Kelly Muir

Math Teacher

Kelly joined the Geneva upper school mathematics team in 2024 and after teaching seventh grade pre-algebra for a year she curently teaches geometry to ninth graders. She started her teaching career in 2006 after graduating from Flagler College with degrees in accounting and business. She later went on to earn a master’s in educational leadership. Kelly has taught mathematics across a range of grades from sixth grade to eleventh grade. In addition to tutoring numerous students, she has also contributed to homeschool co-ops. Prior to teaching at Geneva, Kelly served as a middle school mathematics teacher on the Florida Virtual School platform for four years. She is thrilled to be back in the classroom, sharing her passion for learning and mathematics with her students while also forming meaningful relationships with them.

Kelly and her husband, David, grew up in Punta Gorda, Florida, and moved to Orlando in 2011. They have three boys at Geneva: Ashton (class of ’31), Wyatt (class of ’33), and Owen (class of ’35). The family enjoys going to the beach, snorkeling, hiking, and playing and watching sports together. The Muirs worship at Mosaic Church and are very involved in the mission of Young Life. They love being a part of the Geneva community.

Abby Noble

Music Teacher

Abby Noble came to Geneva in 2018 and guides curriculum and instruction for the music program, K4–12. She directs the Rhetoric Choir and Ladies Choir, and in 2022 began the dialectic choral program for 7th and 8th grade students. In 2021 she started the TGS Worship Team for 7th–12th grade students to learn to lead the upper school chapel services each month. In 2019 she founded the Brioso Children’s Choir, serving Geneva students in grades 3–6.

Abby graduated magna cum laude from The Florida State University with her degree in choral music education and a certificate in voice performance. Prior to college, Abby sang with the Gulf Coast Youth Choirs for ten years, experiencing the life-changing power of a singing community. Her director lit a spark that inspired her career to change the lives of young people through music. Many of her best memories, friendships, and travel opportunities have been a result of her involvement in choral ensembles.

In 2016, Abby completed her master’s in choral music education from FSU, finishing her final term at the FSU Study Center in London. She studied music education and conducting with Dr. Judy Bowers, Dr. Kevin Fenton, and Dr. Andre Thomas. Before coming to Geneva, Abby taught chorus, piano, and vocal techniques at Viera High School and Boone High School. Choirs under her direction consistently received top ratings at district and state performance festivals.

Abby is married to her wonderful husband Dwayne. They enjoy traveling, being outdoors, and seeing the world through the eyes of their three young children: Lucas (’35), Ezra (’38), and Isaac (future Knight).

Alison O'Donoghue

K4 Aide

Alison was born and raised in Florida and enjoyed a Geneva School education from kindergarten until her graduation in 2015. She studied hospitality management at Florida Gulf Coast University with the intent of going into club management, but God had other plans! Alison welcomed her daughter, Ava, in September of 2018; soon after Ava’s birth, Alison began nurturing young hearts at Willow Creek Preschool, working her way up to lead teacher during her four years there. Alison loves watching young students grow in body, mind, and spirit, and she especially enjoys hearing their insightful and often hilarious candid conversations with each other.

In 2023, Ava entered Mrs. Stewart’s K4 class at Geneva. As Alison witnessed Ava’s growth in academic accomplishments, social skills, and her knowledge and love for Jesus, she dreamed of one day returning to Geneva as a staff member. In 2024, that dream came true, and Alison currently serves as a K4 aide. She aspires to serve with the same dedication, love, and joy she and Ava have both experienced as students at TGS.

In her spare time, Alison loves creating with her Cricut, spending time with her large, extended Florida family, and visiting Disney parks with Ava.

Isabel O'Driscoll

School Counselor

Isabel O’Driscoll joined the Geneva family in 2004 when her oldest daughter Katie started at Geneva. In 2006 she joined the team of TGS support staff and in 2012 she became part of the newly developed student services department and serves as the school counselor. In this role she develops and manages programs and events designed to enhance the student experience. She also oversees the development of service plans for students with learning differences and finds support for struggling students. Isabel works alongside the dean of students to provide additional support when needed. She loves students and counts it a privilege to assist them in any way she can.

