All
Administration
Faculty
Early Childhood
High School
Middle School
Lower School
Staff
Shawn Minks, M. Ed.
Head of School
Shawn Minks, M. Ed.

Head of School

Mr. Shawn Minks is enjoying his eleventh year leading Cambridge Christian school after serving for six years as Headmaster at Foundation Academy in Winter Garden, FL. Prior to Foundation, he served for five years at Bridgeway Christian Academy in Georgia and nine years at Warner Christian Academy in Daytona Beach.

Mr. Minks received his Master’s in educational administration from Columbia International University in 2001. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and Bible from Northwestern College in 1993. Mr. Minks hold a lifetime ACSI all levels principal certificate, and he is a Van Lunen fellow. He sits on the executive Committee of Christian schools of Florida, and he has served on 15 accreditation teams to other schools.

Mr. Minks is happily married to his wife of 32 years, Carol, who is also on staff at Cambridge. Mr. and Mrs. Minks have three children. Tal is a character animator at Steamroller Studios in central Florida. Tiana is a CCS alum, graduate of Florida Southern, and now teacher in our Upper School, and Tate is a CCS alum in his final semester at USF, gearing up to apply for PA (Physician’s Assistant) school.

Austin Temperley, Ed.D.
Upper School Principal
Austin Temperley, Ed.D.

Upper School Principal

It is my great pleasure to be part of the Lancer community!  My heartbeat is to glorify God and serve Him forever.  To that end God has called me to carry out that task through education.  I received my bachelor’s from the University of Northern Iowa in Social Science Education.  I pursued my master’s and doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida and Temple University, respectively.  I have ten years in Christian education both as a teacher and secondary principal, and the last six were spent in public education as a teacher and elementary principal.

My personal verse for the 2020-2021 school year is Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Our job as Christians is to move forward, press on, and grow in our faith. Our job as Christian educators is to help our students press on in their faith and biblical worldview. I will lead with this conviction that we must press on in our faith, work, responsibilities, and become more like Christ every day.

I’ve been married to the love of my life, Sarah, since 2003.  We have four children, Jack-rising 9th grade, Lydia-rising 7th grade, Holly-rising 5th grade, and Bethany-rising 4th grade.  We love to get outside, hike in national parks, spend time in God’s Word, and eat at Chick-Fil-A!  We are excited to be a part of God’s movement at Cambridge Christian School and trusting God for great things to happen this school year.  I

Tracy Moss, M. Ed.
Lower School Principal
Tracy Moss, M. Ed.

Lower School Principal

Mrs. Moss is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership. For the past 18 years, she has taught grades first, second, and fourth. She has also worked as an Intern Supervisor for The University of Tampa. On a personal note, Mrs. Moss has been happily married to her husband, Evan, for over 19 years. Their two children also attend Cambridge.

Renee Kennedy, Ph. D.
Middle School Principal
Renee Kennedy, Ph. D.

Middle School Principal

Brian Pruitt, M. Ed.
Upper School Assistant Principal
Brian Pruitt, M. Ed.

Upper School Assistant Principal

Mr. Brian Pruitt is a Georgia native, with more than fifteen years of experience in the field of Education. Mr. Pruitt has taught in the classroom, coached athletics, and held various positions of leadership throughout his career. He currently holds a Master’s Degree of Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Education with an emphasis in Middle Grades Education.

Mr. Pruitt has been married to his wife Stephanie for more than ten years. They have two sons Gabriel and Brock. The Pruitt’s enjoy spending their time at various sporting events and getting involved in their local church.

 

Jennifer Perez, Ph.D.
Lower School Assistant Principal
Jennifer Perez, Ph.D.

Lower School Assistant Principal

Ed Jones, MBA
Director of Development
Ed Jones, MBA

Director of Development

Ed Jones joins the Lancer family after serving for six years at William Jessup University, a Christ-centered liberal arts university in Northern California. As the Director of Strategic Giving, Ed launched the school's very first Legacy Society for the acquisition and stewardship of planned gifts. During his tenure, Ed cultivated generosity by developing strong relationships with donors, pastors, and community stakeholders. He was also regularly called upon as a guest speaker at local churches and often was the master of ceremonies for various school events. Previous to WJU, Ed worked for 12 years in business development in the banking and lending industry. Seven of those years were spent working with banking institutions that specifically served Christian ministries. Ed came to faith in Jesus Christ when he was 15 years old. Shortly thereafter, he began attending and graduated from a local Christian School in Northern California. He eventually returned and taught there for seven years. After going into the business world, he was asked to serve on the board for over 10 years and has a deep commitment and passion for Christian education.

