Meet Our Staff
The dedicated staff at Covenant Academy believe that quality teaching is directly related to a commitment to following Jesus Christ, a desire to cultivate integrity, and a pursuit of wisdom. Classroom teachers are uniquely qualified, have experience working with children, express love and care for their students, and show a passion for imparting wisdom. Teachers understand and embrace the University-Model® school philosophy of education and value parental involvement.
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Dr. Kira Wilson
Administrator/Director
Dr. Wilson, a graduate of the UF, and holds a Doctor of Education degree from Liberty University. Having taught in a traditional setting and homeschooling her children, Dr. Wilson founded and launched Covenant Academy, Florida's only University-Model® school, in 2015. She serves as a Regional Representative for UMSI, in the southeast. She is also founder of Life and Learning, an educational resource for parents. Her passion is to encourage parents in the training of their children, to help students experience the gospel, grow spiritually, and reach their full potential in Christ. She and her husband, Ron, love spending time with their children and four grandchildren. They are members of and serve at Local Church St. Pete.
Mrs. Paola Hernandez
Director of Student Activities
Mrs. Paola Hernandez grew up in Venezuela, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Physics. She also holds a Masters of Theology from New Covenant University. In addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Hernandez serves as the Director of Student Activities, supervising student clubs, councils, competitions and school events. In this role she shares her administrative gifts which she imparts to student leaders. She and her family attend Calvary Chapel Fellowship in St. Petersburg.
Mrs. Marissa Rodriguez
Director of Admissions
Mrs. Rodriguez grew up in the Pinellas County Homeschool community and earned her B.S. in Exercise Physiology at Barry University. With her experience teaching a variety of subjects and grades (in-school and virtually) including special needs students, she understands the importance of communication between students, parents, and teachers to ensure academic success, keeping Jesus at the forefront. She has a passion for gymnastics and enjoys traveling. Her husband and three boys attend and serve at Grace Christian Fellowship.
Mrs. Toni Carr
Executive Assistant
Mrs. Toni Carr has been with Covenant Academy since the start and is actively and wholeheartedly committed to our program. She welcomes new families and assists the Administrator/Director with a variety of tasks. In addition, Mrs. Carr manages the aides, fundraisers, and facilities. Having spent more than twenty five years homeschooling her seven children, she embraces the University-Model approach to education as a win win for parents and students. She attends Faith Community Church in Seminole.
Mrs. Kristen Stuart
Front Office
Mrs. Stuart studied Biomedical Sciences at the USF and brings years of experience working with children. Her passion for learning, creativity, and helping others is evident in the way she engages with students and supports their growth academically and spiritually. As a dedicated mom of two, Mrs. Stuart understands the importance of creating a nurturing and faith-filled learning environment. She enjoys running, baking, reading, spending time with friends and traveling. Mrs. Stuart is grateful for the opportunity to be part of a community where Christ is at the center of all that is taught and lived. She and her family serve together as active members of Central Christian Church.
Mrs. Sarah Trommer
Scholarship Manager
Mrs. Sarah Trommer, dedicated military spouse, recently relocated to Florida from Houston, Texas. For four years, she worked as an online guitar instructor, fostering both her passion for music and teaching. Sarah holds an Associate's degree from St. Petersburg College and has accumulated years of experience in educational and school environments. Her deep love for children has inspired her to stay home with her two young children, while also taking on the role of a remote office assistant. Sarah and her family are members of Grace Christian Fellowship in Largo.
Mrs. Mary Miranda
Social Media & Yearbook
Mrs. Mary Miranda is joyfully returning to the University Model of education after nine years of teaching full time. She holds a BS in HPERD, a certificate in English 6-12, a certificate in journalism and a Masters in Biblical Exposition from Liberty University. She loves English, coaching, and helping students reach their God-given potential. Mrs. Miranda and her husband, Vern, have two children who went through the UMS program, currently a nurse and a computer engineer. The couple attends Central Christian Church.
