Faculty & Staff
Administration
David Welling
Head of School
John Brown University – BS Elementary Education
Grace Seminary – MA School Administration
Pepperdine University – PhD Educational Leadership (in process)
David Welling is a seasoned educator and leader who is passionate about developing schools through coherent leadership while developing a dynamic learning community where teachers and students thrive. His breadth of experience within the school and classroom environment bring a wealth of practical knowledge and a fresh perspective to developing successful communities of learning.
With over 22 years of administrative experience in the US and international context, both private and secular, Mr. Welling is accustomed to empowering leadership in academic improvements, property development, accreditation, curricular decision making, and in strategic planning. His experiences living almost half of his life outside of USA give him a unique approach and perspective.
His hope for TCA is to build bridges within the community of learners while purposely developing a school environment where students and faculty are passionate about learning and discovering ways to accomplish Kingdom work locally and globally.
David has been married to his wife since 1987, and they have four children. He likes reading, kayaking, travel, motorcycles, and watching international rugby.
Carley Ellison
Administrator of Curriculum and Instruction
BA in Early Childhood Education from FSCJ;
MEd in Curriculum and Instruction: Leadership from Liberty University;
EdD in Curriculum and Instruction (In progress) at Liberty University
Florida Department of Education certified for Pre-kindergarten through third grade and ESOL Endorsement;
FACCS Certified
Carley Ellison has been teaching since 2015, her first year at Trinity was in 2018. She has taught kindergarten as well as 1stgrade. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting and sewing. She also volunteers in the children’s ministry at her church. Her husband JP is a public-school teacher. She has 3 children, Jonah, Keilah, and Corban who attend Trinity Christian Academy. She enjoys working at Trinity because she has the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with her students every day.
Tina Parrish
Lower Division Principal
M.ED. Ed. Leadership from UNF
BS Elementary ED from TBC
FACCS certified
Staff Credential FLDCF
Tina Parrish started teaching in 1990 at TCA and became an administrator in 2015. As a principal, her greatest focus is on the students in the Preschool – 2nd grade while giving vision and oversight to the support and improvement of the entire Lower Division. Her hobbies include reading educational nonfiction books, and spending time with family. Tina has been married since 1989, she has three children and two grandchildren. She loves the energy at TCA created by students growing in their walk of faith and teachers’ excitement over teaching their students new material.
Nicholas Groen
Lower Division Vice Principal
Nicholas Groen has an earned MS degree in Educational Administration from University of Scranton, Pennsylvania. His primary responsibility will be with the 3rd-6th grade students and teachers. For the past five years, he has served as a principal and assistant superintendent at Crown Point Christian School. During that time, he has overseen and developed various programs such as a one-to-one technology program, Spanish Immersion, and a STEM program. As an administrator, he enjoys collaborating with teachers and others committed to Christian education.
Polly Anderson
Lower Division Program Administrator
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Salem State College
Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College
Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling from Luther Rice College
Master’s degree in Psychology from Northeastern University
Polly Anderson has taught for 15 years in various elementary grades. For several years now she has worked on the Lower Division Administrative Team. Her hobbies include a love of nature – gardening, hiking, backpacking, camping, and visiting national and state parks. Her favorite thing about working for Trinity is the joy of working with students and seeing them succeed in so many areas.
Jennifer Isaac
K-building Assistant Principal
Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Berean Baptist College; Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning K- 8 from Liberty University
FACCS certified
Jennifer Isaac has taught K5 for 9 years and for the past 4 years has been our lead teacher; she also has experience in administrative leadership before coming to TCA and in 2010 earned her MA Degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University. Jennifer will take a new role as the Kindergarten Assistant Principal. In this role, she will give leadership and direction to the Early Learning Program at TCA. She has great vision and passion for this program and her experience will be a great asset to the preschoolers, kindergarteners, teachers and parents in the Kindergarten Building.
Dr. Bob Kinder
Upper Division Principal
Bachelor of Arts from Trinity Baptist College, Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University
FACCS Certified
Dr. Kinder graduated from Trinity Baptist College in 1986 and started teaching Bible and life science in the junior high. Prior to that, he was an electrician in the Air Force and lived in Germany for 3 years. Dr. Kinder currently serves as the assistant principal in our Upper Division. He also teaches as an adjunct professor in the education department at Trinity Baptist College. He enjoys reading and spending time with his family.
Martin Hersey
Upper Division Vice Principal
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – The Citadel
Master of Arts in History, Concentration in Ancient and Classical History – American Military University
Martin Hersey retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after a 22-year career as an Army helicopter pilot. During his time in the Army, he lived in or visited all 50 states and 44 countries. He began teaching at Trinity Christian Academy in 2007. He has a passion for teaching history to his students. He is also a football, cross country and track coach. Mr. Hersey is an adjunct professor of history at Trinity Baptist College. Mr. Hersey and his wife Linda were married in 1991 and have three adult children. He enjoys reading, traveling, learning anything about history, spending time with his family and working on his farm.
Kathy Kelnhofer
Dean of Students
Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary studies from Trinity Baptist College
Completed continuing education at FSCJ in Theatre
American Academy of Dramatic Arts certified
FACCS certified
Kathy Kelnhofer taught Speech and Theatre at TCA since 2009. In 2017, she joined the Administrative team and continues to work in the Upper Division. In her spare time, she volunteers as a Fitness Trainer, loves outdoor activities and has had the opportunity to perform in the Jacksonville Nutcracker. Her husband Bruce has been an Assistant Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church since 1994. They have two children who have both graduated from the Academy.
Directors
Susan Aman
7th-9th Grade Academic Director
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from University of North Florida
Susan Aman started working at Trinity in 2010 and has been working in the Academic Advising office since 2013. Before Trinity, she worked at Merrill Lynch and she has a background in Administration/Human Resources and Training and Curriculum Development. She is married to Eugene Aman, a TCA alumnus and they have three children: Austin, Parker and Karissa. They are very active in supporting their children in their athletic involvements and helping to create a successful Baseball Boosters Club.
Carol Buckner
Counselor/Psychology/Speech
Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from Liberty University, Master’s degree in Human Services, Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University
Carol Buckner has been on staff at Trinity Baptist Church since 2004. She teaches psychology and counseling in both the academy and college and works with children and women in a variety of counseling areas. She has been married since 1984 to James and have two children and two grandchildren. In her spare time, Carol likes to read, cook and spend time with family and friends.
James Buckner
Counselor
James Buckner’s teaching began in 1989 in Turkey and has spanned many countries and several colleges and universities. For 21 years prior to joining the staff at Trinity, Dr. Buckner served in the United States Army. In addition to his professional activities, he is heavily involved in church ministries and has experience in Sunday School ministries, youth ministries, singles, couples, and media ministry. He and his wife Carol have been married since 1984 and have two children and three grandchildren. In his free time, Dr. Buckner enjoys playing disc golf and reading. He believes what makes Trinity special is the people who demonstrate care and compassion.
