At The First Academy, from the classroom to the field, our faculty, staff, and leadership embody the Living Curriculum.
Directory
Leadership
Will Cohen
Assistant Head of School for Campus Operations
Will Cohen
Assistant Head of School for Campus Operations
Will Cohen, Assistant Head of School for Campus Operations, Interim Director of Athletics
Mr. Will Cohen was born and raised in Orlando and has been serving at The First Academy since June 2012. Mr. Cohen served three years as the Assistant Director of Athletics and Assistant Baseball Coach. He then served as The First Academy’s Director of Athletics for nine years. Mr. Cohen currently serves as the Assistant Head of School for Campus Operations.
Mr. Cohen spent seven years at TFA as a student, graduating with The First Academy’s Class of 2008. After graduation, Mr. Cohen received his Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. From Mr. Cohen’s experience as a student and staff member; the teachers, coaches, and administrators have had and continue to have an immeasurable impact on his life. He is blessed to partner with faculty, staff, and families to aid in helping our campus safe and day-to-day operations running smoothly.
Mr. Cohen believes that the students, families, faculty, and staff make TFA the best Christ-centered school in America.
Leighann Harris
Senior Director of Finance & Business Development
Leighann Harris
Senior Director of Finance & Business Development
Leighann Harris, Senior Director Finance & Business Development
With 17 years of public accounting under her belt, Mrs. Harris joined the business office at The First Academy in 2012. She began her career as an auditor with the international accounting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP where she specialized in banking, manufacturing, and publicly-held companies. She then worked in local and regional public accounting firms where she specialized in not-for-profit and government accounting, auditing and tax compliance. Mrs. Harris earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with minor in Computer Science from Oral Roberts University and is a certified public accountant in California and Maryland.
Mrs. Harris is married to her husband, Lt. Colonel Scott Harris, and is proud to serve beside him during his 28 years on active duty with the United States Marine Corp. After serving in many different duty stations across the United States, they are happy to be back in Florida where they were born and raised. She has three children who are all TFA graduates. Mrs. Harris says, “Being a part of The First Academy has been a tremendous blessing to me and my family and I look forward continuing to serve in advancing the mission here at TFA.”
Dr. Natalie Holter
Middle School Principal
Dr. Natalie Holter
Middle School Principal
Dr. Natalie Holter, Middle School Principal
Dr. Natalie Holter is a Central Florida native who has been working in education for the last 20 years. She joined The First Academy in 2011 as the 12th-grade English and AP Literature teacher. In this role, she inaugurated the Senior Thesis project, the capstone graduation project that asks students to find the intersection between God and seemingly secular topics. As a certified SAT/ACT expert, she also launched a number of test preparation initiatives to help students improve their scores. She was recognized as “Christian Teacher of the Year” in 2014.
In 2018 she transitioned to the Middle School, first as its Academic Dean and later as its Principal. In this capacity, she directs the daily operations of the division. Her primary focus is ensuring a strong academic foundation and healthy emotional/social development in order to lay the best groundwork possible for student success in high school. She also coordinates the Learning ie program, focused on providing accommodations for students with learning differences. Her passion is building supportive relationships with her students and mentoring faculty to be the best teachers they can be.
Dr. Holter earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Yale University, her Master of Liberal Studies in Humanities from Rollins College, and her Doctorate in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Central Florida. She was also blessed to attend Oxford University for one summer on a scholarship she won to pursue a more in-depth study of English literature. She is the proud mom of two TFA students, one of whom has attended since Kindergarten and the other since pre-Kindergarten.
Jennifer Jackson
Lower School Principal & Interim Assistant Head of School for PK-12 Programs & Parent Relations
Jennifer Jackson
Lower School Principal & Interim Assistant Head of School for PK-12 Programs & Parent Relations
Jennifer Jackson, Lower School Principal & Interim Assistant Head of School for PK-12 Programs & Parent Relations
Mrs. Jennifer Jackson joined The First Academy in 2010 as the Learning-i.e. Coordinator. In this role, she facilitated enrichment classes for academically talented and gifted students with an emphasis on critical thinking and technology. Mrs. Jackson also coordinated accommodation plans for students with learning differences. In addition, she assisted with TFA’s initial application for accreditation with the Florida Council of Independent Schools as well as the Florida Kindergarten Council in 2012 and remains involved with the accreditation process at TFA. Before joining The First Academy, she served 13 years in Florida public schools. Her roles in both Alachua and Orange counties included the following: special education teacher, elementary education teacher, curriculum resource teacher, and reading coach. She draws from all of her previous experience in her current role as the Lower School principal.
