Outstanding Alumni Awards Homecoming 2026
Enjoy the Bio's of the Representatives of the Classes of 1991, 1996, 2001, 2011, 2016, 2021
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Janet Meyer
Class of '91
Janet Meyer graduated from Texas A&M University with a BA in History. She then served in the Marine Corps as an Intelligence Officer for six years where she was stationed in Japan, Florida, and Bahrain.
After the Marine Corps, she spent 20 years in the U.S. Department of State working as a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent. There she served as the Ambassador’s Senior Security Advisor in U.S. embassies and consulates in Baghdad, Iraq;Dublin, Ireland; Khartoum, Sudan; Juba, South Sudan; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Tirana, Albania and Canberra, Australia. She supervised security operations, conducted criminal investigations, and worked in dignitary protection.
During her career, Janet was awarded numerous Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards as well as the Albanian Medal of Honor. She has a Master of Science degree from The Citadel College and a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense University.
Upon retirement from the State Department, Janet returned to Tennessee and founded her own security consulting company, Bryson Security, conducting risk assessments, security training, emergency preparedness training, travel security, close protection, and security for major events. She resides in Chattanooga with her teenage son.
Cindy Walker
Class of '96
Since graduating from Grace Baptist Academy in 1996, Cindy has lived, taught, and studied in several countries.
After high school, she received a B.S. in Communications and Bible from Columbia International University, a TEFL certificate from the American University of Paris, a PGCE in English at Canterbury Christ Church, and a master’s degree in Education from American Intercontinental University. She then became a full-time English Language and Literature teacher in a wide variety of countries.
She has taught English as a second language in Hungary and Romania for mission work, and later English Language and Literature in England, Czech Republic and Israel. She also served in leadership roles including Head of English at the Canadian International School in Prague and Head of the English Department in Jerusalem, where she taught the MYP and IB English Language and Literature program for five years.
Cindy was recognized as an outstanding teacher while in Prague. Her English class also went to the semi-finals in the International Shakespeare Theatre competition. She later moved to the Netherlands to pursue graduate studies in Systematic Theology and Messianic Judaism.
Cindy recently returned to the United States where she is traveling through New England, continuing her Biblical studies through online courses with the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies, and prayerfully considering where God may lead her next.
Elizabeth Thatcher
Class of '01
Elizabeth is currently in her 19th year of teaching, her 6th at Grace Academy. A 2025 recipient of Grace Academy's Award of Excellence, her citation reads (in part) as follows:
“...She has walked our halls as a student and now walks them daily as a source of light, encouragement, and unwavering support for our youngest learners.
Colleagues describe her as someone who cares deeply for every child at Grace. She is not only a teacher of academics but also a builder of character. Her classroom is a place where students learn letters and numbers, yes—but also learn patience, kindness, and the love of Christ.
As a kindergarten teacher, she brings a blend of warmth, structure, and joy that is nothing short of phenomenal. Her classroom management skills are exemplary. Her students are not only engaged, they thrive—because they feel safe, seen, and loved. She teaches with excellence, mentors with grace, and serves with humility.
And beyond the curriculum, beyond the lesson plans, beyond even her impressive skill in the classroom—what truly sets her apart is her radiant love for the Lord. That love is evident in everything she does, both in and outside the classroom. She lives out our mission and reminds us all of the power of servant leadership.”
Elizabeth and her husband, Carter, married in 2010 and have 2 fantastic girls, both of whom attend Grace; Anna is a high school freshman and Madeline is in 4th grade.
John Creed
Class of '06
John is in his 15th year in education and currently serves as the Middle School Principal at Wesleyan School, located outside Atlanta, Georgia. He joined the Wesleyan faculty in August 2020 as a middle school English teacher and 6th Grade Boys Chair. During his time at Wesleyan, he has also served as a middle school cross country coach and JV baseball coach.
Before arriving at Wesleyan, John taught English and coached at both Grace Baptist Academy and Brainerd Baptist School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He earned a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Tennessee Temple University and later completed a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Lee University.
John and his wife, Hannah, have been married for 16 years and have two daughters, Eloise (11) and Isla (6), who attend Wesleyan School.