Erika Davis
Admissions Director
Erika Davis graduated from West Nassau High school in 1994. She first came to Trinity in 1997, where She met and married her husband Stephen. They have four children, whom they homeschooled for several years, while they traveled for the husband’s job. Erika began working in the church office in 2017 before transitioning to her current position. She is also very active in the church working in hospitality, attending small group and running her children to their various church activities.
Verlon Dorminey
Athletic Director and Football Coach
Verlon Dorminey started teaching middle school PE in 1981 at Trinity. He was the assistant coach in football and basketball and later became the head girls’ basketball coach. He left the education profession for a brief time and in 1991 he was hired as Trinity’s football coach. He has taught various subjects over the years such as business math and world history. He is currently the athletic director and football coach.
Crystal Dow
Fundraising and Development Coordinator
Crystal Dow graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Liberty University and her Juris Doctor from Liberty University School of Law. After graduation, she moved to Jacksonville and opened a general law practice with a friend. Due to an unexpected calling from God to invest in young people by way of education, Crystal stepped back from the full-time practice of law and taught Spanish and Bible at TCA until 2017, when she joined the administrative staff in her current position. She also leads a group of students and parents on a service learning project to Costa Rica each year.
Crystal is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching and playing most sports. She is the head volleyball coach at TCA, as well as, a volunteer trainer at a metcon gym that uses fitness to reach people for Christ. She also enjoys reading, traveling, and the outdoors. Crystal found hope in Christ as a teenager and is passionate about utilizing education and coaching to share Christ with, and disciple, young people to experience that same hope.
Ashley Gaines
Academic Director 10-12th grades
Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Florida State University
FACCS certified
Ashley Gaines is a Florida State University graduate. She has been a teacher at TCA since 1994 and began working closely with the Academic Guidance office in 2016. She enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and camping. Her favorite thing about working at Trinity is the passion and energy for knowing Christ and learning that she sees in both colleagues and students.
Mona Lisa Poulard-Burton
Director of After Care Programs
Mona Lisa Poulard-Burton was born in Uniondale, New York. Her family moved to Jacksonville in June of 2011. She is the proud Mom of three wonderful boys, Mekhi, Mikhail, and Malik. She enjoys reading, crafting, and cooking. She looks forward to getting to know the students and is excited about the new school year. She feels it is truly a blessing to be a part of the TCA family.
Mackenzie Mowry
Band Director
Mackenzie Mowry earned her Associate of Arts from Daytona State College and her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Florida. Before coming to Trinity, she worked as an elementary music teacher in the public school system. She completed the Orff-Schulwerk Level 1 training at FSU in July 2018. Mackenzie is excited to join the TCA team and continue her professional growth. Her goals are to create lifelong musicians and point students to God through excellent music education.
In addition to her work at TCA, Mackenzie teaches private music lessons to students of all ages. She is passionate about music and has experience performing on clarinet, oboe, flute, saxophone, and piano. Some of her hobbies include hiking, horseback riding, learning new instruments, and reading. She is married to her middle school sweetheart, Luke. They live in Jacksonville along with their two cats, Buddy and Nabisco.
Jonathan Murphy
Assistant Athletic Director/Bible Teacher/Head Baseball Coach
Jonathan Murphy taught Social Science in 7th and 12th grade for 2 years before coming to TCA as the Assistant Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach. He is also teaching Bible. He has a BBA in Economics from Jacksonville University. Jonathan has been married to his wife, Camille, since October 2013 and they have three children, Addilyn, Titus, and Joy. His favorite thing about working at Trinity is getting to work in a place where the gospel is central to everything they do.
Teri Pappas
Student Support Services Director
BA and MS from University of North Florida
Certifications: FACCS, LMHC, Registered Play Therapist
Teri Pappas is a graduate of Trinity Christian Academy and has worked in Christian education for over 30 years teaching both elementary and secondary grades. In 2001, she came to TCA to work primarily with students with learning differences. In 2011, she completed her MS in Mental Health Counseling and worked for several years as a children’s counselor in a local non-profit specializing in childhood trauma. In 2016, she spent six months training and working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder as a Registered Behavior Technician focusing on increasing the communication abilities of children with ASD. She has been married for over 30 years and has 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Teri loves to travel, and loves to learn, but nothing brings her more joy than spending time with her family.
Staff
Berta Baacke
Upper Division Academic Guidance Administrative Assistant / Records Clerk
Berta Baacke was born and raised in Jacksonville and she and her husband are both graduates of TCA as well as their three children. She has worked at Trinity Since 1987 and has been in the guidance department since 2004. She is also the accompanist for the choirs at TCA. She enjoys playing the piano and spending time with family.
Melissa Beck
Upper Division Administrative Assistant
Melissa Beck is originally from Western New York has lived in Jacksonville since 1984. She attended Trinity Baptist College where she earned her Associate of Science Degree in Office Administration. She met her husband, Dan, in the singles ministry at Trinity Baptist Church and they were married in 1990. They have three children, Brandon (2015 TCA Graduate), Jensen (2018 TCA Graduate) and Sheridan (2022 TCA Graduate). She worked in the insurance/investment field prior to starting her family. In 2006, she began working for Trinity Baptist Church in the Worship Ministry and joined the administrative staff at TCA in 2019. She loves working in the office and being able to interact and build relationships with the students. Her favorite things in life are spending time with her family, curling up with a good book or movie, travelling and exploring new places!
Karen Belk
Software Manager
Karen Belk earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Tennessee Temple University and began her teaching career at her home church in Miami, FL. She and her husband moved to Jacksonville in 1983 to teach at TCA. In 1985, Karen stepped out of teaching to be a stay at home wife and mom. She returned to work in 1995 in the Academic Guidance Offices. As TCA transitioned to more electronic record keeping, she served as the software manager, which became her full-time position in 2015. She loves spending time with her husband, her three sons and their families. Karen loves to go on Grandma Duty any time the call comes in.
Pam Bialek
Kindergarten Administrative Assistant
AA Office Administration – FSCJ
Pam Bialek has been working in the Kindergarten office since 2015. She loves spending time with her family and church family. She has seven children, two of which attend TCA. She loves the Christian Education that they receive here. Pam enjoys working for TCA because she loves the greetings that she receives from the students and teachers in the kindergarten building every morning.
Gloria Massey
Athletic Assistant
Gloria Massey was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She attended Trinity Christian Academy from K4 through high school. She was head of the Tennis program at Trinity and coached for 9 years and instrumental on helping get our tennis courts built. Gloria and her husband Marty have two children Logan and Cleat, who both are graduates of TCA. She loves to spend time with her family at their lake place in Keystone Heights and an avid FSU fan. She also loves to walk, travel, shop and a good movie.
