ODESSA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - Key Persons
I love Jesus, I love to learn, and I love adventure! As Head of School at OCS, my heart is to combine all three of these in a challenging, inspirational, and joyful educational experience for each and every one of our students. The thrill of seeing students grow and discover they are learning not only content, but also how to learn, how to create, and how to live - for Jesus, others, and self - is such a joy! I rejoice at being a part of teachers and students connecting over a math hurdle, writing challenge, or spiritual breakthrough, and count it an honor to be called to this position.
Mr. Ciulla - known affectionately as "Coach" - was born and raised in Florida. Coach attended Christian school from kindergarten through grade 12, and is a 2015 graduate of OCS. Coach Ciulla graduated from Southeastern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration with a concentration in leadership. He is also a licensed pilot and brings a sense of adventure and an "out of the box" approach to learning.
Coach Ciulla has a strong sense of understanding for his students; he works diligently to think back to how he felt as a student and uses that knowledge to reach and teach others. Coach attended the Ron Clark Academy educator training program in June 2017, as well as the Get Your Teach On conference in February 2019, which have made lasting impacts on his approach to effectively combining content with student engagement.
Job Titles:
- Curriculum and Instructional Specialist
Mrs. Mummau holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education with a minor in Bible from Clearwater Christian College. She married her best friend, Abe, in 2002, taught in public school for 4 years before taking time off to raise her girls, and has been teaching for 9 years at OCS. Mrs. Mummau and her family have been a part of OCS since the very beginning, and, in May 2021, her oldest daughter will have gone from Kindergarten to graduation at OCS!
Mrs. Mummau is famous for answering questions with a question to help students not only discover the answer, but to learn HOW to discover the answer. Mrs. Mummau tirelessly seeks out ways to help all her students grow, and helps them learn to always embrace the challenge, to never quit, and that the reward is worth the effort!
Mrs. Kidwell, originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, attended the University of South Florida for 2 years and has been in Christian ministry for 30+ years. Ministry has taken her all over the United States, but her heart is here in the Tampa Bay area.
She is married to Pastor Brad Kidwell. They have a married daughter, Adrienne, and a grandson, Shepherd, who has stolen Mrs. Kidwell's heart!
Mrs. Kidwell has dedicated her life to assisting parents in "raising up children in the way they should go so that when they are older, they will not depart from it," and she is well loved!
Mrs. Ciulla, together with her husband, Mr. James Ciulla, founded Odessa Christian School in 2008 out of obedience to the Lord's calling. Mrs. Ciulla holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Tampa. Prior to founding Odessa Christian School, she worked at a group home for young people with developmental disabilities for 15 years, including 10 as co-director. During that time, Mrs. Ciulla developed with her mother-in-law (and co-director at the group home), Mrs. Diane Ciulla, an equine therapy program for individuals with emotional and developmental disabilities, focused on the therapeutic and learning benefits of being active in nature, and adventured with Mr. Ciulla and their two sons.
Mrs. Mazza was born in Englewood, New Jersey and moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida as a child. She attended St. Petersburg College with a focus in administration, spent 19+ years working in healthcare administration, and is the co-founder and principal owner of a surgical/medical consulting company.
Mrs. Mazza has been married for over 20 years to her husband, Jason, and is the loving mom of 2 boys. Their family has been a precious part of the OCS family for the past 10 years, with her son, Yanni being a 2021 graduate, and her son, Zane, now moving into 6th grade! How time flies!