Upper Division Faculty
Amber de Armas
Girls PE/HOPE
BS in Kinesiology
MS in Curriculum & Instruction
FL Educator
Amber spent six years working at a Christian school in the Dominican Republic, an experience that shaped her love for people, learning, and building meaningful relationships. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the beach, scuba diving, and making art. She is passionate about physical education and supporting the growth and development of the whole child through movement. She strives to help students build confidence, healthy habits, and a lifelong appreciation for physical activity. Her favorite part of teaching is the opportunity to mentor and encourage her students every day.
Hope Belk
Spanish II / Spanish III
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.
Kristina Boudreau
Weightlifting/VLL/Academic Enhancement
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.
Tiffany Britt
MS Computer
BA in Business Management and a MA in Communications
Tiffany is a mother to beautiful little girl. She enjoys family time, traveling, going to the beach, reading and collecting books. She is also currently studying for her Educational Doctorate degree in educational leadership. Tiffany is passionate about seeing her students succeed and excel to their fullest potential. It brings her joy to see her students get excited to learn about Technology and Computer Programming. She has always found joy in serving and helping others. Deciding to combine her passion with her calling was an easy and fulfilling decision for her to make.
Christine Brown
English / Yearbook
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 9, Physical Science Honors 8
BA Ed, M.ED
ACSI
FACCS
Raymond started teaching in 1993 and came to Trinity in 2004. In addition, he is the play-by-play announcer for TCA Conquerors and Trinity Baptist College Eagles Athletics. He has also broadcast for the University of North Florida and made several appearances on ESPN+. Raymond married in 1995; his wife (Beth) teaches biology and anatomy at Stanton College Prep. Their son (Dean) is a TCA and UNF graduate who now works as an accountant for Fidelity National Financial. Raymond enjoys seeing his students succeed in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and everywhere else they engage -- especially in ministry. He feels he is where God has placed him.
Tim Burgess
Bible
BA in Marketing Management
Masters in Theology
ACSI
FACCS
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.
Jada Covington
8th US History
BA
ACSI
FL Educator
Mrs. Covington is a disciple of Christ, married with twins. She is enjoys diving deeper in her Bible, spending time with her physical and spiritual family. Mrs. Covington studied political science and nonprofit in college, but she felt led by God to work in education. She wants to make a difference in others’ lives, just as other have made a difference in hers.
Rachel deQuina
World History
BA Ed, M.ED
FL Educator
Rachel's favorite pastime is spending time with her husband and two children. She also enjoys traveling, reading, and listening to music. Rachel has found her experiences in the classroom to be very rewarding; she loves building relationships with all her students, and she aims to support all learning styles.
Marie Eddy-Giresi
Biology, Anatomy & Physiology
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Master of Science in TESOL
Florida Certified in Biology/College Board certification in AP Biology
Marie Giresi is an experienced science educator with more than 28 years of teaching experience in secondary education. She recently relocated to Jacksonville from south Florida, where she worked at a private Christian school teaching a variety of science courses including AP Biology, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, Honors Biology, Marine Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science. Throughout her career, Mrs. Giresi has been dedicated to fostering scientific curiosity through hands-on laboratory experiences, engaging instruction, and real-world applications. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is actively involved in volunteer service through youth sports, church education, and community organizations. You can often find her cheering on her students in their many extracurricular activities after school!
Danny English
Admin Maker Space/Digital Design
Danny English has been a baseball coach at Trinity since 2011. It while coaching he discovered his passion for leading and instructing. He graduated from Trinity Baptist College in 2016 with a degree in Secondary Education. Upon graduating, he took over the computer program at TCA and has been involved in numerous projects to grow and integrate technology throughout Trinity's campus. He is responsible for the upkeep of the Makerspace and Technology room, which aim to provide extra resources for teachers and students. One hobby he enjoys is 3D printing, which you can see displayed on the shelves if you ever visit his room. His favorite memory at Trinity is winning the first ever State Championship for baseball in 2015.
