The Rock Academy
Partnering with parents to provide educational opportunities for students to fulfill their unique purpose.
THE
TEAM
Here at The Rock Academy we love our faculty and staff. They are like family to us and are well qualified, trained and ready to prepare your student to be the best they can be!
Principal
Theater Director
EDUCATION:
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High School Graduate of International Community School 2002
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Currently in pursuit of her AA and Bachelors in Business through SSC
EXPERIENCE:
Kaley has been teaching at TRA for 13+ years in the classroom and has produced over 11 major productions including 6 musicals. She is an accomplished singer and songwriter. She brings her passion for hands on learning with creative projects and group activities to her history classes as well.
Liz and her husband Tim were called into the education ministry since they began home educating their children in 1989. To this day, ministering to families by offering education opportunities is one of their greatest joys.
EDUCATION:
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Bowling Green State University (1977-1980) Music Ed
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UCF (1980-1982) Music Ed
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SSC (2001) AA Gen Ed with Honors
EXPERIENCE:
Liz has been administrator and co-founder of Faith United Home Educators (1990-1998), International Community School High School Administrator (1998-2007) and Principal and math teacher at The Rock Academy (2009-Present). She has more than 20 years of classroom teaching experience and has more than 25 years of experience serving with FCCPSA, a faith based accreditation organization.
Liz Darnell
Kaley Hoffman
Guidance Counselor
High School Math Teacher
Mrs. Hoffman and her husband Matt teach their 3 daughters through The Rock Academy. Mrs. Hoffman has been with the school since 2009 and has a passion for fine arts and bringing the creativity of the Kingdom into the classroom. Her passion is to see children realize and pursue their purpose with passion and integrity!
Middle/High School Science and Math Teacher
Ryanne has always had a passion for science and math. As a former student of TRA, she volunteered more than 200 hours at the Ponce Marine Science Center. She graduated with honors from TRA and went on to see her dream come true of earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology in just 3 years!
EDUCATION:
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Graduated from TRA 2015
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Seminole State AA Degree in Gen Ed
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USF, St. Petersburg, FL Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Biology
High School Science Teacher
EDUCATION:
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North Central University Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education
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Florida State Certified Teacher (2015-Present)
Ryanne Graham
Andy Green
Andy is well known in the homeschooling community as a successful tutor, teacher, and coach. She loves helping families reach their educational goals. Mrs. Green shares her love of learning and demonstrates to students perseverance and excellence!
EXPERIENCE:
Andy is currently an educational and curriculum consultant for homeschooling families and provides her services of evaluator, tutor, and writing instructor. She has over 15 years of teaching experience and has been with TRA since 2016.
EXPERIENCE:
Ryanne is currently in her second of teaching at TRA and has brought her youth and love of science to the classroom!
TRA Records Administrator
EDUCATION:
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Attended SSC for Computer Science, Mathematics and Accounting
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Software Developer in the private sector for 11 years
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Computer Consultant 16 years
EXPERIENCE:
Joe has been working in the area of computers for nearly 30 years. He is a retired professional who brings his computer expertise and math skills to the students of TRA. He has an eye for detail and a dedication to excellence.
EDUCATION:
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Attended Northern Illinois University, where she received her BS in Elementary Education
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Received a Master of Education in Instructional Design, from American Intercontinental University
EXPERIENCE:
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Full-Time Substitute teacher 2021-22 Elevation High School, Sanford, FL
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Substitute teacher K - 12 2020-21 Lake Mary Prep., Lake Mary, FL
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Director of Admissions & Curriculum / Instruction Specialist 2017-2020 The Auburn School, Chantilly, VA Nancy has enjoyed numerous other positions as instructor, manager, and therapist over her career. She is also certified in CPR and First Aid.
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Joe Hoffman
Joe has been a faithful member of The Rock Church for more than 18 years. He is committed to the purpose and calling of this house and is determined and strong. Joe defeated Covid 19 in 2020 after spending 3 months in the hospital. He is a walking miracle!
Nancy Golsteyn
Nancy joined The Rock Academy in 2022, and brings to us a wealth of education and experience. She enjoys reading, running, and doing crafts.
Third/Fourth Grade Teacher
Faculty Advisor and Ignitia Teacher
Yanzza has been a vital part of the work of TRA for the last 4 years. She has volunteered, taught and is now overseeing our professional development. She is actively meeting with teachers and ensuring we are surpassing the standards. She is a vital part of our team and is developing a program for teachers that is second to none.
