Principal - Kathan Steinorth: mrs.steinorth@firstchristianacademy.com
- 16 years teaching experience
- 6th year at FCA
- BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Married with 3 daughters, 2 in 2nd and 6th grade at FCA and 1 attending the University of Florida
Favorite Scripture: James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Quote: “God has given me an amazing opportunity to be the administrator at FCA. It is truly a blessing each day to share Christ’s love with our students and families.”
Preschool Director - Tifanee Wright: mrs.wright@firstchristianacademy.com
- 8 years teaching experience
- 3rd year at FCA
- FL Director’s Credential and Staff Credential
- Studied Praise & Worship at Faith Bible College – Kansas City, MO
- Married for 5 years with 2 chihuahuas
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 104:33 – “I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”
Quote: “I honestly believe that I was born to change lives. From the time I was a little girl I had a passion inside of me for others. I am pleased that I am one of the chosen to speak for those whose voice is almost too small to be heard. I count it as a blessing to make a difference in young lives every day.”
Office Assistant - Debbie Triola: mrs.triola@firstchristianacademy.com
- 2nd year at FCA
- 30+ years secretarial experience
- Married for 41 years with 2 children and 3 grandchildren, including one grandson in 1st grade at FCA
Favorite Scripture: Luke 10:27 – “He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Quote: “I am so blessed to work at First Christian Academy! God answered all my prayers!”
Preschool Faculty
VPK Teacher/Extended Care - Jackie Vivian: ms.vivian@firstchristianacademy.com
- 4 years experience in Preschool
- 1st year at FCA
- FL Staff Credential
- AA Degree with Early Childhood Education Training
- Has a cat named Chloe
Favorite Scripture: John 14:12-14 – “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Quote: “Working with children is a passion of mine. I love watching them grow and excel in their faith. I am honored to be able to help them in their daily work.”
Visit Ms. Vivian’s Class Website
VPK Teacher - June Hermansen: ms.hermansen@firstchristianacademy.com
- 10 years teaching experience
- 4th year at FCA
- FL Staff Credential
- Early Childhood Education Training at Pinellas Tech Center
- Has Parakeet: Tweet
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:7 - “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Quote: “Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I was called to be a Preschool teacher. I am thankful I get to help “mold” tomorrow’s future. We are so very blessed to have a wonderful school where we can learn and grow in a Christian environment.”
Visit Ms. Hermansen’s Class Website
VPK Teacher – Gina Walsh: mrs.walsh@firstchristianacademy.com
- 20 years substituting experience
- 2nd year at FCA
- Early Childhood Education Training & FL Staff Credential
- Caldwell College-Caldwell, NJ
- Married with 16 years with 1 daughter in 10th grade and 2 poodles
Favorite Scripture: Romans 8:31 - ”If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Quote: “As a new member of the FCA family, I am very excited to be teaching at the preschool level again. I bring with me years of experience as a teacher and a parent. I am looking forward to sharing the many “first” experiences your children will have in school this year.”
Visit Mrs. Walsh’s’ Class Website
2′s Teacher - Lauren Letourneau: mrs.letourneau@firstchristianacademy.com
- 4 years teaching experience
- 2nd year at FCA
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AA Degree with Early Childhood Education Training
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Married with 1 daughter, age 2 at FCA
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 3: 5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Quote: “I can remember being a little girl and knowing that I always wanted to teach children one day. Just to see the look on a child’s face when they have mastered a skill or learned something new is just priceless to me!”
Visit Mrs. Letourneau’s Class Website
3′s Teacher - Jamie Benthal: mrs.benthal@firstchristianacademy.com
- 4 years teaching experience
- 1st year at FCA
- Early Childhood Education Training & FL Staff Credential
- Bachelor’s in Speech Pathology/Audiology from USF
- MS in Education-Varying Exceptionalities from Nova Southeastern University
- Has 3 children in Pre-K2, VPK, and Kindergarten at FCA
Favorite Scripture: II Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Quote: “I am so amazed how God has taken me from a child with a severe speech impediment to a teacher who gets to instruct and love on children of all abilities. I believe all children truly are a gift from God. My passion is for those children who God made with exceptional needs. Through my own trials and education, I feel God has gifted me with the patience and love to meet every child right where they’re at while providing a safe and nurturing environment for them to blossom according to Hi plan for each of them!”
