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About Us
F.A.I.T.H. Homeschool Academy
Founded in 2001, Family Academics in the Home (FAITH) continues to connect parents, students, and teachers within the homeschool community in Volusia County. As believers, we have a duty and privilege to raise our children in the counsel of the Lord. FAITH strives to honor and reflect Christ by encouraging students in a classroom environment that promotes academic excellence and by nurturing a family-like atmosphere. Our proclamation encompasses the passion to accompany parents in training up their children in the Lord's way, not culture's way.
Our Mission | Deuteronomy 6:5-8
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Programs Offered
FAITH Homeschool Academy
The academy’s programs typically follow a hybrid-model, similar to the university-model, where students receive in-class instruction from knowledgeable teachers, alongside their peers, 2 days per week. They complete home learning activities under the guidance of the homeschooling parent on the other school days. Ultimately, it is the parents' responsibility to educate their child.
The following characteristics are common amongst this type of program:
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In-class instruction provides a supplement to In-home instruction.
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The primary teacher of the student is the parent.
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Curriculum is followed loosely, based on the progress of the class as a whole.
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Grades, assessments, projects, and deadlines are informal and often optional.
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Class and grade enrollment is determined by the parent.
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Parents have maximum control and flexibility in their student’s education.
FAITH Honors Academy
The Honors Program offered by FAITH follows a more structured model than that of the traditional FAITH program.
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This program is designed for families seeking a more structured homeschool experience, including assessments (quizzes, tests, and homework), projects, deadlines, and extracurricular opportunities such as clubs and group activities. It is an excellent option for students planning to pursue college preparation and/or dual enrollment opportunities.
The program possesses the following characteristics:
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In-class instruction is the primary form of instruction, with in-home instruction and homework being supplemental.
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The primary teacher of the student is the teacher.
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Curriculum is followed closely, ensuring class progress follows the curriculum schedule.
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Grades, assessments, projects, and deadlines are formal and required.
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Class and grade enrollment are determined by the program placement test.
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Parents have less flexibility than the traditional FAITH program, but more flexibility than public school.
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Extracurricular activities, such as clubs, are offered in lieu of “Fun Fridays”.
Meet the Staff of
FAITH Homeschool Academy
Founder and President
Brandi Woodlee
A homeschool mom with a passion and a dream, Brandi has dedicated her life's work to supporting families as they seek to teach their children the Lord's way.
Treasurer
Beverly Elliott
Beverly is a Homeschool/Public School mom. She has been a working part of the FAITH team since 2019 and supports Brandi in her passion for teaching the way of the Lord to our students.
NSB Campus Director
Nicole Kocsis
Will be updated soon
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Ormond Beach Campus Director
Nicole Matute
Nicole's passion for teaching began in college while earning her B.A. in English, and was strengthened through her experiences earning her M.S. in Education and teaching reading, writing, and English to high school students in New London, CT, and later Deland, FL. She stepped out in faith to joyfully take a promotion to homeschool teacher in 2015. Since 2021, she has been working to bring together the best of both educational worlds through FAITH for her own children and yours, all for the glory of God.
Port Orange Campus Director
Natalie Hernandez
Will be updated soon
NSB Campus Assistant Director
Amanda Stein
After many years of teaching in the public school system, Amanda had a strong tug from The Lord to home educate her own 3 children. She truly believes the hybrid homeschool model provides the perfect balance for our learners. She graduated from The University of Central Florida and holds a bachelors degree in Elementary Education, with additional endorsements in Reading, Gifted, and ESOL.. She has a passion for teaching, and for helping children to see the masterpiece that they are in the eyes of our Lord and Savior. She strives to create a learning environment for children to thrive in, and loves being a part of the FAITH Homeschool Academy family.
Ormond Campus Assistant Director
Bethany Peacock
Bethany Peacock is a Florida native, mother of three sons, and a second generation homeschooler with a great passion for learning. She possesses over 20 years experience working with children from kindergarten through high school in various learning environments. In recent years she gained her BA in Christian Counseling which has empowered her to be an effective communicator in the classroom. Bethany considers it an honor to teach and equip this next generation for their future.