Mrs. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Furman University as well as a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Georgia. She holds endorsements in Gifted, Reading, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Mrs. Jackson firmly believes that all students can learn and succeed in a loving environment with high expectations. She also values the importance that Christian education plays in partnership with church and home. Being in the Lower School classrooms on a regular basis is a priority for Mrs. Jackson and plays a critical role in her leadership.
In 2014, TFA faculty and families selected Mrs. Jackson as the Christian Educator of the Year. Her experience as a classroom teacher at TFA gives her a unique insight and passion for serving the students, teachers, and families in Lower School.
Mrs. Jackson and her husband Jay have been married for 25 years and are blessed to have two daughters. Both Sarah and Lauren have attended The First Academy since Kindergarten.
Joyce Kwak
Upper School Principal
Joyce Kwak
Upper School Principal
Mrs. Kwak holds a degree in Organizational Communication from Rollins College and is pursuing her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. Before joining TFA in 2007, she served as an Admission Counselor at Rollins College in Winter Park.
Since 2007, Mrs. Kwak has served in the Upper School Guidance Department. Her dedication to developing and implementing a cohesive college preparation program for students and parents earned her the title of Director of College Guidance in 2016.
Mrs. Kwak has been married to her husband, Eugene, for over 15 years and is the mom of two wonderful TFA students- Evelyn and Ewan. The Kwak family is also very involved in Harvest Church of Winter Garden, where Mrs. Kwak is an Education and Fellowship Committee Lead and a House Church Leader.
Matt McGee
Assistant Head of School for Extended Education Programs & Spiritual Formation
Matt McGee
Assistant Head of School for Extended Education Programs & Spiritual Formation
Matt McGee is an alumnus of The First Academy, Class of 2002. After graduating from TFA, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from The University of Central Florida. Matt then went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He previously served at The First Academy as Director of Institutional Advancement and then as Assistant Head of School for Advancement & Spiritual Formation from 2013-2016. For the last seven years, Matt and his wife, Jennifer, have served churches through an international non-profit in several countries throughout Asia. Upon returning to Florida in 2022, Matt felt called to return to TFA to utilize his expertise in advancing gospel ministry and education. Matt and Jennifer have been married for ten years and have 3 students at TFA: Anna, Judson, and Elijah.
Brian Rose
Assistant Head of School for Development
Brian Rose
Assistant Head of School for Development
Brian Rose, Assistant Head of School for Development & Parent Relations
Born and raised in Northwestern Pennsylvania, Mr. Brian Rose attended Hobe Sound Bible College and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Social Studies. He went on to earn a Master of Education Administration from Columbia International University. He began his educational career in 1985 at Jupiter Christian School in south Florida then served 5 years at the Whitefield Academy in Louisville, KY.
In July 2005, Mr. Rose became Assistant Head of School at The First Academy. Married to his wife, Debra, since 1984; they are proud parents of two TFA Alumni – Michael (2011) and Lyndee (2013).
Gissel Valois
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Gissel Valois
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Gissel Valois, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Gissel Valois has worked at The First Academy for more than 9 years. She currently serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Management and Leadership Team. Mrs. Valois serves TFA in many ways, including assisting the Human Resources team with professional development and handbook management. Mrs. Valois supports many campus-wide initiatives and events; she also leads the Diversity task force guiding the responses of TFA in the areas of racial harmony and campus unity.
In August of 2021, Mrs. Valois led the implementation of the first ever food service program at The First Academy, Flik Dining services. The program has been a tremendous success and our students and staff are truly grateful to have fresh meals prepared and served on campus. Mrs. Valois oversees all of our campus catering requests and the day-to-day menu selections for our dining services.
Mrs. Valois earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in Office Systems Management from the University of Montclair State. Prior to working at TFA, she worked as an Executive Administrator and Project Coordinator in the Margin & Risk Department for Merrill Lynch in New York.
Mrs. Valois and her husband Juan have been married for 17 years and are blessed to have two daughters. Both Brianna and Jianna are proud TFA students.