Preschool Teacher’s Aide - Laurie Tupponce: mrs.tupponce@firstchristianacademy.com 
- 8 years experience at FCA
- BS in Accounting from Johnson & Wales University
- Early Childhood Education Training
- Blessed with an amazing husband and married for 21 years. We also have an amazing daughter in 6th grade at FCA.
Favorite Scripture: John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Quote: “We have been with the FCA family since Coreen began Preschool at the age of 3. What a blessing our journey has been!”
Preschool Teacher’s Aide - Diane Costello: mrs.costello@firstchristianacademy.com 
- 16 years experience in a Christian Preschool
- 14th year at FCA
- Early Childhood Education Training
- Married 46 years with 1 adult son and a spoiled rotten Maltese
Favorite Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13 – “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal….”
Quote: “The children are a great blessing to my life. I know that some way, some how, I have been a blessing to them through my own words and actions.”
Preschool Teacher’s Aide - Jane Heine: ms.heine@firstchristianacademy.com
- 35 years teaching experience
- 1st year at FCA
- Early Childhood Education Training & FL Staff Credential
- AS in Early Childhood Education
- Has 2 adult children
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Quote: “I have always loved being with young children. I always knew that I wanted to use that love in some way. Becoming a Preschool Teacher is the way I found to take advantage of that love. Teaching at FCA gives me an opportunity to help children learn on all levels.”
Kindergarten - Ashlie Brierley: mrs.brierley@firstchristianacademy.com
- 7 years teaching experience
- 2nd year at FCA
- BA in Communications & Science Disorders
- MA in Varying Exceptionalities
- Married with 3 children in K3, 2nd and 5th grade at FCA
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Quote: “It’s my joy to be here at FCA serving our little gifts of God!”
Visit Mrs. Brierley’s Class Website
Kindergarten - Amanda Loosier: mrs.loosier@firstchristianacademy.com
- 8 years teaching experience
- 1st year at FCA
- BS in Child Development & Learning
- MS in Education: Reading & Math
- Married since April 2011 with a dog named Emma Grace
Favorite Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Quote: “I love having the opportunity to show the love of Christ to each student I am blessed to have in my classroom. I believe that all children are a gift from God, and I enjoy watching and helping them grow physically, academically and spiritually!”
First Grade - Melissa Riordan: mrs.riordan@firstchristianacademy.com
- 4 years teaching experience at FCA
- Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from USF
- Married for 10 years with 1 daughter in 2nd grade at FCA
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord, ” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Quote: “For most of my adult life, I have been teaching children both educationally and spiritually. God has led me to an opportunity here at First Christian Academy where I can do what I love in an environment that promotes the Christian family and individual. Teaching, for me, is that job where you get up every morning know that you are doing what God wants you to do and loving every minute of it!”
Visit Mrs. Riordan’s Class Website
Second Grade – Patience Dussault: mrs.dussault@firstchristianacademy.com
- 7 years teaching experience
- 4th year teaching at FCA
- BA in History (Minors in Speech, Education, and Bible) at Clearwater Christian College
- Married for 16 years with 1 daughter in 4th grade at FCA
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 – “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Quote: “This is my fourth year teaching at FCA. It is a wonderful experience teaching at a Christian school where the staff, families and students are so supportive. In second grade we become like a little family, encouraging one another to become good citizens. Each month we learn about an animal and a character quality we can work on developing in our lives. Each child also strives to become a S.T.A.R. – Student Taking Awesome Responsibility. We enjoy exploring the wonderful world God has made and learning about the history of our country.”