Ashlyn Russell Oakley
Class of '11
Ashlyn Oakley lives in the mountains of North Carolina with her husband of 12 years and their two children, Miller (4) and Campbell (10 months). The past five years have been spent serving alongside her husband at Teen Valley Ranch, a year-round Christian camp in Plumtree, NC.
Just over two years ago, Hurricane Helene struck their area, causing significant damage throughout the mountains. Their own home was damaged, forcing the family to leave and spend six months with in-laws while repairs were made.
During that time, Ashlyn and the camp staff immediately began serving their community. Because the camp had whole-building generators, its industrial kitchen remained operational. A staff of 15–20 people prepared approximately 500–600 meals each day for over six months, using food from the camp’s refrigerators and freezers, along with donations from the local elementary school, prison, and community members.Meals were distributed at a local gas station, while volunteers used four-wheelers and side-by-sides to deliver food to those who could not make the trip. In the midst of tremendous loss and uncertainty, Ashlyn witnessed neighbors come together to care for one another in ways she will never forget.
The Grace community also played an important role in their recovery as many members of the Grace community generously contributed, reached out, and offered support.
Ashlyn and her family remain deeply grateful for the love they received during such a difficult season. To them, Grace truly is a family—a family that stays with its members long after graduation.
Looking back, they are humbled by the opportunity to serve their neighbors during such a devastating time. They are grateful that the Lord provided the resources and opportunity to care for those in need and help their community rebuild—an experience they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Eli Rogers
Class of '16
Eli Rogers graduated from Grace Academy in 2016. He holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga. He has been with the Chattanooga Police Department since 2020. He has been a certified Crisis Intervention Team Officer since 2023 and is a NAMI certified instructor of Crisis Intervention Training. He is currently working as a member of the Crisis Co-Response Unit with the Chattanooga Police Department and has a deep passion for advocating for individuals living with a mental illness.
On May 1, 2026, Officer Eli Rogers arrived at a burning apartment BEFORE firefighters and learned that a 4-year-old girl was trapped inside.
Flames were already climbing the Chattanooga apartment when neighbors told Rogers that a mother and her two children were still inside. Without fire gear, he forced his way through the smoke and carried the 4-year-old outside while her mother escaped with her 10-year-old son.
Even after the family was safe, Rogers grabbed a fire extinguisher and went back toward the burning apartment while firefighters were still on their way. Incredibly, nobody was injured.
For his actions Officer Rogers, a former Grace Golden Eagle football player, has been honored and recognized both locally and nationally.
McKinley Tyson Adams
Class of '21
McKinley graduated with honors from Tennessee Wesleyan in 2024 before completing her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy this past August. During her time in college, she served with Young Life and Young Life Capernaum, including spending a summer living in the Holy Land serving children with special needs.
After passing her board exams, she recently began her career as a pediatric occupational therapist at Pediatrics Plus. Outside of her clinical work, she runs her own wedding photography business and loves spending time with her husband, Caleb (Class of ‘22) —whom she married this past December—and their two dogs.
Outstanding Alumni Awards Homecoming 2025
Enjoy the Bio's of the Representatives of the Classes of 1995, 2000, 2010, 2015, 2020
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Amy Bennett
Class of '95
After attending Word of Life Bible Institute and then Liberty University, where I studied journalism, I stayed in the Central Virginia area and worked as a reporter for a local newspaper. During my time there, I was recognized by the state for fair and balanced reporting on the local school system. In 2001, I left the newspaper and went back to school for a master’s in journalism at Regent University in Alexandria, Virginia, and then went back to the news industry as a managing editor for a couple of community newspapers. I helped oversee beginning moments in the transition to digital news before leaving the industry for higher education.
I’m so grateful to God for the 19 years He’s had me at Liberty University teaching journalism and media writing to thousands of students. I’ve also been used as a source for comments in broadcast shows and written news pieces, and I’ve presented numerous times at national digital media conferences. My greatest feat, though, has been the three kids He’s given me – Ellie (a freshman at Liberty), Jesse, and Eli (a junior and freshman in high school). Although my time at Grace was years ago, it still impacts my life in formative ways, and I’m grateful for a church and school willing to partner in that process. None of this would’ve been possible without the love and support of my parents, who saw education as so important that they sacrificed time and money for the privilege of a Grace Baptist Academy education.
