Emily Brannan, First Grade Teacher
As a product of great educational experiences in both public and private schools, Mrs. Brannan always knew that she wanted to teach. She graduated from Samford University in 2007. She joined the St. Luke School team right after graduation. In 2008, she married her high school friend and college sweetheart, Joseph. They now have one son, William. While continuing to teach in the classroom, she went back to school and obtained her Masters of Education degree from Columbus State. When not at school, Mrs. Brannan can be found spending time with family, attending Auburn football games, and playing with her two daschunds.
Faith Dow, First Grade Teacher
Faith Dow is a graduate of Troy State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 10 years experience in the education field. Faith has been married to her husband Aaron for 24 years and they have three wonderful children. Mrs. Dow enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. .
Jennifer Ragan, First Grade Teacher
Jennifer Ragan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University. Jennifer had over 15 years teaching experience in a variety of grades from Pre-K through fifth grade before joining the SLS faculty in 2016. She is a military wife of over 20 years and the mother of 3 teenage girls. Her time away from school is spent with her family at their various sports activities.
Kristal Renner, First Grade Teacher
Kristal Renner earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama in Human Development and Family Studies. She went on to receive her Master’s in Elementry Education from Troy State University. Kristal had three years of teaching experience before joining the St. Luke School faculty in 2004. Mrs. Renner enjoys reading, baking and spending time with her family. She is a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church where she is active in her Sunday School class, the Administrative Board and the Children’s Council.
Jackie Cecalupo, First Grade Teacher’s Assistant
Jackie Cecalupo attended West Virginia University where she graduated with a bachelors degree in Journalism/Advertising and a minor in English. She and her husband Jon have two boys, Josh and Jace- who both are SLS Alumni. They have a wonderful dog named Josie. This is the second time the Army has sent the Cecalupos to Columbus/Ft. Benning in Jon’s 19 years in the military and they are happy to be back here.
Sarah Clements, First Grade Teacher’s Assistant
A native of New Hampshire, Sarah Clements relocated to Columbus from the Washington, DC area in 2004. Mrs. Clements earned a BS in Psychobiology from Quinnipiac College in Hamden, CT, before moving to DC. While living in DC, she completed her Masters of Health Science degree at George Washington University and then worked as a Physician Assistant for an internal medicine practice. After marrying in 2003, she and her husband, Ryan, were blessed with Alexa and Luke, both who are SLS “lifers.” Mrs. Clements joined the St. Luke School family during the 2015-2016 year. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and New England Patriots football.
Lisa Garrett, First Grade Teacher’s Assistant
Lisa Garrett received a BBA in Risk Management and Insurance from the University of Georgia and spent several years working with AFLAC, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, and Wynnton UMC before having the opportunity to join the St. Luke School team in 2007. In addition to her classroom duties, Mrs. Garrett is on the Hospitality Committee. In her spare time, Mrs. Garrett enjoys reading, spending time with her family, listening to classic rock music, and sometimes even exercising! .
Ashley Jay, First Grade Teacher’s Assistant
Ashley Jay has a degree in Bachelor of Science in Education from Columbus State University. She taught ten years in Muscogee County and most recently taught preschool at St. Luke UMC. Ashley and her husband, Jason, have one daughter who attends St. Luke School. Ashley enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. Ashley and Jason are members of Morningside Baptist Church where they teach Bible Fellowship classes and serve on church committees. She is extremely excited to be a part of the St. Luke family.