Faculty and Staff
We are proud of our dedicated faculty. Our faculty is truly inter-denominational, in that our teachers represent a dozen local churches and bring diverse Christian experiences while maintaining an unwavering commitment to our statement of faith and primacy of Christ.
Our faculty also embodies academic excellence and life-long learning. All K-8 teachers are degreed educators and many have higher degrees, including masters and doctorate degrees. All K-8 teachers are required to be certified by the state and by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Two of our teachers have achieved the high honor of national certification through the National Board of Professional Teachers.
Dr. Phillip Tingle
Headmaster
Dr. Tingle has been the administrator for nearly 7 years. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Economics from Georgetown College, KY; M.A in Secondary Education from Arizona State University; M.S. in Secondary Education from Indiana University Southeast; Ed.S. in School Administration and Ed.D. in Secondary Education from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. He holds ACSI Lifetime Professional Certificates as well as the Educational Leadership Certificate from the State of Florida.
Dr. Tingle is an Air Force veteran. He has served as a Christian school administrator for over 37 years serving schools in Indiana, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Prior to coming to NCA he served for 9 years as Headmaster of Southwest Florida Christian Academy in Ft. Myers. He has served on the Board of the Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools, the Advisory Board for ACSI in Florida, and on several accreditation teams with ACSI.
His wife, Janice, served as a Christian school teacher and cheerleading sponsor for more than 20 years prior to her current position as concierge at Edison National Bank in Ft. Myers. They have a son, Andy, in Woodstock, GA and a granddaughter who is a junior at Cherokee Christian High School. Janice is a member of the choir and Dr. Tingle served 4 years on the Finance Committee at McGregor Baptist Church in Ft. Myers.
Jennifer Summers
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Summers has been on staff at NCA since 1993. She graduated from Eastern University in Pennsylvania with a B.A. in English and Secondary Education. In 2002, she earned her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Covenant College in Georgia. She is certified by the State of Florida in English Grades 6-12 and Middle School Integrated Curriculum Grades 5-8 (which includes Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts). She also holds lifetime certification with ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) as both a Secondary Teacher and as an All-Levels Principal. In addition to teaching nearly every subject at some point in her teaching career, she has also served in several different full and part-time Administrative roles at NCA over the years. She is currently the Middle School Team Leader and is teaching 6th-8th grade Language Arts, 7th and 8th grade Social Studies, and 6th grade Science. Her husband, Richard, is also an experienced middle-school educator and serves as the Social Studies Department Head at Three Oaks Middle School in Lee County. Jennifer and her husband have two children; her daughter is at NCA and her son attends Palmetto Ridge High School. They also have two cats, two leopard geckos, and a corn snake. She and her family are actively involved at Cornerstone United Methodist Church where her whole family volunteers in various ministries throughout the year.
We are proud of our dedicated faculty. Our faculty is truly inter-denominational, in that our teachers represent a dozen local churches and bring diverse Christian experiences while maintaining an unwavering commitment to our statement of faith and primacy of Christ.
Our faculty also embodies academic excellence and life-long learning. All K-8 teachers are degreed educators and many have higher degrees, including masters and doctorate degrees. Four of our faculty members are currently pursuing higher degrees. All K-8 teachers are expected to be certified by the state and by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Two of our teachers have achieved the high honor of national certification through the National Board of Professional Teachers.
Candace Deonarine
Pre-K Teacher / Preschool Director
Miss Deonarine has been on staff at NCA since 2017. Candace graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida South Western State College. She is certified to teach Pre-K to sixth grade. She also earned an English for Speakers of Other Languages endorsement and a Reading endorsement. Candace also has a Director Credential certifying her to lead the Pre-K division. She has served in many roles at NCA including teaching art, 2nd grade, and working in the office. She is an alumni; she graduated NCA in 2008. Candace attends and teaches at Capri Christian Church.
Gina Naples
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Naples has been on staff at NCA since 2006. Gina is a graduate of Florida State University and has a B.S. in Child Development and Elementary Education. She has certification from the State of Florida in elementary education with an ESOL endorsement and is ACSI certified. Gina taught kindergarten in the Collier County Public Schools from 1992 to 2006, and also served as a reading coach. Gina was awarded the Golden Halo award in 2017 and received a Rising Star award in 2019. She has three daughters; 2 are graduates of the Academy. Gina attends First Assembly of God in Ft. Myers. She is passionate about teaching and impacting the lives of young children through Christian education.