Ed received his Master of Business Administration degree from William Jessup University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from California State University, Sacramento. Ed also has received a Diploma in Theology from INSTE Bible College and is a licensed pastor.

Ed has been happily married to his wife Christy for 26 years. They have two sons. Ephraim is 16 years old and will be a junior at

Mark Butler, M. Ed., CAA
Director of Athletics and Operations
Mark Butler, M. Ed., CAA

Director of Athletics and Operations

Mark Butler is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in Christian Education. Throughout his career, he has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and Director of Athletics & Operations. Mark holds a bachelor's degree in speech communications and a master's degree in secondary education, which have enhanced his expertise in the field.

Mark is deeply involved in high school athletics, with extensive knowledge of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). He has contributed significantly to the FHSAA, serving on committees and as chairman of the representative assembly. Mark's dedication to shaping the future of high school sports in Florida has earned him recognition as the FIAAA Athletic Director of the year.

Certified as a Master Athletic Administrator by the NIAAA, Mark excels in building championship programs. He has experience leading athletic departments in schools of various sizes, demonstrating adaptability and a focus on student-athlete needs.

Mark's passion lies in using athletics to develop "Every Athlete A Disciple." He is committed to instilling important values and life lessons in athletes, preparing them for success beyond sports.

Outside of work, Mark is happily married and enjoys spending time with his loving wife, Karen, a dietician, who is so caring and supportive! He is a big UK basketball fan and son Jordan, graduated from and now works at the University of Kentucky.

Liana Turk, CPA
Business Administrator
Liana Turk, CPA

Business Administrator

Mrs. Turk is the Business Administrator at CCS and previously worked in the business office as the Payroll and Benefits Coordinator and at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Tax Process Specialist.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of South Florida and recently attained her CPA license. She is married to her husband Robert and together they have one daughter, Lylah, who attends CCS. She loves Cambridge because of the “close family environment and the wonderful people I get to work with every day.”

Melody Shiver, M. Ed.
Director of Guidance and College Placement
Melody Shiver, M. Ed.

Director of Guidance and College Placement

Mrs. Shiver is a graduate from Samford University from where she obtained her BS in Business Management & Marketing. She went on to the University of Scranton to pursue her Masters in Educational Leadership and has also completed the High School College Placement Counselor Certification with NACCAP at Anderson University. She has over ten years experience in Guidance & College Placement. Mrs. Shiver has been married to her husband, Brent, for almost 20 years and together they have two sons, Asa (middle school) and Kade (lower school) who attend CCS.

Lisa Brennan Abbazia
Director of Admissions
Lisa Brennan Abbazia

Director of Admissions

Lisa has worked at CCS for over twenty years and graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.A in Mass Communications. Previously she worked in sales at the University of South Florida. Her son Ethan '15 is a graduate of Florida State University and the University of Miami College of Law and currently working in Miami. She loves Cambridge because of the family atmosphere and the opportunity she has to introduce others to Cambridge. “The best part of my job is meeting new families and welcoming them to be part of Cambridge Christian School.”

Marty Premer
Director of Marketing and Communications
Marty Premer

Director of Marketing and Communications

Mrs. Premer has been working at CCS for over 15 years. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.A. in Mass Communications with a major in advertising. She was in sales and sales management for over 10 years before joining our team. She and her husband are recently married and she is mother to two boys, Ethan and Tyler.  Ethan '22 is studying finance at the University of South Florida, and Tyler '14 is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law, currently working as an Assistant State Attorney. Both boys are "lifers," starting Cambridge in K-3. Mrs. Premer loves CCS because of the strong foundation it offers students. “It is the perfect combination of rigorous academics and faith in action. It allows your student to be involved, lead, and be mentored by an incredibly talented and godly faculty and staff. On top of that, it’s a wonderful place to work. CCS has been a blessing to our family in so many ways.”

Elizabeth Myers
Director of Annual Fund and Alumni
Elizabeth Myers

Director of Annual Fund and Alumni

Carlos G. Villegas
Director of Information Technology
Carlos G. Villegas

Director of Information Technology

Rick Shears
Security Team Leader
Rick Shears

Security Team Leader

Mr. Shears has been working at CCS for 11 years and has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Mott Community College. He is a retired Detective from the City of Tampa Police Department and has been married to his wife, Shelley, for 33 years. They have two children, Tabatha and Erik ‘08 and two grandchildren. Mr. Shears loves Cambridge because this is where he accepted the Lord into his life. He says, “This school will always have a special place in my heart.  I feel God’s presence every day that I am here.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to disciple your children.”

Annelise LaRussa, M. Ed.
Think Tank
Annelise LaRussa, M. Ed.