Visit Mrs. Dussault’s Class Website
Third Grade - Agnes Varner: mrs.varner@firstchristianacademy.com
- 16 years teaching experience
- 6th year teaching at FCA
- BS in Education
- Married for 6 years with 2 children , one son in 5th grade at FCA and a daughter in 9th grade and a baby girl on the way
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. ”
Quote: “I am teaching because I know that God called me to this ministry. I’ve known it since I was in high school. I just love learning with my students. They have an inquisitive mind and they’re like sponges. They are willing and excited to absorb information. I love to play with them, challenge them and have fun learning time with the. I am very privileged and honored to be a part of what God has called them to be.
Visit Mrs. Varner’s Class Website
Fourth Grade – Jennifer Johnson: mrs.johnson@firstchristianacademy.com
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10 years teaching experience
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7th year at FCA
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BA in Education
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Married for 16 years with 2 children, a son in 10th grade who plays hockey and a daughter in 9th grade who plays softball
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Quote: “I knew as a young girl that I wanted to be an educator. I chose to be a christian educator not only because I love working with children, but because of the love I have for my Lord and my desire to share Him with others. I am truly blessed to be teaching at FCA.”
Visit Mrs. Johnson’s Class Website
Fifth Grade - Larissa Reusch: mrs.reusch@firstchristianacademy.com
- 1st year at FCA
Favorite Scripture:
Quote:
Visit Mrs. Reusch’s Class Website
Middle School Faculty
Middle School History & Language Arts (6th-Homeroom) - Jennifer Perez: mrs.perez@firstchristianacademy.com
- 5 years teaching experience
- 1st year at FCA
- BA in Criminology & Masters in Educational Leadership
- Married for 4 years with 1 daughter (and one on the way) in Pre-K2 at FCA
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Quote: “I truly feel in my heart and soul that my God has given me a gift to teach. I am so thankful each day for the opportunity to not only touch young lives, but to also have my life touched by God’s children.”
Visit Mrs. Perez’ Class Website
Middle School Science & Math (7th & 8th-Homeroom) – Len Mortensen: mr.mortensen@firstchristianacademy.com
- 12 years teaching experience
- 2nd year at FCA
- Undergrad in Elementary Education (Minor in Science)
- Married with 5 sons
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power…”
Quote: “I returned to teaching when my children needed extra attention for their learning differences. I saw many similarities to my own challenges in school and I did not want them to be plagued by experiences that I had gone through. I believe the process of learning should be meeting the student where their needs are, not the systems expectations. FCA is a blessing beyond measure for me to be able to serve God’s plan for my life in Education.”
Visit Mr. Mortensen’s Class Website
Middle School Bible - Lisa Griner: mrs.griner@firstchristianacademy.com
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2nd year at FCA
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BA in Psychology from USF
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Married for 16 years with 2 children in 1st grade and 8th grade at FCA
Favorite Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Quote:“I am teaching Bible to our Middle School students because I want to share God’s word with them. I want them to know the most important relationship they will ever make is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What a privilege it is to guide them as we seek His truths, His promises and His love!”
Middle School Technology - Sean Caldwell: mr.caldwell@firstchristianacademy.com
- 2nd year at FCA
- Graduated from the Wharton School of Business at University of Pennsylvania
- Masters Degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary.
- Business owner in the broadcasting & communication industry
- Keeper of the electronic arsenal
- Married and father of 4 children, 2 at FCA
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 16:16 – “How much better is wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”
Quote: ”I love God’s Word and have a passion for technology. We’re combining them together to prepare the middle-school for a life where the tools we use can help us learn, accomplish, and bring glory to God.”