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Dr. Steve Hernandez
Will be updated soon
Karen Andriola
Karen is passionate about serving the Lord through administration and using the gifts He has given her to support whatever ministry he calls her to in each season of life. Karen started with FAITH as an ASK Committee volunteer in 2023 and began working at the front desk in 2024. Karen sees herself as a “jack of all trades, master of none,” but most importantly, a servant of Jesus. She is incredibly blessed to be a part of the FAITH family and grateful for every opportunity to serve.
New Smyrna Beach Campus
Front Desk
Lindsay Dickinson
Lindsay joined FAITH in 2023 as a homeschooling mom of two and quickly became part of the amazing FAITH community. Originally from Ormond Beach, she was first introduced to homeschooling while in high school. After seeing her own children learn and grow, she wanted to help other families experience the same support and encouragement. With over 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur and wedding planner, Lindsay now serves on the admin team, where she enjoys helping families, supporting students, and creating a fun and successful school year for everyone.
Ormond Beach Campus
Front Desk
Kim Sigala
Will be updated soon
Port Orange Campus
Front Desk
Emily Woodlee
Will be updated soon
New Smyrna Beach Campus Front Desk (Mon & Weds)
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
New Smyrna Beach Campus Front Desk (Tues & Thurs)
Kalyn Wood
Kalyn is a dedicated homeschooling parent entering her second year of homeschooling her two children. She is passionate about serving others. She enjoys creating welcoming environments and building positive relationships with families and children alike. She strives to be a helpful resource and a positive light to those around her. She values community and creating meaningful connections that help families feel supported and welcomed.
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Ormond Beach Campus Front Desk
Tracie Turner
Will be updated soon
Event Coordinator
Sara Wicker
Sara started homeschooling her son with FAITH in 2022 when she served as a parent volunteer. She enjoyed planning and organizing FAITH events and trips and so she joined the front desk team in 2024 as the event coordinator. She's a birthcare nurse and international board certified lactation consultant as well as a photographer and Zumba instructor at our local YMCA. She's excited to see what fun and fellowship we can enjoy together this year.
Nate Johnson
Will be updated soon
Susan Barkley
Teacher at NSB Campus
Mrs. Barkley is a devoted wife to her husband, John, and homeschool mom to their children. A graduate of George Mason University and Miracle Gardens' founder, Mrs. Barkley is an experienced business owner and has extensive professional experience working with national trade associations and their global subsidiaries and allies. Mrs. Barkley has nurtured countless organic and wild-crafted herbs, heirloom perennials, indigenous annuals, a home vineyard and various plants. She is a published author, experienced teacher, and motivating speaker. She enjoys gardening barefoot and comes from a long line of hard-working family farmers who have always relied on God’s blessings for their livelihood.
Daniela Bursian
Teacher at NSB Campus
Daniela graduated from the University of Florida in 2007 with a degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences along with a minor in Education and Leadership all while competing as a student athlete for the Lady Gators soccer team. During her senior year she interned under University of Florida's Strength and Conditioning program and under Physical Education teachers at Alachua County Schools where she further developed her passion for youth fitness and education. Since graduating, Daniela has remained involved in athletics through coaching and substitute teaching in PE in the local schools. She is passionate about seeing youth develop a love for God, sports, exercise, and healthy living. She is excited to encourage students to honor God by embracing the joy of being active and caring for their bodies.
Melissa Chadwell
Teacher at Ormond Campus
Mrs. Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and brings over 25 years of teaching experience. She has always been passionate about reading and believes it is a cornerstone of lifelong learning. Her teaching style focuses on making learning fun, meaningful, and exciting for every child. Inspired by her professional journey and personal values, she is now dedicated to homeschooling her daughter and creating a rich, engaging, faith centered educational environment at home and in the classroom.
Therese (Rese) Charette
Teacher at NSB Campus
Guided by faith and with a background in teaching kindergarten, Rese loves helping little ones build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning. Rese enjoys incorporating faith-based values into teaching, helping children grow with kindness, compassion, and an understanding of God’s love in their everyday learning.