Dr. Steve Whitaker
Head of School
Dr. Steve Whitaker
Head of School
Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School
Dr. Steve D. Whitaker has served as the Head of School at The First Academy since July 2003. During his tenure, the school has advanced a bold spiritual formation agenda, experienced outstanding enrollment growth, and has witnessed remarkable scholastic achievements. Multiple capital campaigns led to major renovations and expansion of the Lower School, the building of a new Upper and Middle School, the opening of the Tennis Center, a renovation of the Boyd-Moline Library, a Black Box Theatre, a new $10.5 million Field House/Gymnasium Facility, and the addition of the Gather Space and Royal Eatery. The First Academy families have generously pledged over $55 million to fund these initiatives.
Dr. Whitaker has written on a variety of topics, including school culture, Christian living, generous giving, and Biblical worldview issues. He recently published a book entitled In God We Trust: Five Anchor Points for Turbulent Times. His past and present activities include serving on the ACSI Executive Board, FHSAA Board of Directors, FCIS Board of Directors, ABHE Board of Directors, and Charter Member for Council for Educational Standards and Accountability. In 2010, Dr. Whitaker founded Neighborhood Charter Schools, seeking to support urban churches in establishing charter schools for severely disadvantaged students.
After completing his Bachelor degree in South Florida, Dr. Whitaker received a Master of Education from MidAmerica Nazarene University and a Master of Arts degree in Education from the University of Louisville. He also earned his PhD from the University of Louisville in Higher Education Administration. He is married to Tricia and has three marvelous children (Amanda, Stephen, and Caleb).
Directors
Angel Alexander
Angel Alexander
Corey Gilchrist
M.A.
Corey Gilchrist
M.A.
Rob Hensley
MDiv
Rob Hensley
MDiv
Jillian Jackson
Jillian Jackson
Gloria Leeks
SHRM-CP
Gloria Leeks
SHRM-CP
Tarrik Mabon
Tarrik Mabon
Christina Richart
Christina Richart
TJ Ross
M.A.
TJ Ross
M.A.
Kristi Summers
Kristi Summers
Robyn Whipple
Robyn Whipple
Amanda Whitaker
M.S., Colson Fellow
Amanda Whitaker
M.S., Colson Fellow
William Zavala
M.A.
William Zavala
M.A.
Preschool
Nell Chase
Nell Chase
Angela Collins
Angela Collins
Amanda Cospito
Amanda Cospito
Danielle Dowling
Danielle Dowling
Stephany Hernandez
Stephany Hernandez
Jillian Jackson
Jillian Jackson
Lawanda Jackson
Lawanda Jackson
Jennifer Lajoie
Jennifer Lajoie
Tania Parker
Tania Parker
Krisdil Pettay
Krisdil Pettay
Lesslie Santiago
Lesslie Santiago
Neia Santiago
Neia Santiago
Deborah Santiago
Deborah Santiago
Sharonda Snyder
Sharonda Snyder
Brittany Stacks
Brittany Stacks
Jasiris Torres
Jasiris Torres
Lower School
Melissa Adams
Melissa Adams
Kay Bastian
Kay Bastian
Nicole Begley
Nicole Begley
Ashley Boyd
Ashley Boyd
Amber Brown
M.Ed.
Amber Brown
M.Ed.
Shelli Bryant
Shelli Bryant
Tammy Burns
Tammy Burns
Barbara Camblin
M.S.
Barbara Camblin
M.S.
Kerry-Ann Cole
Kerry-Ann Cole
Elaine Connell
M.A.
Elaine Connell
M.A.
Lisa DeBoom
M.Ed.
Lisa DeBoom
M.Ed.
Nan Dix
Nan Dix
Lori Dowling
Lori Dowling
Jill Edwards
M. Ed.
Jill Edwards
M. Ed.
Bruna Endler
Bruna Endler
Angela Faver
M.A.
Angela Faver
M.A.
Sherrie Goesling
Sherrie Goesling
Teresa Hugill
M.S.
Teresa Hugill
M.S.
