Education: Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication, Northern Kentucky University

A native of the Cincinnati / Dayton Ohio area, Erin served the 2023/24 school year as the 6th Grade Earth Science Teacher. Her path to SFCA is not a traditional one, as she spent her first 30 years working her way up from part-time receptionist to President and majority owner of NextStep Networking, a successful technology company in Cincinnati. She has always housed the heart of a teacher and that showed in how she cared for her staff. Seen as more of a Coach than a Manager, she developed strong relationships and built into her staff, the same way she does today at SFCA. Erin, along with her husband, Randy, are former foster parents and have one amazing daughter.

Education: Associate in Arts, Edison Community College; Bachelor of Science in Biology, Liberty University.

Mr. Asfour is a Fort Myers native and was raised at McGregor Baptist Church. Since early childhood, he has had a passion for wildlife and science. As a child, he attended summer science camps at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium down the road from SFCA. In his junior and senior years of high school, he was selected to be a part of the Lee County Environmental Education Monday Group program. While working on an AA degree at Edison Community College (now FSW), he attended a Biological Oceanography summer course at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Before attending Liberty University, Mr. Asfour completed an online creation science apologetics course from Answers in Genesis Ministries. After receiving his biology degree from Liberty University in 2010, Mr. Asfour attended graduate school at Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center. In April of 2024, Mr. Asfour also completed a 10-month course through the Colson Center to become a Colson Fellow.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Language Arts, Cedarville University

Kristin Baker is a native of Indiana, having moved to Fort Myers, Florida, and beginning at SFCA after graduating college in the summer of 2006. She teaches the upper level English classes and also serves as an athletic assistant. She is heavily involved in the children’s ministry at RIverside Church, serving as a service leader and children’s worship leader. She is married to Matt and has one step-daughter.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Salisbury University; Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction-Leadership, Concordia University Originally from Maryland, Jessica worked as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher for Baltimore City Public Schools for the first 5 years of her teaching career. After moving to Florida, she then began working for Lee County Public Schools as an instructional coach and teacher. She started teaching at SFCA in 2023.

Education: Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Finance from Florida Sothern College. MBA with a concentration in Public Administration.

Education: Bachelor of Education, Florida Gulf Coast University.

Born and raised in Southwest Florida, Alison is a K-12 SFCA alumni. Alison served as one of our 4th grade teachers in years past but is currently one of our Elementary Assistant Principals. Prior to SFCA, she taught at a local public school for 5 years before following God’s calling of bringing her back home to SFCA. She is an active member at McGregor Baptist Church with her husband, Joel, and three adorable boys Abel (3rd Grade), Malachi (Kindergarten), and Ezekiel (2 years).

Shelby earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and brings a diverse healthcare background to SFCA. She proudly served as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy before becoming a registered nurse. Her most recent nursing experience includes the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Golisano Children’s Hospital and workers’ compensation triage.

Shelby and her husband, Troy, have three daughters who attend SFCA, making it a joy to serve the school community both as a nurse and a parent. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially enjoying outdoor activities and cooking. They attend McGregor Baptist Church, where she also serves on the church’s medical team.

Lacey Brown has a Bachelor of Elementary Education K-6. She graduated from FGCU. Mrs. Brown taught 2nd and 3rd grade for five years at Cape Coral Charter School. She also taught one year of VPK at The Learning Cove. She has been a substitute teacher at The Learning Cove and SFCA for several years. Mrs. Brown is excited to now be a first grade teacher at SFCA! Lacey has lived in the Cape Coral/Fort Myers area for the majority of her life. She has a loving husband, and together they have three children, who also go to SFCA. One of Lacey’s hobbies is making fun, decorative sugar cookies! She created a business called Three Little Cookies and created fabulous cookies for all occasions for about seven years!

Camille Burton is the 6th Grade Earth and Space Science teacher at Southwest Florida Christian Academy. She is passionate about inspiring students to explore God’s creation through scientific discovery while fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning.

Before joining SFCA, Camille worked in the technology and digital media industry, where she specialized in social media strategy, digital communications, and educational content development. She also served as an online instructor and has taught Sunday school, experiences that strengthened her passion for helping students learn and grow in both knowledge and character.

Camille enjoys creating engaging, hands-on STEM experiences that make science meaningful and memorable. She is especially fascinated by Earth and space science and loves helping students see the order, beauty, and complexity of God’s world. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and continuing to learn about science, technology, and education.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in French, Virginia Commonwealth University; Master of Arts in Education, Union Institute & University; Professional Teaching License PreK-12 French and Middle School English, Mary Baldwin College

A Virginia native who has lived in Fort Myers for 5 years, this is Campbell’s first year teaching at SFCA. She was a Substitute Teacher last year and felt a strong desire to be part of the amazing faculty at SFCA full time. She has taught in Virginia and North Carolina in private and public schools for a total of 6 years, and has lots of experience as a tutor and Substitute Teacher. She and her husband, Doug, have one daughter.

Education: Associate Degree in Early Childhood; Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction.