Jeremiah Espersen
11th Grade Bible
Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education- English and Physical Education
FACCS certified
Jeremiah Espersen is a retired U.S. Army veteran of 21 years. He is blessed with a beautiful wife and three amazing children. Jeremiah enjoys spending time with the Lord, having fun with family, going to the gym, the range, and trying new foods/restaurants. Jeremiah believes teaching students a Christ centered curriculum is critical to the foundation of their character, equips students with academic skills infused with biblical principles to conquer future challenges, and prepares students for God's calling in their lives.
Randy Everist
Bible
B.S. Church Ministries, Trinity College of Jacksonville
M.A.R. Biblical Studies, Liberty University
M.A. Philosophy of Religion, Southeastern Baptist
Randy has been married to Jodi since 2009 and they have two boys. He enjoys talking to them about loving God and others, as well as theology. Randy loves Carolina Hurricanes hockey, and thinks about arguments for God, what would have happened in various scenarios, and other things that probably got Socrates killed. He loves to see when students are able to make biblical and theological connections to every area of life (including academic areas). His mission is to help students follow Jesus Christ, and to love God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Jessica Fouraker
7th Bible
BA Ed
ACSI
Jessica Fouraker was raised in South Georgia. She attended Trinity Baptist College and in 2008 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. While being a stay-at-home mom for 13 years, she felt led to use this degree to homeschool her 3 children through the early stages of their education. In January 2023, God called her family back to Jacksonville. He opened the door for her children to attend TCA in August 2023. She is excited that the Lord has led her back to Trinity to be a part of this wonderful ministry. Jessica's desire is to equip the students that God brings her way to pursue a love for God in knowing Him and making Him known.
Amanda Hayes
Algebra 1
Master's degree in Education
ACSI certified
FL Educator
Amanda moved to the Jacksonville area in 2023. Amanda has 1 daughter and together they enjoy reading, going to the beach, baking brownies, spending time with family, having dance parties, and playing tourist in their current city (recommendations appreciated!). Amanda attends and serves the church of Eleven 22 with her family. Amanda is passionate about loving and serving families. If you see Amanda out and about, make sure to say "Hi", teachers exist outside of the classroom too! Amanda is excited to incorporate spiritual development and academic excellence into her classroom as a part of the TCA family. She is thankful for the opportunity to witness and cultivate the growth of young minds in their pursuit of Christ and learning. As a teacher, Amanda desires to come alongside students and families to support current and future success.
Lance Hetz
8th Bible
ACSI
Lauren Houseman
English
BA Ed
ACSI
FACCS
Lauren has worked with children of all ages since 2001 as a gymnastics instructor, preschool teacher’s aide, nanny, and substitute teacher. She joined the TCA family in 2021. She loves spending time with family, reading, baking, knitting, and going to theme parks. She and her husband have five children that all attend the academy. Lauren has a passion for teaching literature, critical thinking, and grammar. She prays that she is able to create visible and real change in the lives of all students in her classroom, be it cognitive, social, or personal, and to help grow their relationship with God.
Alaina Ivey
Home Economics
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.
Haley Joiner
Geometry
BA Ed
ACSI
FACCS
FL Educator
Haley is a dedicated math teacher who has been teaching since 2018. She holds a BA in Mathematics and is passionate about instilling a love for numbers in her students. Outside of the classroom, Haley leads a fulfilling life as a wife to her husband since 2018 and a proud mother to her son, born in March of 2024. In her free time, she enjoys indulging in her love for reading, savoring a good cup of coffee, and exploring the outdoors with her family. Haley's passion for teaching radiates through her dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. She finds joy in creating engaging lesson plans and witnessing the "aha" moments when her students grasp challenging concepts.
Erika Judd
Govt/Economics
Bachelors in Education
FACCS Certified
Mrs. Judd is an alumnus of TCA; she started teaching at Trinity in 2010 and has previously taught college courses in Office Administration. She is married to Gary and has three boys, who graduated from TCA. Mrs. Judd loves building relationships with students and seeing them grow spiritually, personally, and educationally. She loves being involved in student life, such as student government and extracurricular activities.
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
Certificate of CCM Vocal Pedagogy from Shenandoah University
FACCS certified
ACSI certified
Maylynn Leporacci has been teaching music and singing at TCA since 2009 and chorus since 2021. She is also involved in the Florida Vocal Association and The Florida Federation of Music Schools 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 three beautiful boys: Landon, Lincoln, and Lawson.