Isabel has an undergraduate degree in psychology and counseling and a MA in Mental Health Counseling. She has a private counseling practice in Maitland. She also co-founded Orlando Children’s Church, a non-profit ministry that reaches out to children living in poverty in the greater Orlando area. The Orlando Children’s Church meets on Saturday mornings and ministers to over five hundred children and teens.

Isabel has three Geneva graduates: Katie (TGS class of 2009) who is a firefighter/paramedic with Orange County, Michaela (TGS Class of 2012) who is a resident at University of Washington in Seattle, and Annie (TGS Class of 2017) who is attending UCF.

Allison Parker

Fourth Grade Aide

Allison joined The Geneva School staff as a teachers aide in 2024 and currently serves the fourth grade team. Allison and her husband, Zac, attended Oklahoma Baptist University, where she received a degree in public relations. They spent ten years in Louisville, KY, where Zac received his master of divinity and they served together in the college ministry of their church. In 2012, they moved to Indianapolis and ministered in a church plant, and their two children, Stone and Ainsley, attended a Christian classical school.

After moving to Florida at the beginning of 2024, her family was introduced to The Geneva School. She instantly knew this was where God was calling her family to be. Stone (TGS Class of ’28) and Ainsley (TGS Class of ’30) are both students at TGS.

Allison believes that investing in children by raising them in a godly school is just as important as creating a foundation in a Christ-centered home. These beginning years are pivotal for the years to come, and Allison delights in being a part of a team that strives each day to nurture and impact students for the kingdom.

In her spare time, Allison and her family enjoy exploring Florida, being outside, and serving and worshiping together at Orlando Grace Church. They also have two labrador retrievers to keep them busy!

Kristin Partlow

School Nurse

After graduating from Mount Carmel College of Nursing in Columbus, OH, in 2008 with a BSN, Kristin worked on an adult cardiac unit for two years at Mount Carmel East. She has always had a love for children and felt called to the neonatal ICU, where she worked as a NICU nurse for eight years in Ohio and at AdventHealth Winter Park. In 2019, Kristin continued her call of caring for children when she joined the The Geneva School nursing team as a part-time lower school nurse.

Kristin is married to her husband Jeff, and is the mother of three children: Blake, Madison, and Violet. She enjoys being active and spending time with her family. She also enjoys vacationing, wakesurfing, snowboarding, and working out.

Julia Patenaude

Third Grade Aide

The Patenaude family joined the Geneva community in 2022 when they enrolled their children at The Geneva School: Berlyn (’28), Olive (’31), Hazel (’33), and Abel (’35).

Julia was born and raised in Florida. While earning a degree in interior design, she met and married her husband, Jacob. They welcomed their first child in 2009, and Julia had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom until joining the 3rd grade team in 2023.

If Julia is not at work or caring for her family, you will most likely find her on the tennis courts. She joined the Geneva Love tennis team in 2023. She counts it a blessing to be on a team with so many wonderful Geneva moms.

David Petrak

Director of Technology

David has been the technology manager at Geneva since 2004. He received his BS in Mathematics from Iowa State University, and his Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary.

David has been married to his wife Erin since 1992. They have been members of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church since 1996, and enjoy the blessings that come with being parents to two daughters: both Geneva alumna having completed K4–12 at TGS.

Erin Petrak

K4 Teacher

Erin and her husband, David, moved to Florida in 1995 so he could attend Reformed Theological Seminary. After finding St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, they soon made Orlando home. Erin received her BA in history at the University of Central Florida and then worked at the Maitland Historical Society and Museums as the volunteer coordinator and director of educational programming before Erin and David had children.

In 2010, Erin joined the TGS early childhood team as a teachers aide when her youngest entered the K4 program. During her time at Geneva, she has cultivated a deep understanding of the classroom environment and the beauty and benefits that come with a classical education. In 2024, when Geneva opened a third K4 class, Erin made the transition from aide to teacher.

