Staff

PreK 4 Teacher / Preschool Coordinator - Tifanee Wright

mrs.wright@firstchristianacademy.com

• FL staff credential
• FL Director credential
• Married 3 years; 2 chihuahuas

Favorite Scripture:  Song of Solomon 8:6 – “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.”

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; this passion survived my teenage years and has persevered into my adulthood.  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.  When I was 16 I got a job at a preschool and my love for children unknowingly took control over my life.  A Preschool setting is like a comfort food to me – it is where I fit best and where I can be myself.  Children are raw and precious and hold nothing back – I love that feeling of being your true self and get that feeling every morning walking through the doors of FCA looking into the smiling faces of those wonderful lives I have come to care for so deeply. ”

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PreK 4 Teacher- June Hermansen ms.hermansen@firstchristianacademy.com

• 5 years Preschool teaching
• 2 years VPK teaching
• CDA from Pinellas Tech. Ed. Cntr.
• Has Parakeet:  Tweet

Favorite Scripture: Philippeans 4:7 - “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Molly Manos - Preschool Teacher’s Aide mrs.manos@firstchristianacademy.com

• 13 years teacing experience
• 4th year at FCALC
• Training in Early Chilhood Education
• Married with one daughter age 8

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 a hope and a future.”

Quote: “God blesses each of us with gifts. He has given to me the gift of teaching. It is an awesome opportunity and blessing to fill hearts and minds with new information. The big hugs and “I Love You, Mrs. Manos” are just a great bonus!”

Laurie Tupponce – Preschool Teacher’s Aide  mrs.tupponce@firstchristianacademy.com

• BA in Accounting
• 1 1/2 yrs towards Masters Degree in Finance

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: “I have been with FCA for the past 5 years as a Preschool Teacher’s Aide (4’s).  What a privilege and a joy it has been to be an active part of the learning experience of your four year old’s world.  I am continuously amazed by their unique personalities and open honesty.  They are wonders to behold!  At FCA your children are truly loved and the warm, Christian, family atmosphere cannot be equalled anywhere else.  That is why family has called FCA our home since my daughter started Preschool at the age of four.  She is now entering fourth grade and it has been an amazing journey.”

Diane Costello – Preschool Teacher’s Aide mrs.costello@firstchristianacademy.com

• Worked at a  a Christian Preschool for 16 years – 12 yrs 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:  “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.”

mrs.steinorth@firstchristianacademy.com

• 10 years teaching experience.
• 3 years teaching at FCA
• BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
• Pursuing Masters in Education.
• Married with three daughters, ages 5, 8, and 16.

Favorite Scripture: Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Quote: “I chose to be a Christian educator because of the love I have in my heart for children and my love for Christ. As a young child God put a burden on my heart to assist parents in molding the hearts and minds of children.”

mrs.riordan@firstchristianacademy.com

• 2nd year teaching at FCA
• Bachelors degree in psychology and criminology
• Married with 1 child, age 5

Second Grade – Patience Dussault  mrs.dussault@firstchristianacademy.com

• 5 years teaching experience
• 2nd year teaching at FCA
• Clearwater Christian College B.A. in History (Minors in Speech, Education, and Bible)
• Married with 1 daughter, age 7

Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 41:13 – “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Quote: “I love watching children have “ah-hah” moments, when the light comes on and you know their minds have grasped a concept they never have before. I love hearing the excitement in their voices as they tell someone else about something they have learned.”

mrs.varner@firstchristianacademy.com

• 15 years teaching experience
• 4th year teaching at FCA
• B.S. in Education

Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. ”

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Fourth Grade -

Jennifer Johnson  mrs.johnson@firstchristianacademy.com

• 5 years teaching experience
• 3rd year at FCALC
• University of South Florida B.S. in Education
• Married with 2 children

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.”

mrs.robbins@firstchristianacademy.com

• 8 years teaching experience
• 4th year at FCALC
• University of Florida B.S.

Favorite Scripture: Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Quote: “As a teacher in a Christian school, I get the privilege to be there throughout the year to watch my students grow academically, socially, and spiritually. I stand beside them and encourage my students to be strong, loving, and confident children of God. I truly believe that teaching is a gift from above that should be utilized in a way that is always pleasing and uplifting to Him. In my classroom, we are reminded daily to “Shine like Stars” (Philippians 2:14-16) and to “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16).”