Dr. Paul Boerema
Class of '00
Dr. Paul Boerema, a 2000 graduate of Grace Academy, has devoted his career to providing compassionate, community-centered healthcare in East Tennessee. After graduating
summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 2009 and completed his Family Medicine residency at Erlanger Hospital in 2012, where he served as Chief Resident.
For the past 13 years, Dr. Boerema has practiced in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he is the Managing Partner of Family Medicine Center. In addition to his clinical work, he is actively involved in the education and mentorship of nurse practitioner students. Dr. Boerema and his wife, Katie, are the proud parents of three children—Ellie, Amory, and Darcy—and remain deeply grateful for the spiritual and academic foundation Grace Academy provided.
Genny-Marie Haston Smith
Class of '10
Representing Grace Academy’s Class of 2010, Genny-Marie Smith graduated from UTC in 2014 as an award-winning senior with a B.A. in Music.
After marrying Taylor Smith (Class of ‘08) in 2015, they served together in music and ministry in local churches. During that time, Genny-Marie worked in a pediatric ophthalmology office, where she became a certified Ophthalmic Assistant as well as a manager.
Genny-Marie and husband Taylor moved to downtown Atlanta in June of 2025 where she, Taylor and their two boys serve as missionaries to that local area. Much of their work centers on local college campuses where they seek to make disciples who will then further the Gospel themselves.
Anthony Philip Raffa
Class of '15
Anthony is president and CEO of Leadership Ministries Worldwide (LMW), a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to equipping pastors globally with Gospel-centered resources. LMW’s materials help pastors effectively study and teach God’s Word by providing detailed outlines and verse-by-verse commentary for every passage of Scripture.
With a background in advertising and marketing, Anthony combines ministry vision with business excellence to address the needs of pastors and leaders, particularly those lacking adequate training and resources.
A graduate of Grace Baptist Academy (2015) and Biola University (2019), where he earned a degree in Business with a minor in Bible, Anthony joined LMW in 2022. He and his wife, Katherine, live in Chattanooga, TN, with their daughter, Amelia Messina.
Ali Sigler Catron
Class of '20
Alli Sigler Catron graduated from GBA in 2020 and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Lee University in 2024. She’s now in her second year teaching at West Haven Elementary School in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she loves helping her 2nd grade students learn and grow.
This past summer, Alli served as an Academic Coordinator for the Thrive summer program, continuing her passion for education outside the school year. In 2024, she married her husband, Nathan, and the two recently bought their first home, making this an exciting new chapter in her life!
Outstanding Alumni Awards Homecoming 2024
Enjoy the Bio's of the Representatives of the Classes of 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019
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Stephanie Barber Christensen
Class of '89
Stephanie is a pastor's wife to Erik , currently serving at Sandia Baptist Church in Albuquerque, NM. They have been privileged to serve churches in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, New Jersey, and New Mexico. Stephanie and Erik have two children, Hollen and Jonathan (both married and living in TN and AL), and a one-year-old grandson, Theo.
While in Arizona, Stephanie was blessed to serve with Baseball Chapel as the wives chaplain for the Arizona Diamondbacks. She now serves as an ambassador for Revive Our Hearts ministry and enjoys writing a devotional blog for women in her spare time. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen" Romans 11:36.
Anne Ward Sokol
Class of '94
While Anne attended Grace Baptist Academy, she became burdened for missionary work in the former Soviet Union. After graduating from Grace in 1994, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and master’s degree in Literature from Bob Jones University while working as a script writer for their video homeschooling program. In 2002, she moved to Ukraine to teach English in a Bible school where she met her husband, Vitaliy, with whom she now has four children.
During her 22-year missionary career, Anne worked as a doula and childbirth educator, attending home and hospital births in Ukraine.