Mrs. Coburn is originally from West Virginia, which is where her education journey began. This is her 9th year of teaching in Elementary (3rd at SFCA), with more than 20 years in Preschool. She has taught in the District of Lee County as well as a private school within the state of Florida. She has 2 boys that live with their families in West Virginia, and 7 grandbabies. She is also a foster parent and has a little boy that is in 1st grade at SFCA.

Education: Bachelor of Science with a double major in Marketing and International Business from Florida Atlantic University

As the Marketing and Event Coordinator, Coggins strives to get the word out about the amazing programs, possibilities, and Christ-centered activities that exist at SFCA. She also teaches high school yearbook where she uses her passion to see students learn and her love for photography to capture the moments that make up each school year. Before being called to SFCA, Coggins worked in full time ministry with The Salvation Army in Fort Myers. She served as their Community Relations and Fundraising Manager and led Disaster Services teams all over the Southeastern United States. One of her biggest honors was being asked to serve at Ground Zero right after the attacks on 9/11. She and her husband, Greg, have four children, two daughters in law, the best dog in the world, a fluffy cat, and a fish that can survive anything.

Kelly Coser is a Florida native and has called Fort Myers home for the past 13 years. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in Microbiology in 2015 from Florida Gulf Coast University. After graduating she started teaching Chemistry in Lee County Public Schools. After several years teaching multiple science and math classes, in 2021, God called her family to Southwest Florida Christian Academy. At SFCA, she has taught Geometry, Physical Science, Physics, and Forensic Science. She and her husband, Michael, have 2 kids, who are both students at SFCA.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education University of Central Florida

Heather Cox is a dedicated kindergarten teacher with over 12 years of experience in education, primarily working within Christian schools and various school districts. Passionate about nurturing young minds, Heather has created engaging and supportive learning environments for her students, helping them develop a love for learning.

Outside the classroom, Heather is a devoted family member. She and her husband have two boys who attend SFCA and the preschool, where she enjoys being actively involved in their education and extracurricular activities. Heather’s commitment to both her students and her family exemplifies her belief in the importance of community and education in shaping the future.

Education: Bachelor of Elementary Education, Master of Reading Education K-12, ESOL endorsement, Florida Gulf Coast University

Mrs. Davis is a Florida native born and raised in Sarasota. She then attended Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She then began her teaching career in a public school while working on her master’s degree in Reading Education. She graduated with her master’s degree in 2013 and taught for a total of 7 years in the public school, teaching grades 3 and 4. In 2017, she began her 8th year of teaching at Southwest Florida Christian Academy. While teaching at SFCA she has taught 1st, 2nd and is currently the STEM teacher for grades K-5.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Family, Child, and Consumer Sciences, Florida State University; Master of Arts in Teaching, East Tennessee State University.

From an early age, Mrs. Davis has had a heart to teach young children and serve the Lord. Upon graduating from Florida State University with a Child Development degree, she and her husband moved to Tennessee to become home missionaries and pioneer the college ministry group, Chi Alpha, at East Tennessee State University. They were campus pastors for 9 years. While at ETSU, Mrs. Davis obtained her master’s degree in Elementary Education while working in a child development program and assisting her husband with the ministry. Upon returning to Florida in 2013, she pursued her career in Christian education. Mrs. Davis then joined the SFCA family in 2022 as a 3rd grade teacher. She and her husband, Chris, have 2 children, both of whom attend SFCA.

Dr. Barry Denton is a 6th Grade World History teacher who is passionate about helping students discover how the past shapes the world they live in today. He is committed to creating a classroom where students feel challenged, supported, and excited to learn through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and meaningful discussions.

Dr. Denton holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Police Administration, a Master of Science in Emergency Management, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and is about to complete a third Master of Arts degree in American History. In addition to teaching middle school, he serves as a college professor, teaching courses in criminal justice, history, emergency management, and leadership at FGCU and the University of Louisville. Before entering education full-time, Dr. Denton retired from a career in law enforcement, bringing valuable real-world experience into the classroom. He looks forward to partnering with families to help every student grow academically, develop strong character, and build a lifelong appreciation for learning and history.

Amanda Doerr was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida. She attended SFCA from preschool through 12th grade and then returned to SFCA as a teacher in 2021. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida, and a master’s degree in Instructional Design & Educational Technology from Florida Gulf Coast University. She was a 4th grade teacher for four years before taking over the school library in 2025, where she now teaches the Innovation & Investigation Lab elementary specials class. She also serves as SFCA’s first ever Technology Integration Specialist, supporting teachers with incorporating classroom technology to enhance the learning environment. Amanda loves all things creative and enjoys teaching herself new skills, such as crocheting, painting, and sewing.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Florida SouthWestern State College

Jessica is a Fort Myers native who started out her college career as a nursing major at Florida Southwestern State College. Along the way God made it clear to her that education was her true calling. After much prayer and asking God why it was taking so long, she finally graduated in May 2019 with her degree in elementary education. She started her career in the Lee County School District teaching 3rd grade and taught there for four years before God led her to SFCA for the 2023-2024 school year.

