Honoring Retirements

Barbara Beach

How did you get started in your role?  

Bobby Scott hired me to teach sixth grade.

What HAVE You loved about your role?

I love buying good books for the library and reading to the students.

What ARE YOU LOOKING forward to WHEN you retire?

More creativity, helping with grandchildren, more involvement with my church, and travel.

Debbie Breyman

How did you get started in your role? 

I have always loved learning about God and His incredible creation, and I’ve especially enjoyed sharing those truths with children. Teaching became the perfect opportunity to combine those passions.

I began my formal teaching career in 1984 at a private Christian school in California, where I taught sixth grade. After having children, I continued in education by serving as a substitute teacher in both public and private Christian schools in California and later in Georgia. One of those schools was Perimeter School. After being encouraged to apply for a permanent position here, I joined the school in August 2000 as a first grade teacher.

I spent 17 wonderful years teaching first grade. During that time, I also had the opportunity to serve as a Lead Teacher, work with 1:17 students in the Fast Forward program, and teach study hall in middle school for several years.

Later, I was asked to serve as assistant to the Lower and Upper Elementary principals, and Curriculum Coordinator responsibilities were eventually added to my role. Following a school restructuring, I was honored to step into the position of Curriculum Director.

What HAVE You loved about your role?

What I have loved most about my role is the opportunity to share God’s truth with others while serving and supporting people in meaningful ways. I also enjoy bringing organization and structure to the work, which has been a rewarding part of the position as well. One of my greatest joys has been learning more about God and His world, then encouraging teachers to grow in that knowledge and share it with their students in fresh, creative, and engaging ways. Seeing teachers and students inspired, encouraged, and excited about learning has been deeply fulfilling and one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

What ARE YOU LOOKING forward to WHEN you retire?

After I retire, I look forward to a season of rest and reflection. I’m excited about having more time to spend with Jesus, my wonderful husband Todd, our children, and our grandchildren. I also hope to devote more intentional time to caring for my elderly mother in California and continuing to serve in our church as a shepherdess.

I’m looking forward to enjoying new experiences as well - traveling, learning Mahjong, and, of course, reorganizing my closets! I think it will be an opportunity to slow down, cherish relationships, and embrace this next chapter with gratitude and joy.

Angela DeHart

How did you get started in your role? 

I knew I wanted to teach since high school. I could see some differences in learning early on and knew I wanted to learn more, so I got trained in Orton-Gillingham.

What HAVE You loved about your role?

My favorite part of teaching 1:17 is seeing the confidence return in our students.

What ARE YOU LOOKING forward to WHEN you retire?

Purging my home of all the things I neglected along the way and drinking cups of coffee while they are still HOT!!!

Miriam Johnson

How did you get started in your role? 

Teaching has always been something I wanted to do, as soon as I knew it was a job. I originally thought I wanted to teach kindergarten or first grade, and I did for my first year. After that, I moved up to fifth grade, and I loved it for a long time. After spending 2 years in Tanzania, there were no openings in fifth grade, so they moved me to fourth, and I loved it, too!

What HAVE You loved about your role?

The “aha” moments when children get something I’ve taught, and the relationships that I have developed with students and their parents over the years.

What ARE YOU LOOKING forward to WHEN you retire?

Having time to pursue the next thing God has for me, whatever that is!

Jennifer Wilmot

How did you get started in your role? 

Our family joined Perimeter School in 2007, and from the very beginning, we were deeply impacted by the school’s mission, community, and covenant partnership with families. We began serving as room parents and later had the privilege of serving on the SMT in admissions. God gave me a love for welcoming and caring for families exploring Perimeter School. In 2015, He opened the door for me to join the staff as the Admissions Assistant, and after several years of serving in that role, I stepped into the Director of Admissions position. Looking back, I can clearly see God’s faithful leading through each season.

What HAVE You loved about your role? 

One of the greatest joys of this role has been being among the very first people families meet when exploring Perimeter School. It has been such a privilege to hear their stories, learn about their children, and walk alongside them as they prayerfully discern God’s direction for their family. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of meeting not only students and parents, but often their grandparents, siblings, and family friends. Each family brings a unique story of God’s faithfulness, and it has been deeply meaningful to witness how He has worked in their lives and led them to our community.

I have especially loved building relationships throughout the admissions process and continuing to see those relationships grow over time. Walking with both new and current families through moments of excitement, uncertainty, and celebration has been one of the sweetest gifts of this ministry.

What ARE YOU LOOKING forward to WHEN you retire?

God is leading me into a new season focused on caring more intentionally for the needs of our family and investing in younger women and moms through discipleship and encouragement. While it is bittersweet to step away from a role and community I love so deeply, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing in other ways and to remain available for the relationships and responsibilities God is placing before me in this next chapter. One thing I have learned over the years is that God is always faithful in every season. While I may not fully know what the “What’s Next?” will hold, I trust that He does, and I know His plans are good.