers to all levels of achievement, from learning to swim to Olympic Trial qualifiers.

Sarah has taught high school English at Grace Community School since 2021. She hails from west Texas, where she taught writing and literature courses at Abilene Christian University. She obtained both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English from ACU while working as assistant director of the Writing Center on campus. She and her husband, McKinley, are both teachers descending from a family of teachers. Sarah’s hobbies include taking her dog, Harper Lee, to the state park, drinking tea, cooking, reading, and swing dancing.

Chelsea Thauwald is the Content Communications Coordinator at Grace Community School. Prior to joining the communications department, Chelsea enjoyed a long career in the photography industry, where she worked with large corporations and small businesses. 

Having served as a content writer and photographer for N2 Publishing in recent years, Chelsea is excited to bring her love of writing and photography to the GCS marketing team.

Shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Baylor University, Chelsea married her college sweetheart Nathan. Now, as devoted Baylor Bears, they enjoy attending their alma mater’s events and activities whenever possible.

In addition to being part of the marketing and communications department, Chelsea is also a proud mother of three Grace Cougars: daughters Carrington, Collyns and CalleighRose.

Belle worked as an elementary art teacher from 2006 – 2022.  She returned to Grace and began teaching kindergarten in 2023.  Belle is excited to return to the classroom and add to her 24-year teaching career.  She has been married to Kevin for over 27 years, and they have a daughter Stella (GCS 2018), and a son Turner (GCS 2024).  They have two Labs: “Ruby and Pearl” and their beloved English Cream Golden Retriever “Doc.” They are dog LOVERS!  Belle and her family enjoy traveling, hunting, fishing, and Turner’s sports. They live on a golf course and enjoy watching and playing.  Belle enjoys art and gardening.  Their local family attends Grace Community Church at OJ.

Norman has worked as a high school teacher and coach since 1981 at Grace, Seagoville, Crandall, DeSoto, and Lufkin. He has been with GCS since 2010 as a physics teacher, track and football coach. He currently is the Head Girl’s and Boy’s Track coach for Grace and assistant in football. Norman received his bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin. He and his wife, Mary Ann, also a Stephen F. Austin graduate, have three children and three grandchildren. Their daughter Leigh Ann and her husband Michael Hyde are Texas A&M graduates and are the parents of Nathan. Their daughter Kellie and her husband Daniel are East Texas Baptist graduates and are the parents of Annabelle and Emma. Their son James is a graduate of Texas A&M and lives in Seattle. Norman likes to build things and go on mountain hikes in the summer. He has been on many mission trips, both nationally and internationally. Norman and Mary Ann are both active at First Baptist Church in Lindale.

Emma is thrilled to start teaching fourth grade at Grace. She has taught fourth grade at Jack Elementary in Tyler for the past two years. Emma received her bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2019. She just got married to her husband, Shawn, in June of 2022. They both attend church at Grace Community Church on the University Boulevard campus.

Sherry has worked as a Grace University since 2023.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in Education, emphasizing Early Childhood. She taught first grade in TISD before having children.  While raising her own children, she cared for other peoples’ children, worked as a children’s curriculum coordinator for her church, taught preschool, and has been a substitute teacher at Grace.  In 2022, Sherry took on a 2nd-grade classroom midyear at the elementary campus.  She has been married to her husband, Brad, for over 21 years and has three kids – Audrey, Logan, and Benjamin.  Sherry enjoys traveling, singing, socializing, and spending time with her family.  She and her local family attend Rose Heights, and Sherry has attended Rose Heights Church for over 43 years!

Ijeoma “EJ” joined Grace Community School in June 2022 as the Director of Community and Culture. She is an alumnus of Grace and attended from kindergarten to eighth grade before there was Grace High School.

Ijeoma worked for Tyler Junior College for almost 14 years, serving in various roles as professor, interim director for faculty development and professional development coordinator. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communication from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master’s degree in Human Resource Development from the University of Texas at Tyler, and her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. Outside of work, she enjoys knitting, gardening, and the family pet, a chiweenie, named Luna.

Ijeoma and her husband, Robert, have three children, Naomi, Abigail, and Daniel. They are members of Rose Heights Church in Tyler.

EJ has written several blogs while at Grace, including: Getting Back to the Genesis of Diversity and Imago Dei Week

Shari joined Grace in 2024 as the Grace U kindergarten teacher. She received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood/elementary education from Baylor University. Shari previously taught 1st grade for four years in Richardson ISD and kindergarten for ten years in Southlake Carroll ISD. She’s married to Ronnie, and they share five adult kids & a precious granddaughter. They stay busy visiting their kids and family, attending Baylor football and basketball games, participating in community and church activities, and spending time outside. Shari and Ronnie love serving at the Old Jacksonville campus of Grace Community Church.

Phyllissa began her teaching career in 2006 at a charter elementary school as a paraprofessional for three years when she was asked to create a Response to Intervention program for third through sixth graders. She continued teaching and building the program for the next three years. Simultaneously, she worked part-time as a trainer at a cognitive learning center helping clients with learning disabilities.

Since then, Phyllissa spent five years as a private learning coach, tutoring elementary to college level students while completing her bachelor of applied arts and science degree at the University of Texas at Tyler. There, she co-published a paper with a professor in the Department of Education validating an instrument to assess cognitive test anxiety in students, advocating the need for interventions for those scoring on the moderate to severe levels.

Over the last three years, Phyllissa worked with children on the autism spectrum at the Andrews Center Treatment and Learning Center as a registered behavior technician. Here, she trained clients as well as staff and interns.

Phyllissa loves to learn, loves kids, and has a heart to help children reach their full potential. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, making jewelry, and racing cars on racetracks.