EDUCATION:
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Stetson University, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science/Pre-Law Minor: International Relations/Latin American Studies
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Walden University, Masters of Science: Integrating Technology into the classroom.
EXPERIENCE:
Yanzza has extensive teaching experience and has been an instructor for SSC, Meadowbrook Middle School, and Galaxy Middle School. She has taught ESOL, Geography, American History, Social Science and served on numerous boards as well as serving as a mentor to teachers. This year she has taken on the role of faculty advisor, training, teaching and overseeing classroom management, accomodations and standards!
EDUCATION:
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SSC G.E.D
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Fluent in Spanish as a native speaker
EXPERIENCE:
Dianna has years of experience as a home education parent, having raised 5 children and worked closely with The Rock Academy, International Community School, and For His Glory Co-op. She is very involved with her worship team at her church and has a wonderful and warm relationship with her students. She loves hands on projects and encourages her students to create beautiful works of architecture and art. She loves to bring the Bible to life and make it a real part of student's education in history. Dianna also loves Spanish and tutors out of her home for students who need a foreign language.
Yanzza Rojas-Negron
Dianna Strickland
Substitute Teacher and
Spanish I & II Tutor
Dianna has been a great part of TRA since 2015. She is genuinely concerned with the growth of her students both academically and spiritually and is a demonstration of the Kingdom to each one of them.
High School English and American Gov & Eco Teacher
Trish brings her passion, innovation, and experience to TRA and has been a blessing to all who attend her classes. She consistently makes learning exciting while demonstrating her faith in a genuine and natural way.
EDUCATION:
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State of FL Exceptional Student Education (K-12) Professional Educator's Certificate
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Elementary Education (K-6) Professional Educator's Certificate
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst Graduate Certificate
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New Jersey Certification as a learning Disabilities Teacher/Consultant
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Rutgers (NJ) B.S. in Public Health B.A. in History
EXPERIENCE:
Trish has been teaching since 1998 and has been a part of our team since 2016. Students love the interactive way she teaches making everything exciting and meaningful. Her goals are to serve typically developing and gifted students and those with disabilities by addressing their individual needs.
Darby has been teaching for TRA for 2 years and has taught all over the world including South Korea. He loves drawing, photography, reading and writing Haiku. He brings his class to life with stories from his many travels.
EDUCATION:
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Fine Arts degree from Atlantic Union College
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Certification in TESOL from International TEFL and TESOL Training in Thailand
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ESL Teacher at the Orange County Library System
EXPERIENCE:
Darby has been teaching English since 2008 and also has a lot of experience in the field of photography. He is an accomplished artist and has experience with home education with in his own home. He has taken on US History this year, which he loves and is teaching the students how to put together the yearbook with his skills as a photographer.
Trisha Walshe
Darby Harvey
Middle School English and
Guided Study Teacher
Tim Kearney is a long-time member of The Rock of Central Florida. He joined the faculty of The Rock Academy in the 2022-23 school year. Tim brings his levity, joy, passion and creativity to his students. He loves all forms of media, and loves helping people uncover and express the passions that the Father has instilled in each of them.
EDUCATION:
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Academic Diploma Seminole High School
EXPERIENCE:
Tim has over 24 years of experience in project management, video production, music production, audio engineering, writing, print production, graphic design, web design and digital marketing. He currently works as a freelancer in these fields, and loves passing his knowledge and experience to those eager to learn.
First/Second Grade Teacher
Amber is in her first year of teaching for The Rock Academy and has a passion for teaching and imparting to children. She is a kind person who brings great energy to the room. She is quiet and reserved but very organized in the classroom and in her life. She is a strong leader in the classroom and among the faculty.
EDUCATION:
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Associates of Arts Degree from Daytona State College in 2014
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Pursuing Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and expected to graduate in 2021
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Childcare CDA and Director's Credentials from Early Learning Coalition in Flagler, FL
EXPERIENCE:
Amber was a lead teacher at Ladybird Academy in Debary, FL from 2018-2021 where she learned leadership and patience in the classroom.
Tim Kearney
Amber Latham
Media Teacher
Midiana Markley joined The Rock Academy in 2022. She brings a desire to instruct and care for our youngest students. And, of course, a winning smile! Among her interests are: playing the clarinet, cooking, collecting coffee mugs, and spending time with family.