Mrs. Teresa Huber
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Huber earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Bamberg in Germany. After immigrating to America, she found her passion working with young children in the classroom. With experience in both homeschooling and traditional schooling, Mrs. Huber believes that faith belongs at the heart of education. In her free time, Mrs Huber enjoys reading, hiking and traveling, especially when it means spending time with her family. The Huber family attends Blessed Sacrament.
Mrs. Amy Runkle
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Runkle holds an AA in Communications and a Child Development Associate certificate from St. Petersburg College. She has over 18 years of experience teaching in both the Pinellas County School system and a church preschool. She is passionate about building relationships with her students and their families. Her love for her students is evident through her dedication to creating a classroom that is functional, relational, and welcoming. Mrs. Runkle and her husband Todd, have two daughter, one who has attended Covenant Academy since the 7th grade. Mrs. Runkle enjoys crafting, creating, exercise, and singing.
Mrs. Claudette Kilby
First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Claudette Kilby, a New England native, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Special Needs from Lesley College in Cambridge, MA. She has 35 years of experience teaching both typical and atypical students working at the primary level in Christian, private, and public school settings. Mrs. Kilby loves spending time with her husband, two grown children, and the grandchildren. She enjoys reading, biking, hiking and kayaking. She attends and serves in children’s ministry at Starkey Road Baptist Church in Seminole.
Mrs. Catelyn Jeffers
Second Grade Teacher
Mrs. Jeffers earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Mission University. She loves spending time and going on adventures with her husband and their three children. They attend Park Street Baptist church where they enjoy serving in various ministries. Some of Mrs. Jeffers hobbies include singing, exercising, and playing the drums. She has a passion for teaching and building relationships with her students in a joyful and loving classroom.
Mrs. Stephany Condra
Third Grade Teacher
Mrs. Stephany Condra graduated from Remington College with a major in Computer Information Systems and Operations Management. After a successful career in corporate management, she shifted her focus to Jesus, family, and education. She returned home to be more involved in her daughters' education. Her passion for children and their eagerness to learn is a calling God has placed on her heart. Mrs. Condra loves to read, laugh, sing, dance, roller-skate, and teach people about Jesus through her testimony and His truth. She and her family attend Grace City Church in Tampa.
Mrs. Brittany Davis
Fourth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Brittany Davis has a Bachelor of Science from St. Petersburg College. She studied both Elementary Education and Community Leadership. She has served as children’s ministry director and worked in the public school setting. She finds joy in helping students grow and making learning meaningful. Mrs. Davis enjoys gardening, sports, and taking adventures with her husband, John, and their four children, three old enough to attend Covenant Academy. They are members of St. Petersburg Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Lauren Bechtel
Fifth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Lauren Bechtel graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Elementary Education. With eight years of classroom experience, she is passionate about nurturing students’ academic growth and faith. She enjoys photography, exercising, traveling, and creative pursuits. Her life verse is Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” She attends Northside Baptist with her wonderful husband and young son.
Mrs. Angela Gleichowski
Sixth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Angela Gleichowski earned her Associates degree from St. Petersburg College and continued her studies in Elementary Education at Bryan College. As a former homeschool parent, she is passionate about fostering curiosity and a love for learning. Affectionately known as Mrs. G, she has taught most of the elementary grades at Covenant. She enjoys spending time with family, being active, and reading. She and her family attend Building 28 Church, in Clearwater.
Mrs. Marcia DiPietro
Music Teacher
Mrs. Marcia DiPietro earned her bachelor's degree in Music Education from Evangel University and loves music, playtime, and storytelling as avenues for teaching young children. Having taught in public, private school, and Montessori school, her most rewarding experience has come from homeschooling her own children. Students and parents benefit from Mrs. DiPietro's engaging learning activities and attendance to character development. Mrs. DiPietro and her husband serve as pastors of Faith Assembly St Pete.