Shannon Lusk
English
BA Ed, M. ED
ACSI, FACCS, FL Educator
Shannon spends the majority of her time with her family, usually at a ball field or gym of some sort and loves cheering for her kids in whatever they are doing and playing. She also enjoys being near or on the water with her family, at the beach, pool, or on the boat. She finds joy in serving at church, alongside her husband, in children’s ministry. Shannon loves being a teacher and seeing her students problem solve, synthesize, and become autonomous learners. She enjoys sharing the love of Jesus with her students through all forms of literature, poetry, and nonfiction.
Jason Lynch
9th Grade Bible
BA Ed
ACSI Certified
Jason has served as a student pastor for 16 years and during that time has enjoyed helping students develop their relationship with Jesus. He believes that every student has a story to tell with their life. Why not help them tell a good one? He desires for his classroom to be a space where they can explore their faith, ask questions and develop a deep relationship with God. Jason believes when students lean into the gospel and obey it, they are priming themselves to become the best version of themselves. His passion is to help students get to the feet of Jesus and then surrender their life to him.
Stacey Miller
Algebra II
BA Ed, M.ED, B.A in Secondary Math Education from UNF and A.S. in Physical Therapy
ACSI
Stacey has been married to her husband Wesley since 2012 and has two wonderful children Aaron and Abigail. She loves to go to a family lake place and go on adventures with her family. She also enjoys sports and working out. God has gifted Stacey in mercy, exhortation, and teaching. She loves when she can use her gifts to glorify God. She looks forward to encouraging students to trust God's plans and go wherever He leads.
Jonathan Norman
Bible
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.
Morgan Onkst
7th Math and Finance
FACCS
Justin Rigdon
AP Seminar/English
Bachelor’s of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from University of North Florida
Bachelor’s of Science in Communication from University of North Florida
Master’s in Education Leadership from Trinity College at Jacksonville (in progress)
FL Certified Educator
ASCI Certified
Justin is a Jacksonville native, U.S. Air Force veteran, and former wildland firefighter. He has served as an English teacher and dean of students in both secular and Christian schools since 2018, focusing on mentoring and discipling young leaders while shaping students’ lives through a relationship with Christ. Justin married his wife, Melissa, in 2001 and they have two sons. He enjoys playing the guitar, running, and training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with his oldest son.
Katie Sarge
7th-8th Grade Pre-Algebra
Bachelor's degree in Education
FACCS certified
Mrs. Sarge married her husband, Joshua, in 2016. In 2020, they moved to Jacksonville from Columbus, Ohio. Since moving to Jacksonville Katie and her husband have welcomed two boys, Joshua and Leo, into the world. You can catch Mrs. Sarge taking her boys for walks, playing disc golf with her husband, singing, or doing some recreational photography. Mrs. Sarge has a passion for teaching children of all ages but has been drawn to middle school above all. Mrs. Sarge joined the Trinity team in August of 2022 and is looking forward to teaching your child to love both Jesus and Math!
Deborah Scales
Visual Art
Bachelor's degree in Education
Deborah Scales is an international art educator and professional artist. She and her son have traveled extensively in the South Pacific region, Peru, and the Caribbean. Deborah enjoys swimming, snorkeling and the beach. Deborah's passion for Arts Integration in Christian Education inspires her to teach her students how to utilize their creativity to enhance learning. She loves teaching her students to express Biblical concept and principles in the designing and process of their artmaking.
Ryan Scott
8th English
BA Ed
ACSI
FACCS certified
Ryan Scott graduated from Trinity Baptist College in 2021 with a degree in English/Social Studies in Secondary Education. He has taught English at Trinity Christian Academy since 2021. In his free time, Ryan enjoys playing guitar and bass at church, playing disc golf, reading British literature (Agatha Christie, J.R.R. Tolkien, Arthur Conan Doyle), and spending time with his wife Capri and dog Gryffin. Ryan looks forward to teaching every day because he genuinely loves interacting and leading students in their educational and spiritual lives. He believes English and History are major foundations of Christian education, as the Bible is God-breathed literature and history that instructs humanity of His plan for our lives.
