Faculty & Staff Directory

Keira Raesly

Lower School Assistant Director
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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 Geneva Capstone Senior Thesis in their Rhetoric IV class. Previously, he has taught the 9th, 10th, and 12th grade levels of Geneva’s Rhetoric and Christian Thought sequence. 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 since taught French, debate, AP English, medieval literature, American literature, apologetics, and spiritual formation at Geneva and at Christian schools in Texas and Massachusetts. 2022–2023 is Nathan’s twelfth year teaching at Geneva.

Nathan believes that a liberal arts education does more than just prepare students to navigate the complexities of life and career in a complicated modern world. Ideally, the liberal arts help us grow in virtue and live as free people, not bound by appetites, not swayed by the latest trendy philosophies, not beholden to the influence of the most rhetorically powerful voices in our culture. This is why Nathan loves to teach at Geneva—this, and also the fact that teaching high school students is a lot of fun. Nathan wants his students to love learning and to approach God’s Word and creation with awe and pleasure and appreciation. Additionally, as a rhetoric teacher, he strives to help his students grow in their respect for 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 Cambodia, Singapore, France, and the Philippines, and he spent a year as an adult in Aix-en-Provence, France, as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar. He volunteers occasionally with Samedis Francais, a Saturday school in Orlando for French children, and he attends Lake Baldwin Church. Nathan loves to read, cook, juggle, fish, act in plays, wrestle with his young son Micah, and spend time with his wife Gretchen, who is a mental health counselor and a wonderful pianist.

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.

Nali Reid

K4 Aide

Nali Reid joined the Geneva family as a K4 teachers aide in 2023. A new Florida resident, she moved to Sanford in August of 2022 to attend Reformation Bible College (RBC) and graduated in 2023 with a Certificate in Theology. She met her husband, Jack, at RBC, and the two were married at the end of August, 2023. Jack is working toward his bachelor’s degree with the goal of becoming a pastor in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

Nali intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree once she settles into married life. She is passionate about classical education and would love to teach in the future. She is honored to be a part of the Geneva family, learning and growing right alongside the students, and is eager to serve in and out of the classroom.

In her free time, Nali enjoys spending time in the kitchen (especially with loved ones), reading, going for nature walks, and doing various types of arts and crafts. Nali and Jack attend Reformation OPC in Oviedo in Oviedo.

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.

Lindsey Robertson

Receptionist

Lindsey Robertson came to Geneva in 2023 and serves as a part-time member of the receptionist team. She is also currently teaching at the Weekday School, a preschool associated with First Presbyterian Church of Orlando.

Lindsey is a Central Florida native, and she graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2022 with a BS in Psychology (Go Knights!). She is currently working towards a teaching certification in early education. Prior to her time at Geneva, Lindsey spent time serving families as a full-time nanny and volunteering with students in various ministries including YoungLife and her church, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. In light of these experiences, Lindsey has been able to discern her deep calling to love and teach young minds and hearts.

Lindsey enjoys spending time with her friends and family, baking, gardening, and finding hidden gems in Orlando such as antique stores, coffee shops, and walking trails. Lindsey is excited to greet people as they walk in the doors at Geneva; she believes that the familial and inviting love of Jesus Christ can be extended even in brief and fleeting moments.

Mary Chris Rowe

First Grade Teacher

Mary Chris has welcomed students into her classroom for more than twenty years. She delights in coming alongside families in the spiritual nurture of their children and treasures getting to know each student individually. Playing games and making music are favorite ways of teaching critical thinking skills, creating happy memories, and building a culture of belonging.

A native Floridian, Mary Chris grew up in a Christian home where music and reading played an integral part of family, church, and community life. She graduated from The Florida State University in 1991 and joined The Geneva School faculty as a second grade teacher in 2004. Over the next eleven years, she taught piano lessons, led fun summer camps, and occasionally performed with the school orchestra. Mary Chris was the grammar school recipient of The Geneva School Paideia Award in 2012, its inaugural year.

After a hiatus of five years (teaching in Uganda, Tennessee, and Hawaii), Mary Chris returned to the community of faith and learning at TGS in 2020 and spent one year teaching fourth grade before moving to first grade to lead the team of four teachers. Mary Chris enjoys spending time with friends, going to the beach, and writing.

