Staff
Education. Family. Bible.
Our team of educators are fully invested in the vision and mission of Providence Academy. Each member of the staff have professed their own personal relationship with Jesus Christ and meet educational standards of the state.
Director/5th Grade Teacher
Kari Richards
Educator for 20 years
Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction - Liberty University
Masters Curriculum and Instruction - Grand Canyon University,
BS Business Administration - Milligan University
Thoughts on Education: Every student is a gift from God. They each have the potential
to learn. As educators, we need to build the relationships to allow the students to feel
safe and loved so that they can reach the places God has called them to.
Dean of Students/5th Gr. Teacher
Jordan Barker
Educator for 11 years
BS Elementary Education - Warner University
Masters Elementary Education - Warner University
Educational Leadership - American College of Education
Thoughts on Education: As a teacher, one of the greatest skills is helping students
understand the excitement and importance of education.
Fourth Grade Teacher
Kerry Vogel
In Education 18 years
BS Elementary Education & Special Education - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Masters Curriculum & Instruction - Viterbo University
Educational Leadership - National Louis University
Thoughts on Education: I believe education is not how well one reads or writes. Rather,
education provides the tools and resources to solve problems, make decisions, work
cooperatively and explore God’s world.
Third Grade Teacher
Heather Sheffer
In Education 13 years
BA - Warner University
Thoughts on Education: Education has the ability to open doors and transform lives. At
a young age, we are taught not only the foundations of reading, writing, and numbers
but also life skills such as responsibility, problem solving, and perseverance. As teachers, our job is to grow our students’ brains and their character. These foundational skills will set the tone for a productive life in which all people can find success, joy, and fulfillment.
Second Grade Teacher
Elizabeth Barker
In Education 11 years
BA Elementary Education - Warner University
Thoughts on Education: Education is one of the best tools that I can equip a student
with. They can change their future with knowledge and I only pray that's part of their
time with me!
First Grade Teacher
Sarah Julich
In Education 3 years
BS Educational Studies - Warner University
Thoughts on Education: Kids love to learn - I want to help them to realize that.
Kindergarten Teacher
Christine Pope
In Education 17 years
BA - Polk State College
Masters - University of South Florida
Thoughts on Education: Education to me is an opportunity. Opportunity to learn more
about yourself and others around you. Education is a journey of discovery with unlimited exploration.
PreK-4 Teacher
Asia Smith
In Education 5 years
Radiologic Sciences - University of New Mexico
Thoughts on Education:I think education is an early and unique chance to affect a
child's life for the better and to prepare them for the world.
Paraprofessional
Keith Barker
In Education 20 years
Vocationally Certified - Polk County Public Schools Building/Construction
Thoughts on Education: Teaching is rewarding because a teacher gets to help open a
student’s mind to them believing in their possibilities.
Paraprofessional
Zack Barker
New in Education
AA - Polk State University
BS - Polk State University
Thoughts on Education: Education is the future!
Paraprofessional
Danyale Ford
In Education for 2 years
BS Christian Education - Lee University
Thoughts on Education: Everyone deserves an education. Those who are very intelligent to those who struggle. No one child or adult should go without because they themselves lack the money or resources. As someone who knows the struggles of comprehension and skills I think it’s important to give all the opportunity to better themselves, no matter how long it takes or how many times they have to try.
Paraprofessional
Lorna Pinell
In Education for 3 years
AA - Polk State College
Thoughts on Education: Education is life itself. We are prepping and guiding generation
after generation creating our next leaders!
Paraprofessional
Hallie Roe
New to Education
BS Intercultural Studies - Palm Beach Atlantic University
Thoughts on Education: The beauty of education is that we get to prepare students to
go out and change the world in which they live for the better. It is also to teach them that
they have the ability and responsibility to do so.
Paraprofessional
Oni Tropea
In Education 3 years
BS Economics - Universidad San Martin de Porres
Thoughts on Education: Education creates knowledge that leads to better choices and
helps obtain life skills.
Security
Stephen Bolden
BS Business and Finance - University of South Florida
MBA - Divinity - Warner University
Thoughts on Education: Every child deserves a safe place to learn.