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.
Read our Ethics Policy
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. Karen Hopping
Director of Educational Services
Mrs. Karen Hopping has a Bachelor of Science degree Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. She has thirteen years of experience successfully homeschooling her own children and more than a decade of experience providing educational services to our parents. She is passionate about helping parents prepare their children for God's purpose. She works with students and parents to ensure their readiness for early college. Mrs. Hopping loves spending time with her two children and five grandchildren. She is a longtime member of Gulf Coast Community Church in St. Petersburg.
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. Toni Carr
Executive Assistant/Registrar
Mrs. Toni Carr has been at Covenant Academy since the start and is actively and wholeheartedly committed to our program. She welcomes new families and helps them through the registration process. In addition, Mrs. Carr manages volunteers, fundraisers, and assists the Administrator with a variety of tasks. 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. Mary Miranda
Administrative Support & 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. Anne Eide
Front Office
Mrs. Anne Eide has a bachelor’s in Social Work from Winona State University. She and her husband Brian have five sons and one daughter-in-law. Mrs. Eide has 16 years of homeschool experience, is passionate about both strong academics and character building, and is excited and thankful to be a part of the Covenant Academy Community along with her two youngest sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, speed walking, and reading. She and her family are members and serve at Faith Community Church in Seminole.
Mrs. Kristy Roy
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Roy has a Bachelor of Science from Viterbo University where she focused on Elementary Education while minoring in Early Childhood and Religious Studies. She has taught younger grades in the public school and enjoys teaching Sunday School. She loves helping her students find joy and confidence in learning. Mrs. Roy enjoys gardening, baking, traveling, reading, and spending time with her wonderful husband and son. They are members of GT Church.
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 and enjoy serving in various ministries there. 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. Rachel Lee
Fourth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Lee earned a Bachelors in Education and Community Leadership from SPC. Her joy for teaching and working with children results in connecting well with her students and making learning fun. Mrs. Lee has three children who attend Covenant Academy. She attends Building 28 with her husband and children.
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. Brittany Davis
Kindergarten R.E.A.D.
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, two old enough to attend Covenant Academy. They are members of St. Petersburg Presbyterian Church.
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. 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. 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. 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.
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.
Mr. James Gleichowski
High School Personal Finance
Mr. Gleichowski is passionate about helping students build a foundation that will set them up for a lifetime of wise money stewardship. As a certified Dave Ramsey Financial Coach, he has led hundreds of individuals through financial classes, workshops, and coached 1:1. He graduated from Samford University with a Bachelor’s in Sports Medicine and has over 25 years of experience in sales and sales leadership working in corporate America. Mr. Gleichowski, who attends Bldg 28 with his wife and three children understands the importance of finance peace in the home.
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.
Miss Makenzie Denning
School Aide
A former Covenant Academy student, Miss Denning currently attends St. Petersburg College. She has spent most of her life as a dancer, trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, and contemporary. Miss Denning shares her love of dance through performances with Gulf Coast Dance Theater, where she has taught classes for younger students. As an aide, she works in the classroom and supervises various school activities. She attends Gulf Coast Church in Largo with her family.
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.