With over 25 years in education, Mr. Duncan brings a wealth of experience from both public and private school settings. He has taught kindergarten, as well as 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th grades, and he currently serves as the Middle School Principal at Southwest Florida Christian Academy—a role he considers a true honor. During the 2021–2022 school year, he was recognized as Master Teacher among secondary school educators.

Mr. Duncan and his wife have been happily married for nearly 30 years and are the proud parents of three children. They are active members of McGregor Baptist Church, where Mr. Duncan also serves in the deacon ministry.

Michelle Edwards is a third-grade teacher with more than 11 years of teaching experience. For the past seven years, she has taught third and fourth grades. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Hunter College, part of the City University of New York, and is currently pursuing dual master’s degrees in elementary education and special education.

Mrs. Edwards especially enjoys the curiosity of third graders and the unique stage when they still depend on their teacher while beginning to develop greater independence. She believes it is important to provide students with a strong educational foundation while teaching them to persevere, grow in confidence, and recognize their God-given abilities.

Mrs. Edwards has been married for 16 years and has two sons who attend SFCA. Her husband served as a pastor for 14 years, and their family enjoys serving together at McGregor Baptist Church. She considers it a privilege to partner with families while helping students grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business, Hodges University; Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, Community College of the Air Force

Deputy Dave Ehlers is a School Resource Officer, assigned to the Youth Services Division, with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Originally from Manchester, NH, Dave moved to Cape Coral, Florida after high school with his family in 1996. Dave enlisted in the United States Air Force, and after completing four years of law enforcement in the Air Force, Dave was honorably discharged, and pursued a career in law enforcement here in Lee County. Dave has more than 20 years of local law enforcement experience, ranging from Road Patrol, Field Training Officer, and Criminal Investigations Division. Dave’s two children have also attended Southwest Florida Christian Academy for several years.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences; Minor in Business, Liberty University

Lindsey has been serving in kindergarten since 2019 and feels so blessed to be apart of the kindergarten team and the SFCA family. She was born and raised in Southwest Florida. She met her husband, Christian, at Liberty University, and they graduated and were married in May of 2003. After moving back to the area, Lindsey went to work managing her family’s Hallmark business and then later raising their two sweet girls. Lindsey is first and foremost a wife and mom and says her family is her greatest joy. She had a stirring and a passion in her heart for a Christian education for her girls and a new direction for herself, and in the Summer of 2019, the Lord answered her prayers with an opening for a kindergarten teaching assistant. She has been joyfully serving alongside her teaching partner Rachel Norton ever since. Her daughters, Adelyn and Allie are currently in High School and Middle School here at SFCA.

Daryl was raised on a farm in Wisconsin. He attended Tennessee Temple University, Cedarville University, and Clearwater Christian College. He received a bachelors degree in Secondary Education, Math Proficiency, from Clearwater. A Masters in Education was added from American College of Education. He taught 2 years in Springfield, Ohio; 12 years in St. Petersburg, Florida; and began teaching at SFCA in 1997. He was one of the 3 members of the accreditation committee that guided the school to its original full accreditation in 2000, the year of the first graduating class.

Abby was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida, and graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor’s in Integrated Studies with a Minor in Elementary Education. She previously worked in the Lee County School District in the Exceptional Student Education department. Mrs. Francis got married in January of 2022 and has a yellow lab named Oakley!

Originally from Queens, New York, she moved to Florida when she was eleven years old and graduated from Fort Myers High School. At the age of nineteen, she married and immediately began building her family, raising four children with a strong foundation in Christ. Coming from a family of pastors, she received thorough training in God’s Word and teaching principles through her church. Under her pastor’s guidance, she completed courses on “Old and New Testament Surveys of the Bible.” For over 25 years, she has faithfully taught Sunday school to students of all ages. As part of her role, she also developed teacher curricula. Beyond Sundays, she led women’s Bible study groups and facilitated Wednesday night Bible studies. Her commitment to spiritual leadership extends to her tenure as an Elder at her church—a role she has held for over 10 years. In 2016, she joined MELA as a substitute teacher, working with students of various age groups. Eventually, she transitioned to a full-time teaching position, nurturing infants and later guiding two-year-old’s. Her journey reflects a beautiful blend of faith, education, and service.

Education: AA, Manatee Community College; Certificates in Children’s Ministry, Family Ministry, and Pastoral Care through Engage Program/Bethel Seminary. Candace is a Florida native and a proud alumna of Sarasota High School. Before joining the staff at SFCA in July 2024, she served as the full-time Preschool Ministry Director at McGregor Baptist Church. In addition, she actively volunteered with SFCA, coordinating sports concessions as a member of the SFCA Athletic Association Board. Candace and her husband, James, are the proud parents of two sons.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Evangel University | Certifications and Endorsements: Professional Prekindergarten/Primary Education Age 3-Grade 3 Professional Elementary Education Grades K-6 Professional Reading Endorsement

Mrs. Gainey is a Florida native who has lived here most of her life. She enjoys travel and spending time with her family. As a child she always wanted to be a teacher, but felt a call into ministry. Mrs. Gainey worked for awhile as a Children’s Pastor before God led her to teaching. Teaching at a Christian school has allowed her to combine both of her passions.

