Our Staff
Ruth Gentry
Campus Coordinator and Art teacher
Mrs. Gentry has spent more than 25 years serving in Christian education and ministry. She has taught Art for 10 years, including at Sunrise. She’s also served as a children’s and youth pastor for a decade, and spent 15 years as an administrator with Breakout Ministries, and Warrior basketball.
She began her journey in education at the Christian school her father-in-law founded. She and her family have lived in Dripping Springs for 15 years and are active in their local church, where she especially enjoys Operation Christmas Child.
She and her husband are blessed with four adult children, 3 are married and they have 5 granddaughters, with another on the way, and a new grandson!
Mrs. Gentry loves the Dripping Springs community and brings warmth, leadership, and a deep love for Christ to our campus.
Rebecca Stimmel
KINDERGARTEN
Ms. Stimmel is excited to begin her first year at Sunrise and is eager to see all that God has in store for this school year. With over ten years of experience teaching in both public and Christian school settings, Ms. Stimmel is committed to helping students grow academically and spiritually. Her greatest desire is for her Kindrgarten students to become lifelong learners, to understand God’s deep love for them, and to embrace the concept of Imago Dei— the belief that every person is made in the image of God. Ms. Stimmel loves spending time with her son & playing with their two rescue dogs.
Michelle South
FIRST GRADE
Mrs. South has a deep passion to pour into the next generation of boys and girls so that they will come to know Christ in a personal way, walk out His purpose for their life and be a leader for their generation. Mrs. South received her BS in Elementary Education from Stephen F. Austin State University and has taught in a variety of educational programs from public, private, homeschool and children’s ministry at her former church in McKinney, Texas. Her desire is to encourage her 1st graders to academically think for themselves, learn how to be problem solvers, serve others in their community and through the lens of scripture know that they are created uniquely by God. Mrs. South loves to play with her awesome grand-babies and enjoys reading biographies, interior decorating and a good cup of coffee.
Julie FitzGerald
SECOND GRADE
Mrs. FitzGerald lives in Dripping Springs, with her husband. She has two sons; one in high school and the other is set to begin college in the Fall. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University. Mrs. FitzGerald is a veteran educator with experience as both a teacher and school administrator. She has taught in the public school and private school setting and is looking forward to what God has in store for Sunrise Christian Schoolhouse for the school year.
Mrs. FitzGerald loves spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching her sons play sports and teaching Sunday School at Austin Ridge Bible Church in Dripping Springs.
April Peterson
UPPER GRAMMAR
Mrs. Peterson loves teaching! She has an extensive teaching background spanning over 28 years in private and public school settings as well as, homeschooling. She has taught many children over the years including her own boys whom are now in their twenties. Mrs. Peterson treasures the students she has taught and hopes that she has blessed their lives as much as they have blessed her.
Mrs. Peterson’s pride and joy is her family! She is used to being outnumbered by the men in her family but is catching up with two daughters-in-loves and beautiful granddaughters. Mrs. Peterson has a total of four grandchildren between her three sons and enjoys sharing the love of Jesus with them all. She is excited to continue her journey here with our SCS family and prays that God will continue to use her in mighty ways inside the classroom. Mrs. Peterson wants students to not only be inspired by their academic studies but also hopes they leave each day truly understanding the love of Jesus.
Tiffany Nuño
3rd Grade
Mrs. Nuño is thrilled to be joining Sunrise Christian Schoolhouse this year! Her family recently relocated to the Hill Country after spending the past 40 years in Sugar Land, TX.
With 17 years of experience, Mrs. Nuño has had the privilege of serving as an elementary classroom teacher, elementary and middle school PE teacher, and an Athletic Director. Teaching is her passion, and she feels truly blessed to be part of such a Christ-centered and nurturing community.
Mrs. Nuño and her husband have two amazing children, who are both proud students at Texas A&M University. As fellow Aggie grads themselves, she and her husband are excited to officially call themselves an Aggie family. Gig ’em!
Mrs. Nuño’s goal for this year is to help shape hardworking, respectful individuals who honor our Lord, uplift those around them, and strive to make the world a better place. She’s incredibly thankful that God has led her to Sunrise, and she’s looking forward to a joyful, Christ-filled year ahead with all of you!
Sarah Sellers
Physical Education
Ms. Sellers is a native Texan and resides in Dripping Springs with her 3 children. She has been a prominent member of the Dripping Springs fitness community for over 20 years. Ms. Sellers is a graduate of Texas State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Physical Education. She has been teaching P.E. locally for over 15 years, as well as owning and operating a mobile personal fitness training business. Ms. Sellers has a passion for encouraging and motivating others through physical activity to make lifelong positive, healthy changes. She believes God uses her teaching and coaching as a vessel to minister to others and disciple children. Ms. Sellers enjoys spending time with her children, running, and being outside, soaking up the beauty in nature that God created.
Lourdes Valladares
1st Grade Aide/Spanish Teacher
Mrs. Valladares and her husband reside in San Marcos. Her background is in international missionary work, as well as homeschooling and teaching in private schools. Her transition back to working with children after becoming an empty nester, combined with her desire to share about Jesus and impact lives, makes her a wonderful addition to SCS.
Mrs. Valladares enjoys studying the Bible, spending time with family, reading autobiographies, bargain hunting, and the beach. She is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
Danielle Green
Music Teacher
Mrs. Green was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where she served in ministry leading youth and doing social work in the city. Mrs. Green attended Apostolic Bible Institute and earned an Associates Degree in Music. She has taught in a variety of settings, age groups, and subjects over the past 18 years and considers teaching to be a high calling.
Mrs. Green resides in Dripping Springs with her husband and three sons. Her family has a heart for God and a passion for people.
Lauren Gerds
Reading Specialist
Mrs. Gerds is a native Texan and resides in Dripping Springs with her family. She has taught elementary for the past 10 years in multiple capacities, the most recent being as a Reading Specialist in the school setting and through private tutoring. Mrs. Gerds is a graduate of Texas A&M University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She is certified in multiple reading intervention and dyslexia programs and is so excited to bring what she has learned to the Sunrise Christian Schoolhouse Community.Mrs. Gerds is so excited to be a part of the SCS family and can’t wait to see what God has in store for each of these precious blessings this year. Her hope is that each student leaves everyday feeling the love of Christ and the confidence to pursue their dreams!
Steve Isgitt
4th Grade Math
Mr. Isgitt resides in Wimberley with his wife, Bren they are blessed with two children, four grandchildren, and one great grandson! Mr. Isgitt graduated from Texas Tech University. He spent many years in the automobile business, and most recently was a 4th grade teacher for eight years. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Isgitt shares that READING is his favorite sport! He also enjoys cheering on the NY Yankees baseball team. He serves as an associate pastor at Hill Country Bible Church. Mr. Isgitt is really looking forward to teaching math this year at Sunrise Christian Schoolhouse!