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. In 2022, she created a journalism student magazine elective that publishes The Post and the TGS 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 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-eight 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 student at the Culinary Institute of America.

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.

Laura Salas

Fourth Grade Teacher

Laura Salas joined The Geneva School faculty in 2017 and taught first grade for five years before moving to the fourth grade team in 2022. Laura had the privilege to attend The Geneva School from 2005–2007 for her sixth and seventh grade years before her family moved to Gainesville. Laura began her teaching career in Alachua County teaching third grade in a local public school before returning to Geneva, this time as a teacher.

Laura graduated from Florida State University in 2015 with a degree in elementary education and an endorsement in ESOL and reading.

Laura married her husband, Connor, in June of 2023 and they are members at NewCity Church, Orlando. Together they love traveling (especially cruising), finding new restaurants, watching movies, and playing with their dog, Baron.

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 parents 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.

Hannah Seneff

Sixth Grade Teacher

Hannah Seneff returned to Geneva as a member of the sixth grade team in 2021. She is delighted to be able to share the halls with two of her nieces! From 2003–2006 Hannah was a member of Geneva’s fourth grade teaching team. In her time away, she lived and worked in Kenya, attended school in New York, and taught seventh and eighth grade English for five years. She is thrilled to share her skills and experience with Geneva’s sixth graders.

Hannah was born and raised in Winter Park and graduated from Winter Park High School before heading to Wheaton College where she earned a degree in elementary education with a minor in sociology.

Hannah is a member of NewCity Church. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new cities, hosting friends, and painting.

Ryan Sharp

Director of Dialectic School / Bible Teacher

Ryan Sharp has been involved at Geneva since 2016 when his oldest four (of five) children enrolled at TGS and his wife, Shelly, began teaching fourth grade. In 2022, he transitioned from a very involved dad and occasional substitute teacher to a part-time employee, teaching the freshman Bible course. He currently serves (full-time) as the director of the dialectic school while continuing to teach the Foundational Biblical Doctrines class to ninth grade students.

Prior to serving at Geneva full-time, Ryan was the senior manager of facilities and construction at Ligonier Ministries. He has also held senior management positions at both Amazon and FedEx Express. Ryan has also tutored middle school students in English grammar for Classical Conversations for many years. All of these careers have enabled Ryan and his family to live in six different states and eight different cities.

Ryan holds a BS in Religion from Liberty University and an MDiv in Theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of ministry degree at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando. Ryan is also under care of the Central Florida Presbytery as he pursues ordination in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, boating (although there’s more “fixing” than “boating” going on these days), playing guitar, trying not to get hurt while playing soccer, and reading broadly. Most of all, Ryan enjoys spending time with Shelly and their five children, all of whom can be found roaming the halls of TGS.

Shelly Sharp

Fourth Grade Teacher

Shelly is a native Floridian, she graduated from UCF (Go Knights!) with a bachelor’s in elementary education. After college, she taught various grade levels in both public and private schools in Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Shelly and her husband Ryan married in 1999 and they have five children: Michael, Matthew, Mark, Molly, and Megan, who walk the halls of Geneva.

In 2010, Shelly joined Classical Conversations as a tutor, where she fell in love with the classical model of education. She continued to tutor for the next three years, and in 2014 became a director of Classical Conversations in Seattle, WA, where she started a thriving community dedicated to knowing God and making him known. In 2015, she started another new Classical Conversations group in the Chattanooga, TN, area and tremendously enjoyed serving in that community as well. In 2016, Shelly had the honor of joining the fourth grade teaching team at The Geneva School.

Working full-time and raising five children is somewhat prohibitive of free time, but when Shelly does have a few moments to herself, she loves to do anything outside: hiking, walking, camping, swimming, and gardening—just to name a few things. She enjoys having friends over for conversation and a delicious meal. And, she loves playing with her kids—on occasion, you may even spot her with her favorite softball glove playing a game of catch.

Rob Shelton

Rhetoric School Director of Student Life / History Teacher
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Rob Shelton came to The Geneva School in the summer of 2021 and served as the director of the upper school for two years. Rob is now the rhetoric school director of student life and teaches Western Civilization II (10th grade) and a rhetoric academic elective: The Life and Works of C.S. Lewis.