Education: Director’s Credential, Tallahassee Community College Staff Credential, CDEA Alliance

Cherie Gaither is the Director of Southwest Florida Christian Academy Preschool. She began her career in Early Childhood Education nearly 25 years ago. In 2004, her family moved to Florida, and she joined the preschool team here on campus a short while later. She is knowledgeable in all positions at SFCA Preschool, as she started as a teacher, then became our Resource Coordinator, followed by our Administrative Coordinator. In 2012 she accepted the position as Director. As Director, she strives for excellence and quality in childcare while sharing the love of Christ. She believes becoming the director of a Southwest Florida Christian Academy Preschool is the perfect example of how God’s plan always prevails. She is highly committed to Early Childhood Education because she sees a need for children to have a healthy learning environment with positive guidance and biblical values. During times when parents are working to provide for their families, “I want to be there emotionally, educationally, socially, and spiritually for their children, “she says. “I want parents to be able to leave their children knowing they are loved and safe while they are at work.”

Joe Gerl is a dedicated educator who loves helping Gen Z navigate the fast-moving world of tech. In the classroom, he brings real-world relevance and energy to his students, teaching everything from the fundamentals in Digital Information Technology to advanced concepts in AP Cybersecurity. As a Game Development 1 and 2 instructor, Joe enjoys watching students bring their creative ideas to life, taking them from simple lines of code to fully playable video games.

For Joe, teaching is about much more than just technical skills. He has a deep passion for youth discipleship and mentorship, investing his time into helping young people build strong character, discover their purpose, and walk through life with confidence.

When he steps away from the whiteboard, Joe keeps things active and fun. He’s a big fan of catching the latest releases at the movie theater, winding down with a good comic book—especially anything Spider-Man—and getting outside for some friendly competition. You’ll often find him on the court, whether he’s playing a fast-paced game of pickleball or shooting hoops with friends. Whether he’s troubleshooting code or mentoring a student, Joe is always working to make a positive, lasting impact on the next generation.

Teresa Gillihan is excited to be a part of SFCA this year as a1st grade aide. She has been a part of the educational system for 13 years, as a paraprofessional for special needs children and Pre-K in the public schools, then Academic Support, grades 1-4, in the private sector. She has a passion for children’s ministry and served for over 40 years in local churches. She is looking forward to using the gifts God has given her to support the 1^st grade team and students.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Music Education; Elementary Education Certification; Reading Certification; ESOL Certification

Linda graduated from Messiah College in Grantham, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. After beginning her teaching career as a music teacher in Lee County Schools, she felt called to pursue a certification in Elementary Education. For the past 41 years she had the privilege of teaching second and third grade in the Lee County School District. She also had the honor of being a Golden Apple recipient.

Music and ministry has also been an important part of her life. For the past 27 years she has served in the Worship Ministry at McGregor Baptist Church, where she currently serves as pianist. She is grateful for the many opportunities God has given her to use her love of music and teaching to serve others.

She has always felt a special pull toward SFCA, and is excited and thankful that God has opened the door for her to teach second grade here. She looks forward to becoming part of SFCA and sharing her love of learning, music and faith with her students.

Dory has an Associate in Early Childhood Education. She graduated from Southwest Florida College. She started working in early childhood education in 2011. She has taught a total of 13 years in VPK. Dory then became the Child Care Coordinator at The Learning Cove in 2017 and is now transitioning to the SFCA family as the first grade teacher’s aid. Dory has resided in Florida for majority of her life. Dory is married and together they have three children, who also attend SFCA. Her family attends McGregor Baptist church and Dory serves in the children’s ministry on Sundays.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, Corcoran College of Art + Design, Washington, DC

A Fairfax, Virginia native, Mrs. Halligan has been a Kindergarten Aide for the past three years. Prior to that she was a stay-at-home mom. She and her husband have one son, who attends SFCA.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, Toccoa Falls College.

Christina attended college in Georgia where she majored in music education and minored in Biblical studies. She began teaching privately during her junior year and discovered a passion that would stay with her for life. After graduating, she continued to teach privately and was certified in Kindermusik since she loves young children. She taught preschool music for 10 years before coming to SFCA. This will be her 10th year at SFCA. She has been involved in church music for over 30 years playing the piano, synthesizer, and singing in choirs.  She also has accompanied several music theater productions.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Florida Gulf Coast University; Master of Arts in Christian Education, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

An SFCA alumni and Fort Myers native, Heather came to know the Lord as a young child and soon after began serving in McGregor Baptist Chruch’s Preschool Ministry. She always enjoyed working with children and grew up with wonderful role models at SFCA. There were also multiple teachers in her family who inspired her and helped shape her future as a teacher, including her mom and aunt. Heather recently moved home to Southwest Florida after spending 7 years in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. While in Texas, she got a Master’s degree in Christian Education at SWBTS where she met a Preschool Ministry professor who became a mentor and friend. Heather served in several churches in the DFW area as she completed her degree. After graduating, she taught for 1 year at First Baptist Academy and 2 years for Frisco ISD. She also worked as a Preschool Ministry Associate at Prestonwood Baptist Church.