Erin is passionate about creating a safe classroom environment where mistakes are a part of learning and students are encouraged to revel in wonder as they learn about our God and the world he created. She considers the opportunity to get to know the students and their families a great privilege and loves to see former students in the halls.

In her spare time, Erin enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, and spending time with her girls—Tabitha (class of ’21) and Samantha (class of ’25).

Marty Phillips

Head Cross Country Coach

Marty Phillips joined The Geneva School in the summer of 2022 as the cross country coach, and has over thirty years of coaching experience. His leadership skills and coaching style first emerged while he was still in high school and was chosen to be the captain of the cross country team. As the captain, he learned how to properly train as a distance runner and planned the workouts for the varsity team. Phillips would go on to set several school records for distance running and upon graduation received a scholarship for cross country at the University of Central Florida.

Once at UCF, Marty continued to grow in his knowledge and experience of the sport, but attributes his greatest influence as an emerging coach to one evening spent at an FCA event. It was here that Phillips first learned about sin and the reason Jesus went to the cross. Accepting Christ to be his Lord and savior, Marty began to see coaching as a God-given opportunity to serve others.

After college, Marty continued to compete in local races with continued success and also studied three dimensional coaching, which emphasizes how to capture the heart of the athlete. Marty has been married to the love of his life, Amy, since 2020 and they have three children. Coach Phillips attends Willow Creek Church where he serves as a deacon.

Mickey Poole

Hospitality Coordinator

Crystal Prado

Second Grade Aide

Crystal Prado joined the second grade team as a teachers’ aide in 2021. She joined the TGS community in 2019, when her son Dyson started in kindergarten, and quickly fell in love with Christian classical education. She has fulfilled the roles of room mom, SALT co-captain, and volunteer whenever she was able.

Crystal graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2013 with a BS in Psychology. That same year, she married her husband, Luis Prado. From 2016–2021, she stayed home to care for her children, Dyson (TGS Class of ‘32) and Davina (TGS Class of ‘35). The Prado family is excited to welcome a new addition in October 2025—baby boy, Declan.

Crystal developed a love for teaching when she began volunteering for Crosspointe Orlando’s kids ministry in 2016. She began as a helper in order to learn more about pointing her own children toward Jesus, but she quickly moved into the role of teacher and then the lead of the preschool team. In 2019, Crystal moved to Proximity Church in Orlando, and her love for worship and singing to the Lord led her to explore new avenues of service. She currently serves on the worship team and also as a substitute helper/teacher in the children’s ministry whenever the need arises.

Crystal loves animals, especially her Siberian husky, Sybi, who her family adopted in 2021. She enjoys serving on the worship team, crafting and creating, using her talents and capacity to serve others, and spending quality time with her family.

Rachel Proctor

Accountant

Rachel joined The Geneva School accounting team in the spring of 2025. She earned her BA in Accounting from Tarleton State University and has used her accounting degree in various industries including construction, restaurant, and government (community development districts). Rachel is thankful for the skills and knowledge she has learned over her career and is grateful for the opportunity to bring them to Geneva.

Rachel is originally from Texas but moved to Florida in January of 2013. Her love of the outdoors, rain, and the beach have kept her in Florida. Her two cats Otis and Rizo keep her entertained and cozy. Rachel enjoys travelling, reading, and gardening. She absolutely loves music—all genres … well, except country music!

Keira Raesly

Lower School Assistant Director

Keira Raesly joined The Geneva School faculty in 2015. She taught fourth and fifth grade before moving into an administrative role as a director of lower school in 2018. In 2023, Keira transitioned to the position of lower school assistant director. After graduating from the University of Central Florida in 2000 with a BS in Social Science Education, she spent two years teaching American History, World History, Economics, and Global Studies at Lake Mary High School. Although she loved teaching, she decided to gain experience working in a corporate environment before beginning a family. Keira was able to fulfill that experience at CNL until stepping down to stay home with her children in 2008. In 2010, she felt called to pursue an MA in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida. It has been a wonderful journey and she was grateful for the opportunity to teach at Brookshire Elementary before being led to The Geneva School.