Jennifer Jackson
Lower School Principal & Interim Assistant Head of School for PK-12 Programs & Parent Relations
Jennifer Jackson
Lower School Principal & Interim Assistant Head of School for PK-12 Programs & Parent Relations
Jennifer Jackson, Lower School Principal & Interim Assistant Head of School for PK-12 Programs & Parent Relations
Mrs. Jennifer Jackson joined The First Academy in 2010 as the Learning-i.e. Coordinator. In this role, she facilitated enrichment classes for academically talented and gifted students with an emphasis on critical thinking and technology. Mrs. Jackson also coordinated accommodation plans for students with learning differences. In addition, she assisted with TFA’s initial application for accreditation with the Florida Council of Independent Schools as well as the Florida Kindergarten Council in 2012 and remains involved with the accreditation process at TFA. Before joining The First Academy, she served 13 years in Florida public schools. Her roles in both Alachua and Orange counties included the following: special education teacher, elementary education teacher, curriculum resource teacher, and reading coach. She draws from all of her previous experience in her current role as the Lower School principal.
Mrs. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Furman University as well as a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Georgia. She holds endorsements in Gifted, Reading, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Mrs. Jackson firmly believes that all students can learn and succeed in a loving environment with high expectations. She also values the importance that Christian education plays in partnership with church and home. Being in the Lower School classrooms on a regular basis is a priority for Mrs. Jackson and plays a critical role in her leadership.
In 2014, TFA faculty and families selected Mrs. Jackson as the Christian Educator of the Year. Her experience as a classroom teacher at TFA gives her a unique insight and passion for serving the students, teachers, and families in Lower School.
Mrs. Jackson and her husband Jay have been married for 25 years and are blessed to have two daughters. Both Sarah and Lauren have attended The First Academy since Kindergarten.
Nicole Kilpatrick
Nicole Kilpatrick
Melanie Lader
Melanie Lader
Chrissie Land
Colson Fellow
Chrissie Land
Colson Fellow
Kristen Leader
M.S., Colson Fellow
Kristen Leader
M.S., Colson Fellow
Haley Lee
Haley Lee
Yahaira Loperena
M.S.Ed.
Yahaira Loperena
M.S.Ed.
Susan Lowder
Susan Lowder
Melanie Manneck
Melanie Manneck
Kathy Martin
Kathy Martin
Rachael Marutle
Rachael Marutle
Ardis Meloon
M.A.
Ardis Meloon
M.A.
Dr. Ashlee Mikels
Ed.D.
Dr. Ashlee Mikels
Ed.D.
Peyton Moseler
Peyton Moseler
Jenia Norris
MAT
Jenia Norris
MAT
Amanda Okubo
Amanda Okubo
Katherine Owen
Katherine Owen
Jill Pierce
Jill Pierce
Melissa Pifer
Melissa Pifer
Adrienne Pilz
Adrienne Pilz
Becky Render
M.S.
Becky Render
M.S.
Kelleen Reser
Kelleen Reser
Carrie Roehrig
Carrie Roehrig
Sarah Rosario
Ed.S., Colson Fellow
Sarah Rosario
Ed.S., Colson Fellow
Debi Savage
Debi Savage
Brittny Stephens
M.A., M.Ed, Ed.Specialist
Brittny Stephens
M.A., M.Ed, Ed.Specialist
Addison Stoots
Addison Stoots
Christine Torres
Christine Torres
Gerrod Trytten
Gerrod Trytten
Kayla Uth
Kayla Uth
Judith Voegler
Judith Voegler
Judy Williams
M.Ed.
Judy Williams
M.Ed.
Middle School
David Branz
David Branz
Chris Bryant
M.A.
Chris Bryant
M.A.
Young Chang
Young Chang
Cynthia Collins
Cynthia Collins
Paula Diehl
Colson Fellow
Paula Diehl
Colson Fellow
Dr. Tim Dix
D.Min., Colson Fellow
Dr. Tim Dix
D.Min., Colson Fellow
Laura Durnil
Laura Durnil
Joe Fana
M.Ed., Colson Fellow
Joe Fana
M.Ed., Colson Fellow
Erin Fernandes
Erin Fernandes
Allison Hodges
Colson Fellow
Allison Hodges
Colson Fellow
Dr. Natalie Holter
Middle School Principal
Dr. Natalie Holter
Middle School Principal
Dr. Natalie Holter, Middle School Principal
Dr. Natalie Holter is a Central Florida native who has been working in education for the last 20 years. She joined The First Academy in 2011 as the 12th-grade English and AP Literature teacher. In this role, she inaugurated the Senior Thesis project, the capstone graduation project that asks students to find the intersection between God and seemingly secular topics. As a certified SAT/ACT expert, she also launched a number of test preparation initiatives to help students improve their scores. She was recognized as “Christian Teacher of the Year” in 2014.