Think Tank

Callie Harris
Lower School Teacher
Callie Harris

Lower School Teacher

Sarah Cox, M. Ed.
NILD Therapist
Sarah Cox, M. Ed.

NILD Therapist

Alyssa Hart
Upper School Permanent Substitute
Alyssa Hart

Upper School Permanent Substitute

Paz Isabel Leiton
Lower School Administrative Assistant
Paz Isabel Leiton

Lower School Administrative Assistant

Gabriela Apostolatos
Upper School Administrative Assistant
Gabriela Apostolatos

Upper School Administrative Assistant

Susan Burton
Upper School Bible Teacher
Susan Burton

Upper School Bible Teacher

Wendy Wilson, M.S. Biochemistry, M.S.M.
Upper School Teacher
Wendy Wilson, M.S. Biochemistry, M.S.M.

Upper School Teacher

Stephanie Jardim, M. Ed.
Upper School English Teacher
Stephanie Jardim, M. Ed.

Upper School English Teacher

Hubert Toney, Jr., Ph.D.
Band Director
Hubert Toney, Jr., Ph.D.

Band Director

Sandra Watford, M.A.T.
Upper School Teacher
Sandra Watford, M.A.T.

Upper School Teacher

Laura Fabian
Early Childhood Teacher
Laura Fabian

Early Childhood Teacher

Nazarena Kerkebe-Lama
Lower School PE Teacher
Nazarena Kerkebe-Lama

Lower School PE Teacher

Jennifer Thomas, MA
Upper School Math Department Head
Jennifer Thomas, MA

Upper School Math Department Head

Marines Villaviccencio
Little Lambs Director
Marines Villaviccencio

Little Lambs Director

Heather Agee, M. Ed.
Lower School Teacher
Heather Agee, M. Ed.

Lower School Teacher

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.  I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

Geeta Nancoo
Little Lambs
Geeta Nancoo

Little Lambs

Whitney Weigel
Upper School Receptionist
Whitney Weigel

Upper School Receptionist

Rewa Chisholm, Ph. D.
Lower School Teacher
Rewa Chisholm, Ph. D.

Lower School Teacher

Roberto Morales
Maintenance
Roberto Morales

Maintenance

Sam Shoup
Maintenance
Sam Shoup

Maintenance

Melissa Lenardos
Print Shop Assistant
Melissa Lenardos

Print Shop Assistant

Dana Dudeck-Hartley
Human Resource Coordinator
Dana Dudeck-Hartley

Human Resource Coordinator

Ivonne Snow
Bookkeeper/AR Supervisor
Ivonne Snow

Bookkeeper/AR Supervisor

Renee Panatex
Accounting Coordinator
Renee Panatex

Accounting Coordinator

Edith Martinez
Lower School Teacher
Edith Martinez

Lower School Teacher

Cheryl Pevitt, M. Ed.
Upper School Math Teacher
Cheryl Pevitt, M. Ed.

Upper School Math Teacher

Jean Casimo
PreK4 Assistant
Jean Casimo

PreK4 Assistant

Stephanie Compton, Ed.D.
Upper School English Department Head
Stephanie Compton, Ed.D.

Upper School English Department Head

Kevin Hickinbotham, M. Ed., CAA
Assistant Athletic Director
Kevin Hickinbotham, M. Ed., CAA

Assistant Athletic Director

Liana Serrano
Upper School World Language Teacher
Liana Serrano

Upper School World Language Teacher

Ken LaBrant, Ph. D.
Upper School World Language Department Head
Ken LaBrant, Ph. D.

Upper School World Language Department Head

Juan Garcia, Th. M.
Upper School Teacher
Juan Garcia, Th. M.

Upper School Teacher

Ian Lytle
Facilities Manager
Ian Lytle

Facilities Manager

Tricia Fullington
School Nurse
Tricia Fullington

School Nurse

Shelley Resler, M. Ed.
Upper School History Teacher
Shelley Resler, M. Ed.

Upper School History Teacher

Gigi Grau
Print Media Assistant
Gigi Grau

Print Media Assistant

Maria Miaoulis
Lower School Preschool Assistant
Maria Miaoulis

Lower School Preschool Assistant

Jessica Roseman
Lower School Preschool Teacher
Jessica Roseman

Lower School Preschool Teacher

Carina Smith
Lower School Teacher's Aide
Carina Smith

Lower School Teacher's Aide

Natalie Minor
Lower School Music Teacher
Natalie Minor

Lower School Music Teacher

Michelle Uzzillia
Discovery Teacher
Michelle Uzzillia

Discovery Teacher

Kimberly Cox
Little Lambs
Kimberly Cox

Little Lambs

Julie Doyle
Lower School Teacher
Julie Doyle

Lower School Teacher

Ashlee Gramatica
NILD Teacher
Ashlee Gramatica

NILD Teacher

Jennifer Todd
Lower School Teacher
Jennifer Todd

Lower School Teacher

Alan Metzger
Technology Director
Alan Metzger

Technology Director

Michael Dyck
Michael Dyck

Tara Johnson, M. Ed.
Early Childhood Teacher
Tara Johnson, M. Ed.

