Lower School (PS-6)

Ms Stephanie Yoder

Director of Preschool/PreK | Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

I graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2005 with a BA in Elementary Education. I had lived in the north most of my life, until I moved here from Plainfield, IL. in 2006. I love living in Florida, although I do miss a few things: my sisters who still live up north with their families, Chicago, and the beautiful season of Fall. I started working at TCA in 2014 and have been teaching PreK since 2015. I love working with this age group because there is so much learning, exploring and growing that happens everyday! One of my favorite things about TCA is that we not only teach your child academically, but we also know how important it is to reach to the heart of each child through teaching and modeling the habits of virtue. In the classroom, I love reading children’s books, being creative with crafts, and conducting fun science experiments.

Ms. Jasmine Rodriguez

Preschool Teacher

Jasmine was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, graduated from Sarasota High School, and then attended SCF. Throughout the past 8 years, she has babysat and taught Sunday school in the Sarasota area. Jasmine has a great passion for kids and loves watching them grow into the tiny humans that make this world better and enjoys finding ways to incorporate songs and crafts to make learning interesting and fun! She believes creating bonds with kids makes a learning environment easier for children to grow, gain confidence, and acquire knowledge.

Mrs. Leah Mullet

Preschool Teacher

Leah was born and raised in Sarasota and is also where she received her education. She attended the State College of Florida for two years where she studied Early Childhood Education (ECE). Leah has been in this field since 2018. She has worked with children in a variety of capacities including lead teaching and substituting. Leah has her Florida Childcare Professional Credential (FCCPC) which is awarded by the state, and she has her mandatory forty hours of state training. She has been married close to two years now and she and her husband have an eight-month-old puppy named Phoebe.

Mrs. Missy Hippich

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

It's A Great Day To Be A Patriot! GO PATRIOTS!

Miss Sarah Mizen-Halperin

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Miss Sarah is a native to Sarasota and graduated from Florida State University in 2021. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and is eager to pursue a career in Speech Language Pathology in the future. She believes her love for helping others and passion for SLP will give her the best first year with her Pre-K students. When Miss Sarah is not working, she loves to go to the beach, spend time with her twin sister (Miss Claire), play with her three dogs, watch FSU sports, and eat great food!

Miss Claire Mizen-Halperin

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Claire is a Sarasota local who recently graduated from Florida State University where she earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Family Child Sciences with a concentration in Biology. She hopes to pursue a career as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist in the near future. Claire's love for children and passion for OT is why she believes this year is going to be a great one. She feels like her knowledge gained within her major will help her to create a positive, nourishing environment for her Pre-K students in the classroom. Claire is the oldest sibling of four and has a twin sister who is also a Pre-K Teacher at TCA. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her family, playing with her three dogs, walking through the Saturday Farmers Market and eating delicious food. She is so excited for what this year has to offer!

Abigail Etherton

Pre-K Aide

Nicole Masi

Preschool Aide

Leigh-Anne Anderson

Pre-K Aide

Leigh-Anne Anderson joins us this year as a Pre-K Teacher Aide. She was born and raised in South Africa until relocating to Sarasota in 2018. She worked in the corporate world until arriving in the USA. In South Africa she completed CFC Bible School and obtained a Bachelors in Ministry. After arriving in the US, she changed her focus and discovered a love for younger children and a passion for their education. Leigh-Anne has a wonderful husband, 2 sons and their beautiful wives, and 4 delightful grandchildren. She enjoy spending time with family, the outdoors, and reading.

Sophia Helme

PreKindergarten Aide

Michelle Bosso

Preschool Aide

Mrs. Harmony Longenecker

Kindergarten

Harmony graduated from Manhattan Christian College with a BS in Family Studies in 2001. She was introduced to classical education in 2007 when her oldest daughter began attending a classical academy. Harmony spent three years classically home schooling her children while working together with her husband in the founding of TCA. She has worked closely with Hillsdale College, as well as other classical schools, in philosophy and curriculum development and staff training. She loves spending her day teaching Kindergarten and enjoys working alongside the teachers to implement the classical model. Harmony and her husband Josh have been married for 20 years and have 7 amazing children.

Mrs. Jessica Carter

Kindergarten

Jessica Carter grew up in Tallahassee and is a graduate of Florida State University. She moved to Sarasota with her husband who joined the Manatee County Fire Department. Jessica loves working with children and is thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten at TCA! When she’s not at school she enjoys spending time on the beach and enjoying the outdoors with her three rescue dogs.