In 2018 she transitioned to the Middle School, first as its Academic Dean and later as its Principal. In this capacity, she directs the daily operations of the division. Her primary focus is ensuring a strong academic foundation and healthy emotional/social development in order to lay the best groundwork possible for student success in high school. She also coordinates the Learning ie program, focused on providing accommodations for students with learning differences. Her passion is building supportive relationships with her students and mentoring faculty to be the best teachers they can be.
Dr. Holter earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Yale University, her Master of Liberal Studies in Humanities from Rollins College, and her Doctorate in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Central Florida. She was also blessed to attend Oxford University for one summer on a scholarship she won to pursue a more in-depth study of English literature. She is the proud mom of two TFA students, one of whom has attended since Kindergarten and the other since pre-Kindergarten.
Tori Johnson
Tori Johnson
Alan Kunkel
M.Ed., Ed.D.
Alan Kunkel
M.Ed., Ed.D.
Radhika Miller
M.A.
Radhika Miller
M.A.
Abbie Nestler
M.S.
Abbie Nestler
M.S.
Annette Peyovich
M.A.
Annette Peyovich
M.A.
Christy Requejo
Christy Requejo
Jeff Rossmeissl
M.A.
Jeff Rossmeissl
M.A.
Roena Ruffin-Austin
Roena Ruffin-Austin
Shannon Rymer
Shannon Rymer
Jennifer Suttle
M.S.
Jennifer Suttle
M.S.
Atlee Swartz
Atlee Swartz
Terra Townsend
Terra Townsend
Kristin Tyler
Kristin Tyler
Kari Ursu
MLA, Colson Fellow
Kari Ursu
MLA, Colson Fellow
Kristin Worley
Kristin Worley
Upper School
David Blackwell
MDiv
David Blackwell
MDiv
Letizia Branz
Ed.S., Colson Fellow
Letizia Branz
Ed.S., Colson Fellow
Stephanie Clark
M.S.
Stephanie Clark
M.S.
Cynthia Collins
Cynthia Collins
Dr. Jessica Damron
M.Ed., Ph.D.
Dr. Jessica Damron
M.Ed., Ph.D.
Yvonne Englund
M.S.
Yvonne Englund
M.S.
Erin Fernandes
Erin Fernandes
Susan Gentry
M.S.
Susan Gentry
M.S.
Mary Gooseman
Mary Gooseman
Neil Harrison
M.S.
Neil Harrison
M.S.
Roger Harvey
M.A.
Roger Harvey
M.A.
Vanda Harvey
Vanda Harvey
Chad Hudson
Colson Fellow
Chad Hudson
Colson Fellow
Steve Kavanagh
MDiv, Colson Fellow
Steve Kavanagh
MDiv, Colson Fellow
Alan Kunkel
M.Ed., Ed.D.
Alan Kunkel
M.Ed., Ed.D.
Joyce Kwak
Upper School Principal
Joyce Kwak
Upper School Principal
Mrs. Kwak holds a degree in Organizational Communication from Rollins College and is pursuing her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. Before joining TFA in 2007, she served as an Admission Counselor at Rollins College in Winter Park.
Since 2007, Mrs. Kwak has served in the Upper School Guidance Department. Her dedication to developing and implementing a cohesive college preparation program for students and parents earned her the title of Director of College Guidance in 2016.
Mrs. Kwak has been married to her husband, Eugene, for over 15 years and is the mom of two wonderful TFA students- Evelyn and Ewan. The Kwak family is also very involved in Harvest Church of Winter Garden, where Mrs. Kwak is an Education and Fellowship Committee Lead and a House Church Leader.
Michelle Lindo
Michelle Lindo
Keith Manning
MDiv
Keith Manning
MDiv
Elizabeth Markowitz
M.A.
Elizabeth Markowitz
M.A.
Michelle Mason
Michelle Mason
Jeffrey McConkey
M.S.
Jeffrey McConkey
M.S.
Grayson Merritt
Grayson Merritt
Sean Mikels
M.Ed.
Sean Mikels
M.Ed.