Mrs. Susan Estes
Language Arts Specialist
Mrs. Susan Estes brings more than forty years of teaching experience and expertise to Covenant Academy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Reading. Mrs. Estes’s love for Jesus is expressed in her teaching and interaction with students and parents alike. Her genuine care for the school community is a blessing to all. In addition to teaching, she loves spending time with her three grandsons who live in Kentucky. She and her husband attend Grace Bible Church.
Coach Matt Young
PE Coach
Coach Matt Young (PE) believes athletics is a great way to build and instill character. As creator of "Story Time Soccer" his stated core values for physical education include fun, discipline, confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Coach is always ready to integrate Christian values and the teaching of Jesus into his lessons on the field.
Mrs. Paola Hernandez
Middle and High School Math/Science
Mrs. Paola Hernandez grew up in Venezuela, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Math and Physics. She also holds a Masters of Theology from New Covenant University. Mrs. Hernandez shares her passion for math and God’s design for order with her students. Under her wing, students learn useful organizational and study skills that help to develop math understanding and important life skills. She and her husband Luis enjoy teaching their daughter who attends Covenant. The family attends Calvary Chapel Fellowship in St. Petersburg.
Mrs. Darcy Denning
Middle and High School English/History
Mrs. Denning attended the University of Alaska, majoring in history. Her passion for history is a catalyst for making learning fun and relevant. She is very familiar with University Model schooling and Covenant Academy having more than a decade teaching her three children through the program. With this experience, she is uniquely qualified to partner with parents in their role as parent-teacher. Mrs. Denning and her family attend Gulf Coast Church in Largo.
Mrs. Jill Dziubinski
Middle and High School Math & Science
Mrs. Jill Dziubinski earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from the USF. As a retired Sheriff’s deputy, she has taught academy classes at St. Petersburg College and middle school science in public school. Mrs. Dziubinski desires to partner with families to help young people to seek the Lord in all circumstances. She values time with her husband and their four fantastic children, one of whom attends Covenant Academy. Mrs. Dziubinski and her family attend Feather Sound Church.
Mrs. Valerie Alezard
Middle and High School Science
Mrs. Alezard holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Nutrition from Mansfield University. After more than 20 years working with children, she has held many titles including: coach, nutritionist, and behavior support staff for children with special needs. Her favorite job has been raising her three children with her husband, Luis, and teaching them alongside Covenant Academy. Passionate about watching young minds develop and learn, she is excited to contribute to our students’ education.
Coach Irwin
Middle and High School PE
Coach Irwin graduated from Messiah College, with a B.A. in Health and Physical Education. She has taught Middle School and High School Health, Physical Education, served as Athletic Director and coached a variety of sports up through the Varsity level, in both public and private schools. She enjoys adventure and hanging out by the water with her family. She and her husband, Travis, have three children, who attend Covenant. They worship at New Creation Family Church in St. Pete.
Mrs. Kristin Ives
School Aide
Mrs. Ives, a military wife, recently moved from Texas where she worked at another University Model School. Although she has a degree in Business Administration, she loves education and being involved where her children attend school. As an aide, she helps with recess, lunch, and classroom assistance. Her family enjoys spending time together outdoors.
Mrs. Brittany Kidder
School Aide
Mrs. Kidder has worked with preschool children for several years and is currently working toward a degree in Education. She has two little girls, one who is enrolled at Covenant. Mrs. Kidder attends Starkey Road Baptist with her family. As a School Aide, she has many responsibilities that include Recess and Lunch Supervision, classroom assistance, and administrative support.
Mrs. Michelle Gould
School Aide
Mrs. Gould is the mother of three Covenant students. She attended Valdosta State University where she studied hospitality and has since become a certified doula. For many years, Mrs. Gould and her husband have opened their home to young adults for weekly Saturday night Bible study. She enjoys going to the beach, travel throughout the world, reading, and creating things. Her family currently attends Faith Community Church.