Amber joined Grace Community School in 2019. She is married to CJ, and they have three sons that attend Grace Community School. She and her family love the outdoors, sports, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. 

Born and raised from Henderson, TX, I pursued my love for football at Baylor and Mary Hardin-Baylor University. Passionate about coaching football and track, I thrive on building impactful relationships with students, fostering growth both athletically and personally with mentorship and teamwork.

Joshua serves as the associate head of school for Grace Community School. He previously served as the principal of the 7th and 8th grades from 2021-2024, the director of student life in the high school from 2018-2021, the director of college guidance from 2007-2018, and a high school physics instructor from 2004-2007. Joshua received his master’s of educational leadership from Covenant College, a bachelor’s of science degree from Louisiana Tech University, and holds a Professional Guidance Counselor certification for College Admission Counseling and Advising. Joshua and his wife, Rebecca, have four children attending GCS.

Rebecca has have been part of the Grace family since 2004. She joined the Grace team in 2017 as the middle school administrative assistant. Rebecca and her husband, Joshua, have four children enrolled at GCS on all three campuses.

Kellie has taught at Grace Community School since 2021. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in STEM Leadership from The American College of Education. Kellie began her teaching career in 2002. She left teaching in 2011 to be a full-time mom, and returned to teaching in 2016. Kellie and her husband, Adam, have two daughters who attend Grace Community School, Claire and Ava.

Coach Wells grew up in Tyler playing football, baseball, basketball, and track.  He graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.S. in Criminal Justice.  After working as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent and later a U.S. Federal Air Marshal, Coach Wells returned to Tyler and married his high school sweetheart.  They have three children, Hadlee (Grace ‘15), Dylan (Grace ‘17), and Brayden (Grace ‘26).  Coach Wells and his wife, Andy, also volunteer with GSM at the Grace OJ campus.  Coach Wells began coaching middle school track in 2020 and transitioned to middle school football that same Spring.  Coach Wells is the offensive and defensive line coach for the middle school and serves as support for JV and Varsity football.

Nathalie joined Grace Community School as the Band Director in 2024. After earning a BA in instrumental music education from Harding University, she taught band for four years. When she and her husband started a family, she stayed home, continuing her involvement in music through private lessons, substituting for local band directors, and performing with the Little Rock Winds. Nathalie resumed band directing in 2022 when her four children (Amélie, Matthias, Levi, and Tobin) were mainly school-aged. In addition to her love of musical instruments, she enjoys reading, creating, and singing. Nathalie and her family are visiting churches in the Tyler area to find the perfect place to grow and serve God.

Jennifer has served as the elementary administrative assistant since 2015. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University. Jennifer and her husband, Travis, have three sons, Hamilton, Price, and JT. Hamilton and Price are Grace graduates, and JT currently attends.  

Cache joined the Grace Community School in 2021 as the 7th and 8th grade Administrative Assistant, after moving from southern California where she previously served Redlands Christian Schools. Cache is happily married to her husband, Josh, and has one son, Parker. Cache enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, baking and crafting.

Shari has a deep love for Jesus and for those who come seeking the hope He has to offer. Her background includes years of experience in education and programming for children and adults. She has taught in the classroom, worked as an Education Specialist with the Arizona Supreme Court and spent countless hours coaching and encouraging women, parents, families, and students. Her passionate love for Jesus and the principles in His Word give her a unique perspective on how the choices we make are so critical to living the lives we deeply desire. Shari is a ministry leader, speaker, and life coach, but the real truth is she’s a lover of chocolate and strong coffee. She has been married nearly thirty years to her best friend, Scott. She’s an avid University of Arizona Wildcat fan and mom to Ethan, Garner, Torrey, Sydney, Riley, and Reagan, and one beautiful daughter-in-law, Julianna.

Carol has been teaching since 1986. She received her B.S. from Abilene Christian University. She spent six years in public education in Texas and the other 26 years in Christian education. Her experience includes preschool music and curriculum writing, admissions director, pre-kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and junior/senior girls Bible. She and her husband, Lanny, have worked in Christian schools in Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee. They have two married daughters. Haley and Brenton live in Searcy, Arkansas where she is a nurse and he is a marriage and family therapist. Heather and Devon live in Memphis where she is completing her social work masters to go into therapy and her husband is in medical school. As a family, they have served in mission capacities in Brazil, Mexico, Central America, Africa, the Philippines, India and within the USA.

Lanny has been in education since 1984 where he spent 9 years in public school before becoming a Christian school administrator in 1993.  Lanny and his wife Carol have served in Christian education for 26 years.  Both of them received degrees from Abilene Christian University and Lanny has a Masters degree in both Education Administration and Christian Practice.   Lanny and Carol have two daughters.  Haley is married and lives in Searcy, Arkansas and Heather will be married next month and will live in Memphis.  Haley is a nurse and Heather is a Social Worker.  The Witt family loves to travel and do mission work.  The Witts have done mission work in India, Kenya, the Philippines, Mexico and other locations within the United States. 

Hunter has served with the AV team on Sundays at our Old Jacksonville Campus since 2020 and joined the IT department in May 2021. He received a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University where he met his wife, Michelle, who is a Grace alum. They are expecting a daughter in the fall of 2021 with plans to enroll her in Grace EEC.

Ashley Zavala began coaching volleyball at Grace in 2020. She played four years of varsity volleyball in high school at Calvary Christian and Forrest City High School. Ashley also played college volleyball at UCA in Conway, AR, and has coached three seasons prior to coming to Grace. She is going to school to become a Physical Therapist and is married to the permanently tall and hairy Nick Zavala. They moved here from California in 2019, and have no children, one dog, and whatever other dog, cat, or bunny that is lost in their neighborhood that needs food until they can find its owner. (Currently, a cat they call Yoda.)