Chris Mitchell
Chris Mitchell
Kim Moseler
Kim Moseler
Dave Oliver
Dave Oliver
Sandra Peabody
Sandra Peabody
Florence Pierre-Louis
M.A.
Florence Pierre-Louis
M.A.
Jason Porrata
Jason Porrata
Reed Reynolds
M.S.
Reed Reynolds
M.S.
Dr. Kelly Scott
Ed.D
Dr. Kelly Scott
Ed.D
Nathaniel St. Clair
M.S.
Nathaniel St. Clair
M.S.
Ellen Stewart
Ellen Stewart
Dr. Scott Toenges
D.Min.
Dr. Scott Toenges
D.Min.
Darryl Tolbert
Darryl Tolbert
Seth Ury
Seth Ury
Casey Vaughn
M.A.
Casey Vaughn
M.A.
Cherith Walton
M.A.
Cherith Walton
M.A.
Michael Weeldreyer
Colson Fellow
Michael Weeldreyer
Colson Fellow
Andrea Wyatt Cheatham
Andrea Wyatt Cheatham
The Classical School
Anne Bieschke
M.A.
Anne Bieschke
M.A.
Billie Barr
Billie Barr
Corey Broomfield
Corey Broomfield
Christine Day
Christine Day
Crystal Fitzgerald
Crystal Fitzgerald
Kala Gill
M.S.
Kala Gill
M.S.
Michelle Gonzalez
Michelle Gonzalez
Misty Gooding
M.S.
Misty Gooding
M.S.
Malia Gunnarsson
Malia Gunnarsson
Silvana Hacker
Silvana Hacker
Justin Harris
Justin Harris
Alba Jacobo
Alba Jacobo
Melissa Joynes
Melissa Joynes
Sue Lamp
Sue Lamp
Megan Marchetti
Megan Marchetti
Jennifer McDaniel
M.S.
Jennifer McDaniel
M.S.
Isaac Philips
Isaac Philips
Christy Rayle
M.A.
Christy Rayle
M.A.
Heather Reilly
Heather Reilly
Julie Robb
Julie Robb
Darren Seiple
M.A.
Darren Seiple
M.A.
Cheli Sigler
Cheli Sigler
Justina Spoolstra
Justina Spoolstra
Kathy Truex
Kathy Truex
Jennifer Utreras
Jennifer Utreras
Robyn Whipple
Robyn Whipple
The First Hope
Angel Alexander
Angel Alexander
Carole Bearhs
Carole Bearhs
Matt Buchanan
Matt Buchanan
Nancy Grindle
Nancy Grindle
Laura Johnson
Laura Johnson
Paula Katutis
Paula Katutis
Shelby Millikan
Shelby Millikan
Alyssa Northrup
Alyssa Northrup
Michelle Owen
Michelle Owen
Janice Pacheco
Janice Pacheco
Christine Phiilips
M.S.
Christine Phiilips
M.S.
Michelle Rhein
Michelle Rhein
Dawn Romero
Dawn Romero
Whitney Rumeau
Whitney Rumeau
Lyndsey Schemm
Lyndsey Schemm
Athletics
Joshua Andone
Joshua Andone
Corey Broomfield
Corey Broomfield
Chris Bryant
M.A.
Chris Bryant
M.A.
Bo Burgess
Bo Burgess
Jeff Conaway
M.ED
Jeff Conaway
M.ED
Emily Gibson
Emily Gibson
Jacob Gill
M.S.
Jacob Gill
M.S.
Kevin Hall
Kevin Hall
Mark Hansen
Mark Hansen
Lauryn Helton
Lauryn Helton
Victoria Huffmier
Victoria Huffmier
Jessica Kenning
MAT
Jessica Kenning
MAT
Alan Kunkel
M.Ed., Ed.D.
Alan Kunkel
M.Ed., Ed.D.
Tarrik Mabon
Tarrik Mabon
Keith Manning
MDiv
Keith Manning
MDiv
Dean Middleton
Dean Middleton
Chris Miller
Chris Miller
Radhika Miller
M.A.
Radhika Miller
M.A.
Chris Mitchell
Chris Mitchell
Bob Newsome
Bob Newsome
William Pikalow
William Pikalow
Adrienne Pilz
Adrienne Pilz
Reed Reynolds
M.S.
Reed Reynolds
M.S.
