In 1989, a young teacher named Judy Gunnink (later became Perkins) stepped into a fourth-grade classroom at Denver Christian School for the very first time. Bright-eyed, passionate, and filled with a heart for students, she could never have imagined the incredible journey ahead—a journey that would span more than three decades, touch countless lives, and leave an indelible mark on our community. As Judy retires this spring, we pause to celebrate a teacher whose legacy is woven deeply into the very fabric of Denver Christian.
Over the years, Mrs. Perkins wore many hats—teaching fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, and eventually discovering her greatest joy in the world of middle school Math and Science. It was here that her love for problem-solving and logical thinking truly came to life. Never one to settle, Judy continued learning even after decades in the classroom. In 2014, she completed her Master’s in Special Education, allowing her to serve students more personally and powerfully in both the middle and high school. But she didn’t stop there. Fueled by her desire to support students at all levels of math, she dove headfirst into College Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Statistics at the collegiate level—just so she could better help her students thrive.
As many of her coworkers can attest, Judy always said she’d “rather do math than answer emails”—and we believe her! Her passion for numbers was surpassed only by her passion for people. Through changing leadership, new buildings, and exponential growth, Judy has remained a steady, faithful presence. From the days of the Highlands Ranch campus to the flourishing of our current community, her dedication never wavered. Above all else, Judy simply loved being with students. That, she says, is what brought her the most joy.
And yet, while Judy’s story is extraordinary in its own right, it’s made all the more beautiful by the family legacy she has built at Denver Christian. Her children—Chris (’06), Stephen (’09), and Leesha (’12)—represent the third generation of DC graduates in the Meyers-Gunnink-Perkins family. Judy’s mom Ann Meyer was an elementary teacher for 35 years, and Judy, a DC alumna herself, watched as her children grew into adulthood within the same community, nurtured by the same school she helped shape.
Chris, now a pediatric ICU and cardiac ICU nurse at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, reflects on how Denver Christian helped shape his calling to serve others: “DC instilled in me a desire to work in a field where I can help others. I watched the way my teachers served their students and poured into the community and it inspired me to do the same.” His brother Stephen, also working at Helen DeVos as a pediatric emergency medicine fellow, points to a high school shadowing assignment as the “flashpoint” for his medical career. He credits DC with helping him see how God was directing his steps—even in the small things.
Leesha, now a physician assistant, carries the same heart for service into her work in community health and her involvement in The Jubilee Project—an initiative to bring justice and renewal to her neighborhood. She reflects on how the full life of a DC student—academics, sports, arts, and faith—prepared her to live as a whole and healthy person, ready to pursue her God-given calling.
As a mother, Judy looks at her children’s lives with deep gratitude: “As I look at where my kids are now, not only in their careers but also in their walk with God; I know Denver Christian played an integral part in educating and loving them, allowing them to become the awesome adults they are now.”
Now, Judy steps into a new season of life—a season full of quilting, camping, and most importantly, grandkids. She is moving to Michigan to be near her children and their families, eager to take on her most cherished role yet: Grandma. Though we will deeply miss her presence in the halls of DC, we know her influence will ripple for generations through the lives she touched.
As Judy herself says, “No matter what, I always come out of it knowing God’s timing is perfect.” And in His perfect timing, God gave Denver Christian the gift of Judy Perkins.
Thank you, Judy—for your heart, your wisdom, your laughter, and your enduring commitment to every student you met. Your legacy is one of grace, perseverance, and faithful service. You’ve made an eternal impact, and we are forever grateful. Please join us on Sunday, May 4th to honor Judy Perkins!
