FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - Key Persons
My name is April Ward and I teach high School Bible, Math, and History. I am married with a 10-year-old son, who I have home schooled for the past 5 years. My whole family is excited to join FCA.
My home church is Welcome Assembly of God located in Milton. From 2019 until this past year, I taught children's church and youth. I also tutored students academically the past 2 years.
I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling to hear my father, who is a full-time Missionary/Evangelist, preach.
I graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a 3.78 GPA and earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Natural Resource Conservation.
My name is Brittany Butler. My husband, Michael, and I have three beautiful children. We attend Cobbtown Holiness Church where we are both active in children's ministries and outreach. I love all things coffee but spending time with my husband and children bring me one of my greatest joys.
I am in my fourth year at Liberty University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Autism, while holding a membership with the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. This is my fifth year at Faith Christian Academy, where I started in the preschool, and have been in Kindergarten the past two years.
My favorite verse is a verse that speaks volumes to me because it has been a reminder for me on multiple occasions: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end," Jeremiah 29:11.
My name is Candace Pennell. I have been working at Faith Christian Academy for the past seven months. I also worked a little over four months in 2019. I have taught in the K3 class, worked as the Aftercare teacher, and now I am teaching the sixth grade. I love seeing all the smiling faces of the kids each morning. I have been married to my best friend and awesome father Bradley Pennell for fifteen years. We have been away for the past ten years while my husband served in United States Navy. I am thankful to be back home in the town I grew up in and love.
I was a stay-at-home mom for the past nine years and I am now currently completing courses to further my education in childcare and Early Childhood Education. I love my job and the Christ-centered environment at Faith Christian Academy. The staff is amazing, and I get to love on the kids.
I currently serve on the worship team at the "Bay Area Vineyard Church" in Milton, Fl. where I play the piano and sing. It is a passion and a gift that God has blessed me with. I have led many women's Bible studies in my home and love our time of fellowship.
My hobbies include all things sports, fishing, word finds, biking, playing piano, spending time with family, and card and board games. I love coffee, journaling, sunflowers, riding roller coasters, the sun
My name is Genna Hardy and I teach third grade here at FCA. I previously taught K-3 for our preschool for two years and last year I was the teacher's assistant for grades K5-12. I attended Pensacola Christian College for two years towards earning a degree in Elementary Education. My third grade teacher inspired me and I am blessed to have this opportunity to teach third grade myself this year.
When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with my three-year-old Nellie. I enjoy spending time crafting, such as crocheting, card making, and more. I also enjoy photography and have recently started my own photography business.
My name is Glenda Peck. I have been an employee at Faith Christian Academy since 2018, serving as Receptionist and Event Coordinator and was promoted to Administrative Assistant 2021. I attend Cobbtown Holiness Church where I serve as church secretary since 2012.
I have been married to my best friend, an awesome father, a true servant of God and the love of my life Todd Peck since 1983. Todd and I were blessed to have owned and operated Peck's House of Flowers for 16 years.
I love spending time with my wonderful children and my precious grandchildren. I also enjoy camping, growing plants, arranging flowers, crafting, and sewing.
My favorite scripture is Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."
My name is Jennifer Mooney. I have been working at Faith Christian Academy since 2015, serving as the director of Little Warriors Preschool. I have worked in childcare for many years and started my first job in 1984 with Santa Rosa Christian School. I worked there for a few years but after having my first daughter made the decision to stay home. I was then a stay-at-home mom for the next several years.
In 1997, I was offered a position at Pathway Christian School with Jay First Assembly of God in which I served as a teaching supervisor. When they closed the school, I then had my third daughter and was a stay-at -home mother once again.
In 2006, I began working part-time as the church secretary at Jay First Assembly of God. I eventually began working in their childcare center too. I worked there for several years in both positions and was offered the position as director sometime later. I worked there until the childcare center closed in 2014.
Our first grade teacher, Mrs. Barrow has been a teacher at Faith Christian Academy for eleven years. She acquired her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, ESOL, and Reading from the University of West Florida and completed her Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Pensacola Christian College.