Melissa is originally from Southern Illinois and moved to Florida with her husband, Dan, in 2014. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lee University in 2002 and her master’s degree in School Counseling from Eastern Illinois University in 2005. Melissa worked at Nashville Community High School as the 9th and 10th grade School Counselor for eight years before moving to Florida. In 2014, Melissa accepted a position at Fort Myers High School as a School Counselor. During her ten years at the school, she counseled many students, helping them through their social and emotional years of high school. She also worked closely with the seniors helping them with the college application process. In 2023, God opened a door to SFCA and she accepted the position as the Elementary School Counselor. With a son going into the 2nd grade, it was the perfect time for them to join the SFCA Family. Melissa is so thankful for the opportunity to work with elementary students. She and her husband, Dan, have one biological son, Andrew, and a foster son named Malachi. 

I am a native Floridian, born and raised right here in sunny SWFL! My passion for the next generation started nearly 20 years ago when I got involved in children’s ministry. I spent time in the criminal justice system working as a victim advocate. I loved law so much that I decided to continue my educational career post-Master’s with law school. However, the Lord changed my heart, and I made a move to education. Since then, I haven’t looked back! I am married with three kids who all attend SFCA.

Education: B.A. in Education Studies from the American College of Education

Madame Higgins was born and raised in France. She first came to the United States as an exchange student during her high school senior year. Because of her passion for foreign languages, one year abroad was not sufficient to satisfy her journey to become bilingual. Therefore, she continued visiting her host family regularly, traveling over the big pond, until one day, she met her husband, Russell. Madame Higgins’ journey in education started over 20 years ago. In her career, she has worked in a wide variety of positions, including high school French teacher in a Christian school in Michigan, teaching from French 1 up to French 4 Honors. She has worked as a short- and long-term substitute teacher, both in elementary and secondary education, and has worked as a paraprofessional. At the beginning of her career, Madame Higgins taught French to a class of 5th graders, with whom she organized a French back-to-back program. Her students enjoyed their 3-week experience in France and loved hosting their French counterparts. In 2010, the Higgins’ family grew with the addition of three beautiful children of God. Jaiden, Caleb, and Alyssa were saved by the grace of God and brought to Madame Higgins and her husband to be brought up in a loving Christian home. The family moved to Florida, where Madame Higgins continued her work as an educator. Sadly, Mr. Higgins passed away in 2018. The Higgins’ Family once again prayed to the Lord and found strength to remain positive and focus on the essential in life, God and Family. Madame Higgins and her children are thrilled to have become a part of the SFCA family and are looking forward to an amazing year.

Stephenie Hopper is a dedicated educator with a strong foundation in both biology and chemistry. Graduating from Bethel College in St. Paul, MN with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry.

Becoming a Florida resident in 2015, Stephenie is originally from Minnesota. She started her adventure at Southwest Florida Christian Academy in July of 2015. It has been an honor for her to watch her students grow and build meaningful relationships throughout the years. She enjoys hearing from graduated students and is always ready to share a joke.

She and her husband Dan have one child, Tai. Tai graduated from SFCA in the spring of 2023.

Pastor Howard has served the McGregor and SFCA communities since 2002. During his tenure and Executive Pastor, and now Lead Pastor of MBC, he has been the Pastoral overseer of SFCA since that year. He has also been teaching 12th Grade Bible since 2008. He holds degrees from Valdosta State University and MidAmerica Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Gail have been married since 1983, and they have two married adult sons, both of whom are SFCA graduates. Russell and Gail have grandchildren in Fort Myers and Groveland, Florida. Pastor Howard has taught and led mission teams in South America, the Caribbean basin, Eastern and Western Europe, Africa, and South Asia.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication, Western Kentucky University

Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Mrs. Idle and her family moved to Fort Myers in order to support her husband’s career in 2016. She transitioned from a career in Human Resources when she was called to become an educator and spent the first part of her career in education as a public school teacher. She and her husband have three children.

Education: B.S. Music Education, M.S. Educational Leadership, Educational Administration

Mr. Jurgenson has served as Director of Bands since 2021. Accomplishments include performances at the state music convention, 1st place ratings for contests, marching band field shows, and jazz competitions.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Liberty University; Master of Science in Teaching Middle Grades, Liberty University.

As an Alumna of SFCA, Christian values and the want to share those Christian values has been my goal since graduating. Earning scholarship, I travelled around the country teaching students in Elementary schools about good character that we can find in the Bible. After 10 years of teaching in both public and private schools, middle school and elementary, Special education and General education, God has placed me in my “sweet spot” for teaching and at a school that I bleed blue and gold for. My love for teaching and sharing Christian values has grown more exponentially and I adore teaching Math and Bible to middle school students.

Education: Bachelor in Music Education, Palm Beach Atlantic College; Master of Arts in Education, Southeastern University

Ms. Kackley was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and has lived in the state her entire life. She currently serves as SFCA’s elementary principal. With a career in education spanning 40 years, she has dedicated her life to shaping young minds. For the past 30 years, she has made her home in Fort Myers. She is also the proud mother of two beautiful daughters.

