My name is Shaye Garst. I have been in education for 31 years; teaching first kindergarten, then second grade, third grade and now reading and math intervention.  I did not always "feel the calling" to be a teacher as most teachers say they have felt all their lives. I started out as a voice performance major at Auburn University in May of 1980 and soon learned that my weak vocal chords would not stand up to the rigors required of my major. Luckily when God shuts one door He usually opens another and this is how I became an Early Childhood Education graduate of Auburn in March of 1985. I have never regretted a minute and have always felt as if I were leaving the house for another adventure each morning instead of going off to work.

                I have been married to Mark Garst for 31 years and we have raised three wonderful children. Elizabeth G. Kimsey is our oldest daughter. She and her husband, Tyler, are the proud parents to Rowan and Cash Kimsey. Elizabeth is a nurse at St. Vincent’s Main and loves her job. Sarah G. Copeland is our second daughter and she and her husband, Josh, are parents to Natalie and Luke Copeland. Sarah is a chemical analyst for Alabama Power Company. Our only son, Dallas, lives in Opelika, AL and will be getting married to Hanna Harrison in April of 2018.

              I love spending time with my family and I am also an avid seamstress. I usually always have something from a friend on my sewing table that needs hemming or mending and now that I have four grandchildren I am constantly making something for them. My whole family loves animals and we each have several dogs at home! Every year our Christmas photo includes all the animals. It’s a crazy thing, I know, but we love it!!