Mrs. Barrow loves children and has four little ones of her own. She and her husband, Mr. Andrew Barrow, are the lead pastors at True Grace Fellowship Church in Milton where they have attended for thirteen years.
She enjoys teaching reading and is passionate about building disciples for Christ. Her favorite verse is Psalm 27:4, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all of the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."
My name is Latisha Leccese. I have worked at Faith Christian Academy for a little over two years. I first started out cleaning and helping where needed. Later, I became a teacher's assistant for K3 before moving to my own class with infants and one-year old's.
I am currently completing classes toward furthering my education in childcare. I have been married for nine years and have two children. One of my children is currently in the second grade at FCA and the other one will start in K4 next year.
My name is Lauren Bell. My husband and I have been married for 8 years and have 3 beautiful children.
Mr. Benjamin Lassiter is a former graduate of Faith Christian Academy and has returned to teach in our high school. He teaches a variety of subjects with a focus on the sciences such as Chemistry and Health.
Mr. Lassiter is currently seeking to complete his Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences degree at the University of West Florida.
He enjoys several hobbies such as sports, hunting, fishing, cooking, and spending time with his wife and newborn daughter.
Mr. Lassiter attends Cobbtown Holiness Church where he and his wife are involved in the Children's and Youth ministries.
His favorite verse is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Mr. Nathan Leccese started at Faith Christian Academy as a high school teacher in 2014 teaching a variety of subjects, such as Bible, Math, and Science. In 2022 Mr. Leccese moved in the IT department as the IT Specialist, but still assist with some elective classes and various office work.
Before coming to FCA he spent four years enlisted in the United States Air Force in aircraft metal's technology as a machinist and welder certified in seven different types of metals.
Mr. Leccese holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Software Development with a major in Game Software Development from National American University.
Mr. Leccese is not married but is engaged to Miss Angela Evans. He has two children who are currently enrolled in high school at FCA. He attends church at Cobbtown Holiness Church where he teaches the Teen Sunday school class and operates the sound and video equipment for the livestream ministry.
Some of Mr. Leccese's hobbies include embroidery, vinyl sticker design, digital art, and streaming on Twitch. He does all of the logo embroidering for the school's uniforms as well as designing our P.E. uniform gear.
His favorite scripture passage is James 1:2-3, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
Mrs. Anita Davis felt the call to return to the ministry of education after being in the corporate field for over 30 years. In 1991, she worked with the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) program in Louisville, Kentucky and later assumed the role of principal at Families for Christ Christian Academy.
After working in the ministry of education for approximately ten years, Mrs. Davis returned to the corporate field in Business Management and recently worked in mental health until the Lord brought her full circle to where her heart truly is - educating and nurturing young minds and hearts.
Mrs. Davis has taught high school Bible, English, Spanish and History at FCA for the last two years. She is continuing her education and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in secondary education with concentration in Middle/High School English.
Mrs. Davis attends Cobbtown Holiness Church and has been married 38 years to Mr. Russell Davis. She has two adult children with one grandchild who lovingly calls her "Porka" instead of Grammy.
Mrs. Davis also enjoys being a seamstress, has a heart for the worship/music ministry and has recently picked up learning the dulcimer from her Appalachian roots of North Carolina.
Her favorite scripture speaks where the Lord asks us to put down our weapons of war and stand in awe of Him and His mighty power. As God, He is sovereign, faithful, omnipotent and unfailing.
Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
Mrs. Betty Davis completed the Supervisors Training Program and became the first supervisor of the school. Mrs. Cindy Sanford blessed the school the first year by volunteering part-time as the school's secretary. The following year, Mrs. Dru Douglas took the position as full time secretary and three more supervisors were added, Mr. Andrew Barrow, Mrs. Kayla Barrow, and Miss Gena Peck. Cobbtown Christian Academy opened for school on August 25, 2010 with six wonderful students.