EDUCATION:
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New Smyrna Beach High School Class of 2012
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Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA Associate of Arts in Early Education
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Seminole State College, Sanford, FL Director's Credential Certification
EXPERIENCE:
Midiana was Assistant Director and VPK teacher at Serendipity Learning Center before joining our team. Prior to that, she was Teacher II at Community Coordinated Care for Children, and Paraprofessional VPK ESE at Idyllwilde Elementary. Midiana is certified in First Aid and CPR, as well.
Brooke is a young and vibrant college student at Seminole State University. She loves working with children and enjoyed her time as a teacher's assistant in high school. She wanted to work in a field where she made a difference in children's lives and applied to work here to pursue that goal.
EDUCATION:
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High School Graduate of One School of The Arts in 2019 and a member of the National Honor Society
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Currently working towards her Associate of Arts at Seminole State College
EXPERIENCE:
Brooke was a teaching assistant in high school and gained experience in classroom management during this time. She also has experience in retail where she learned customer service and how to talk to people. Brooke is excited to use her creativity and love for children in our After Care program.
Midiana Markley
Brooke Canavan
Kindergarten Teacher
After Care Teacher
Tom Weichart is a member of The Rock of Central Florida, and a former member of The Rock Academy faculty. He has returned to the faculty as of the 2022-23 school year.
EDUCATION:
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Bachelor of Science - Nursing University of Florida
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Master of Science - Administration Central Michigan University
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Master of Science - Nursing University of Central Florida
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Master of Theological Studies Liberty University
EXPERIENCE:
Tom has held numerous nursing positions during his career, including being a member of the White House Medical Staff for several years. He has also held lecturing and instructional positions.
Campus Supervisor
Joyce has been a member of the Rock of Central FL for 21 years and is living out a dream to help out at The Rock Academy. She is volunteering her many talents to help oversee our study halls, help out the teachers and connect with the students.
EDUCATION:
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Studied Word, Excel and Word at the Computer Institute at Seminole State University
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Skilled in the use of Illustrator 9.0 and Photoshop
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High School graduate of Fairmont High School in Kettering, OH
EXPERIENCE:
Joyce is a recent retiree from Bell Chem where she worked in sales and accounting from 1996-2021. She enjoys computers, art, photography and crafting. We love Mrs. Joyce so much!
Tom Weichart
High School History Teacher
Joyce Marah
Elementary Director and 2nd/3rd Grade Teacher
Heather is a member of The Rock of Central FL and loves crafting and sewing. She loves children and has dedicated her life to teaching them. She loves building things with her husband and doing anything outdoors. Heather brings so much life and light to her classroom and we are honored to have her here at TRA.
EDUCATION:
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High School Diploma from Mt. View High School in Bend, OR
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Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Pinellas Technical College in 2001
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Certification in Child Care Operations in 2016
EXPERIENCE:
Heather has taught many different ages and grades in Elementary for several years. She worked as the kindergarten through 2nd grade teacher from 2005-2015 at Harris Private School in Oregon. She also was Assistant Director / Education Coach from 2016 to 2021 at Primrose School of Winter Springs. Heather is talented and anointed and heads up our entire elementary program from curriculum to training.
Middle School PE Coach
Shevieve is a passionate and enthusiastic teacher who has a love for all things fitness. She has been a member of The Rock of Central FL for 15 years and joined The Rock Academy in her first year of teaching PE in 2021. She enjoys weightlifting, CrossFit and camping with her family.
EDUCATION:
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High School Diploma from Lyman High School
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Personal Training Certification in 2018 from American Counsel on Exercise
EXPERIENCE:
Shevieve and her husband own and operate their own gym, Shadow Pack CrossFit in Debary, FL where she personal trains and leads classes on a daily basis. Shevieve is also Red Cross CPR and AED certified. Shevieve completed TRA's New Teacher Training Course in 2021
Heather Coday
Shevieve Padgett
Art Experience, Yearbook, World History/Bible Teacher
Matthew joins The Rock Academy faculty this year, in numerous roles.
EDUCATION:
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EXPERIENCE:
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High School Bible Teacher
Sam is the Mission's Pastor at The Rock of Central FL since 2020. Sam is passionate about reaching kids and others with the message of the Kingdom. He loves mechanical work, travel, self-growth and improvement. He is also a new dad!
