STAFF
Teachers
BRENNAN BLANCHARD
My name is Brennan Blanchard. I was welcomed in 2022 as the STEM teacher for the Spring semester, and I am now the Kindergarten teacher. After moving to Gulf Breeze in 2013, I began teaching preschool when my youngest entered VPK and never looked back. It is truly a blessing to share such a special season in a family’s life when they send their children to school for the first time. Being trusted to help set the tone and lay the foundation for a child’s future school experiences is such important work! When not in the school setting I enjoy time with my family. I have been married to my husband for 24 years and we have 3 children. We also have 4 rescue animals! We feel so fortunate to call Gulf Breeze home.
GERILYN BRUEGGEMANN
My name is Gerilyn Brueggemann, known as Ms. G. I am the proud mother of 1 son and 3 daughters. I have been blessed to teach at Good Shepherd for 9 years. I believe I was called to teach at GSLS. My love for children and their ability to learn brings great joy to me. Sharing my experiences, faith, beliefs, biblical teachings, and my love for Jesus is an integral part of education here. My goal at Good Shepherd is to make lifelong disciples of Jesus as it has been proven time and time again in my life, that Jesus has always been my rock-solid foundation. My prayer is that we will head into the future making disciples for life. I teach 2nd – 4th grades.
PEYTON BOBE
I am excited to join the GSLS team! I am a graduate of the University of West Florida, getting my Bachelors in Community Education in December of 2020. I have worked in Pensacola and Gulf Breeze since 2019. However, in 2024, I made the trip to Choma, Zambia, to volunteer my time as a children's ministry leader, teaching grammar, reading, Bible lessons and community education to children of various ages. I learned a lot about their culture when I help to build water wells and install light poles. I returned and was employed at the Children's Place Preschool. Joining this team is something that combines my absolute love of children and my personal relationship with Christ.
SHEENA COWPER
My name is Sheena Cowper. I come from a military family and enjoy traveling and experiencing new adventures with my children and family. I started teaching as a mental health prevention specialist in K-12 schools. After earning my Masters in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University, I began teaching undergraduate courses. I am excited about teaching at GSLS as it will provide more opportunities to spend time with my beautiful little humans as well as serving my purpose in education. God has given me the most surreal opportunity to teach and inspire little minds all in His name and love. I teach 5th – 8th grades.
MARY JO DANFORTH
My name is Mary Jo Danforth. I have been married to my wonderful husband Rob for 28 years. We have three beautiful daughters: Jordan, Courtney and Addison. We recently welcomed my amazing son-in-law Ryan to the family. This is my 10th year teaching VPK at Good Shepherd Lutheran School. With a background in Business Management and a heart for early childhood education, I’ve discovered my true joy lies in helping little ones learn, grow and sparkle. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy boating, camping, watching sports and spending time with my family. I feel that “everything happens for a reason” and I’m truly blessed I was called to be a God-loving VPK teacher at GSLS.
ALBA KERWIN
My name is Alba Kerwin. I was born in Honduras, Central America. I have been happily married to the most handsome retired Air Force man "Bill" for 41 years. We have three daughters, seven grandchildren, and seven grand-dogs. I have taught preschool for 33 years. It's been an honor to teach at Good Shepherd Lutheran School for 13 years, because I introduce the love of God to my young Super Stars through Music, Spanish, and Dramatic Play. God bless you all!
KRISTA LEWIS
Hi! I’m Krista Lewis, and this is my third year teaching in the Super Stars classroom at Good Shepherd Lutheran School. I love helping preschoolers learn, grow, and experience God’s love each day.
Since joining Good Shepherd Church in 2016, I’ve worn many hats: Family Ministries Chair, Sunday School teacher, VBS director, youth leader, and Church Council member. I now serve on the School Board and enjoy supporting our mission of Christ-centered education.
At home, I’m married to my husband, Mike, and we have three kids: Trent, Ruby, and Jade. Life is always full of energy, and I love being part of whatever they’re into—whether it’s sports, school, or just being goofy together.
I’m thankful to be part of a community where faith and learning go hand in hand, and I’m excited for another joyful year with our Super Stars!
LORAY WALLS
I’m Loray Walls, originally from Chicago, Illinois. I am blessed to share 48 wonderful years of marriage with my husband, who proudly served 20 years in the United States Air Force. His military career enabled us to travel and experience life in many parts of the country and overseas. His final duty station brought us to Florida, where we decided to settle down in the local area in October 1996. We have five children and are proud grandparents to seven beautiful grandchildren. For more than 40 years, I have enjoyed working with children in different parts of the country and overseas. Teaching has always been my passion. I am currently a VPK teacher at Good Shepherd Lutheran School. I can truly say that teaching pre-kindergarten is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life. I love being part of children’s early learning journeys: nurturing them, encouraging their curiosity, and watching them grow and thrive.
My family and I are active members of the First Pentecostal Church in Pensacola, Florida, where we have served in many roles. Outside of teaching at the Good Shepherd Lutheran school, I enjoy playing the piano, creating art, and spending quality time with my family. The love of teaching, faith, and family have shaped my life, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of young children.
MIMI SCHEER
My name is Mimi Scheer. Originally from the UK, I’ve been living in the United States for the past 11 years. After finishing university, I spent time traveling the world before settling in the U.S. with my husband, whose career in the Air Force brought us here to Florida. We now have four wonderful children. As a family, we love traveling, hiking with our dogs, and spending time outdoors.
Good Shepherd has been an incredible blessing to our family. All four of our children have attended this wonderful school, and I’ve been grateful to be involved over the years - first as a PTL volunteer, then as a classroom aide in kindergarten and first grade. I am now extremely thankful to have taken on the role of first-grade teacher. I love watching children grow - not only in their academics, but in their faith and friendships. It’s truly a joy to be part of such a dedicated and caring community of teachers, students, and families at GSLS.
COACH LIZZ
Hi! I'm Coach Lizz and I'll be your P.E. teacher this year as well as Friday Office Admin! I'm married to my sweetheart Carl, and we have two fun daughters, Savanna & Lily. My hobbies include disc golf, making new friends, and I try to go to Disney World as often as possible! I'm so excited to be your PE Coach and I look forward to having a great time with you this school year!
Administrators
HOLLY GARRETT
My name is Mrs. Holly and I am the Administrator. I have lived in the area since 1986 with a short stint in the United Kingdom from January 1993 to June 1996. My wonderful husband, Randy, and I have been married for 40 years! We have 3 amazing children, Randee Danielle, Harrison and Hunter. We also have 4 adorable grandchildren. I have been at Good Shepherd Lutheran School for a total of 22 years. I started in 1998 as a Pre-K teacher and taught until 2000. I left in 2000 to have my son, Hunter. I returned in 2005 as the Administrative Assistant and became the Administrator in August of 2022.
HEATHER McEACHERN
Hi! My name is Heather McEachern. I moved to the beautiful beaches of Florida from a large farm in Mississippi in 2013. I met my husband, Chad, in 2015 and married him in 2020. He has 3 amazing children that I am honored to call my bonus children, Caleb, Celtsie, and Chayse. They hold a very special place in my heart. I have been an early childhood educator for 22 years and have loved every minute of it. I have been a VPK teacher at GSLS since 2014 and the VPK Director since 2020. This is my first year being solely the VPK Director with no teaching! I enjoy being the VPK Director, because I get to have a personal relationship with each child as well as their parents. I am looking forward to an amazing school year with our wonderful staff.