Our faculty and staff are talented and gifted individuals who are dedicated followers of Christ specifically called to fulfill the mission of Oasis Christian Academy. The OCA faculty and staff are spiritually mature believers called to serve, and equipped by God with hearts for furnishing instruction to and cultivating the hearts of our students in order to best prepare them to impact the world for Christ upon leaving OCA.
Our faculty bring a wealth of expertise and educational knowledge to our academy. In addition to maintaining educational certification with ACSI, 100% of our faculty have a bachelor's degree, 15% of our faculty have a master’s degree, over 60% have been teaching for 5 years or more, with over 50% of those teachers teaching for 10 years or more.
"…but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher." - Luke 6:40 (NIV)
Early Education
OCA offers a half-day, five day a week Early Education preschool program for three-year-olds & a program for four-year-olds through VPK. Our goal is to nurture and encourage every child's positive self-image in an atmosphere of love and caring by focusing on essential childhood developmental areas through a domain-based environment. This practice, encompassed in a Christian setting, provides the backdrop for an early education curriculum that offers opportunities for each child to grow in the awareness of the love of God as we partner with parents. Our fully accredited preschool program offers a low student to teacher ratio and small classes where children can explore, develop, and interact with other children in a fun, structured setting.
Teresa Wilson
Early Education Director
Teresa heads up our VPK program. She provides a warm and stable atmosphere for the little ones in her care. Her hands-on approach to instruction and love for teaching is evident in her classroom.
Angela Moates
Early Education Instructor
Angela teaches our littlest students, and her room is cheery and full of fun. Her love for her students is evident, and her calm and patient demeanor is perfect for our 3-year olds.
Tiffany Wood
Early Education Instructor
This is Tiffany's first year with us, and she is so important to our mission. Her passion for early education allows us to continue to expand our EE program, and share God's love with our students.
Elementary Education
Our elementary school program anticipates big changes in the lives of our "cubs." Our students come to Kindergarten inexperienced, but with limitless potential. Later, when they graduate from fifth grade, our goal is to produce more self-sufficient adolescents capable of navigating middle school. During these formative years at OCA, we want to partner with parents to further the development of these students spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially as they begin to discover who the Lord wants them to be.
Samantha Wilson
Kindergarten Instructor
This is Samantha's fifth year with OCA and her fourth year in Kindergarten after teaching 4th grade for us previously. Her quiet and gentle spirit provides an atmosphere where our kindergartners can learn in a stress- free environment. Her classroom is relaxed, yet structured.
- B.S. Education (University of South Florida)
- ACSI Certified
- State Certified
- ESOL endorsement
- 9 years of teaching experience
- 6 years at OCA
- 2016 Life Saver Award recipient
- Favorite Things
Louan Bagley
1st Grade Instructor
This is Louan's fourth year with OCA, and we are excited to have her as part of our OCA family. Her organized structure combined with her genuine love and care for her first-graders provides an excellent environment for students to thrive.
- B.S. Education (Georgia College)
- Master's in Literacy (Walden University)
- State Certified in Primary Education
- State Certified in Elementary Education
- ACSI Certified
- 29 years of teaching experience
- 5 years at OCA
- 2018 Commitment to Excellence Award recipient
- 2019 Commitment to Excellence Award recipient
- Classroom wishlist
- Favorite Things
Tonya Smith
2nd Grade Instructor
Tonya brings enthusiasm and energy to an environment where young minds can respond in kind. 2nd graders are active and curious; Mrs. Smith responds with structure and substance that allows our students to explore in an organized environment.
- B.S. Elementary Education (Warner Southern University)
- ACSI Certified
- 14 years of teaching experience
- 13 years at OCA
- Classroom wishlist
Stacey Clark
3rd Grade Instructor
Stacey's meticulous attention to her classroom environment and lessons allows for a seamless flow in an already vibrant educational environment. Her genuine desire to see all her students succeed is evident in her accepting and supportive manner. Stacey's classroom is as exciting as it is varied.
- B.S. Elementary Education (Brenau University)
- ACSI Certified
- 19 years of teaching experience
- 12 years at OCA
- 2015 Commitment to Excellence Award recipient
- 2019 Commitment to Excellence Award recipient
- Classroom wishlist
- Favorite Things
Claire Madrigal
4th Grade Instructor
This is Claire's 2nd year with us, and we are thrilled to have her teaching in our 4th-grade class. Her classroom is exciting, varied, and full of activity.