Mrs. Rebecca Odom is a 2018 graduate of FCA and has returned to be our fourth grade teacher in 2022-2023 school year. She has now moved to our high school and is teaching History 7th-12th grade. She is currently working on completing her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, having already completed two and a half years at Pensacola Christian College where she was listed on the Dean's List. Mrs. Odom was also a member of the Zeta Alpha Rho Society where she was nominated Collegian Chaplain.
Mrs. Odom recently got married to her husband, Colby, and they are serving as youth pastors at Cobbtown Holiness Church. She enjoys spending time with her husband and family as well as baking. Her students have recently nicknamed her Mrs. O'smart.
Her favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths."
Job Titles:
- Head of School
- Office Staff Member
Over the last few years there has been a desire in the heart of Pastor Jim Lassiter to see a Christian school opened at Cobbtown Holiness Church. Many of the members of the church also expressed that same desire. For quite some time individuals were coming to Bro. Jim and telling him they saw a vision of a school on the church grounds, while others were having dreams of a school in operation at the church. God was even placing this in the heart of believers who did not even attend church at Cobbtown.
Pastor Jim Lassiter could not overlook the overwhelming need for parents to have a place in this area where their children could be taught Biblical principles and Godly character, as well as, receive a great academic education. This became a regular prayer among the members of Cobbtown Holiness Church that God would give us wisdom and direction concerning the school He would help us open.
In January of 2010, Bro. Jim Lassiter presented to the church board the desire to open the school that year. There was 100% agreement that the church was ready to take on this awesome responsibility.God began to bless! He provided us with the portable building we needed and many donations began to come in. God was making a way!
Bro. Lassiter having been a former A.C.E. student and being familiar with the A.C.E. program, decided that it was the best curriculum for us to utilize. We began to go through the necessary training with A.C.E. to prepare for the upcoming school year. Bro. Jim Lassiter and his wife, Sandra, completed the Administrators Training Program with A.C.E. and after completion, Mrs. Sandra Lassiter took on the responsibility of principal for the school.
My name is Sherri Butler but everyone calls me Sha Sha. I have been so blessed to work at FCA for one and a half years. I've been married to my husband Ricky for 41 years. My hobbies are cooking, gardening, and going to church. I sincerely pray for God's continued blessings on FCA, children, staff, and all connected. My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
My name is Tabitha Gillman. I have been working with children for over ten years now, and it truly is my passion in life. I have been teaching K4 at Faith Christian Academy's "Little Warriors Preschool" for going on six years.
I am a certified Florida Childcare Professional through the Childcare Education Institute, and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education at Ashworth College.
I love my job. We are very blessed to be able to share God's word with the children everyday, as well as lay a great academic foundation. Every class that I teach becomes such a big part of my heart, and I am forever grateful for the call that God has put on my life. Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatsover ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord."
I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. I have attended Whitfield Pentecostal Church all of my life; I love my church, and my church family with all of my heart.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 17:7-8, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and it will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will it cease from yielding fruit."
My name is Teisha Gillman, and I have worked in the childcare field for over ten years. I believe children are our heritage and it is a humbling and important calling from God to give them a good foundation to build upon not only academically; but also, to introduce them to Jesus Christ.
I graduated from high school in 2004 from Christian Liberty Academy and went to college online at Ashworth College where I received my Associates Degree in Healthcare Management. My original intentions were to be a medical office manager, but I found that I loved working with children even more.
I went through Childcare Education Institute and received my Florida Childcare Professional Credentials to teach K4. I was then blessed to be hired by Faith Christian Academy to work in "Little Warriors Preschool" in 2015.
I love watching the children in my class grow and learn throughout the school year and to see their excitement when they learn a new letter or read their first word.
I have attended Whitfield Pentecostal Fellowship Church all my life and I love my church family. I am also the Assistant Church Secretary, which I enjoy. Some things that I like to do are to crochet, work in the garden, and spend time with my family.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." To me this verse means that no matter what the situation may be or the circumstances, if we will pray and seek God first in all things, wait patiently on Him; He will strengthen us and help us to accomplish what He has for us to do.