Lisa Kleinmann is a seasoned Christian educator and Head of School with over 30 years of experience in the field of education.  She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and dual certification through the Association of Christian Schools International and the State of Florida.  Lisa has dedicated her career to nurturing young minds within faith-based learning environments. Throughout her extensive career, Lisa has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, and cultivating a positive school culture. She is passionate about developing student leaders and still directs the Student Leadership Academy which she co-founded over a decade ago. With a passion for guiding both students and staff, Lisa continues to inspire growth, character, and learning in all aspects of the Christian school community. In addition to her role at SFCA, Lisa serves as a Field Director for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). 

Lisa and her husband, Keith, are blessed with two amazing children and two grandchildren. Their children, Christopher and Alexandra, are both married and are graduates of SFCA.

Education: Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Allegheny Community College in Maryland

Janele Krebs started with SFCA as a substitute teacher in 2017.  After enjoying working with the kindergarten and 1st grade students, she became a Kindergarten Aide in 2021. Janele and her husband Charlie have 2 children who are a part of the SFCA family, Class of ‘23 and Class of ‘25.

Education: BA, University of Miami, Elementary Education M.Ed, National-Louis University

Mrs. Laferriere grew up in Miami, Florida and began her primary elementary teaching career in 1998. After serving in several different Florida school districts, she joined the SFCA staff in 2018. She enjoys pouring into her students’ lives and helping shape well-rounded academic experiences for them each year.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Southeastern University; Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Southeastern University.

A Kentucky native, but transplant to Florida in 1987, Stephanie Laymon has been in the field of education for thirty years. She has held multiple positions during her stint at SFCA. She has been a teacher of third, fifth and sixth grades and also served as the middle school principal and is currently the high school principal. Mrs. Laymon and her husband, Ken, have two children, Emily and Austin, and recently welcomed their daughter’s husband, Ben, to the family.

Señora Leon-Diaz (de Rodriguez) was born in Puerto Rico and moved abroad as a military child. She is blessed to join SFCA as the Spanish High School Teacher for grades 9 through 12. Guided by her faith and a deep passion for language education, she strives to create a Christ-centered classroom where students feel encouraged, valued, and inspired to explore foreign languages and cultures. Señora Leon-Diaz holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies. Bringing over eight years of valuable experience from the public school system, she specializes in second-language acquisition and communicative teaching strategies that help diverse learners thrive. Her areas of expertise include communicative language acquisition, Hispanic cultural history, and integrating biblical principles into daily learning. She firmly believes that mastering a second language equips students to serve others and reflect God’s love in an increasingly interconnected world. Outside the classroom, Señora Leon-Diaz is extremely active in her local church assisting the Pastor, singing with the worship team,  dancing, and travelling with her family. She is married to Jose Rodriguez, and with three children, Isaiah, Kadisha, and Aliza. She looks forward to partnering with parents to support every student’s academic and spiritual growth this year!

Education:  University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Business Administration-Marketing

Born and raised in the heart of Wisconsin, Amy developed a strong sense of community and values shaped by the Midwestern lifestyle. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in Business Administration-Marketing, she set out on a career path that combined her passion for education and faith.

In 2006, Amy and her husband James made the decision to move their family to Florida, which led Amy to find her calling to serve in Christian education. From that time on, she has been an integral part of Southwest Florida Christian Academy, fostering not only academic growth but also spiritual development in the lives of the students. With a deep commitment to Christian values, she has played a vital role in shaping the lives of countless young people, encouraging them to walk in their faith while pursuing excellence in all areas of life. Outside of the classroom, Amy enjoys spending time with her family: James, Logan (Class of 2015) and Lauren (Class of 2019).  You will also find her skiing both on water and snow, drawing inspiration from both her Wisconsin roots and the vibrant Florida community that she now calls home

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Cumberland University; Master of Arts in Education, Cumberland College; Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, University of the Cumberland’s; Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Christian Counseling and Psychology, Cornerstone University.

Born and raised in SW Florida, Mike has experience as a classroom teacher for the 12 years before making the move to administration. For the past 17 years, Mike has served as an Athletic Director, High School Principal and Assistant Head of School. Mike also coached high school and college football for 21 years.

Holly Marciano has been at SFCA for 14 years, serving as a teacher, counselor, and now as an Elementary Assistant Principal. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from Liberty University. She and her husband have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and six grandsons.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Stetson University; Masters in Educational Leadership, Saint Leo University.