- B.S. Organizational Management (Warner University)
- Master's in Management (Warner University)
- Florida Teaching Certificate
- ACSI Certified
- 9 years teaching experience
- 3 years at OCA
- 2021 Ace of Initiative Award recipient
- Classroom wishlist
- Favorite Things
Michael Conway
Elementary PE Instructor
This is Michael's third year with us, and he is so important to our mission. His passion for students allows us to continue to expand our elementary program, and his love for God's Word is evident in each of his classes.
Middle School Prep
As Oasis Christian Academy continues to grow, we have found a need to regroup our older elementary/ pre-middle school students that we are calling Middle School Prep. Our desire is to transition the upper elementary student into a successful Middle School student by focusing heavily on the core subject of math, grammar, spelling, literature, and science. These core subjects are critical to the continued development and eventual admittance into Middle School.
Juan Ayala
Middle School Prep PE/ Athletic Coach
We are thrilled to have Coach Ayala on our team again this year. His love of sports and coaching, in particular, has translated wonderfully to his position here with us. Aside from teaching our P.E. classes, he is also the head coach for our middle school soccer team, assistant for our junior varsity team, and head coach for our cross-country team.
Tiffany Clark
5th Grade Math
This is Tiffany's 1st year with us. Her genuine desire to see all her students succeed is evident in her accepting and supportive manner. We are excited to have her here at OCA!
Pamela Mascioli
Fine Arts Director/ 5th Fine Arts Instructor
This is Pamela's second year with us and is helping us provide an integral component of our students' education, Fine Arts. She is an experienced Drama teacher, and has directed multiple plays and run a theatre summer camp. She also has 20 years of experience as a co-op teacher. Her love for the arts is evident in the way she highlights music with our middle school prep students.
Middle School
Middle schoolers are transitioning from children to adolescents. This period of life is full of significant changes. We at OCA, want to guide our students through these transitions as smoothly as possible. We understand this is a time in life when they are beginning the long transition towards adulthood; we deeply desire to partner with parents to undertake this walk together. Our goal is to prepare our students to enter high school as well adjusted individuals who are closer to being the person the Lord wants them to be with perhaps an inkling of what the Lord may be calling them to do.
Juan Ayala
Middle School PE/ Athletic Coach
We are thrilled to have Coach Ayala on our team again this year. His love of sports and coaching, in particular, has translated wonderfully to his position here with us. Aside from teaching our Middle School P.E. classes, he is also the head coach for our middle school soccer team, assistant for our junior varsity team, and head coach for our cross-country team.
Melissa Carr
Middle School Science
Melissa's classroom reflects her love for learning and her desire for her students to succeed is evident in the way she is continually exploring new avenues of education. Her classroom is busy and alive with excitement to learn.
- B.S. in Elementary Education (University of South Florida)
- State Certified
- ESOL Certified
- ACSI Certified
- 16 years of teaching experience
- 7 years at OCA
- Rated top 30% Reading and Language Arts teacher in the state of Florida
- 2016 Pam Gall Award for Superior Achievement recipient
- 2017 Commitment to Excellence Award recipient
- 2019 Ace of Initiative Award recipient
Edward Chen
Middle School Math
This is Edward's first year with us, and we are excited to have him with us! His enthusiasm for both math and teaching translates wonderfully to the classroom.
Tiffany Clark
Middle School Math
This is Tiffany's 1st year with us. Her genuine desire to see all her students succeed is evident in her accepting and supportive manner. We are excited to have her here at OCA!
Kim Heath
7th & 8th Language/ 8th Lit
Kim is responsible for teaching language to our middle school students. Kim tutors young readers in the Barton Reading system and is vital in the organization of our Middle School; she is vital to our success, and we appreciate all that she does.
Jayne Kennon
6th Bible & Language/6th, 7th, & 8th History
This is Jayne's second year with OCA, and we thrilled to have her with us. Her love for her subjects is evident in her classes, and her students appreciate her calm and gentle demeanor.
- B.A. English (University of Hawaii)
- ACSI Certified
- 3 years of experience
- 3 years at OCA
- Favorite Things
High School
High school is a pivotal time in the lives of our students. It is an essential time to focus on preparation for college as well as adulthood. The process begins in eighth grade with the placement of your students in one of two academic tracks that will focus on a specific college prep program. All of our high school students take the PSAT, PLAN, SAT, and ACT as part of their academic requirements. Prep classes for these tests are offered as electives periodically. The process that starts in middle school then culminates at graduation with our students stepping out into the world prepared to live the life to which the Lord calls them.