Keira met her husband Chris when they were both undergraduate students at UCF and they have been married since 2002. They have been blessed with two children who are very grateful for their Geneva education, Ella (’24) and Blake (’26). The family worships at Orlando Grace Church and serves together on the hospitality team. In her spare time, Keira delights in a simple life of being home with her family and their menagerie of pets.

Nathan Raley

Senior Thesis Director

Nathan Raley leads seniors through the Capstone Senior Thesis. Previously at Geneva he has taught Rhetoric and Christian Thought, AP English, Debate, and French. A graduate of Davidson College and the Université de Provence, Nathan’s work in education goes back to 1999, when he coordinated a program in the spiritual life department at Houston Baptist University. He has also taught French, debate, literature, and Bible courses at schools in Texas and Massachusetts. Nathan has written articles for the Journal of the Society for Classical Learning, has helped revise a text for the Classical Academic Press, and has been a scorer for the essay section of the SAT.

Nathan believes that a liberal arts education does more than just prepare students to navigate the complexities of life and career in the modern world. Ideally, the liberal arts help us grow in virtue and live as free people. Nathan wants his students to love learning and to approach God’s Word and world with awe, pleasure, and appreciation. Additionally, as a rhetoric teacher, he strives to help his students grow in their understanding of the great potential–for good or ill–that we have with our words.

Nathan spent about half his childhood overseas as a missionary kid in France and Southeast Asia, and he spent a year as an adult in Aix-en-Provence, France, as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar. He loves reading, cooking, juggling, fishing, doing judo with his son Micah, and spending time with his wife Gretchen, who is a mental health counselor. The Raleys attend Lake Baldwin Church.

Betty Ralls

Reading Teacher

Betty Ralls taught first grade at The Geneva School from 2003–2013. She now teaches reading to first graders giving special attention to students who need extra reading support. Betty earned her BS in Elementary Education at Tift College, now a part of Mercer University. She began her teaching career in the Seminole County Public School System where she was an instructor for fifteen years, and was certified by the State of Florida. Betty also taught first grade at Covenant Christian School for seventeen years, where she received her ACSI certification.

Betty enjoys “storytelling,” both true and make-believe. Through the years her students have become participants in her story lines. In addition, she enjoys reading and “dabbling” in the arts. She is a “cat whisperer” and greatly appreciates the wonders of God’s creation. She enjoys listening to others, especially children, and unraveling the mystery of who they really are.

Gina Rivera Fickett

Drama Teacher

Gina Rivera Fickett joined Geneva in 2021 as a grammar school drama teacher. Theater has played a significant role in her life from an early age. She received her BFA in Acting from Avila University and also studied Theater and Creative Writing at UCF. Post-graduation, she participated in a nine-month acting/education internship at Orlando Shakes, where she was able to perform, continue her training, and teach children of various ages about acting and Shakespeare. Later, she moved up to NYC to continue pursuing an acting career. She was blessed to be able to perform in a broad range of productions from Shakespeare plays to contemporary comedies to musicals, including an Off-Broadway musical with the Classical Theater of Harlem that won four Audelco Awards, one of which was Best Musical of the Year.

Her favorite role was playing Celia in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, where she met and fell in love with her husband, Hal (who was producing and acting in the show). Together they attend NewCity Orlando and have two amazing (and very dramatic) children, Elijah and Gabriella.

Kelly Rives

Science Teacher

After being a part of the TGS community since 2020 as a parent, volunteer, and substitute teacher, Kelly joined the dialectic teaching team in 2024, teaching physical science to eighth grade students. Kelly loves that the curriculum provides the students a hands-on exploration of God’s creation, including an introduction to both chemistry and physics through our Father’s grand design.