Prior to joining TGS, Rob served as the rhetoric school headmaster at Geneva School of Boerne, Texas, for fourteen years. Before his transition to Christian classical education, Rob worked for twenty-two years as a youth pastor (nineteen of them at one church). He was also a part-time lecturer in rhetoric and English for ten years at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Rob earned his BA and MA in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio and an MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. After the birth of their twin daughters, Rob and his wife, Kathleen, began investigating future educational options, and they were drawn to Christian classical education. He knew he had to be a part of this movement, so he transitioned from the church house to the schoolhouse, and now he is able to combine his calling to work with students with his desire to cultivate intellectually vibrant disciples of Christ.

Rob and Kathleen were married in 1987 and have twin daughters (very fraternal): Emily and Erica. Both graduated from Geneva School of Boerne and Calvin University and both are now married and living abroad: Emily in South Korea and Erica in England. Rob and Kathleen love Disney World and have spent way too much money there over the years, but they plan on spending more (especially now that they have grandchildren). Rob loves (in addition to his wife) reading, sports, and C.S. Lewis (mostly in that order). He and Kathleen attend First Presbyterian Church of Orlando.

Sandy Shepherd

Science Teacher

Sandy Shepherd, a graduate of Emory University School of Medicine, joined the Geneva faculty in 2021 and teaches chemistry, advanced chemistry, and the cartography elective. In addition to her master’s in medical science, Sandy also holds degrees in chemistry and biology from Georgia State University, where she graduated with honors. For over twenty years, Sandy has worked in the medical profession and continues her role as a physician’s assistant at the Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute, caring for patients hospitalized in Central Florida. In addition to her work as a PA, Sandy served as a director in Classical Conversations for three years leading seventh and eighth grade students while modeling a lifelong love of learning and fostering supportive and encouraging relationships within the community.

Sandy brings high energy and passion to everything she does, so her dual endeavors as educator and medical professional are understandable to those who know her best. They would not be surprised to find her teaching physics one day, since no one more than Sandy embodies Newton’s first law: a body in motion tends to stay in motion!

Sandy’s great desire is to inspire her Geneva students to develop an abiding love for God and others by deeply pondering our world, God’s marvelous creation, and to help them develop analytical thinking and refined reasoning as they pursue excellence in their lives in and outside of the classroom.

Sandy regularly travels to Mexico on medical mission trips and trains in Taekwondo. She also enjoys walking her dogs, kayaking, bike riding, and playing guitar. She and her husband, Tom, are active members of Orangewood Presbyterian Church and have a menagerie of pets on their acreage in Apopka, including two dogs, one horse, and eight chickens. High energy, indeed! Her twins, Lura and Mattie, are members of the TGS Class of ‘25, and her youngest, Alayna, a member of the TGS Class of ‘27.

Cyndy Shoemaker

English Teacher

Cyndy Shoemaker (aka Mrs. Shoe) joined the Geneva faculty in 2021. After teaching fourth grade for one year and sixth  grade for two years, she currently teaches eighth grade English. As a veteran classical educator, she has had the joy and privilege of teaching in classical schools in Vermont, Virginia, North Carolina, and now Florida. After graduating from Rockmont College, now Colorado Christian University, with a BA in Developmental Psychology, Cyndy and her husband traveled America courtesy of the Air Force. With each new address, she served in children’s and women’s ministries and home educated their three sons through their high school years. Along with her BA, Cyndy earned a master’s in theology with an emphasis in marriage and family counseling from Trinity College of the Bible and Seminary and a certificate from the Rosemond Leadership Parenting Coach Institute. A passion for partnering with parents as they train their children to love the LORD their God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and their neighbors as themselves has manifested itself in the education arena, where Cyndy’s biblical training and love of God’s word equip her to integrate the Scriptures and Christ-likeness into the academic life of her students.

Cyndy and her husband, Carl, have been ministering together for over forty years and have three grown sons, three beautiful daughters-in-law, and nine delightful grandchildren. They have had the privilege of seeing our beautiful country and meeting its amazing people. One of Cyndy’s bucket-list goals is to visit all fifty states; she has one left, Alaska!