Early Childhood Teacher

Christine Rowland
Lower School Teacher
Christine Rowland

Lower School Teacher

Troy Caradonna
Upper School Personal Finance Teacher
Troy Caradonna

Upper School Personal Finance Teacher

Luisa Beesley, MAT
Upper School English Teacher
Luisa Beesley, MAT

Upper School English Teacher

Luis Diaz
Upper School Study Hall
Luis Diaz

Upper School Study Hall

Bryan Williams
Upper School History
Bryan Williams

Upper School History

Gordon Swenson
Bus Driver
Gordon Swenson

Bus Driver

Rodd Rodriguez
Upper School History
Rodd Rodriguez

Upper School History

Cesar Felix
Operations
Cesar Felix

Operations

Kelly Johnston
PK3 Assistant
Kelly Johnston

PK3 Assistant

Justin Dargahi
Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach and CCSN Coordinator
Justin Dargahi

Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach and CCSN Coordinator

Maria Salcedo
Little Lambs
Maria Salcedo

Little Lambs

Vanessa Mejia-Pinales
Accounts Receivable
Vanessa Mejia-Pinales

Accounts Receivable

Maritza Patet
Lower School Teacher
Maritza Patet

Lower School Teacher

Remi Nelms
Service Dog for Mrs. Nelms
Remi Nelms

Service Dog for Mrs. Nelms

Sheri Tesvich
Lower School Teacher
Sheri Tesvich

Lower School Teacher

Sean McBride
Front Desk Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Sean McBride

Front Desk Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

Tiana Minks
Upper School Yearbook
Tiana Minks

Upper School Yearbook

Scott Moore
Bible Department Head
Scott Moore

Bible Department Head

Sandy Diaz
Lower School Administrative Assistant
Sandy Diaz

Lower School Administrative Assistant

Meagan Morgan
NILD Therapist
Meagan Morgan

NILD Therapist

Angelica Triana
Early Childhood Assistant
Angelica Triana

Early Childhood Assistant

Erin Schlauch
Upper School Guidance Counselor
Erin Schlauch

Upper School Guidance Counselor

Monica Ocasio
Lower School Assistant
Monica Ocasio

Lower School Assistant

John DiBenedetto
Sports Facilities Coordinator, Varsity Baseball Head Coach
John DiBenedetto

Sports Facilities Coordinator, Varsity Baseball Head Coach

John Peter
Print Media Manager
John Peter

Print Media Manager

Abigail Orlando, M.Ed.
Lower School Teacher
Abigail Orlando, M.Ed.

Lower School Teacher

Sade Adetoro, MBA
Director of Upper School STEM
Sade Adetoro, MBA

Director of Upper School STEM

Rolanda Sirmons
Assistant Admissions Director
Rolanda Sirmons

Assistant Admissions Director

Madeline Lench, M.Ed
Upper School English Teacher
Madeline Lench, M.Ed

Upper School English Teacher

Christina Reiss
Upper School English Teacher
Christina Reiss

Upper School English Teacher

Matthew Jerry
Upper School Bible Teacher
Matthew Jerry

Upper School Bible Teacher

Luis Solano
Maintenance/Bus Driver
Luis Solano

Maintenance/Bus Driver

Karen Robinson
Food Service Manager
Karen Robinson

Food Service Manager

Heidi Horst
Campus Store Manager
Heidi Horst

Campus Store Manager

Wesley Burnham
IT Assistant
Wesley Burnham

IT Assistant

Brandi Cook
Food Service
Brandi Cook

Food Service

Elizabeth Schneegold
Lower School Teacher
Elizabeth Schneegold

Lower School Teacher

Amanda Hart
Early Childhood Teacher
Amanda Hart

Early Childhood Teacher

Javier Ocasio
Food Service
Javier Ocasio

Food Service

Loletta Burke
Little Lambs
Loletta Burke

Little Lambs

Kellie Bryant, MAT
Lower School Teacher
Kellie Bryant, MAT

Lower School Teacher

Natasha Munoz
Lower School Teacher
Natasha Munoz

Lower School Teacher

Emily Binder
Lower School Teacher
Emily Binder

Lower School Teacher

Erica Cortner, MCE
Lower School Teacher
Erica Cortner, MCE

Lower School Teacher

Mrs. Cortner received a Bachelor's degree in Health Science Education from the University of Florida and a Master's degree in Education from Mercy College in New York. Mrs. Cortner also received training at Columbia Teacher's College and has seven years of classroom teaching experience. She has three children who attend Cambridge Christian School - Chase, Olivia, and William.

