Staff

FACULTY & STAFF

Pastor Tod Brainard came back to Santa Rosa Christian School in 1987 as teacher after attending and graduating from SRCS in 1982. He has 35 years of teaching and administrative experience in Christian Education, including Music, Bible and History on the elementary and secondary levels. He currently holds an AACS Professional Teaching Certificate in Bible and Music Instruction. In addition to his duties at SRCS, Pastor Brainard serves as President of the Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools, Inc. of Florida and serves on the National Board of Directors of the American Association of Christian Schools, Inc. Pastor Brainard attended Santa Rosa Christian College for two years and graduated from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Sacred Music with a Bible minor. He also holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. He enjoys his pastoral ministry at Grace Bible Church, working in his yard, fishing, reading, and spending time with his family. His favorite verse of Scripture is Philippians 3:10: “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.”

Dr. Adam Watt, Administrator

Dr. Watt serves as Administrator of SRCS and Assistant Pastor of Grace Bible Church. He has 19 years of teaching experience, and has taught a variety of secondary courses including Bible, the Sciences, History, English/Literature, higher Maths, and Spanish. Dr. Watt also leads the accreditation process at Santa Rosa Christian and has served on several accreditation teams for the AACS. His degrees include Bachelor of Theology from Foundations Theological Seminary, Master of Theological Studies from Louisiana Theological Seminary, Education Specialist in Education Leadership from Pensacola Christian College and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Pensacola Christian College where he also serves as an adjunct assistant teaching professor. He holds a Lifetime Teaching Certificate in Bible and Administration. Dr. Watt enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball, and participating in mission work when possible. His favorite verse is Galatians 2:20: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Michelle Cox, Assistant Administrator

Mrs. Cox has been involved in Christian education since 2012 and brings a variety of experience to SRCS. She has a Bachelors in Communication and a Masters in English Education from Pensacola Christian College with certifications in Administration and Secondary Education. She began teaching and working in accreditation processes in Tennessee, where she developed the desire to work in administration. After moving with her family to Florida, she served as a principal for two years before joining the SRCS staff. Mrs. Cox enjoys sports, coaching, graphic design and video editing. Her life verses are Romans 4:20-21.

Doris Peppard, Registrar & Elementary Principal

Mrs. Peppard came to SRCS as a fourth grade student in 1962 and was a member of the first graduating class in 1971. She has 50 years of teaching and administrative experience. After graduating from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (1975), Mrs. Peppard earned a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College in 2007. She also holds an AACS Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education. In addition to serving as the school registrar, Mrs. Peppard also teaches a variety of Academy classes. She has three children and ten grandchildren. Her favorite verse of Scripture is Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

David Dare, Secondary Principal

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

Jennifer Gordon, Elementary Assistant Principal

Mrs. Gordon is currently the Elementary Vice-Principal at SRCS. Over the past 25 years, she has taught in a variety of settings including homeschool, public school, and private schools, mainly teaching in the lower elementary. As she moved with her husband in the Air Force, she has taught in South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Florida. Before working in Christian schools, Mrs. Gordon also served as a missionary teacher in South Africa and Australia. She is also very active in her church as a Sunday School and Awana teacher. Mrs. Gordon has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood with a kindergarten endorsement (summa cum laude); she is currently completing the final project for her Master’s in Education in Administration through Maranatha Baptist University. Her favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Tara Adams, Kindergarten Principal

Mrs. Adams has been a part of Santa Rosa Christian School faculty for over 30 years. After graduating from SRCS, Mrs. Adams earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Bob Jones University. Over the years, she has taught a variety of elementary and secondary grade levels and is highly experienced. She currently serves as the Kindergarten Principal, responsible for the daily operation of the kindergarten building and day care compliance. She has also earned and retains the Florida Child Care Professional Credential. Her favorite verse is Matthew 5:15-16—“Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Noah Edmondson, High School History, Middle School Bible, Guidance

Mr. Edmondson is an experienced secondary teacher at SRCS. He received a Bachelor's Degree in History Education with a minor in Physical Education from Pensacola Christian College and graduated in 2021 with a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. He teaches Middle and High School history and Bible and also helps in the guidance department. One of Mr. Edmonson's favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 40: 31, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Devin Brainard, High School History, Biology, Guidance

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

Ruth Edmondson, High School English, Drama

Miss Edmondson currently teaches High School English, Speech, and Drama (including upper elementary drama electives). After graduating from Pensacola Christian College with a Bachelor’s in Speech and English Education, she taught in Kansas City before moving to northwest Florida to join SRCS. Her favorite verse is Matthew 5:16—“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Her desire is to “be the light” to those within her sphere of influence.