Jordan Richards
Jordan Richards
Robin Rosado
Robin Rosado
Amanda Serpa
Amanda Serpa
Danielle Shelburne
Danielle Shelburne
Gerrod Trytten
Gerrod Trytten
Trey Tyler
Trey Tyler
Michael Weeldreyer
Colson Fellow
Michael Weeldreyer
Colson Fellow
Advancement
Jennifer Elzeer
Jennifer Elzeer
Megan Fleming
M.Ed.
Megan Fleming
M.Ed.
Tara Gallas
Tara Gallas
Tiffany Grimes
Tiffany Grimes
Jaime Nichols
Jaime Nichols
Christina Richart
Christina Richart
Olivia Rodriguez
Olivia Rodriguez
Brian Rose
Assistant Head of School for Development
Brian Rose
Assistant Head of School for Development
Brian Rose, Assistant Head of School for Development & Parent Relations
Born and raised in Northwestern Pennsylvania, Mr. Brian Rose attended Hobe Sound Bible College and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Social Studies. He went on to earn a Master of Education Administration from Columbia International University. He began his educational career in 1985 at Jupiter Christian School in south Florida then served 5 years at the Whitefield Academy in Louisville, KY.
In July 2005, Mr. Rose became Assistant Head of School at The First Academy. Married to his wife, Debra, since 1984; they are proud parents of two TFA Alumni – Michael (2011) and Lyndee (2013).
Brandi Rose
Brandi Rose
TJ Ross
M.A.
TJ Ross
M.A.
Kristi Summers
Kristi Summers
Aftercare
Bianca Bernard
Bianca Bernard
Nan Dix
Nan Dix
Chris Mixner
Chris Mixner
Christina Mixner
Christina Mixner
Kelli Piel
Kelli Piel
Olga Torres
Olga Torres
Aaliyah Torres
Aaliyah Torres
Arts
Cynthia Collins
Cynthia Collins
Erin Fernandes
Erin Fernandes
Allison Hodges
Colson Fellow
Allison Hodges
Colson Fellow
Kim Moseler
Kim Moseler
Jason Porrata
Jason Porrata
Debi Savage
Debi Savage
Atlee Swartz
Atlee Swartz
Darryl Tolbert
Darryl Tolbert
Christine Torres
Christine Torres
Casey Vaughn
M.A.
Casey Vaughn
M.A.
Library
Lisa DeBoom
M.Ed.
Lisa DeBoom
M.Ed.
Amanda Whitaker
M.S., Colson Fellow
Amanda Whitaker
M.S., Colson Fellow
Finance & Human Resources
Amanda Baldessari
MBA
Amanda Baldessari
MBA
Patty Billsborough
Patty Billsborough
Hunter Bruce
Hunter Bruce
Andrea Creagh
Andrea Creagh
Nan Dix
Nan Dix
Larissa Galloway
Larissa Galloway
Corey Gilchrist
M.A.
Corey Gilchrist
M.A.
Leighann Harris
Senior Director of Finance & Business Development
Leighann Harris
Senior Director of Finance & Business Development
Leighann Harris, Senior Director Finance & Business Development
With 17 years of public accounting under her belt, Mrs. Harris joined the business office at The First Academy in 2012. She began her career as an auditor with the international accounting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP where she specialized in banking, manufacturing, and publicly-held companies. She then worked in local and regional public accounting firms where she specialized in not-for-profit and government accounting, auditing and tax compliance. Mrs. Harris earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with minor in Computer Science from Oral Roberts University and is a certified public accountant in California and Maryland.
Mrs. Harris is married to her husband, Lt. Colonel Scott Harris, and is proud to serve beside him during his 28 years on active duty with the United States Marine Corp. After serving in many different duty stations across the United States, they are happy to be back in Florida where they were born and raised. She has three children who are all TFA graduates. Mrs. Harris says, “Being a part of The First Academy has been a tremendous blessing to me and my family and I look forward continuing to serve in advancing the mission here at TFA.”
Gloria Leeks
SHRM-CP
Gloria Leeks
SHRM-CP
Diane Powers
Diane Powers
Operations & Technology
Michele Fetterhoff
Michele Fetterhoff
Rob Hensley
MDiv
Rob Hensley
MDiv
Dean Middleton
Dean Middleton
William Zavala
M.A.
William Zavala
M.A.