Mrs. Lauren Betts

Kindergarten

Lauren Betts was born and raised in Sarasota, FL. She attended Arizona State University to receive a BS degree in Psychology. She is married to her wonderful husband, Parker. Ever since she was a child Lauren has always had a passion to teach. When she was introduced to TCA in 2020, she fell in love with classical education. This is her 2nd year as a Kindergarten teacher, and she cannot wait for what this year has in store! When Lauren is not teaching you can find her either thrift shopping, hanging out by the pool, camping, or spending time with family and friends.

Ms. Chynna Cole

Kindergarten

Chynna graduated from Southeastern University with a BS in Worship Ministries. She has lived in Florida her whole life. She loves the beach as well as the state parks. Coming from a family of musicians and artists, Chynna loves expressing herself through the fine arts. When not at school you may find her singing a medley at the piano or enjoying nature trails with her rescue dog Panda. Chynna adores children and loves the idea that school instills a sense of wonder in their little minds. She is beyond delighted to be teaching Kindergarten!

Ms. Kelly Murray

Kindergarten

Kelly graduated from the University of South Florida with her Bachelor's Degree in Communication. As a Sarasota native, she has lived in Florida her whole life. After graduation, she was reminded that her true passion was working with children. Teaching runs in her family, and she has watched her mother teach 5th grade in Sarasota County for many years. This is her first year teaching kindergarten, and she could not be more excited to spend each day doing what she loves. In her free time, Kelly adores trips to Disney, spending time with her wonderful family, and playing with her sweet puppy, Barley.

Sarah Sommers

Kindergarten Aide

Mrs. Sandra Tucker

Kindergarten Aide

Sandra graduated from Grand Valley State University in Michigan with a BS in Psychology. She has been married to her husband, Andy, for 27 years and they have 5 wonderful children. Recently they had the honor of adding their amazing daughter-in-law to the family. Sandra has spent the last 26 years raising her children and educating them at home. She and her family look forward to stepping into the TCA community, developing relationships, and doing life together.

Mrs. Michele Kelley

1st Grade

Michele graduated with a BS in Behavioral and Social Science with a minor in Psychology from Indiana University and a Master’s in Education from Abilene Christian University. She lived in Indiana before moving to Sarasota in August of 2018. She has been married to her husband, Jesse, a real estate broker, for 30 years. She has two grown children, Micah and Morgan, and two grandchildren, Rivyr and Jane. She has taught multiple grade levels over the years; however, her primary focus was being a wife and mother and is enjoying teaching 1st grade in this season of her life. She is passionate about people, her family and is looking forward to pouring into the lives of students on a daily basis. Michele enjoys her family, the beach, music, lots of laughter and good relationships.

Ms. Angie Ropp

1st Grade

Angie is a native Texan who graduated with a BA in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Video Production/Marketing from Incarnate Word University in San Antonio. Prior to moving to Sarasota to 2010, she lived in a variety of places nation and worldwide; which allowed her the opportunity to serve and teach English as a second language. Angie has 4 beautiful children, all who attend TCA and she truly enjoys teaching first grade. She has a passion for people’s hearts and enjoys her close friendships within the community.

Ms. Karra Minch

1st Grade

It's A Great Day To Be A Patriot. GO PATRIOTS!

Mrs. Ashley Tamburino

1st Grade

It's A Great Day To Be A Patriot. GO PATRIOTS!

Mrs. Heather Whitehouse

2nd Grade

Mrs. Whitehouse is Canadian! She graduated with her Bachelor of Music Education from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She taught kindergarten for the Carleton County Board of Education in New Brunswick before moving to Ontario with her husband, Derek. There, she home schooled her children and substitute taught from k5-grade12 for the Waterloo Board of Education. The Whitehouse’s moved to the U.S. in 2004. They have home schooled their four children using the classical model for 10 years. She has directed many children’s choirs including assisting with the Sarasota Young Voices until her employment here at TCA.

Mrs. Sarah Owens

2nd Grade

After graduating with a masters' degree in elementary education from the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee in 2009, Sarah taught second grade. A growing family called her into full-time motherhood for a season, and she discovered the treasure of classical education while homeschooling her five children. She fell in love with TCA in 2019 as a parent but deeply missed her career as a full-time teacher. Her passion for education lured her back to her roots, and she now inspires second graders at TCA.

Isabelle Tucker

2nd Grade

Isabelle graduated from Trinity Baptist College with a BS in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Education. After graduating, she taught at a Classical Academy in Jacksonville, FL before relocating to Sarasota to join the TCA family. Inspired by the education she received at home from her mother, Isabelle decided she wanted to pursue a career in teaching. Her passion is to instill a deep love of learning and an attitude of kindness in the hearts of her students. Isabelle enjoys spending time with family, traveling to visit family and friends, and serving in the community.