Melissa Flom
1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Flom has been on staff at NCA since 2000. Melissa holds a BS in Elementary Education and Biblical Studies. She attended Word of Life Bible Institute and Word of Life School of Youth Ministries and Evangelism. She received her degrees from Philadelphia Biblical University. Melissa is certified in early childhood education and elementary education through the state of Florida and through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). She has taught middle school and elementary school in New York before transitioning to Naples Christian Academy, where she has taught preschool and elementary and served as our office manager. Melissa was awarded the Golden Halo award in 2019. She loves that she is free to teach Biblical truth in the classroom. Melissa and her husband have two children who graduated from the Academy. Her family attends Calvary Chapel Gulf Coast.
Sandra Birner
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Birner has been on staff at NCA since 2015. Sandra has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Concordia Lutheran College, Bronxville, NY. In 2011, she earned a Master’s Degree in Reading Education from Florida Gulf Coast University. Sandra has taught second grade for 19 years and a combination class of third and fourth grade for 5 years. She has served as a teacher at Grace Lutheran School in Winter Haven, Florida, and both Christ Community Lutheran School and Nicaea Academy in Naples. Most recently she taught second grade at Gulf Coast Charter Academy South. Sandra and her husband, Jonathan, attend Grace Lutheran Church where Jonathan is the Minister of Music. Sandra plays in the bell choir, is a lector in Sunday service, and is a substitute Sunday school teacher. Sandra and her husband have two sons, two daughters-in-law, two granddaughters, and two cats.
Debra Cully
3rd/4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Cully has been on staff at NCA since 1995. Debra has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida and a Masters in Reading K-12 from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is certified as an elementary teacher by the State of Florida and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). In addition, she has received national certification through the National Board of Professional Teachers. She was chosen as the ACSI-Florida Teacher of the Year in 2002 and was named the winner of the Golden Halo Award by the Southwest Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce in 2007. Outside the classroom, Debra and her husband attend Naples First Church of the Nazarene where she is a Sunday School teacher, Education Director, sings in the choir, hosts small group ministries in her home each week, and serves on the church board.
Amanda Davison
5th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Davison has been on staff at NCA since 1998. Amanda graduated Summa Cum Laude and has BA in Psychology and minors in Family and Consumer Science and English from Olivet Nazarene University. She holds her ACSI certification in elementary education and State of Florida certification in both middle grades English and K-12 PE. Amanda’s favorite things about the Academy are the family atmosphere, the faculty, and the Biblically-integrated curriculum. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, gardening, reading, and having quality time with the Lord. She and her family attend First Baptist Church of Naples.
We are proud of our dedicated faculty. Our faculty is truly inter-denominational, in that our teachers represent a dozen local churches and bring diverse Christian experiences while maintaining an unwavering commitment to our statement of faith and primacy of Christ.
Our faculty also embodies academic excellence and life-long learning. All K-8 teachers are degreed educators and many have higher degrees, including masters and doctorate degrees. Four of our faculty members are currently pursuing higher degrees. All K-8 teachers are expected to be certified by the state and by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Two of our teachers have achieved the high honor of national certification through the National Board of Professional Teachers.
Ben Davison
Math / Science / Athletic Director
Mr. Davison has been on staff at NCA since 1998. Ben has a B.S. in Cellular Biology with minors in Chemistry and Business. Ben is certified in secondary biology and mathematics by the State of Florida and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). He also holds National Certification in Adolescent Math through the National Board of Professional Teachers. In addition to teaching, he serves as the Athletic Director and coaches girls’ volleyball and basketball, track and field, and golf. Ben has over 500 wins during his time at NCA. “Despite being one of the smallest schools in the league, the Academy continues to compete at the top. We have won multiple league championships over recent years and nine of the last ten track championships. However, the fact that I am proudest of is that over 90% of our students are involved in at least one of our five sports programs. He and his wife Amanda have two children that attended NCA all the way through school. The Davison family attends First Baptist Church of Naples.