A native of Mississippi, Kelly graduated from Ole Miss where she earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education. She taught elementary school for four years before going back to school and earning a master’s in middle grades math and a specialist degree in middle grades language arts from Mercer University. It was at this time that Kelly discovered her love for middle school students, teaching both math and language arts. Kelly continued to teach for thirteen years until she and her husband, Ben, began having children and she had the opportunity to stay home with them.

The Rives family lived in Atlanta and Raleigh before landing in the Orlando area. Over the years, she has taught at her children’s elementary school, volunteered for a number of positions, tutored many grades, and substitute taught. Ben and Kelly have three children: Caroline, Sarah, and Lindley (TGS Class ’25 and currently attending George Washington University).

The Rives family attend River Oaks Presbyterian Church. During her free time with her family, Kelly enjoys going to the beach, doing puzzles, and snuggling with her precious puppy, Ruby.

Montanna Roberts

Second Grade Teacher

Montanna joined the Geneva second grade team in 2022 having previously taught fourth grade for one year in Kentucky. She graduated from Kentucky Christian University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in ministry.

Montanna’s passion for teaching was inspired while working with elementary-aged students as a counselor at a Christian camp during the summers of 2016 and 2017. She built lasting relationships with the campers and parents, and she was able to share the gospel with many. She then got involved with the local school system through her work studies in college, which ultimately led to her degree in elementary education.

Montanna enjoys being outdoors, gardening, baking, thrift-store shopping, soccer, and hanging out with friends and family. Montanna is thrilled to be a part of the Geneva community where the gospel is central to every area of life.

Natalie Robinson

Fifth Grade Aide

Natalie Robinson joined The Geneva School family as a parent in 2014 when her daughter, Audrey (TGS Class of ’29), started K4. Finding the Geneva community and a Christian classical school was an answer to her prayers. Through volunteering for SALT and field trips, she developed a love for the school’s mission. Natalie joined the fifth grade team as a teacher’s aide in 2025.

Natalie is a Florida native and grew up in the Tampa Bay area. She moved to Central Florida in 2005 and graduated from the Florida College of Natural Health with an AS degree. She continues to have a passion for studying natural medicine and herbology. Prior to working at Geneva, Natalie worked as a medical assistant and front desk coordinator for over ten years.

Natalie has been married to her husband, Joshua, since 2006. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and watching movies and documentaries. She also loves traveling to new places and spending time snuggling with Biscuit, her ragdoll cat.

Kara Rogers

History Teacher

Kara and her family relocated to Florida in 2023 so that her daughter, Ailsa (class of ’29) could attend The Geneva School. Kara joined the teaching faculty at Geneva in 2024 and taught lower school science part-time for one year. In 2025, she transitioned to the dialectic school and currently teaches eighth grade history. Kara studied history and political science in the honors program at Baylor University and received her teacher training through the Master Teacher Fellows Program at Wake Forest University. After earning her master’s degree, Kara returned to Texas where she taught middle school social studies in Colleyville and in Highland Park. While classically homeschooling her daughter for seven years, she earned her South Carolina Master Naturalist certification through a collaboration between Clemson University and the Lowcountry Institute.

In her spare time Kara enjoys nature study, playing the piano, and walking her Labrador retrievers, Windy and Breezy. Her family attends First Baptist Church in Winter Park where Ailsa is active in the youth group.

Lauren Rouse

Sixth Grade Teacher

Lauren Rouse joined The Geneva School’s sixth grade team in 2025 as the United States history and grammar teacher. A proud Central Florida native, Lauren attended International Community School before earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. She went on to complete her state teaching certification and has pursued continued coursework in classroom management, learning theory and assessment, and instructional strategies. Lauren is honored to be part of The Geneva School community and delights in investing in her students both academically and spiritually.

Lauren began her teaching career at Altamonte Christian School, where she taught both fifth and first grade over the span of three years. During her time in fifth grade, she developed and taught a comprehensive US history curriculum, sparking her love for the subject and laying the groundwork for her current role.