Debbie Smith

Fourth Grade Teacher

After teaching third grade at Geneva for thirteen years, Debbie Smith joined the fourth grade teaching team in 2024. She earned her BA in Elementary Education from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. Debbie taught at Orangewood Christian School in Maitland, FL for eleven years, including nine years as a second grade teacher and two and a half years teaching the enrichment program (a program that she developed for gifted second–sixth grade students). An avid runner, she also coached the Orangewood varsity cross country team for six years.

Debbie and her husband, Verne, have two children—Raquel ’19 and Clay ’21. She enjoys studying the ocean and nature along the Florida coast on her family’s frequent trips to the beach to visit her mom.

Elizabeth Smith

Director of Lower School 3rd–6th Grade

Elizabeth Smith joined The Geneva School faculty in 2019. After spending four years on the fifth grade team, Elizabeth assumed the role of director of lower school 3rd–6th grade in 2023. She graduated from the State University of New York College at Geneseo (SUNY Geneseo) in 2005 with a double major in elementary education and English. She then went on to earn a master’s degree in liberal studies from SUNY Stony Brook. Elizabeth spent seventeen years in the classroom with experience in all areas, including high school and middle school. In addition to her time at Geneva, she taught in New York for ten years and at Orangewood Christian School for three years.

Elizabeth and her husband, Greg, live in Casselberry with their children, Audrey (TGS Class of 2029) and Everett (TGS Class of 2032). She and her family attend Orlando Grace Church and like to spend time at Disney and the beach. Elizabeth enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and traveling.

Matt Smith

Technology Help Desk Technician

Matt Smith started working at Geneva in the summer of 2021. After serving as a receptionist for just over a year, he transitioned from front desk to help desk in October 2022, helping TGS staff members with their technology needs. He received his bachelor’s degree in 2020 from Berry College in religion and philosophy. After graduation, he moved to Orlando to help start the WinShape College Program at UCF. There he met his wife, Sara, who also works for The Geneva School. Matt is currently studying alongside his wife at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando.

Matt was born in a small town in Alabama and is passionate about the Bible, gardening, and music. He loves spending time at the beach, playing his guitar, reading with his wife, and caring for his chinchilla, Fenny. He and his wife are members at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church.

Sara Smith

Receptionist

Sara Smith joined the TGS faculty in 2021. She spent her first year teaching Spanish to lower school students, and currently works as an upper school receptionist. Sara studied English education at Kennesaw State University in Georgia and enjoyed student teaching in Costa Rica during her final year.

Sara moved to Orlando in 2020 to help start a college ministry at UCF where she met her coworker and now husband, Matt Smith. They were married in May 2021 and are members at St. Paul’s Prebyterian Church. Sara is currently pursuing an MA in Theological Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, where she is also classmates with her husband. Outside of Geneva and RTS, you can find Sara reading in a coffee shop or riding her bike on one of the local trails.

Henry Spears

Music Teacher

Henry Spears joined TGS in 2022. His family helped instill in him a love of music at a young age, and he grew up having many jam sessions with his siblings. At Geneva, he serves as the guitar director, jazz band co-director, and assists with the band, choir and orchestra programs. He also teaches a variety of instruments privately, including guitar, piano, voice, drums, and ukulele.

Henry serves at his church by playing with the worship team and through audio/visual setup, and he has been teaching lessons at The Avalon/East Orlando School of Music Since 2017. Outside of music, you can find Henry riding roller coasters at Universal or fixing up his 1984 Dodge truck.

Lorrie Stewart

K4 Teacher

Lorrie Stewart is a native Floridian who taught kindergarten for four years in the public school system prior to coming to Geneva. She received a degree in elementary education (K–6) and certification in early childhood from the University of Central Florida. Lorrie has been part of the Geneva faculty and family since her eldest child entered kindergarten in 2000. She served for three years as a teacher’s aide in kindergarten and fell in love with the program. This love sparked a desire and passion to create and implement a K4 program for The Geneva School. This became a reality in 2003.

Lorrie loves helping young children develop their imaginations and a love of learning. She delights in the uniqueness of each child and strives to provide an environment where her students know they are loved, encouraged, and cared for. Working with families to provide a positive learning experience is just one of the many reasons she loves her job!

Lorrie and her husband Gary have two boys: Jordan (TGS Class of 2013) and Davis (TGS Class of 2015). She enjoys outdoor activities such as running, hiking, and working in the yard.