Currently, she’s studying to be a midwife. She is an active writer, having published the book:
Humble Mom: Putting on the Mind of Christ in Motherhood, which is available in both English and Russian. She has spent many years working in the local churches, speaking at women’s conferences, leading Bible studies, engaging in evangelistic outreaches and encouraging the Christian homeschooling movement in Ukraine. Anne has also done birth work in Albania and the Philippines, and plans to return to the mission field with her family after this year of furlough.
Jennie Rae Oates
Class of '99
Jenni Rae is a Nashville-based speaker and business & performance coach with two decades of experience building multiple 6- and 7-figure businesses.
A former top 2% leader in the direct sales industry, Jenni Rae has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners unlock their highest potential by mastering their inner game.
Her coaching methodology, rooted in psychology, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience, empowers individuals and teams to break through limitations and elevate to their next level and achieve sustainable success.
As a dedicated mom of four (raising three this side of heaven), Jenni Rae’s mission is to drive exponential company growth through transformational individual growth.
Justin Gorsline
Class of '04
After attending Grace from kindergarten through graduation, Justin earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Clearwater Christian College. He then spent nine months in Israel as a student missionary with Baptist for Israel Institute.
Upon returning from Israel, Justin enrolled at Galen College of Nursing and earned an Associate of Science in Nursing degree. He then worked as a registered nurse in both the ER and ICU capacity for several years. In 2016 Justin enrolled in Nurse Practitioner School at Southern Adventist University, receiving his Masters in Family Practice Nursing degree.
2023 was a big year for Justin and wife Diana. After meeting in January, they got married in October. This past July they welcomed daughter Jessica Grace into the world.
Justin currently works as a hospitalist NP for Memorial Hospital. He and wife Diana attend Gospel Community Church in Chattanooga. Justin and Diana love being parents and are excited to see what God has in store for them in the future.
Ariel & Brian Dicks
Class of '09
Brian and Ariel Dicks - along with their boys Andrew, Joshua, and Silas – serve as missionaries in Budapest, Hungary, where their focus is international student ministry. Brian serves as the Youth Pastor at Danube International Church, where he and Ariel have the privilege to build relationships and share the truth of God’s Word with middle and high school students from all over the globe. Their prayer is that God would use this ministry to continue the Great Commission as each year these students graduate and spread the good news of God’s Kingdom to the ends of the earth.
Brian graduated from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2023 with a Master of Divinity in Christian Ministry.
Chandler Cooke
Class of '14
Chandler Cooke is a proud graduate of the class of 2014. He served his community
as a Chattanooga police officer for 8 years in a variety of roles. The role he most enjoyed during this time was mentoring new hires as a Field Training Officer.
During his time with the CPD, Chandler received three Life Saving Awards which are his most prized commendations. He currently works for the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security as a special agent, serving to protect our community.
Chandler married Alex Cooke, another Grace graduate of the class of 2014. They have two children, Maverick and Isla Beth. The family is active at Dallas Bay Church and enjoys serving together in the Chattanooga area.
Wesley Blandon
Class of '19
Wesley teaches Physical Education at Grace Academy, where he also has the privilege of coaching on the high school football staff. His passion for sports and education has been a major part of his life since his time at Carson-Newman University, where he graduated and developed a strong foundation in both athletics and academics. Wesley is thankful for the opportunity he has had to guide students in the classroom, on the field, and in their spiritual journey!
Outstanding Alumni Awards Homecoming 2023
Enjoy the Bio's of the Representatives of the Classes of 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018
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Daniel Barrett
Class of '93
Daniel has a degree in Biblical Studies and Youth Counseling from Columbia International University. He served as a Youth Pastor for twelve years in South Carolina before moving to Costa Rica as a missionary in 2009. He has aided in multiple church plants and is the founder and pastor of Horizon Church in Jaco, Costa Rica. In partnership with Horizon Church he has helped start a prenatal center, counseling center, christian school and multiple other missions both in Costa Rica and Senegal Africa. Horizon Church hosts multiple mission teams each year including the Grace Academy senior trip.
His greatest achievement is his marriage of twenty years to Sarah, and his three amazing sons who are all involved in the work in Costa Rica.
Tara Summers Lyles
Class of '98
After graduation, Tara attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education and her master’s degree as a Reading Specialist.