Lauren lives in Altamonte Springs with her husband, Mitchell, and their daughter, Gracie. In her free time, she enjoys playing pickleball and soccer, hosting game nights, visiting theme parks, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She and her family attend Grace Church, where they host a small group together.

Mary Chris Rowe

Music Teacher

A native Floridian, Mary Chris grew up in a Christian home where music played an integral part of family, church, and community life. She graduated from Florida State University (1991) with a degree in English education. While there, Mary Chris had the distinct honor of studying piano under the famed pianist, Leonidas Lipovetsky.

For many years, she has taught piano lessons, accompanied church services, and led numerous musical and dramatic performances. Mary Chris has written children’s songs professionally and enjoyed teaching music education to aspiring teachers at the Rafiki Institute for Classical Education in Uganda.

As a longtime classroom teacher, she incorporated music to develop creativity and active learning while building a nurturing culture of belonging. She treasures getting to know each child individually and come alongside families in the nurture of their children.

She and her husband, David, are the appreciative parents of Joey (TGS class of 2023). Along with their Golden Retriever Sadie, they greatly enjoy life in central Florida.

Luke Russo

Head Tennis Coach

Luke Russo came to TGS in 2019 and currently coaches the varsity tennis teams and students attending the after-school tennis programs. Geneva’s tennis program has grown and now has more than sixty players practicing year-round, and more than 350 athletes participating in Luke’s tennis camps that take place throughout the school year at the Geneva tennis courts.

Coach Luke grew up in Orlando and attended The First Academy where he found his passion for tennis, quickly moving up the ranks of the high school team. Luke became the team’s #1 player and team captain, and he received the MVP award for three consecutive years. While in high school, he began coaching when he was hired to practice with international students and was able to learn from the #1-rated coach in America, John Richards.

After graduating high school, Luke went on to play division II tennis at Lee University in Tennessee. His team finished top forty in the nation in 2016. While at Lee, Luke ran a special needs tennis camp, along with players on the team, to help kids who would not typically play tennis learn the sport. Luke went on to reach a career high of #199 in the ITF top 500 players in America and #11 in Florida.

In 2016, Coach Luke moved back to Orlando and started coaching at Lake Cane Tennis Center where he was promoted to head coach of the U10 programs and multiple women’s teams. After coaching more than three hundred players, gaining knowledge and experience, and improving his skill as a coach Luke started his own tennis program—Excellence Only Training—to help young players reach their tennis and life goals.

Luke loves nothing more than sharing his passion for the sport and is excited to work with players as they hone their tennis skills and learn to be leaders on and off the court.

Becky Ryden

English Teacher

Becky Ryden joined the TGS faculty in 2021 and teaches tenth grade English and the Journalism/Magazine elective, which publishes the student publication, The Post, and the literary magazine, Asterope. Becky has been involved in classical education as a parent, volunteer, and teacher for over twenty-five years. She previously taught at Geneva School of Boerne, TX for twelve years, and at The Covenant School in Dallas, TX, for two years. She has taught and developed curriculum for middle school English, and high school creative writing, English, and senior thesis. She has won numerous publication awards with the Texas UIL, National Scholastic Press Association, and the Gold Crown award with the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. Prior to teaching, Becky was a shoe buyer for Neiman Marcus in Dallas, TX, for fifteen years. She has a BA in English/Journalism from Baylor University.

Becky and her husband Brad have been married for thirty-nine years, and are the parents of four children: Alex, a doctor in Salt Lake City, UT; Ethan and his wife Sidney, architects in San Antonio, TX; Audrey, a designer in Atlanta, GA, along with her husband Jacob, working as an architect; and Eliot (TGS Class of ’23), a graduate of the Culinary School of America currently working as a pastry chef at Laity Lodge in Leakey, Texas.

Brad Ryden

Head of School

Brad Ryden joined The Geneva School in 2020 and serves as the head of school. He comes to Geneva after having served as head of school at Geneva School of Boerne, Texas, from 2006 to 2020. Prior to that, he served as a fifth grade teacher, lower school headmaster, and head of school at The Covenant School in Dallas, Texas, from 1994 to 2006.