Noreen Livoti
Language Arts
Mrs. Livoti joined the NCA staff during the summer of 2018. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Early Childhood Education. After graduating from college, she worked as a writer and an editor – both full-time and as a freelancer – for more than 15 years. She has written for magazines, newspapers, blogs, and advertisements. A graduate of Christian education herself, she found joy in teaching in Christian schools for more than 5 years as well. Before joining NCA’s team as office manager, she taught kindergarten, first grade and fourth grade. Currently, Mrs. Livoti splits her time at NCA at the front desk and teaching language arts and science to the 5th grade. Mrs. Livoti has 2 children who both attend NCA.
Leslie Nodal
Spanish
Mrs. Nodal has been on staff at NCA since 2013. Leslie graduated with honors from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and minors in both Christian Ministries and Theology. She has a Master of Science in Spanish Language Education from Nova Southeastern University. Her heart and passion for missions is evident in the countries she has visited as she wants to incorporate the beauty and value of all cultures through the teaching of the Spanish Language. She has worked with children and youth at church as a Sunday school teacher, VBS, youth group, and Girls Club. God has blessed Leslie with an amazing husband, Humberto, her daughter Rebeca, and her son Samuel. Leslie has a desire for students to get to know their Creator through the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking people.
Jennifer Summers
Social Studies / Team Leader
Mrs. Summers has been on staff at NCA since 1993. She graduated from Eastern University in Pennsylvania with a B.A. in English and Secondary Education. In 2002, she earned her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Covenant College in Georgia. She is certified by the State of Florida in English Grades 6-12 and Middle School Integrated Curriculum Grades 5-8 (which includes Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts). She also holds lifetime certification with ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) as both a Secondary Teacher and as an All-Levels Principal. In addition to teaching nearly every subject at some point in her teaching career, she has also served in several different full and part-time Administrative roles at NCA over the years. She is currently the Middle School Team Leader and is teaching 6th-8th grade Language Arts, 7th and 8th grade Social Studies, and 6th grade Science. Her husband, Richard, is also an experienced middle-school educator and serves as the Social Studies Department Head at Three Oaks Middle School in Lee County. Jennifer and her husband have two children; her daughter is at NCA and her son attends Palmetto Ridge High School. They also have two cats, two leopard geckos, and a corn snake. She and her family are actively involved at Cornerstone United Methodist Church where her whole family volunteers in various ministries throughout the year.
We are proud of our dedicated faculty. Our faculty is truly inter-denominational, in that our teachers represent a dozen local churches and bring diverse Christian experiences while maintaining an unwavering commitment to our statement of faith and primacy of Christ.
Our faculty also embodies academic excellence and life-long learning. All K-8 teachers are degreed educators and many have higher degrees, including masters and doctorate degrees. Four of our faculty members are currently pursuing higher degrees. All K-8 teachers are expected to be certified by the state and by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Two of our teachers have achieved the high honor of national certification through the National Board of Professional Teachers.
Carel Nally
Technology & Media Integration Specialist
Mrs. Nally has been on staff at NCA since 2014. Carel has a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education/Learning Disabilities and a Master’s Degree in Educational Instructional Technology. She is certified through the State of Florida and through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Having a sincere passion for teaching and learning, coupled with the Spirit-inspired life goal of glorifying God in all she does (1 Cor. 1:31), she believes in building tomorrow’s leaders utilizing today’s technology. She is married to her husband Joe who currently is the Theological Editor for Third Millennium Ministries. They attend Covenant Church of Naples.
Samantha Shaffer
Art Teacher
Mrs. Shaffer joined NCA this June. Samantha was born and raised in Naples, graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University with her degree in Elementary Education. She taught in the Collier County Public School system before having her first son. Since then, she has taught preschool age children in Community Bible Study, served as a teacher in Center Point Community Church’s Sunday School (where she and her family attend church), and pursued her love of art through photography, Bible journaling, and creating commissioned art pieces. Samantha’s 2 children, Matthew and Jackson, have attended NCA since pre-k, and her husband of 12 years, Nicholas, is an NCA alumni. Samantha has a love and passion for teaching children about Jesus, and she is excited to show them how to honor the Lord through their artwork.
Bonnie Thayer
Music Teacher
Mrs. Bonnie Thayer joined NCA this August. She holds degrees in music from both the University of Miami (BA) and the University of Florida (MM) and has taught in several local schools prior to serving as the Director of Education and Community Partnerships with Artis – Naples. She brings both experience and enthusiasm to our classrooms.