Amy Dayton
Upper School Art Teacher
Amy Dayton

Upper School Art Teacher

Julinda Gallogly
Lower School Physical Education Assistant
Julinda Gallogly

Lower School Physical Education Assistant

Emilia Ivy
Early Childhood Director
Emilia Ivy

Early Childhood Director

Jenni Layman
Upper School, PE
Jenni Layman

Upper School, PE

I am in education because I felt and still feel the Lord has called me into this field.  I love teaching and mentoring kids and watching them grow and develop into the people God intends for them to be.  It is a special privilege and honor to be a small part of my students' lives.

Annika Lewis
Early Childhood Teacher
Annika Lewis

Early Childhood Teacher

I am in education because this is where the Lord led me!  Starting a family took me out of the business world and opened the door to teaching.

Sharon Lutz
Lower School Art Teacher
Sharon Lutz

Lower School Art Teacher

I love art, children and Christ, not always in that order!

Alexis Martin
Kindergarten
Alexis Martin

Kindergarten

I believe that I was called at an early age to serve as an educator.  I can remember from childhood, how I loved the feeling of helping someone learn something new.  I know now that this is my calling from the Lord, and what a blessing it is to me to come to a job that I love each day. It is humbling to know the impact I have on these children on a spiritual, emotional,  and academic level.  Teaching truly is a gift!

Carol Minks
Educational Services Director
Carol Minks

Educational Services Director

My passion is teaching students to think about his/her learning. When a child’s eyes light up with understanding, I feel accomplished; especially when the comprehension includes Biblical truth that will help shape the character of the child.

Cindy Nelms
Lower School Teacher
Cindy Nelms

Lower School Teacher

I love being a teacher, especially at Cambridge Christian. It’s exciting to be a part of  the student's spiritual and academic growth. I have been blessed to see many of the younger children I have taught grow up to be strong Christian men and women.

Lisa Peake, M. Ed.
Upper School Chemistry Teacher
Lisa Peake, M. Ed.

Upper School Chemistry Teacher

Pam Cameron
Executive Assistant to Head of School
Pam Cameron

Executive Assistant to Head of School

Mrs. Cameron has been working at CCS for over 20 years as an executive assistant and in various other responsibilities throughout campus including Summer Camp Director. She has three children, Nathan, Sarah ’09 and Aaron '15. She also has three grandchildren, Zane, Bryden and Elijah. Mrs. Cameron loves Cambridge because her children have learned so much academically and spiritually. She says, “The faculty invests their knowledge and time into your child. This school is truly unique. Our sacrifices have been rewarded in the confidence we see in our children. The values we teach at home have been reinforced at school on a daily basis.”

Jasmin Solano
Lower School Spanish Teacher
Jasmin Solano

Lower School Spanish Teacher

Kylie Steed
Upper School, English
Kylie Steed

Upper School, English

The Lord directed my path to education.  I knew I needed to be doing something where a strong opportunity for ministry and service was present; God had given me a heart for youth.  Admittedly, I have always been a nerd to the core, who loves to learn, read, and write.  Thus… teaching!

William Steinle
Lower School PE Teacher
William Steinle

Lower School PE Teacher

Lori Swigart
Lower School Teacher
Lori Swigart

Lower School Teacher

I’m in education because I have a love for art and music and education is a wonderful way to combine the two.  I also have a desire to work with children and have felt called to teach them the gospel.

Teresa Vath
Drama Director and World Literature
Teresa Vath

Drama Director and World Literature

I am a teacher because that’s what God has called me to do. As I teach Drama and English, He gives me the amazing opportunity every day to educate, guide, and shape the minds and lives of middle and upper school students. It is a blessing to use my gifts, talents and experience to make a difference in students’ lives . . . to teach them the importance of Christ in every aspect of their lives and to model the rewards of working for “an audience of One."

Dave Watson, MA, MLS
Upper School History Department Head
Dave Watson, MA, MLS

Upper School History Department Head

It is a joy and a privilege to teach from a Christian perspective to so many wonderful students, to get to know my students’ families, and to work with so many extraordinary colleagues.

Judy Watson
Upper School Registrar
Judy Watson

Upper School Registrar