Brad earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1988 followed by an MA in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1990 and an MA in Counseling from Denver Seminary in 1993. His intentions were to open a counseling practice. God intervened, presenting him with the opportunity to teach a fifth grade class at a newly formed Christian classical school. One year of teaching led to another, and soon Brad knew his life’s calling was in education. He has pursued graduate level studies through various programs including the Teacher’s Academy at the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture. Brad has also served on the board of the Society for Classical Learning (SCL).

Brad is married to Becky, and they are parents of four children: Alex, a resident in internal medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah; Ethan, an architect in San Antonio, Texas; Audrey, a designer in Atlanta, Georgia; and Eliot (TGS Class of ’23), a student at the Culinary Institute of America. Brad enjoys reading, watching and occasionally playing basketball, and pursuing the perfect cup of coffee.

Brooke Ryerson

Third Grade Aide

Brooke Ryerson joined the third grade team as an aide in 2025. A Florida native, she was born and raised in Lakeland. Brooke met her husband, Mitch, while attending UCF, where she earned a degree in communications. Before returning to Florida in 2022 to be closer to family, Brooke and Mitch lived in Texas, where their son Liam was born in 2018, and in Tennessee, where their daughter Vivianne was born in 2021. Driven by her passion for supporting children’s development, Brooke worked as a teacher and inclusion aide prior to becoming a mom.

The Ryersons are big basketball and football fans and enjoy attending UCF games when their busy schedule allows it. Brooke and Mitch delight in encouraging their son’s participation in basketball and lacrosse, and supporting their daughter’s enthusiasm for dance. They currently worship at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.

Carol Sanders

Accounting Specialist

Carol joined the Geneva business office in November 2023 as an accounting specialist. After graduating from the University of Florida with an accounting degree, she married an army officer and spent the next thirty-five years moving all over the US and Germany, using her accounting background in a wide variety of jobs. Her most recent position before The Geneva School was as an accountant at Wakefield School in The Plains, Virginia. Carol has two grown sons: Tom is married and works as an analyst in Herndon, Virginia, and Jack is married and is a veterinarian in Winchester, Virginia.

Carol spends her free time caring for her nonagenarian father and reading voraciously. She is currently a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo.

Vanessa Schaefer

Science Teacher

Vanessa Schaefer joined the Geneva faculty in 2004 where she teaches science to grammar school students. She earned a BS in education from Concordia University with a concentration in early childhood education. Her career has spanned more than forty years teaching in elementary classrooms in Miami, Chicago, Oviedo, and Casselberry. She has had the opportunity to teach in a bilingual school, a multi-age classroom, and an inclusion classroom.

Vanessa currently resides in Longwood, Florida, with her husband Jay and son Peter. She and her family enjoy traveling, spending time at the beach, and a variety of other outdoor activities. Vanessa and Jay are active members at their home church, Ascension Lutheran Church in Casselberry. They currently teach confirmation classes and adult Bible studies as well as leading the middle school youth group.

Jill Schubert

Lower School Curriculum Coordinator

Jill earned a BS in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Grove City College and joined The Geneva School faculty in 2006. Her certifications include elementary education, early childhood education, and middle school mathematics. In the summer of 2019, she completed a 60-hour course on the Orton-Gillingham Approach to teaching reading and spelling.

During her time at TGS, Jill has taught third grade, fourth grade, and early childhood Spanish. In her role as Curriculum Coordinator, she supports the administration and faculty of the school in a variety of ways. Whether she is developing teaching materials, crafting a schedule, analyzing data, researching, or planning for the Spelling Bee, Jill is always looking to solve logistical puzzles in ways that will improve the teaching and learning experience for all involved.

Jill loves learning new things and delights in sharing this love of learning with others. She has interests in a number of creative areas including handcrafts and making music. She plays the piano, flute, oboe, handbells, and ukulele and enjoys singing. Most weekends she and her husband can be found taking in the local sights or completely absorbed in good books.