We are proud of our dedicated faculty. Our faculty is truly inter-denominational, in that our teachers represent a dozen local churches and bring diverse Christian experiences while maintaining an unwavering commitment to our statement of faith and primacy of Christ.
Our faculty also embodies academic excellence and life-long learning. All K-8 teachers are degreed educators and many have higher degrees, including masters and doctorate degrees. Four of our faculty members are currently pursuing higher degrees. All K-8 teachers are expected to be certified by the state and by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Two of our teachers have achieved the high honor of national certification through the National Board of Professional Teachers.
Cindy Bradam
After Care Program
Cindy Bradam, wife of NCA music teacher Michael Bradam, is the new leader of the After Care program. In addition, she also substitute teaches and volunteers throughout the school. Mrs. Bradam attends Christ Community Church in Fort Myers where her husband assists in leading worship with the praise team. She worked in the medical field for 35 years, primarily in trauma and cardiology. After retiring from nursing, she was excited to begin a new ministry field in education with her husband. Her favorite Bible verse is Ruth 1:16: “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.’”
Jennifer Deiros
Teacher/ Leadership Team Member/ Staff Growth Director
Mrs. Deiros has been on staff at NCA since 2007. Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. She holds teaching certificates from the State of Florida and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Her professional experience consists of several different teaching assignments including teaching in the Collier County Public Schools, serving as an Elementary Program Specialist in Naples, supervising student teachers through Florida Gulf Coast University, teaching at First Baptist Academy Naples, and most recently serving in a variety of roles at NCA. Jennifer believes the three-pronged partnership between home, school, and the church is vital for family support and student success. Her husband is the head softball coach and a chemistry instructor at Florida Gulf Coast University. Their son is a 2014 graduate of Naples Christian Academy and is a 3rd-year mechanical engineering student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Jennifer attends Covenant Bible Fellowship church.
Robin Garcia
Accountant/ Administrative Assistant to Headmaster
Mrs. Garcia has been on staff at NCA since 2016. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of South Florida. Her professional experience includes various positions in mental health counseling, crisis stabilization, social services and hospital administration. She and her husband Richard have 2 daughters who graduated from NCA and currently attend college and a son who is a middle school student at NCA. She has been a small business manager/owner for the past 20 years. She is a native Floridian who is thankful to have found a school that partnered with her and her husband to raise strong, faithful, compassionate children. Robin credits Naples Christian Academy for giving her the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships with likeminded Christians who value Christian Education.
Emily Klefeker
Office Assistant
Mrs. Klefekerhas been on staff at NCA since 2019. Emily graduated from Miami Dade College in 2011 with an associate’s degree in psychology. She has taught preschool-aged children for four years. Emily loves getting to play a vital role in the development and growth of children. She is originally from Miami, Florida, but moved to Naples in 2011 and loves this beautiful city. Emily attends Parkway Life Church and has been married for six years to her husband, Zack. They have two children: Levi, who is 4 and attends NCA, and Riley Grace, who is 2. They have been blessed by NCA and Emily can’t wait to be a blessing to her students.
Miriam Menejias
Assistant Office Manager
Miss Menejias has been on staff at NCA since 2019. Miriam has an Associates in Science, Business Administration Degree from Hodges University. She was born and raised in Naples, FL. She loves spending quality time with her family and attending Manantial De Vida – Assemblies of God. Miriam serves in VBS – Vacation Bible School as the craft assistant and she teaches 4th – 5th graders during Sunday School. On her free time, she enjoys painting, graphic design, gardening and caring for her pets. She believes “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24. She loves to see children grow in the Lord and use their unique gifts to be a blessing to others.
Hemachal “Sono” Pokhan
Maintenance Manager
Mr. Pokhan has been on staff at NCA since 2013. Sono graduated from Pinellas Technical School in 1993 with a major in A/C and minor in Electrical certification. He has over 26 years of experience in property management and maintenance. He held the position of Property and Maintenance Manager at the family-owned rental apartments inSt. Petersburg, FL. He also worked as a youth leader and summer camp counselor. Mr. Pokhan is a certified security officer and has worked at various exclusive communities in the Naples area. In all the positions he’s held, he’s always put his relationship with Christ first and is not afraid to share his faith. He attends Living Word Family Church in Naples with his wife and children. All his children have attended NCA, with 1 presently enrolled and two graduated, who attend high school at First Baptist Academy. Mr. Pokhan believes and lives by the words found in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”