Elisabeth Sutton

Fourth Grade Aide

Elisabeth Sutton has been the fourth grade aide since 2010. She started working at The Geneva School after years of volunteering in the classes of her two children. She then began substituting in various positions around the school with everything from teacher’s aide and front desk receptionist, to lunch server and librarian.

Elisabeth received a marketing degree from the University of Central Florida and worked in commercial printing sales for twelve years before staying home as a full time mom. She was born in Ostersund, Sweden, but was raised here in the Central Florida area by Swedish parents and still has the gift of the language. She especially enjoys the Viking portion of the fourth grade curriculum and pronouncing the Viking names for the children!

Outside of school, Elisabeth enjoys spending time with her family. Elisabeth and David have two adult children: Zak and Lauren attended TGS and both went on to graduate from FSU with sales degrees. Lauren is an assistant zone business manager for Frito-Lay in Jacksonville and Zak is an account executive with DarkTrace (selling Cyber Security Technology). Elisabeth also enjoys travel, the outdoors and camping, photography, jewelry making, sewing, reading, and loves dogs. Elisabeth and her family attend Northland Church.

Leigh Swain

Third Grade Teacher

Leigh Swain joined the Geneva family in 2017. She served as the sixth grade aide and as a teacher in both third and second grade before returning to third grade in 2023. She is thrilled to be a part of TGS and is grateful for the opportunity to work with Geneva’s third graders. Leigh received her BA in Elementary Education and Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She spent two years as an elementary school teacher in North Carolina and then eleven years homeschooling her four children.

Leigh and her husband, Scott, have four children: Carly, Sophie, Josiah (TGS Class of 2023) and Micah (TGS Class of 2025). In her spare time, Leigh enjoys reading and travel.

Tracy Talesnick

Director of Soccer / Head Girls Soccer Coach / Lunch Coordinator

Tracy Talesnick grew up playing soccer in Tampa. She represented the state of Florida on state select teams during high school, made the southern regional team and U.S. women’s national soccer team. Tracy attended North Carolina State University on a soccer scholarship, played in the final four, was team MVP, and captained a team that was in the top 10 her final three years in college. Tracy was an all-south and ACC first team selection multiple times, and was on the ACC academic honor roll all four years. Finally, Tracy continued to represent the U.S. while in college – playing in two Olympic training festivals.

After graduating from NCSU, Tracy worked for two years before pursuing her MBA at University of Florida. After completing her MBA she took a job with Progress Energy in Central Florida. She continued to play adult soccer and began to dip her toe into coaching. Tracy has now been coaching both boys and girls, at many different age levels, both in the club and school setting, since 2003.

“I really enjoy coaching young people and sharing my love for the beautiful game. I believe in teaching fundamentals and focusing on long-term development, not the quick fix that wins a game. I see my players as individuals that need to not only be taught soccer, but to embrace hard work and commitment to a team. Additionally, I believe strongly that the players should treat other teams, refs and parents with respect, that we win and lose games with class, and that we keep sports in the proper perspective in life.”

Off the field, Tracy volunteers regularly for her church and The Geneva School. Tracy and her husband, Noah, have two Geneva graduates: Nathan (class of ’18) and Taylor (class of ’20).

Scott Thigpen

Director of College Counseling
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Scott Thigpen joined the Geneva staff as the director of college counseling in the summer of 2012. He came with over ten years of management, leadership, and counseling experience in multiple settings. Scott received his BS in Business from the University of Central Florida in 2004. He went on to earn his graduate degree in counseling psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2007. As a manager and program director for public and non-profit organizations, he has had the opportunity to develop skills in promoting programs to outside stakeholders, to work one-on-one and in groups to counsel students, and to organize and develop multiple programs. Scott also has experience counseling in private practice settings and is a former college minister with Metro Church, located in Winter Springs. He is also a graduate of Leadership Seminole Class 21, where his class raised over $400,000 to build a dental unit that serves adults in need.

Scott admits the best thing about his job is building relationships with students and having the privilege of guiding them into higher education. Scott also submerges himself in the Geneva student culture by being involved with the wider student body. He is a co-sponsor of the senior class, competes in the faculty vs. varsity boys annual basketball game, and chaperones the senior trip to North Carolina. Outside of work, Scott’s schedule remains busy, spending time with his wife Alyssa, their three children, four chickens, two bunnies, two fish, and a cat.