Tara and her husband, James, have two children, Chloe, who attends Bryan College and Ethan, a sophomore in high school. Tara proctors standardized testing, directs yearly mock trials, tutors, and teaches the 8th grade class in Classical Conversations of Chattanooga including Latin, Logic, and other core subjects. She has also trained other directors for Classical Conversations.
When Tara isn’t teaching, she is helping her husband, James, run a 580-acre farm in Ringgold, Georgia. They raise poultry, sell beef cattle, maintain hay pastures, and take care of honey bees. In 2015, James and Tara were chosen to represent the state of Georgia as the Farmer of the Year. They work closely with the National Resource Conservation to preserve natural resources around the area.
Tara enjoyed playing volleyball for Grace and continues to play her favorite sport weekly in Chattanooga as well as in occasional tournaments. Tara appreciates the many years at Grace
Baptist Academy, the wonderful teachers, the lifelong friendships, and the memories.
Drew Box
Class of '03
After graduating from Grace, Drew went on to double major in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
In the spring of 2009 while attending a Grace baseball game of his little brother, Drew met his future wife, academy teacher Jessica Poppert. They were married less than a year later. They have 2 children - Emma (class of ‘22) and Maggie currently in 6th grade at Grace.
rew currently runs a successful electrical supply company in Cleveland, TN. When not at work, he is committed to continuing to make Grace a great place for all - by building sets for the spring musical where he mentors teenagers in construction techniques. He also spends time announcing for basketball and football games as the Golden Voice of the Golden Eagles and assists his wife with duties related to class sponsorship.
Diana Patrick Pimentel
Class of '08
Diana attended Grace from Kindergarten through her senior year, and then went on to Cedarville University where she earned a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, with minors in Bible and Spanish. Her love for the Spanish language and her desire to go to the mission field began during Spanish class at Grace. She served on various mission trips and internships before the Lord led her to full-time medical missions in the Dominican Republic. It was there that she met her husband, Yensi. He was a teacher and pastor and they served together for many years there and began to raise their family. Diana pioneered a school nursing program at a bilingual school, worked with women at risk, spearheaded a teaching/support group for pregnant and nursing moms, and conducted medical outreaches in the villages.
In 2020, God used a series of circumstances to bring their family back to the States. She now serves alongside her husband as he is the Hispanic Pastor at Grace Baptist Church, and she also recently took a job as the Communications Specialist at the church. This way she can not only design all the print and online materials, but translate them as well so that both English and Spanish speaking members can understand them in their heart language. Both she and Yensi are passionate about building bridges across different cultures and are so grateful for this unique opportunity to reach people from so many different countries for Christ, while being surrounded by a community that has known them for years. Two of their three boys are attending Grace Academy now and it feels like being back home with family.
Lindsay Estes
Class of '13
Lindsey attended Grace Academy for all 12 years. After receiving her bachelor's degree from UTC, she quickly began her teaching career for Hamilton County Schools. Lindsey has been teaching at Ooltewah Elementary for the past 7 years. During her time at Ooltewah Elementary, she was nominated for teacher of the year and is currently going through the LEAD program for aspiring instructional coaches.
Lindsey says that, "my elementary teachers at Grace certainly fostered my love of learning and they are one reason why I am where I am today."
Savannah Barrow
Class of '18
Savannah attended Grace Baptist Academy from 2011-2018. During her time there, she was involved in the Spring Musical, Choir, Golden Voices, Varsity Cheerleading, Chick-fil-a Leader Academy, and Student Government.
Savannah attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education in 2022. Savannah is currently a teacher and team leader of sixth grade Language Arts at Lakeview Middle School in Catoosa County. She has also stayed involved with GBA by serving as an assistant director for the annual spring musical. Even after her final bow with GBA Fine Arts, Savannah has since been performing with groups like The Colonnade Players and Magic Lamp Entertainment.
Savannah will be continuing her education by beginning her Masters of Education program in 2024. Savannah has been extremely blessed by her experience at Grace, and is thankful for the teachers that helped her to become the educator and Christian that she is today.
Outstanding Alumni Awards Homecoming 2022
Enjoy the Bio's of the Representatives of the Classes of 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017
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