Juan Aylala
High School PE/ Athletic Coach
We are thrilled to have Coach Ayala on our team again this year. His love of sports and coaching, in particular, has translated wonderfully to his position here with us. Aside from teaching our Middle School P.E. classes, he is also the head coach for our middle school soccer team, assistant for our junior varsity team, and head coach for our cross-country team.
Edward Chen
High School Math
This is Edward's first year with us, and we are excited to have him with us! His enthusiasm for both math and teaching translates wonderfully to the classroom.
Michael Ferguson
High School English/ Behavioral Sciences Academy
This is Michael's third year teaching with us, and we are excited to have him with us here at OCA. His love for teaching and for his students is evident in his enthusiastic classroom environment.
- B.S. Health/Physical Education-Recreation with a minor in History (Southwestern Oklahoma State University)
- Certified with the Florida League of Christian Schools
- FLOCS teaching endorsement
- 22 years of teaching experience
- 4 years at OCA
- 2019 Life Saver Award recipient
- 2021 Commitment to Excellence Award recipient
Jordan Harmon
11th & 12th Bible Bible/ Spanish/ Practical Ministries Academy
This is Jordan's third year with us, and we are so happy to have him with us. His experience as a youth pastor has proven invaluable as he serves as our Bible teacher for our Juniors and Seniors.
Marianne Herlocker
High School History/ College Prep & Life Skills
This is Marianne's 1st year with us. Her love for her subjects is evident in her classes, and our students appreciate her calm and gentle demeanor as they navigate through high school.
Lucas Kline
High School Science & Geometry
This is Lucas's first year with us, and we are excited to provide information on him soon.
Pamela Mascioli
Fine Arts Director/ 11th History/ 12th Govt./Econ.
This is Pamela's second year with us and is helping us provide an integral component of our students' education, Fine Arts. She is an experienced Drama teacher, and has directed multiple plays and run a theatre summer camp. She also has 20 years of experience as a co-op teacher. Her love for the arts is evident in the way she highlights music with our elementary students.
Bobby Walker
Fine Arts Academy Instructor
This is Bobby's third year with us, and he is so important to our mission. His passion for music allows us to continue to expand our fine arts program, and his love for God's Word is evident in each of his classes.
Matt Zurowski
High School Bible
This is Matt's 1st year with us, and we are thrilled to have him as part of our high school teaching division. His classes are exciting and varied as he dives deep into the Word of God with our students.
Support Staff
Our support staff is invaluable to the Academy. We couldn't do what we do, or be who we are without them.
Jenna Clark
Lunchroom Aide
This is Jenna's 1st year with us, and we are excited to have her with us. Her nursing degree is a vital asset on campus, and her attentiveness to and care of our students is highly appreciated.
Juan Colòn
Custodial
This is Mr. Juan's 2nd year at OCA, and we love having him with us. He devotes his time and energy to making sure that we have a spotless environment for educating. He does a wonderful job!
Sharleen Giles
Aftercare Director/ Elementary Enrichment Aide
Sharleen provides a wonderful atmosphere for learning. Her genuine care for each student along with her desire for those students' to succeed translates well to our varied ages at OCA.
Amity McGee
Custodial
Amity is an integral part of OCA. She is always on-hand and ready and willing to help with anything that needs to be done on campus. She spent fifteen years in law enforcement before coming to OCA in 2013, and we value her experience.
- Criminology Certification (Polk State College)
- B.S. Criminal Justice- (Polk State College- pursuing)
- CPR Certified
- First Responder Certification
- Hostage Negotiation Certification
- 9 years at OCA
- 2015 Power of One Award recipient
- 2019 Life Saver Award recipient
- Favorite Things
Whitney Muniz
Reception
This is Whitney's first year and she is critical to the organization of OCA. She fills our much-valued Assistant Office Manager role keeping everything organized.
Martha O'Quinn
Reception
Martha serves at the front desk as our primary receptionist; before coming to OCA, Martha worked as a Deputy Clerk for Polk County for 38 years. She is always greeting everyone with a smile. Martha also serves as our informal decor coordinator. She is always quick to decorate to celebrate an employee's special day or remind us all of the upcoming events by decorating her front desk.
Daniel Sousa
Football Coach/ First call sub
This is Daniel's first year with us and we are excited to provide information on him soon!