Lauren Sherwood
English/SAT Prep/ACT Prep
Bachelors of Science in Business Management from Nova Southeastern University
Masters in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University (course work)
FACCS certification in Elementary Education
Florida Department of Education Business Education (6-12) and Middle Grades Integrated Certifications
Mrs. Sherwood has been working for TCA since 2016. She began teaching 4th grade in the Academy in 2018 and previously worked in the Nursery. Mrs. Sherwood taught in Duval County for 4 years. She has taught 6-8 grade Language Arts and 9-12 Career Technical Education classes. She is married and has 4 children. Mrs. Sherwood’s four children attend TCA and have done so since the nursery or Pre-K4. In her spare time, Mrs. Sherwood enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading and gardening.
Elizabeth Shipton
6th Grade
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.
Shari Smith
6th Grade
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.
Tyler Sowers
ESOL English & Dual Enrollment
Bachelor's degree in English (Minor: History)
Master's degree in English
FL Educator
Tyler spends most of his time with his wife and three children. He loves books, music, movies, and whatever his kids are doing. Tyler believes that education is the most important part of society. He loves discussing and discovering significant books and ideas with students, helping them understand our world better.
Casey Stephens
Student Support Services
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.
Emily Stomps
Chemistry
Chemistry / Honors Chemistry
BA in Secondar Science Education
FL Educator, FL Educator Certified in Chemistry
Besides teaching many different science subjects at both the middle and high school levels, Emily has also served as a Natural Sciences Lab Manager at both Jacksonville University and Florida State College at Jacksonville. Married since 1996 and a proud mother of two adult children, she balances her professional life with a deep love of reading and staying current with new scientific discoveries. In 2005, Emily discovered a particular enthusiasm and talent for teaching chemistry, which has since become her specialty. She is especially passionate about teaching science through a biblical worldview, helping students explore the natural world while grounding their understanding in faith.
Jessica Swinson
6th Grade
Bachelors in Education
ACSI and FACCS Certified
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.
Philip Walker
7th Science
BA Ed, M.ED
FL Educator
Philip Walker is a veteran of the United States Air Force and graduate of Florida State University (B.S. Biology Education) and Grand Canyon University (M.Ed. Leadership). He is a proud husband of 27 years, with 3 three children, and 5 grandchildren. After 10-years in a traditional public school classroom, Mr. Walker was appointed as Flight Director of the Challenger Learning Center for 22 years. He is passionate about inspiring young minds in S.T.E.M disciplines, as well as discovering and pursuing their God-given purpose in Christ.
David Wenberg
7th Civics
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.
Jessica Wenberg
6th History
6th Grade History
BS in Education
ACSI
Jessica Wenberg grew up in Mississippi and moved to Jacksonville in 2000 to attend Trinity Baptist College. She married her husband in 2003 and together they have two children. She enjoys reading, puzzles, and spending time with her family. Teaching has always been a passion for Jessica. She finds great joy in guiding students toward those ‘aha’ moments when a new concept clicks and understanding takes root.
Getachew Wendim
AP Calculus
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.
Wayne Williams
History
ACSI
FL Educator
Diana Williams
Spanish I
ACSI
Cliff Willis
PE/HOPE
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.
Rebekah Wilson
Drama
Bachelors in Education
ACSI Certified
Rebekah Wilson was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida where she attended Trinity Christian Academy. After graduating high school, Rebekah attended Word of Life Bible Institute’s one-year Bible program before making her way to the University of Central Florida. During her time at UCF, Rebekah started taking film acting classes at a local acting studio and decided to transfer to Trinity Baptist College to pursue a degree in fine arts where she eventually graduated with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with components in Speech, Theatre, and Music. During these college years, Rebekah found a love for working with students, becoming a substitute teacher at the Academy as well as a soccer, track, and drama coach. At the end of 2019, Rebekah moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career. It was during that time In Los Angeles she got the opportunity to work at a number of big production studios before the Covid shutdown in 2020 brought her back to Jacksonville. She has since worked as a Youth Director at a local church and become heavily involved in the local film community. Rebekah believes theatre, media, music, and film are great tools that can be used to minister and inspire today’s youth, and she greatly enjoys getting to teach and create art that helps do that.