Tina Page
Elementary Administrative Assistant
Tina Page was born in Lewiston, Maine. She moved to Jacksonville with her family in junior high and graduated from Trinity Christian Academy in 1994. She earned an associate degree from Trinity Baptist College. Tina and her husband Jonathan are members of Trinity Baptist Church. Their three children, Devon, Ethan and Hannah, are enrolled at Trinity Christian Academy. Tina spent 11 years at home raising her children before returning to work full time on Trinity’s campus. Tina enjoys reading and loves taking road trips with her family.
Joanna Seay
Upper Division Attendance
Joanna Seay has a Bachelors degree from Trinity Baptist College. She loves going to the beach and spending time with family. She has been the Upper Division Attendance Clerk for 3 years and has been at Trinity since 2016.
Jennifer Sweat
Elementary Office Assistant
Jennifer Sweat began working at Trinity Christian Academy in 2017 as a teacher’s aide in the Elementary. Jennifer and her husband, Stuart have 3 children, Lauren, Michael and Rebecca who all attend the academy. Jennifer and her family attend Old Plank Road Baptist Church where she serves in the children’s ministry. Her hobbies include cake decorating, camping, and spending time at the lake.
Sheryl Zuniga
Administrative Assistant
Pre-Kindergarten Faculty
Natasha Parham
K3 Teacher
Child Development Associate
FACCS Certified
Staff Credential certified FLDCF
Natasha Parham began working at Trinity as a K4 teacher’s aide in 2016. She began teaching in 2018. She enjoys reading and watching her children play sports. Natasha is married and has two children, Kinley & Zayne. Her favorite thing about working for Trinity is the support system Trinity has. Trinity is like a family.
Crystal McGehee
K3 Teacher
Crystal McGehee was born and raised in Jacksonville, Fl. She knew from a young age that teaching children was her passion. She has been teaching preschool in 2019. She began working at Trinity in 2021. Crystal McGehee has her Child Development Associate and (will have) her FACCS certification. In her free time Crystal McGehee likes to crochet and craft. She also loves to sing and act for activities at her church. She looks forward to making memories and becoming apart of the Trinity family.
Liz Carpenter
K4 Teacher
Liz Carpenter graduated from Trinity Baptist College in 2008 with her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She has been teaching since 2008. She enjoys spending time with her family. She has been married to her husband since 2006 and they have 2 sons.
Kristen Echols
K4 Teacher
Kristen Echols started aiding at Trinity in 2015 in the kindergarten building. Kristen has been teaching in K4 since 2019. Working with the little ones is where she finds a true fulfillment in her work. She and her husband both graduated from Trinity Christian Academy in 2008. They have been married since 2012 and have one son. Kristen counts herself truly blessed to be following God’s will for her life and to teach and lead young students here at Trinity Christian academy.
Katie Groen
K4 Teacher
Katie Groen received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida. She is certified through FACCS and the Florida Department of Education, and has her DCF Staff Credential. Katie has ten years of teaching experience with seven of those being in K4 and kindergarten. She is passionate about educating young children through hands-on, fun learning experiences in a Christ-centered, nurturing environment.
Katie is married to Nick Groen, the Lower Division Vice Principal. They have two children who attend TCA. In her free time, Katie enjoys going on family adventures, reading, drinking good coffee, and eating BBQ! She is excited for another great year at TCA.
Brooke Myers
K4 Teacher
Child Development Associate
FACCS Certified
Staff Credential Certified FLDCF
Brooke Myers was born and raised in Panama City, Florida. She has been a resident of Jacksonville since 2014. She began teaching VPK in 2007 and spent most of her summers as a young adult ministering to young children in Ireland. She enjoys being outdoors in her garden and staying active while spending time with her husband Tyler and their daughter Ashlynn.
For her, working at Trinity is an answer to her prayers. She has always enjoyed sharing the love of Christ to young ones on the mission field and now she gets the honor of doing it every day while working at Trinity.
Wendi Prater
K4 Teacher
AA from Bob Jones University in Early Childhood Ministry
FACCS certified; Staff Credential through FLDCF
Wendi Prater was born in Rochester, NY but was raised in Jacksonville, FL. She began teaching three-year olds at TCA in 1990. In 2004, the Lord opened a door and allowed her to begin teaching K-4 here at Trinity. She and her husband Wesley both enjoy the camping life. They are both graduates of the Academy and are very thankful for the values instilled in them through the Academy. She loves working with the children and watching them learn and grow.
Angela Sharp
K4 Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education
FACCS certified
Angela Sharp was born in Louisville, Kentucky and raised in Jacksonville, Florida since the age of 5. She graduated from Terry Parker high school. She earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of North Florida. Angela is FACCS certified. She has two children, Kaelin and Isaac and a foreign exchange daughter, Anna, that attends Trinity Christian Academy. Family is an important part of Angela’s life. She has been teaching at Trinity since 2017. She was blessed to work with K4 for 3 years and now she is just as happy to be working with K5. Angela loves desserts and working out at the gym.
Wendy Villa
K4 Teacher
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi
FACCS certified
Wendy Villa was raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She has been a resident of Jacksonville since 2004. Wendy started her teaching career in 2007 teaching 2nd grade and later Kindergarten for Duval County Schools. After enjoying a few years at home with her two children, she returned to teaching in 2017 teaching K-4 at TCA.
She married her husband, Carlos in 2006. Her son, Nick and daughter, Kaylyn both love attending Trinity Christian Academy. She is a huge Disney fan, loves to travel, going to concerts, the beach, and movies. Her favorite thing about teaching at Trinity Christian Academy is getting to share the love of Jesus with her students and co-workers.
Elementary Faculty (K5-3rd Grade)
Amanda Davis
K5 Teacher
Bachelors from Metropolitan State University of Colorado in Special Education and Elementary Education
FACCS certified; Staff Credential through FLDCF
Amanda Davis was born in Denver, Co. She began teaching in 2010 in special education. In 2011 the Lord presented an opportunity to teach Kindergarten. She dove into this new adventure with both feet and has loved teaching Kindergarten ever since. Amanda and her husband have been married since 2013 and have three beautiful children, whom all attend Trinity Christian. They just moved from Colorado to Jacksonville and they've enjoyed exploring and getting to know their new home state. She's so excited to be apart of the TCA team and to help students learn, explore and seek the Lord with all their hearts.
Shelley Praschan
K5 Teacher
Bachelor of Science Elementary Education– Evangel University, Springfield, Mo
M.ED. Elementary Education – Campbell University
FACCS Certified, Staff Credential FLDCF
Shelley Praschan began teaching at Trinity in 2017 after relocating to Jacksonville from Fayetteville, North Carolina. While at Trinity, she taught Elementary Music, served as a VPK assistant, and is currently teaching Kindergarten. She has worked with and taught elementary children through church ministries, public and private education over a 30-year career. She is a co-author of three books for elementary music along with the curriculum to support elementary music teachers and provide students with the ability to read and write music. Shelley and her husband Ken have four wonderful children and four grandchildren.