Enrichment Faculty
Elementary/Middle School Art - Jacqueline Okpala: ms.okpala@firstchristianacademy.com
- 2 years teaching experience
- 1st year at FCA
- BA in Interior Design & Minor in Architecture from International Academy of Design & Technology
- Currently working towards MA in Education at USF
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 40:28-31 – “ Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Quote: “God has blessed me to share my gift with children who are our future. It brings me joy to teach young minds about the various forms of art. I am excited to see what my students will embrace and create this school year. I believe teaching is truly a unique art that comes from the heart.”
Elementary/Middle School Physical Education – Alex Stern: mr.stern@firstchristianacademy.com
- 6 years teaching experience
- 1st year at FCA
- BA in Interdisciplinary Social Science from USF
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 – “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Quote: “I enjoy teaching for the same reasons that I enjoy coaching athletics. It’s the joy of helping kids understand a concept and seeing them actually understand and use what they learned. It’s a great feeling to see a child grow both in the classroom setting and in athletics. Seeing them improve either day to day, week to week, or even month to month is a wonderful feeling because I have made an impact on that persons life.”
Elementary/Middle School Music – Oksana Stelmach: mrs.stelmach@firstchristianacademy.com
- 2nd year at FCA
- Married for 15 years with 3 daughters in Pre-K3, 3rd Grade and 6th Grade at FCA.
Favorite Scripture: Mark 10:27 – “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Quote: “This is my second year teaching music at FCA and I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity. I love singing and playing piano for the glory of God. I have been involved in church worship for the past 15 years and the desire of my heart is to help kids discover their own musical talents, fortify and utilize them for praise and worship of the Lord.”
Elementary/Middle School Spanish - Barbara Fair: mrs.fair@firstchristianacademy.com
- 13 years teaching experience
- 12th year at FCA
- Studied Accounting at University of Houston
- Early Childhood Certified through Pinellas county
- Married 23 years with 2 boys in 9th and 12th grade.
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Quote: “Returning to FCA is very exciting! This has been like a second home to me. I have been so blessed by the many children and families I’ve met over the years. I look forward to meeting new families and seeing all the “old” families. I pray that I can be a blessing to the students.”
Elementary Computers & Extended Care - Karen Tatjes: mrs.tatjes@firstchristianacademy.com
- 10 years teaching experience
- 1st year at FCA
- BS in Elementary Education at Auburn University, California Lutheran University/UC Santa Barbara
- 3 daughters
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Quote: “Ever since I can remember I have wanted to work with children and to teach. God has truly blessed me with the opportunity to be a part of FCA. I receive so much joy from teaching and watching them learn and grow. A good friend told me years ago, the rewards from teaching are eternal. She was right!”
Elementary Library Studies – Linda Hall: mrs.hall@firstchristianacademy.com
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25 years teaching experience
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7th year at FCA
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St Pete College & Trinity College
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Married with 2 children and 2 grandchildren
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.”
Quote: “God tells us in Psalm 37:4 that He will give us the desires of our heart. He knew my love for books and children, and opened a door for me to share with children the world of books and reading. Every year, I enjoy seeing the excitement and joy on their faces as they discover new books that they just can’t put down.”
NILD/Discovery – Robin McCall: mrs.mccall@firstchristianacademy.com
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6 years teaching experience at FCA
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B.S. Accounting at Depaul University
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Married for 17 years with 2 children in 5th and 9th grade
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 -” For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord”, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Quote: “I am blessed and so grateful to have the privilege to teach at FCA. God has exposed a place in my heart and gives me the joy of working with children that have learning needs. The NILD Program provides families and children with hope and an opportunity to realize their God given gifts and talents.”
Lunch Coordinator/Elementary Teacher’s Aide – Jean Smith: mrs.smith@firstchristianacademy.com
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2nd year at FCA
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Background in Desktop Publishing
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Married 20 years with 3 children, daughter in college, daughter in 10th grade and son in 5th grade at FCA
Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
Quote: “I am blessed that I am here to serve, not only “nutritional” food to the children, but also “spiritual” food! It is also a blessing to be an aide for the teachers at FCA, who put their hearts into teaching the children everyday!”