Our Staff
Karie Coffman
CAMPUS COORDINATOR
Mrs. Coffman is a native Texan and resides in Dripping Springs, TX with her husband and two children. She is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Family and Child Development with a minor in Early Childhood Intervention. Mrs. Coffman spent five years working in the foster/adoption sector before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Once her children were school-aged, she returned to work and has spent the last five years in private school administration.
Mrs. Coffman loves all things related to nature and animals, camping with her family, reading, baking and enjoys volunteering at PAWS Animal Shelter alongside her daughter. She is excited and grateful to be part of Sunrise Christian Schoolhouse and looks forward to watching the students thrive!
Jillian Turk
KINDERGARTEN
Mrs. Turk lives in Dripping Springs with her husband and three children. She is an Austin native with roots in the Lakeway area. Mrs. Turk graduated from Lubbock Christian University with a degree in Education. She has been teaching for the last four years and is looking forward to teaching Kindergarten at Sunrise Christian Schoolhouse.
Michelle South
FIRST GRADE
Mrs. South is new to Dripping Springs and her passion is 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. She is so excited to meet her new students and begin the 1st grade
journey for the 2024-2025 school year. 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, TX 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 2024/2025 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, TX.
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 another granddaughter on the way! 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.
Lauren Aram
SPANISH
Mrs. Aram lives in Blanco with her husband and 3 children. She has taught in private, public, and homeschool settings. Mrs. Aram has over 10 years experience in education and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Minor in Spanish and Linguistics. She loves studying and experiencing different cultures and strives to instill a love for learning within her students. Mrs. Aram is passionate about teaching and is thrilled to be at Sunrise Christian Schoolhouse.
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
Kindergarten Aide
Mrs. Valladares is new to Texas, she 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.
She is overjoyed to join SCS and looks forward to being a part of discipling today’s generation!
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.