She enjoys reading, studying God’s Word, baking, singing and being with family. One of her favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:6,7
Catherine (Katie) Forde
K5 Teacher
Katie Forde is a native to Jacksonville and is an alumnus of Trinity Christian Academy. She also attended Trinity Baptist College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Church Ministries/Children’s Ministry. She is also FACCS certified. She is happily married to her husband, Tony, and they have four children, Addy, Annsley, Jack and Liam. Katie and her husband are heavily involved in children’s ministry at Trinity. She enjoys playing softball, family time, and Italian food.
Karen Wankel
K5 Teacher
Karen Wankel taught for 6 years in the Early Intervention program (4-year olds) in a public school in south Florida. She then taught a preschool class at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Port Charlotte, Florida for a year and a half before coming to Trinity Baptist College to finish her degree. Miss Wankel has been teaching at Trinity Christian Academy since 2004. She taught one year of first grade, 11 years of second grade, and began teaching kindergarten in 2017.
She enjoys exercising, spending time with friends and helping friends with their small children.
I love the people I work with and the supportive environment that I work in. I also enjoy working with children and seeing them grow throughout the year as they master new skills.
Beth Yerby
K5 Teacher
BS from Trinity Baptist College
Beth Yerby has been teaching at Trinity since 1984. She started teaching in 1st grade and currently teaches Kindergarten. She loves spending time with family and friends playing games and just hanging out together. Beth is married and has 4 children, two of which are married, and one grandchild. She loves teaching at Trinity because she enjoys seeing children in her class get saved each year. She also loves being able to watch the children learn to read. Her goal for them is to learn to read the Bible. An enjoyable thing for her is being able to see the children in kindergarten grow from a young age to adults as they go through the classes at Trinity.
Emily Foster
1A Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Boyce College
FACCS certified
ASCI certified
Google certified
Emily Foster joined the First-Grade teaching team at TCA in 2020. She also student taught at Christian Academy of Louisville in Kentucky. Emily enjoys working with young learners. She considers it a great pleasure to watch her students get excited about reading.
When Emily is not teaching, you might find her getting coffee with friends, going on a nature walk, and, of course, reading a good book. Emily considers it a blessing to be a part of the work going on at Trinity Christian Academy.
Joyce Hodges
1B Teacher
Joyce Hodges is from Macclenny, FL and has lived there her whole life. She and her husband, Dale have three sons, Micheal, Alan, and Dale Gene. She enjoys reading, going to the lake, beach, and spending time with her family. Prior to coming to Trinity, she worked at a private preschool. She has been at Trinity since 2018.
Donna Anderson
1C Teacher
Donna Anderson has a successful track record of teaching VPK and Elementary children for over a decade. Donna grew up in a family of educators, her inspiration to become a teacher stems from early childhood. Many of her summers was spent helping her mother pack her classroom and make preparations for the up coming school year. After spending summers and holidays with relatives that were dedicated educators. The love of teaching became her passion. Upon completing high school she actively pursued other job interest. Often reminiscing on her educational experience led her to enroll in Bethune Cookman University with a majoring in Elementary Education, graduating magna cum laude and a member of Kappa Delta PI Educators Honors Society.
After graduating Ms. Anderson joined the faculty at ABC Daycare where she taught VPK for several years. While teaching at ABC Daycare she gained much experience. She was inspired from her colleagues to utilize her degree to teach in traditional schools. Ms. Anderson moved forward with her career and was offered an opportunity to teach Kindergarten where she joined the faculty at Ephesus Jr, Academy. Ms. Anderson's track record began to grow then as a Kindergarten teacher and is still growing today where she now teaches at TCA as a first grade teacher. Throughout her many years in teaching since 2006 Donna has influenced her students to pray to God for all their struggles in life, be thankful for their blessings, stay in school, study hard, and seek higher education and make it happen. Donna has the passion for educating young minds and directing them in the right path with prayer to become future leaders for our world.
During her free time Donna enjoys going to the beach, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Whenever she gets the opportunity she also enjoys interior decorating, horseback riding and sunflower picking.
God has truly blessed her with a beautiful family of 3 teenagers, two boys, one girl, and supportive parents. Donna has kept her children in private schools since their younger years and involved in church activities. Donna believes "Training up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it". Her children are very talented they enjoy sharing their God given talents in music, singing and drama. Donna gives all the praise to God with the blessings He bestowed on her family.
Ms. Anderson's favorite saying is " Make it Happen". She applies this phrase to motivate her students, family and friends to push themselves in hard times. She believes that "We can do all things through Christ that strengthens us". Philippians 4:13.
Katie Hardy
1D Teacher
Katie Hardy is originally from Jacksonville, FL. She graduated from Trinity Baptist College with her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and has been teaching since 2013. She married her husband, Zac, in 2014, and they have two boys: Ezra and Andrew. In her free time, Katie enjoys going to the pool/beach and spending time with her family.
Melissa Greer
1E Teacher
Melissa attended West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She taught at Faith Baptist School in California for two years before moving to Jacksonville in 2009. She worked at Trinity Baptist Church five years before transferring to the academy where she has been teaching since 2017. When not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children.
Kristine Huisman
2A Teacher
BS in Foreign Missions and a BA Elementary Ed. from Trinity Baptist College
FACCS Certified
Kristine Huisman was born and raised in Oregon. She came to Trinity Baptist College in 2000. She graduated from TBC with a Bachelor degree in both Missions and Elementary Education. In 2006 Kristine began teaching second grade at TCA. She enjoys reading, crafting, and spending summers with family in the Great Northwest.
Lauren Ferguson
2C Teacher
BS in Elementary Education with ESOL endorsement from the University of South Florida
Lauren Ferguson has taught 2nd grade at TCA since 2017. Prior to teaching at Trinity, she taught 3rd grade at a Christian school in the Tampa area. She has also taught Kindergarten and 1st grade in the public-school system. She has been married to her husband, Micah, since 2003 and they have three amazing children, all of whom attend TCA. She enjoys serving in her church’s middle school ministry and speaking at girls’ events. In her free time, she loves going to the beach with her family and baking. She loves Disney World, coffee, and West Florida sunsets.
Katie Tomlin
2D Teacher
Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Trinity Baptist College
FAACS certified
Katie Tomlin was born and raised in Greenville, RI, and relocated to Jacksonville, Fl, to attend college. In 2007, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education from Trinity Baptist College. After teaching for a few years, Katie took a ten-year teaching hiatus to have and raise her three small children. She returned to the TCA classroom in 2018. She enjoys traveling, shopping, all things coffee, and spending time with her husband and children. Katie is so thankful to be a part of the wonderful family at TCA!