As a Florida native, Katherine has taught high school education for 16 years across several Southwest Florida counties. She started her teaching career in her home town of DeSoto County in 2002; continued teaching in Manatee County at a K-12 alternative school; and most recently taught in Lee County at Oasis High School. She and her husband, Mike, have four children, three of which attend Southwest Florida Christian Academy.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, Harding University; Master of Education in Educational Leadership, Southeastern University

Rachel Moore joined the SFCA family in 2018 and serves as the Director of Academic Strategy and Technology. In this role, she leads the development of innovative instructional strategies and helps integrate technology in meaningful ways to enhance teaching and learning across the school. Rachel began her career in education in 2001 as a classroom teacher and has since served in a variety of leadership and instructional roles, including Curriculum Intervention Specialist, Web Architect, Educational Technology Specialist, and Director of Educational Technology. Her passion for innovation, collaboration, and student success continues to shape her work each day. Education is truly a family affair for the Moores. Rachel and her husband, Bill, both serve at SFCA, and the school has been an important part of their family’s journey. Two of their sons are proud SFCA graduates, while their youngest son is currently a student. Rachel believes that exceptional learning happens when strong leadership, dedicated teachers, supportive families, and engaged students work together. She is passionate about fostering a collaborative, student-centered environment where every learner is equipped to grow academically, develop character, and confidently prepare for the future.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Florida Gulf Coast University; Master of Education, Florida Gulf Coast University

A native of North Carolina, Lezlie serves alongside the middle school team as the Middle School Counselor. In her tenure at SFCA, she has held the positions of elementary, middle, and high school teacher; athletic coach; K-12 School Counselor; and K-8 School Counselor. She is the National Junior Honor Society and Middle School Student Leadership Academy Advisor, working to help students grow to be productive servant leaders. As a school counselor, she provides support to students in their academics, spiritual and personal life, and career exploration. She believes it is important to empower students to advocate for themselves and strive to become productive and resilient members of the community.

Mrs. Nicholson teaches 11th Grade English, High School Journalism, and the Executive Internship program for seniors. She loves the opportunity to prepare students for life after high school by fostering critical thinking, confidence in communication, and strong relational skills. A proud graduate of UCF with extensive professional writing, editing and speaking experience, one of her greatest joys is helping students discover their God-given callings while developing strong character along the way.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Nicholson and her husband are blessed with three wonderful children who attend SFCA. She loves traveling, staying active outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends – preferably with a strong cup of English Breakfast tea in hand!

Education:  Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies American Military University.

Joe grew up in Pensacola, Florida, and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1986, where he served as a Sergeant and a Military Policeman. During his military service, he served around the world and deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm with U.S. CENTCOM at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Following his military career, Joe transitioned into civilian law enforcement, where he ultimately retired as a Federal Law Enforcement K-9 Sergeant in Miami, Florida.

Today, Joe serves as a member of the SFCA Security and Safety Team. In this role, he is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

Joe and his wife, Teri, have been married since 1988. They are the proud parents of three adult children and grandparents of four grandchildren. Together, they are active members of McGregor Baptist Church and feel blessed for the opportunity to serve their church and SFCA.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Palm Beach Atlantic University; Master of Arts in Christian Studies, Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Grace Postorino has served as the Biblical Worldview Integration Specialist since 2024. As an alumna of SFCA (Class of ’12), she is thrilled to be part of the King’s family in this role. Grace joined the SFCA staff as a substitute teacher in February 2022 and then taught as part of the Middle School team for two years. She has extensive teaching and ministry experience, having worked with students from Pre-K through college in various educational and church settings.

Education: Associates Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies; Walters State Community College, Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education; Middle Tennessee State University

A Nashville, Tennessee native, Jessi attended Walters State Community College in Morristown, TN, where she played for the Women’s Basketball team and earned her Associates degree in Interdisciplinary Studies(Elementary Education). She then attended Middle Tennessee State University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She began coaching a variety of sports and has continued coaching on and off for 20 years. Jessi spent a year in Paris, France as an Au Pair. She taught preschool in Nashville from 2015-2021 before moving to Fort Myers, FL in 2021. Jessi began working at The Learning Cove as a 3’s teacher in 2022 before transitioning over to SFCA as a First Grade Aide. Jessi and her husband, Brian, have four children; all of whom attend SFCA.

Education:  Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Human Services; University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point

A Wisconsin native and alumna of the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, Ramirez worked in the pharmaceutical sales industry before relocating to Fort Myers, Florida in 2011.  Prior to joining SFCA, she was a Director of Classical Conversations in Southwest Florida.  Jennifer began her journey working in Development in 2017 at another Christian school and joined SFCA in the summer of 2022.  She and her husband have five children. 

Education: Graduate Executive Certificate in Psychology and Master of Education in School Counseling, Liberty University; Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Associate of Science in Business Administration, Middle Georgia State College.

A native of Colombia, South America and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Arabella has served as a High School Counselor enhancing student growth in the academic, career, and social/emotional areas at Southwest Florida Christian Academy since 2020. She completed her graduate certificate in psychology and master’s degree in education and counseling at Liberty University. Arabella also earned her certification as an Accredited Financial Counselor through the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. She is currently working towards her Doctor of Philosophy degree in developmental psychology. Prior to joining Southwest Florida Christian Academy full-time, she worked as a School Counselor at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in Georgia. Arabella initially began her career as a social services case manager assisting adolescents in foster care obtain stability through state mandated family reunifications and adoptions. She also worked as a family service consultant in the middle Georgia area providing counseling to youth and families. Arabella and her husband, Harrison, have three children named Dulan, Izael, and Maribella.

As a native of South Texas, Linda Graduated from Pan American University with a degree in Marketing/Business Administration. Linda has been employed by Southwest Florida Christian Academy for nearly 20 years. She has been married to her husband, Scott, for nearly forty years. Together they have three daughters, all of whom are alumni of Southwest Florida Christian Academy.