Jewell Anderson, High School Math & Science

As an alumnus of SRCS, Mrs. Anderson returned to teach science and math in our secondary department. She graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Science Education and a minor in Secondary Math education. She is newly married to a pastoral ministries graduate, and they enjoy serving in their local church. Her favorite verse is Romans 8:18—“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Esther Dare, Middle School Math and Writing

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

Allie McGuirt, Middle School English, Technology, Volleyball

Miss McGuirt serves as the volleyball coach, middle school English, and upper elementary technology teacher. She recently graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education with an emphasis in PE and English. In college, she excelled as a volleyball player where she broke records on PCC’s collegiate team. Her favorite verse I Philippians 4:6-7,"  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Isaac Welles, Middle School History, P.E.

Mr. Welles teaches PE and middle school history at SRCS. As a military child, he was able to see a variety of different schools; he appreciates the unified staff at SRCS as well as the genuine care demonstrated for students, staff, teachers, and parents. Mr. Welles holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Physical Education and history. His favorite portion of Scripture is Ephesians 3.

Mark Cox, Athletic Director, Bible

Mr. Cox is the Athletic Director of SRCS. He also teaches High School Bible and some electives. Previously Mr. Cox has worked as a part-time teacher in Texas; his area of expertise, however, is in the business realm. Over the years, he has served in the financial departments of several ministries. Mr. Cox has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University as well as a one-year Bible certificate from West Coast Baptist College. His favorite verse is Romans 12:1—“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Ashley Boe, Sixth Grade

Mrs. Boe has taught in Christian schools for over ten years, teaching in Texas, Virginia, and Alabama. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Church Ministries from West Coast Baptist College, and currently teaches sixth grade. Her favorite verse is Isaiah 43:2,“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

Shannon Breedlove, Sixth Grade

Mr. Breedlove is an experienced educator who has also served as an administrator. He has an associate degree in Church Ministries and is currently pursuing his bachelor's degree. Mr. Breedlove loves teaching, studying his Bible, being a husband and father, and serving at church. His favorite Bible verse is Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Ashley Ditmore, Fifth Grade

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

Maggie Cannon, Fourth Grade

Ms. Cannon currently teaches in the fourth grade; her heart was opened to upper elementary during her college internship. Ms. Cannon has a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Pensacola Christian College, and considers herself blessed to be at SRCS! Her favorite verse is Isaiah 26:3—“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Joseph Bohlman, Fourth Grade

Mr. Bohlman comes to SRCS with fourteen years of experience teaching in the fourth grade. He has a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Pensacola Christian College and is an asset to our elementary program. He is known for his support of Auburn athletics, and many Auburn decorations fill his classroom. His favorite verse is I Thessalonians 5:24—“Faithful is he who calleth you, who also will do it.”

Kelsey Watson, Third Grade

Ms. Watson currently teaches in the third grade; she is originally from Ohio and enjoys spending her summers working as a counsellor at the Wilds Camp. Ms. Watson has a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Pensacola Christian College; her favorite verse is II Corinthians 12:15—“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.”

Kabrina Boone, Third Grade

Ms. Boone is a third grade teacher at SRCS. Her teaching experience began as early as middle school in her church's Sunday school ministry. She was heavily involved in 4H throughout high school in Montana and later became a county ambassador. Ms. Boone received a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College where she also volunteered in the Campus Church's children’s ministry. Her life verse is Psalms 56:13 which reads, “For thou hast delivered my souls from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?”

Brooke McFarland, Second Grade

Ms. McFarland previously taught second grade for two years in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. The Lord moved her and her husband to Milton to teach second grade at SRCS! She has a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master’s degree in educational leadership, both from Pensacola Christian College. Her favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:13—“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

Kyleen Evans, Second Grade

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

Brooke Dykes, First Grade

Ms. Dykes has been working with students since she was a freshman in high school. Her previous schools include Calvary Christian and Pensacola Christian. This year, she is teaching one of our first grade classes. She is currently finishing her Bachelor’s degree as a senior at Pensacola Christian College where she has taken cognates in Bible, elementary education, and missions. Her favorite verse is Romans 8:28—“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Sarah Perez, First Grade

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

Karaline Hill, Kindergarten
Ms. Hill graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood. She taught second grade before moving to the kindergarten department. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 139:9-10, "If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me."

Rebekah Walston, Kindergarten

Mrs. Walston is an experienced teacher; she taught first grade at Pensacola Christian for two years and later taught high school science at West Florida Baptist for two years. She has previously worked in our K3 program and now teaches K5. She has a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Pensacola Christian College. Her favorite verse is Psalm 37:4—“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

Kelly Carey, Elementary Physical Education

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

Jenna Statt, Music

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

STAFF