Erin MacLeod
2E Teacher
Ms. MacLeod has been teaching elementary for 4 years and is the proud mother of 3 beautiful daughters. She loves the TCA family and serving the Lord in the calling on her life.
Marty Ballard
3A Teacher
B.A. Degree in Elementary Education from University of North Florida
Mr. Ballard is state certified to teach Elementary Education, ESE, and Social Sciences. For the last several years he has specialized in teaching Elementary Math and Science. He is currently retired from the Florida public school system. He has been a part of TCA since 2017.
Chrislyn Durham
3B Teacher
Liberty University; Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education
Chrislyn Durham’s educational experience started in Lake City Fl, where she taught 1st grade. The Lord led her to France and Honduras for several mission trips, camp counseling, and a variety of children’s ministry activities. In her spare time, she enjoys going on outdoor adventures to parks and the beach with her two children Luke and Hannah. Being at Trinity is a blessing to Chrislyn. She can use her God given talent to teach children about Jesus and the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus.
Crystal Robinson
3C Teacher
Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Trinity Baptist College
FACCS certified
Crystal Robinson received her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Trinity Baptist College. She has been teaching third grade since 2002. Crystal is married and has one daughter named Elizabeth who is currently attending Trinity Christian Academy. Crystal loves her family and enjoys doing crafts and activities with her daughter.
Rebecca Shane
3D Teacher
Bachelor's of Science in Special Education at Georgia College & State University
FACCS certified
Miss Shane is very close to her family back in Georgia - her mother, father, older sister, twin sister, and her sisters' precious foster children. Her hobbies are cooking, listening to music, playing and watching sports, working out. She said, "God answered my prayer in moving to Jax that I would find an incredible, God-centered Christian school where I could work in a setting that combines my education degree with my ministry experience. Psalm 145:15-17".
Elementary Faculty (4th-6th Grade)
Rebecca Murphree
4A Teacher
Rebecca Murphree is a veteran teacher with her career beginning in 2003. Ms. Murphree has taught several grades as well as several subjects ranging from elementary to middle and high school. She has been a Christian since childhood and hopes that God will use her to bring others to Jesus.
Ms. Murphree is married and has two kids. She loves reading, swimming and horseback riding. She also breeds miniature schnauzers and has 4 dogs and 2 cats.
Taylor Brown
4B Teacher
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Trinity Baptist College
FACCS certified
Taylor Brown has taught 4th grade at TCA since 2017. In her spare time, she volunteers in children’s church on Sundays, loves to read, and loves spending quality time with friends and family. Her husband Jason has been the Children’s Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church since 2014. Taylor loves meeting new families and connecting them to the church.
Jordyn Schreiber
4C Teacher
Jordyn Schreiber has a BA in Elementary Education from Saint Leo University. Originally from Gainesville, she recently made a move to Jacksonville after getting married in the fall 2019. She has been teaching at TCA since 2019. Outside of the classroom she enjoys CrossFit, fishing, hunting, kayaking, and being outdoors with her husband and family.
Pam Lamb
4D Teacher
Pam Lamb has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and is FACCS certified and holds a teaching certificate from the FLDOE. She has taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades in Alabama and in Clay County, Florida.
Pam is married to a local worship pastor and they have a son and a daughter. She enjoys listening to her son play music and watching her daughter play sports. In addition, Pam really likes to travel and has a dream to visit all 50 states! She is active in her church, serving in the children's and music ministries.
Pam loves being a wife, mom, and teacher!
Melissa Warren
5A Teacher
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bob Jones University
FACCS Certified
Melissa Warren has taught at TCA since 1992. Melissa loves to run and spend time with her family. she has been married to her husband, Daniel, since 1993. He is the Executive Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church. She has four children which have graduated from or are attending TCA. She loves teaching and seeing students develop to their fullest potential.
Jessica Swinson
5B Teacher
Jessica Swinson was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She attended Trinity Christian Academy from K4 through graduation from high school. She earned her Associates Degree in nursing from FCCJ and her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Trinity Baptist College. Jessica met her husband, Tom, while attending Trinity Baptist College and they were married in 2001. They have two children, Molly and Luke. Family is an important part of Jessica’s life and that is how she spends much of her time. She also loves sweets and a good book.
Jessica Wenberg
5C Teacher
Jessica Wenberg graduated from Trinity Baptist College in 2003 with her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She began teaching at Trinity Christian Academy in 2003. She worked as a second-grade teacher for ten years. She has taught fifth grade since 2013. Jessica loves reading and spending time with her family and friends. She met her husband in college, were married in 2003, and they have two children, Lydia and Aiden.
Ashley Bielling
5D Teacher
Ashley Bielling received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University. She has taught kindergarten, third grade, and is currently teaching 5th grade. Ashley also helps lead the GROW running club at Trinity, where she educates and encourages elementary aged girls to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. She has attended Trinity Baptist Church since 2005 where she has served in both the children and youth ministries. When away from work, she enjoys running, baking, and spending time with her husband, Zeb, and daughters, Addie and Lily.
Shari Smith
6A Teacher
Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee Temple University
FACCS certified
Shari Smith is a native Floridian. She completed her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Tennessee Temple University, and has been teaching at Trinity Christian Academy since 2000. Her four children are all graduates of TCA. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends.
Wendy McKinnon
6B Teacher
Pensacola Christian College; Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education
American College of Education; Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Wendy McKinnon’s educational experience started in Pensacola, FL, where she taught 2nd grade for four years. Then she moved closer to family and taught 4th grade in the Dallas area for two years. The Lord led her to Romania where she taught missionary children for a year. Through these early years of teaching, several mission trips, camp counseling, and a variety of children’s ministries, God confirmed and blessed her desire to be an educator. In 2006, God led her to TCA, where she taught 3rd grade for eight years and served in children’s church. In 2014, she became a stay-at-home mom for five years and returned to TCA in 2019 to teach 6th grade history. She loves using her hands in creating things and loves living life with her husband and two beautiful children.
Ashley Goodman
6C Teacher
Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Trinity Baptist College
FACCS certified
Ashley Goodman attended Arkansas State University from 1985-86 and graduated from Trinity Baptist College in 2003 with a BS in Education. She began teaching at TCA in 2003. She has taught 3rdgrade and 4th grade as well. Ashley has been teaching 6th grade since 2009 and began to exclusively teach science in 2018. Her hobbies are reading science fiction novels and political biographies. She also enjoys riding her motorcycle. Ashley has been married to her high school sweetheart since 1986. She has 5 grown children and 3 grandchildren, all of whom live in Jacksonville. The thing she loves most about working at Trinity is the friendships she’s formed with her coworkers and feels at home here.