Julie Craig -  mrs.craig@firstchristianacademy.com)

• 3 years teaching experience
• 2nd year teaching at FCA
• Professional Educator’s Certificate (K-6)
• University of Georgia, BBA in Intl. Business/Minor in French
• Member of Generations Christian Church

Favorite Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10 - ” Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

Quote: “You know you’re in the right career when it doesn’t feel like a job.  Teaching at FCA is a privilege to me, and helping my students discover their God-given gifts is a blessing.”

mrs.tate@firstchristianacademy.com

• 12 years teaching experience
• AAS in Christian Education at Houghton College
• BS Education at State Univ. of NY College at Buffalo
• Married  for 35 years with 3 children and 3 grandchildren

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”    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 a hope and a future.”

Quote:  “Teaching is certainly a gift from God in which I have been blessed with.  I have found nothing more important or rewarding than watching children grow spiritually, mentally and physically.  When I am not teaching, I find myself always looking for something new to share, a new way to present something or a fun way to encourage renewed interest.  My husband will attest that wherever we are, whether it is cotton fields from NC or shells from FL beaches, I’m always looking for interesting additions to my classroom.  It’s a privilege and blessing to be part of FCA.”

Veronica Han-g ms.Han-g@firstchristianacademy.com

• Member of NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics)
• Member of NSTA (National Science Teachers Association)
• MA ED Curriculum and Instruction
• BS Public Health
• Attend Cypress Meadows Community Church (Clearwater)

Favorite Scripture: Luke 23:43 – “”I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Quote:  ”I am teaching because this is my passion – I love the atmosphere of being in a Christian environment.  Most importantly, teaching and fostering the growth of young adults in applying concepts of math and science.  I want my students to feel the moment, “now I get it” and use this knowledge as building blocks to learn more complex and challenging concepts.”

mrs.furnish@firstchristianacademy.com

• 14 years teaching experience
• 4th year teaching at FCALC
• 2 years as a FCALC Administrator
• 5 years as a FCALC School Board Member (3 years as school board chair)
• University of South Florida B.S. in Education
• College of Mount St. Joseph M.A. in Education

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Quote: “I cannot imagine a greater privilege than working with children everyday and being able to watch them mature educationally and spiritually. There is no greater reward than having one of my students tell me they have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior!”

mrs.hunt@firstchristianacademy.com

• 1st year teaching at FCALC
• University of South Florida B.S. in Accounting
• Married with 2 children

Favorite Scripture: Matthew 19:26 – “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Quote: “I am teaching P.E. because I want to teach kids all aspects of sports and sportsmanship. I love sports and I think that being very active is very important. I would like to pass on all my knowledge and joys of having fun while exercising.”

• BS in Music, FL Christian College
• 1st year at FCA
• 7 years teaching
• Married; 2 children

Favorite Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13 – “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Quote: “Since I was a little girl I have been singing songs to anyone who would listen.  I am honored and blessed to be able to teach music and worship as a career now.  I love the joy and emotions that music can cause in a child’s heart.  I am excited to create meaningful music experiences in our students time at FCA.”

• 3 years teaching experience
• 1st year at FCALC
• Bachelors from USF
• Married with 2 children

Favorite Scripture:  Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Quote: “I believe God called me to teach many years ago.  I enjoy explaining things to the students, especially when you can see they understand a new concept.  I love children very much and know they can tell when someone truly cares for them.  Teaching is the greatest joy.  I give the Lord all the glory for allowing me the privilege to teach at FCA.”

• 2nd year teaching
• 2nd year teaching at FCA
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Juris Doctor
• Married with two daughters, ages 7 and 5.

• 20 years teaching experience
• 4 years at FCALC
• St Pete College
• Trinity College
• 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.”

• 3 years teaching experience
• 3 years at FCALC
• Depaul University B.S. Accounting
• Married with 2 children

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: “God has called me to FCA by way of my children. He has opened up the opportunity for me to step outside of my comfort zone and join Him to help children with learning difficulties. Not only do I love coming to school everyday, but I am blessed by the children I work with, the staff, and the administration.”

• Married with 2 daughters; Danielle is 17 and Rebekah is 11 and attends FCA (5th 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 love working at FCA.  Our school truly is an extension of family.  Every child here is precious and each one has a special attribute that they represent.”

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