Emily Crawford

2nd Grade

Emily Crawford moved to the Lakewood Ranch area in 2011 from Southwest Missouri with her husband Sean. Mrs. Crawford is graduate of College of the Ozarks, located in Point Lookout, MO, with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Mrs. Crawford worked as a substitute teacher in rural Missouri prior to moving to Florida. Upon her arrival in Florida, she was offered a position at a private practice physicians office where she became a physician's assistant very quickly and worked there for 9 years. Realizing that the medical field was not her passion, Mrs. Crawford stepped away and shortly afterwards found TCA where she began subbing in the Spring of 2021. Mrs. Crawford is also a certified yoga teacher, an assistant youth instructor of Aikido, as well as heavily involved at her local dojo working very hard on obtaining her black belt. In her free time, Mrs. Crawford enjoys traveling and going back home to the beautiful Ozarks to be with her family and enjoying the simple country life.

Mrs. Kelsey Bolkema

3rd Grade

Kelsey graduated from Dordt University with a double major in Psychology and Social Work. She began her career working at various jobs in the Child Welfare System. Through her experiences in child welfare, Kelsey cultivated a love for children and a desire to see them grow and flourish. She began her teaching career in 2018 at TCA and fell in love with helping children thrive in a different way. Kelsey and her husband, Jordan, have just celebrated 5 years of marriage. They also recently welcomed their first son, Owen, to their small family. As a couple, they love to play with their puppy, go to the movies, spend time with family and friends, and explore different areas and restaurants in Florida. Kelsey enjoys crafts, going to the beach, running, and cooking.

Jess Hippich

3rd Grade

Kassie Stiling

3rd Grade

Miss Kassie Stiling attended Bob Jones University and earned a B.S. in Health, Fitness, and Recreation, and an M.A. in Biblical Counseling. She has worked in education for the past five years and is particularly passionate about classical education because of the way it instills a lifelong love of learning. She and her cats (Coffee and Creamer) moved to Florida in 2020 and absolute love it here! Miss Stiling is excited to see her students grow in both academics and virtue this year at TCA.

Mrs. Maria Dent

4th Grade | Math (6th)

Maria first attended college at the University of Central Florida where she cheered for two years. Afterleaving UCF, she continued her education and received her degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. She has over 12 years of teaching experience. Maria is a Sarasota native. She has four children, Riley-14 Lacey-11, Brayden-3and Noah-2.

Mrs. Jana Espy

4th Grade

Jana grew up in Alabama and graduated from Auburn University.  She moved to Florida from Texas in 2000 and quickly fell in love with Sarasota and all it has to offer.  Teaching kids and watching them learn and grow is her passion, and she has been doing this for more than 16 years.  In her free time, Jana enjoys exercising, traveling, boating, and spending time at the beach.  She and her husband, Bill, have one son who is a recent graduate of the University of Florida.

Jessica Long

4th Grade

Mrs. Cody Sanderson

Math (4th)

Mr. Rick Soucie

5th Grade

Mr. Austin Nipper

5th Grade

Austin graduated from UCF with a BS in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Music. He is a lifelong learner and has a heart to teach and walk through life with others. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, leading in ministry, playing anything sports related, and serenading his girlfriend on the guitar. He is so excited to begin his first year at TCA.

Mrs. Sara Lindquist

5th Grade

Ms. Debbie Hegeman

6th Grade | Math (4th)

Miss Debbie Hegeman was born in Jackson, Michigan and moved to Florida in elementary school. She has lived in the Bradenton/Sarasota area since fourth grade. She attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C., where she graduated in 1987 with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Miss Hegeman has taught every elementary grade level. She has been at TCA for 5 years, 2 years in first grade and 3 years in 6th grade. Miss Hegeman enjoys spending time with friends and family and reading.

Mr. Mathew Kepler

6th Grade

Mr. Kepler was drawn to TCA after 17 years in private industry where he was a consultant, project manager and project analyst. With a BS from Pennsylvania State University, he is passionate about the sciences and has a love for education and his country’s heritage. He and his wife of 13 years have two girls attending TCA. In his free time, Mathew enjoys making home repairs, being outdoors, and practicing martial arts.

Mrs. Megan Herlihy

Math (6th)

Megan has called Sarasota home since 2000. She graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, with a double principal in voice and piano, and a minor in Christian Leadership. She is excited to be fulfilling her long-time dream of being a music teacher. Megan lives in Venice with her husband, Jason, and her five children who attend TCA. In her spare time she enjoys being active in her church, watching movies, playing the piano, exercising, and spending time with her family.