Elizabeth Shipton
6D Teacher
Beth Shipton is a graduate of Trinity Baptist college with a BS degree in Elementary Education. She has taught for 22 years in various Christian schools, including Trinity Christian Academy. Recently Beth relocated to Jacksonville, after living in Virginia for the past 14 years where she taught 6th grade History and Science. Beth is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother to 6 grandchildren. She enjoys reading, refinishing furniture, and playing with her grandchildren.
Lower Division Enhancements Faculty
Joy Schreck
Kindergarten Music Teacher
Joy Schreck is a graduate of Trinity Baptist College with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She has been the kindergarten music teacher at Trinity since 2018. One of the greatest pleasures in her life is sharing God’s gift of music with her students.
Heather McCollum
PE / Enhancements
Heather has been married since 2009 to her husband Charles. They have 3 beautiful children. They have a set of boy/girl twins and a daughter, their bonus baby! They also have a menagerie of pets, 6 to be exact. They are passionate animal lovers.
She completed her education at UNF, where she graduated in 2007. She has a Bachelors degree in Public Health with a minor in Health Education. In 2011 she also graduated from UF Health where she received a certificate as a certified X-ray technician. Her background is vast but she is most passionate about health and wellness. She has been a health educator since 2007. She has worked predominantly with adults in her career. However, in recent years she has spent a lot of time working with children from coaching sports to working with them at church. She is very passionate about the physical education of her students and showing them all their body is capable of. She believes GOD has given us a body that can achieve great things if we learn how to take care of it.
In her free time she enjoys anything outdoors. She and her family spend a lot of their free time in the mountains of Georgia and Tennessee. They love to hike and explore. They also love the beaches of Florida. They live their best life outside. She also enjoys watching sports of any kind, especially the Florida Gators.
Meagan Schlabach
Elementary Music & Chorus Teacher
Miss Meagan Schlabach is an elementary music educator from Canton, Ohio. Miss Schlabach graduated with a degree in Music Education, vocal emphasis, from Lee University in the Spring of 2021. As an educator, she is passionate about creating a classroom environment where students’ experiences are valued, and music is used to facilitate community among a diverse group of students. Miss Schlabach believes music is a gift from God, and she is so excited about sharing this gift with her students and the TCA community.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, making music and spending time with friends and family.
Tammy Tuell
STEM Enhancement Teacher
Tammy Tuell began teaching in 1998 and has had the pleasure of teaching students at many grade levels, including 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades. She is a bit of a NASA-nut and loves exploring the amazing world that God has given to us. She is excited to have the opportunity this year to teach with a problem-based learning approach in the STREAM lab.
Tammy and her husband have two children and three grandchildren. Their favorite hobbies spending time together as a family and exploring new places as they travel. Tammy feels honored to join Trinity because she loves helping learners develop 21st century skills and explore the wonder of God’s creation.
Karen Akins
Elementary Resource Teacher
Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Trinity Baptist College, Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Trinity Baptist College, Master’s degree in Psychology from American Public University
FACCS certified
Karen Akins has been teaching at TCA since 1997. Her teaching has been with the elementary, resource, and then in 2018 she began teaching ESL English and Bible to our International students. She loves using technology in the classroom and takes every opportunity to incorporate new methods of teaching and attends tech conferences to stay current on new options for our students. She has traveled to Jamaica, Trinidad, Colombia, Whales, Peru, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, England, and Austria; so, she enjoys sharing a love of other cultures with the students.
James Ivey
Technology
James Ivey was born in Ozark, Alabama and moved to Jacksonville, Florida in August 2017. He attended Trinity Baptist College and graduated in December 2020. While attending college, James worked in the TCA Extended Ed program as a grade worker for 2 1/2 years, and as the elementary’s supervisor from February 2020 through July 2021. James also serves in the children’s ministry at Trinity Baptist Church, and is thankful for a church that he can call home. He loves watching sports, especially Alabama football, and also plays them intramurally on occasion. James can’t wait to see what this year brings to TCA, and how God is going to this year to shape the lives of the students. Go Conquerors!
Junior High/High School Faculty
Sakari Alvarez
History / Government / Economics
Sakari Alvarez received her Bachelor degree from University of North Florida. She has taught in the Duval County Public School system since 2018. Sakari is married and has two children. She enjoys shopping, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Hope Belk
Spanish II / Spanish III / Bible
Bachelor's degree from Trinity Baptist College
FACCS certified
Hope Belk has taught at Trinity since 2010. She taught Elementary Spanish and PE and started teaching Spanish II and III in the high school in 2018. She likes to read and be outdoors. Her husband works for the Jacksonville sheriff’s office and she has two sons who she adores.
Tiffany Boehnlein
Art
Tiffany Boehnlein has a passion for art and an excitement for all of its possibilities. She graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in 3D Studio Arts and a Minor in Psychology. She then received her Masters in Education from Georgetown college. She has been teaching art in the classroom since 2014. Due to their love for the beach, Tiffany and her family moved to Jacksonville in 2019 from Louisville, Kentucky. Her interests include being outside, going on adventures with her family, creating, and trying new things. She has been blessed with a loving husband, two sweet kiddos, and a snuggly puppy. Tiffany finds joy in teaching as she gets to share the love of the Ultimate Creator with her students, in their making process.
Kristina Boudreau
7th/8th Comp, Admin-Community Service / Elec. Wheel Teacher
Bachelor’s degree from UNF in Health Science, Community Health minor in Exercise Science
FACCS certified
Kristi Boudreau taught Elementary PE for 10 years before joining TCA in 2016 in the Upper Division. She enjoys spending time with her family, shopping and finding great deals. She has been married to her amazing husband Brian since 1997. They have 2 wonderful children, Jared and Riley. They also have 2 other members of the family, Miracle and Spirit, husky malamute dogs. She loves being at Trinity to hopefully make a positive impact in her student lives. She wants each student to know what Christ did for them and how we should all follow His lead.
Christine Brown
English / Yearbook Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Pensacola Christian College
FACCS certified
Christine Brown is originally from Virginia and is a graduate of Pensacola Christian College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education for both English and History. She began teaching in 1996 at Trinity Christian Academy and has remained here ever since. In 2002, she married her husband and the couple have two children, Kaylee and Kasey. As an English teacher, she enjoys helping her students become better writers, readers, and speakers. She also has an incredible passion for the school yearbook, which she produces every year with the help of her wonderful editors and staff. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and her cats.