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EDUCATION:
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High School Diploma from Sonlight Academy in Haiti
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Certified Harley Davidson Motorcycle Technician from MMI in 2019
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Worked as a teacher for Kidz Rock ELC in 2020
EXPERIENCE:
Sam was an assistant teacher at Kidz Rock ELC where he gained a passion for working in children's education. He is a full time Mission's Pastor at The Rock where he oversees all mission work including Nation's Cafe (coffee shop). He is responsible for leading and teaching the young adult's group at The Rock of Central FL alongside his wife. Sam completed the Rock Academy New Teacher's Training in 2021.
Matthew Mercer
Sam Shoaff
Guided Study Teacher
Jamie has been a member of The Rock of Central Florida for many years, and came to The Rock Academy this year, to join our Guided Study staff. Her interests include: serving the Kingdom, family, and real estate sales.
EDUCATION:
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Dickinson High School, Dickinson, TX Class of 2003
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University of Central Florida BS in Elementary Education
EXPERIENCE:
Most recently, Jamie obtained her realtor's license, and has been selling as an independent contractor through Coldwell Banker. While working on her license, she took some time off to be "just" a wife, mother, and homemaker. Prior to that she was employed as an ESOL itinerant and online course specialist by Seminole County Public Schools.
Middle School Math Teacher
High School Spanish Teacher
Vanessa has been a member of The rock of Central Florida for several years, and decided to join The Rock Academy team in 2022. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and being creative and crafty.
EDUCATION:
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Port Richmond HS, Staten Island, NY Class of 2001
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SUNY Maritime College, New York Mechanical Engineering major
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Southeastern College, Lakeland, FL Ministerial Leadership/Psychology
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Hair Benderz, Lakeland, FL Cosmetology certification
EXPERIENCE:
Before joining TRA, Vanessa worked as a self-employed stylist/cosmetologist at Beauty and a Bowtie. She was also employed by Signature Hair Design in the same capacities.
Jamie Meyers
Vanessa Pacheco
Guided Study Teacher
Tera came to The Rock Academy in 2022, to join our Guided Study staff. She is an 'outdoorsy' type, enjoying: gardening, running, hiking, and kayaking. Other interests include: reading, cooking, sewing, and people!
EDUCATION:
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Sarasota High School, Sarasota, FL Class of 1994
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International Bible College Biblical Studies
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Berean University, Springfield, MS BA in Bible / Counseling
EXPERIENCE:
Before joining The Rock Academy, Tera was a Classical Conversations Tutor. She is well versed to be part of our Guided Study program, due to her years as a "home-school Mom" prior to her children coming to the Academy.
Piano Teacher
Jacob is part of The Rock of Central Florida worship team, and has been a member for many years. He came to The Rock Academy in 2018, to provide his keyboard skills to our students.
EDUCATION:
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EXPERIENCE:
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Tera Lafler
Jacob Lowery
Middle School History Teacher
Archie has been a member of The Rock of Central Florida for many years, and is also a member of the staff. He joined The Rock Academy this year. His interests include music and radio-contolled models.
EDUCATION:
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Apopka High School, Apopka, FL
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Seminole State College, Sanford, FL AA in General Studies
EXPERIENCE:
Before joining The Rock Academy, Archie enjoyed diverse career experience. This includes the following:
Self-employed business owner of The RC Party, a radio-controlled model experience; store manager at Hobby Town USA; substitute and emotional behavior disorder instructor for Lakeview Middle School; after school instructor for Boys and Girls Clubs of America; mailroom coordinator and distribution center returns processor for Charisma Media.
After Care Teacher
Ava has been a member of The Rock of Central Florida all her life. She has also been a student of the Academy since 5th grade. This year she has joined the faculty, as well. Her interests include K-Pop, dance, and her chameleon, Hendery.
EDUCATION:
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Currently pursuing an academic diploma from The Rock Academy
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Enrolled in College Math through Florida Virtual
EXPERIENCE:
Ava's experience centers around The Rock Academy, her fellow students, Kidz Rock ELC, and younger children in general.
She helps with setting up and tearing down of the school, and is willing to help other students, when asked. Ava has volunteered at Kids Rock ELC, and also at Kidz Rock, as part of The Rock church services. She has been babysitting for people of The Rock, and others, for several years. Of course, she also gained some experience helping with her younger siblings, when they were small.