Coach Eddie Rogosich is in his 25^th year of teaching and in his 37^th year of coaching basketball. He serves as the Elementary Physical Education Teacher and Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach at SFCA. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1993. He is passionate about helping students develop healthy habits that strengthen their bodies, minds, and faith.

Known affectionately by his students as the “PE Pastor,” Coach R incorporates biblical principles into each PE lesson, encouraging students to honor God through perseverance, teamwork, integrity, and a positive attitude. Over the years, he has participated in short-term mission trips to more than 12 countries and 20 states, sharing the Gospel through the game of basketball. He believes physical education and athletics are powerful tools for building Christlike character and pointing others to Jesus.

Outside of school, Coach R enjoys spending time with his family, coaching basketball, and staying active. One of his favorite hobbies is gardening, and he loves living in Florida, where he enjoys landscaping around his home and spending time at the beach with his family. The Rogosich family also enjoys traveling, playing games, and spending quality time with others. Coach R considers it a privilege to partner with families in helping students grow academically, physically, and spiritually.

Donna has an AA degree in business from Edison Community College (now FSW). She previously owned a small Christian bookstore until she became a mother. Donna started at SFCA as a parent volunteer, then became a substitute teacher. She was asked to be the Blended Learning Coordinator during COVID and then moved into the Admissions Department.

B.A. in Biblical Studies & Elementary Ed. at West Coast Christian College in Fresno, California. Along with a B.F.A. with a Specialization in Art Education at Concordia University plus a master’s degree in fine arts at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education – FSW; Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership – FGCU 

Born and raised in Southwest Florida, Mrs. Steffens has been in the education field for over 10 years. She knew it was her calling from God at a young age. She has experience in upper elementary and now assists in the middle school. Being in schools and around students is her passion. She previously served in public school before following God’s path to lead her to SFCA. Her and her husband have 4 children together who all attend SFCA. They enjoy going to Disney as a family. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Minor in Spanish Language, Pennsylvania West University; Master of Arts in Education (Curriculum, Instruction, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages – ESOL), University of Phoenix

A Pittsburgh native, Amanda Thottichira has embraced SWFL as her home for over a decade. Combining educational experience with ministry experience, SFCA has been the perfect next step in Mrs. Thottichira’s journey in serving the LORD. She and her husband have three wonderful children and enjoy spending time outdoors as much as possible!

Mrs. Toleman is thrilled to be part of the SFCA Family! Performing Arts has been her passion for her entire life. Having the opportunity to share her two passions of Performing Arts and Jesus Christ with her students is a dream come true! Mrs. Toleman has her B.A. in Theatre Arts with a Dance minor from Palm Beach Atlantic University. After college, she performed as a professional musical theatre performer in 21 professional regional musical productions in Florida and Pennsylvania. For 18+ years she has taught acting, dance, musical theatre, piano, and chorus in dance/performing arts studios and public/charter schools. When not at school, she loves to spend time with her amazing husband, two children, and puppy.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Florida Gulf Coast University

Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Luke became a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree specializing in Elementary Education in 2011. He has worked with the School District of Lee County for the past 13 years, beginning his career as a 4th grade teacher, and has taught mathematics the last eight years at the Middle School level, where he served with various leadership roles, and even coached athletics. Luke enjoys being part of school functions and is excited to offer a Gospel-centered, positive, cooperative approach to mathematics here at SFCA. He and his wife, Kali, enjoy raising their two boys.

Education: Bachelor of Arts Corporate Journalism, summa cum laude, Auburn University.

With three sons who graduated from Southwest Florida Christian Academy, Mrs. Wiggins and her husband, Stan, say that the King’s blue and gold runs deep in their family. She worked as a substitute teacher for SFCA for many years before joining the elementary team as a 5th grade teacher in 2021. Wiggins has also worked as a middle school intensive reading teacher at a local charter school and a private writing coach. Other recent professional work experience includes Wiggins serving as an advancement director, grant writer, and church relations officer for Christian non-profits.

Erin was born in Elizabeth, NJ and moved to Cape Coral, FL with her family when she was 12 years old. She graduated from Mariner High School in 2001 and was unsure what God had planned for her. In 2005/2006 she attended and graduated from Cape Coral Technical College with her LPN license. In 2007 she started her nursing career with LeeHealth at HealthPark Hospital. While working as an LPN she went back to school and graduated in 2011 from Florida Southwestern State College with her Associate of Science in Nursing degree. For 13 years she worked in emergency medicine with both adults and children. In 2020 after having her 3rd son was born and in the heat of the pandemic she was called to a different kind of nursing. Erin has been with SFCA since 2019 and still feels that God has most definitely placed her exactly where she was always meant to be.

A Fort Myers native, Ainsley has taught in the private Christian school setting since 2009 and enjoys being able to teach academic content while simultaneously sharing the Gospel. She is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a major in elementary education; however she has loved teaching grades 6-9 in her teaching career. She and her husband, Ryan, have two girls who attend SFCA and keep them very busy!