Raymond Bureau
Physical Science / Bible / Sports Journalism
Bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of North Florida, 1993
Master of Education and Distance Learning from the University of Phoenix, 2005
FACCS Certified
Columbia School of Broadcasting, 1990
Raymond Bureau began teaching in 1993. He taught many subjects at Florida State College at Jacksonville, Green Cove Springs Middle School, Clay High School, and Orange Park Christian Academy before coming to Trinity in 2004. He also taught at Trinity Baptist College from 2008-2010. He also has 4 years of professional radio experience. Raymond serves as the sports information director of Trinity Baptist College and the radio/live-stream announcer for both TCA and TBC. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports and writing for various sports Websites. Raymond’s wife Beth teaches biology and anatomy at Stanton College Preparatory School. They married in 1995, and their son Dean graduated from Trinity Christian Academy in 2018 as an honor student.
Tim Burgess
Bible Teacher
BA in Marketing Management
Masters in Theology
Tim Burgess has been in the ministry as a pastor for 26 years. His first year in the academic classroom was in 2018. He enjoys traveling the world, fishing, and spending time with his family. He has been married to his wife, Carmen, for 27 years and they have three children, Jacob, Micailah, and Stephen. Tim feels privileged to share the Good News every day with all of his students.
Megan Burns
English Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Florida
FACCS Certified
Megan Burns has taught at TCA since 2013. She was previously the junior high and senior high resource director and the 8th grade earth science teacher. She is currently teaching 8th English and Honors English. She attended TCA from kindergarten through 12th grade. She has been married to her husband, Luke since 2016. They have two children, Tucker and Caleb.
Kristen Buttrey
Environmental Science / Life Science
Kristen Buttrey earned a bachelors degree in Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida in 2018. As she coached volleyball she realized her passion for instructing and guiding young people which led her to begin teaching in 2018. She is passionate about science and helping students cultivate the same excitement for the sciences as well as the entire process of learning. Kristen has played volleyball from the 4th grade on and is excited to be a part of the volleyball coaching staff at TCA.
Tolando Cleveland
PE / Elec. Wheel Teacher
Tolando Cleveland is a native of Alabama. Immediately after high school, he started a career serving in the United States Army. After twenty years of serving our country, he retired from the military in July 2013, and soon after, began another chapter in his life by pursuing higher education full time at Trinity Baptist College. Upon graduating college in May 2019, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Church Ministries with proficiency of Assistant Pastor. Tolando Cleveland is married with six children. He enjoys volunteering as a ministerial leader at Heartland Healthcare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and mentoring juveniles at the Duval Detention Center, both are here Jacksonville. His hobbies are exercising and watching football.
Max Cordell
Band Teacher
Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Bob Jones University
Master of Music Education from the University of Georgia
Max Cordell has taught at Trinity Christian Academy for 45 years and at Athens Christian School (GA) for one year. He has a love for traveling and visiting historic places as well as playing the trombone in the church orchestra. He is married to Joan Cordell, they have 3 children, Angela, Jonathan, and Elizabeth, and 3 grandchildren. He feels that the size and scope of the Academy gives us a great opportunity to impact the community and the lives of our students in many positive ways. The growth of the students musically from beginning to advanced is always exciting to him.
Leanne Dix
Algebra II / Bible / VLL
Leanne Dix is a graduate of Trinity Christian Academy. She has a BA in Math Education from the University of North Florida. Leanne enjoys traveling, learning about other cultures, and singing.
Renee Gallazzi
Chemistry / Bible
Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Trinity Baptist College, Master’s degree in Chemistry Education from Western Governors University
FACCS certified
Renee Gallazzi is originally from Ohio. She served in the Marines where she worked on aircrafts, fired machine guns, and threw grenades. She also served as a missionary in Korea. She never had a desire to teach, but God opened and closed doors until she surrendered. She came to TCA in 2008 and she describes her first year as cruel agony. She believes teaching is her calling from God. She says, “He knew me better than I knew myself.” She has one son, Gavin. Psalms 78:37-39 reminds me of God’s love and forgiveness.
Jessica Gibson
ASL / VLL Teacher
University of N. Florida; Master of Arts in Education- Deaf Education
University of N. Florida; Bachelor of Arts in Education- Special Education
Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate
FACCS Certificate
Jessica Gibson was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, and graduated from Jones High School. She came to Jacksonville, Florida in 2006 to attend the University of North Florida where she was heavily involved with student organizations. Jessica has taught in Duval County Public Schools as a special needs and general education teacher and joined Trinity in 2018. She is married to her husband, Dwayne, and they have been gifted with a beautiful daughter. Together they serve in the youth, and marriage ministries at their church. Jessica enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and crocheting.
Ginger Harrison
10th - 12th Bible/Career Skills/Study Skills Teacher
Associate degree in Office Administration (Trinity Baptist College) and a bachelor’s degree in Education (Trinity Baptist College)
Certified: FACCS
Ginger Harrison has been at TCA since 1988 and is the mother of 3 children. She teaches 7th grade Study Skills, 8th grade Career Skills, and Elective Wheel in order to equip students with helpful life skills for a successful future. She also has the opportunity to have an impact in the lives of her students in her 10th-12th grade girls' Bible classes. During the summer months, she enjoys hiking and camping.
Monica Henry
US History / Geography / Honors World History Teacher / Elective Wheel
Monica Henry is a native of Arizona and a graduate of Arizona State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in History. She and her husband moved to Jacksonville in 2005 to serve on staff at a local church. After staying at home with her boys for ten years, Monica began her teaching career in the Duval Public School System and happily served her students for five years. She has three sons and enjoys reading, traveling and Mexican food.
Alaina Ivey
Home Ec Teacher
Alaina started teaching Family Home and Consumer Technology (Home Ec) at TCA in August of 2020, however she is no stranger to the ministry. Her husband Marc is the Worship pastor at Trinity Baptist and they have been part of the Trinity family since 2012. She has 4 boys and they have all been enrolled since moving to FL in 2012. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in FACS from Liberty University in 2001. She has a love for her students and wants them to first know and love Jesus as well as teach them life skills that they can use for the rest of their life. Her hobbies consist of everything that she teaches. She loves to cook, sew and love on people. She also enjoys participating in the worship ministry at Trinity. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family and make memories. She hopes that each student leaves her class with great memories.
Jessica Keck
Algebra I / Bible
Jessica Keck has lived in many places, but considers Minnesota home. She graduated from Bob Jones University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in English Education, a Spanish minor, and a Math minor equivalent. She began her teaching career that same year. Her immediate family is scattered across the United States and beyond, but they love visiting each other as often as possible. Besides sharing her love of learning with her students, some of her passions are reading, singing, spending time with her family and friends, and eating Chick-fil-a.
Amanda Kinder
Pre Alg./Honors Pre-Alg Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Liberty University, Master of Arts in Human Services, Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University
FACCS Certified
Amanda Kinder has been teaching at Trinity since 2008. She has taught English, Bible, Reading, Psychology, and Pre-Algebra during her tenure at TCA. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Rob, and 2 children, Brynley and Camden. She also loves anything involving the outdoors and DIY projects. Her favorite thing about Trinity is sharing her passion for God with her students and building relationships with her co-workers and TCA families.
Cynthia Lentz
US History / Honors World History Teacher / Holocaust
Cynthia Lentz has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education within the fields of history and English and has been teaching since 2002. She loves to read, travel the world and spend time outside doing anything adventurous. She has been married to Adam Lentz since 2000 and has two children, Alexa and Christopher, and a furry child named Riley (she’s the favorite). Cynthia’s favorite thing about Trinity is the people and the relationships she’s formed while working here.
Maylynn Leporacci
Jr. High Chorus / VIP
Bachelor’s degree in Music from West Coast Baptist College, Master’s Degree in Church Music from Pensacola Theological Seminary
FACCS certified
Maylynn Leporacci has been teaching music and singing at TCA since 2009. She is also involved in the Florida Vocal Association and The North Florida Chapter for the National Association for Teachers of Singing in which her students are involved in to compete and be evaluated vocally. She serves in the music ministry with her husband, Jacob Leporacci, and also teach as an adjunct music professor at Trinity Baptist College. Through music, Maylynn has been given the opportunity to enrich lives and encourage others in 48 states and 5 countries. She is also the mother of two beautiful boys: Landon and Lincoln.
Reagan Marshall
Geometry / Honors Geometry Teacher
Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education with a proficiency in Mathematics and Business
FACCS Certified
Reagan Marshall studied math at UNF before graduating at TBC with a degree in Secondary Education Mathematics. Previous to TCA, she taught Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus at First Coast Christian. She also coaches volleyball for the middle school, has coached JV, assisted varsity, and assisted the college team at TBC. She and her husband have a daughter, Zoey, and are due with a baby boy due November 2019. In her free time, she enjoys painting, Chipotle, and spending time with family.
Jonathan Norman
Bible Teacher
Bachelor’s in Education from Trinity Baptist College, Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty University, Master of Education from American College of Education
FACCS Certified
Jonathan Norman has been at TCA since 2009. He has taught several different grades and classes during his time at Trinity, and he has experience teaching English at the high school and college level. In his free time, he takes an active interest in rooting for his favorite sports’ teams. He also loves spending time with his wife, Mary, and their two sons, Aaron and Ethan.
Lauren Sherwood
English Teacher
Bachelor degree in English with a minor in Secondary Education from the University of North Florida.
FACCS certified
Google Level 1&2 Certified Educator
Lauren Houseman has worked with children since 2001. She began as a gymnastics instructor in south Florida working with elementary aged children. She was a teacher‘s aide at St. Peter’s Child Development Center working with children from ages 2-5. In college Lauren worked as a substitute teacher for Duval county. She began working for Trinity Christian Academy in 2021 as a long term substitute for the upper division. She loves spending time with family, baking, knitting, reading and Disney. She and her husband have three children that all attend the academy; Amelia, Gunner, and Lennox.
Leah Smith
PE Teacher
She is a Health and Wellness major from Gardner-Webb University, where she ran Track and Field and Cross Country from 2009-2013. Following graduation from college she returned to Trinity, her alma mater, to teach PE and coach Cross Country and Track.
She has been married since 2016 to husband, Hudson and has a son, Grayson. Her hobbies including running, playing soccer, working out and enjoying all the family time at the beach and pool.
Casey Stephens
Student Support Services Teacher
Casey graduated from the University of North Florida in 2005 with her degree in education, specializing in Special Education, with an endorsement in English for speakers of other languages. Since then, she has taught in every grade, K-12 in some capacity, as well as homeschooled her own children for 4 years. She has had the privilege of teaching in a variety of settings as she followed her husband in the ministry to Georgia, Kentucky and now back to Florida. Casey and her husband, David have four children; Callie, Reagan, Candler and Cadence. She loves music, reading, and spending time with family.
Ryan Scott
English
Ryan is a Jacksonville native that attended Trinity Christian Academy from Kindergarten to high school graduation. He graduated from Trinity Baptist College in 2021 with a degree in English/Social Studies in Secondary Education. In his free time, Ryan enjoys playing guitar and banjo, researching coffee brewing techniques, and spending time with his wife Capri and dog Gryffin.
Kimberly Shank
Physics / CR Math / PreCal / Bible / VLL
Kim has a bachelor’s degree in physics from Jacksonville University, a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a master's degree in environmental engineering from the University of Florida. She has been teaching physics and math since 2004. Before beginning a full-time teaching career, she completed 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy's Civil Engineer Corps.
Sarah Vorpahl
7th Math/Bible Teacher
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from TBC
FACCS certified
Sarah Vorpahl was born in Germany and later grew up in Portland, Oregon. She moved to Florida in 2001. She loves traveling and has been to many different states and countries. She has been teaching at Trinity Christian Academy since 2006. she taught in the elementary school for 11 years and has been in the junior high teaching Math and Bible since 2017. Sarah and her husband have been married since 2008, and have three wonderful sons. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Teaching and inspiring students to learn and grow is also one of her passions.
David Wenberg
7th Civics/Bible Teacher
Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education from Trinity Baptist College
FACCS and ACSI certified
David Wenberg is originally from California and has been a member of the United States Air Force for over 30 years. He spent three years teaching science at University Christian School of Jacksonville and is currently teaching Civics and Bible here at Trinity. David has been married for fifteen years to his wife, Jessica, and they have two children Lydia and Aiden. He is a certified scuba diver, enjoys sports, and travelling the world experiencing different cultures and seeing historical sights.
Getachew Wendim
AP Calculus Teacher
Bachelor’s degree in statistics/mathematics from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Master’s degree in economics from the Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna Austria; Master’s degree in transformational leadership and change from Greenwich University, London, UK; Master’s degree in math from Jacksonville University.
Getachew Wendim has been at TCA since 2013 teaching math at all levels - Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, Probability & Statistics, and Calculus. He also teaches at Jacksonville University and Florida State College at Jacksonville. Before coming to the United States, he worked in a government office in Ethiopia starting from an expert level to a higher official level, and as well taught quantitative courses as a part-time lecturer for four years in Addis Ababa University.
Cliff Willis
8th PE/Bible Teacher
Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies - Major in Physical Education and Minor in Bible
FACCS Certified
Cliff Willis has been part of the Trinity team since 2010. Prior to starting at TCA, he spent 21 years as a manager in the automotive industry. He has been married to his wife, Jill since 1982. They have been blessed with 3 wonderful daughters, Rachel, April, and Ariel. April and Ariel both graduated from Trinity. They also have 3 grandchildren, Emma, Abbie, and Parker. Cliff is the Boys JV head basketball coach and the assistant head coach for the Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team. He is also the designated chaperone for all senior trips. Originally from Chicago, he is a huge Bulls, Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks fan. His hobbies include fishing and lots of it.