Tasha Christensen
Teacher at Ormond Campus
Coming soon
Brandon Cisneros
Teacher at NSB Campus
Coming Soon
Donna Cottrell
Teacher at NSB Campus
Donna Cottrell is looking forward to joining the FAITH Homeschool Academy teaching team as a kindergarten teacher. Her classroom teaching experience includes Language Arts, early literacy, STEAM, and Marine Biology. In addition, Donna has firsthand homeschool experience, having homeschooled her child from Pre-K through 4th grade. Donna has experience with The Good and the Beautiful curriculum and works to create a structured, supportive classroom where young students can build skills and confidence. She looks forward to working with FAITH students and families at this school.
Rebekah Dillavou
Teacher at NSB Campus
Rebekah has spent the past two years teaching students essential life skills and critical thinking strategies and practical home- setting survival skills such as sewing. She uses real world scenarios to help students connect classroom lessons, everyday decision-making building confidence, and independence. As a parent with older children, including a youngest now 17 she brings patience, understanding and a positive approach to guiding children towards real world readiness.
Kayla Flatley
Teacher at NSB Campus
​Kayla is a new homeschool mom who is excited to be joining the Faith family! She is a U.S. Army veteran with three years of experience teaching adult learners in an online setting. She has also recently served as a substitute teacher at a charter school, working with students in grades K–12 across a variety of subject areas. Her diverse background reflects her adaptability, dedication to education, and passion for helping learners grow and succeed.
Eliana Ginebra
Teacher at Ormond Campus
Eliana is a fashion designer from Colombia. Her teaching experience comes from serving in her church, where she has taught Sunday school classes for children and Bible-based principles and foundations to adults. She is passionate about sharing what she has learned with others and helping people grow in their faith and love for God.
Susan Griffith
Teacher at NSB & Ormond
Susan’s original college studies centered on a dual major in science and business/ construction. After realizing teaching religion classes to children, and mentoring young people in scouting was incredibly joyful, Susan went back to college to prepare, fulfilling a life long desire to teach as a second career. Led by the Lord to Faith Academy, Susan finds happiness working with children to develop a love of learning about our everyday blessings.
Katherine Henry
Teacher at Port Orange Campus
Katherine has homeschooled her own children since 2014, also working with kids throughout her career - working in schools as a Restorative Justice Practitioner, IEP Facilitator, and Special Education Mediator; representing kids as a Lawyer Guardian ad Litem in Child Protection cases and Public Defender in Juvenile Delinquencies; and volunteering as a Foster Care Mentor and Child Protection Mediator. Katherine brings a passion for the Constitution, earning attorney licensure in 7 jurisdictions (including SCOTUS), authoring a State Constitutional Amendment Petition, and publishing a Constitution app & weekly podcast. She understands entrepreneurship, owning her own business since 2008 & serving in various professional organizations. Katherine also embodies the spirit of civics, having served as a State Committeewoman, Township Trustee (council member), DDA Vice Chair, and Planning Commission member.
Kristyn Hewitt
Teacher at Ormond Campus
Kristyn began her homeschool journey in 2020 and has been full steam ahead ever since. While she wasn’t formally trained in education, she quickly discovered a genuine passion for teaching while working closely with her son. A devoted follower of Jesus, she believes strongly in raising children with faith and feels truly blessed to play a role in helping students grow closer to God. What started as a personal commitment has grown into a calling she genuinely loves. The 2026–2027 school year will mark her fourth year at FAITH, where she continues to bring energy, creativity, and purpose to the classroom.
Sandy Hill
Teacher at Ormond Campus
Through youth ministries like Good News Club and Sunday Bible Club, Ms. Sandy is always teaching. Her heart is in educating youth for God's glory. With her extensive background in management and taxes, she is excited to combine her true passion of working with youth with her knowledge and expertise.
Mikaela Kalenderoglou
Teacher at Ormond Campus
Mikaela’s passion for teaching began during her time as a homeschooling nanny, where she fell in love with nurturing and guiding children in their learning. She earned her Associate Degree in Biomedical Science, which has shaped her thoughtful and well-rounded approach to education. As a Sunday school teacher, along with her journey as a homeschooling mother, has deepened her calling to pour into children both spiritually and academically. Mikaela is devoted to living a Christ-centered life and teaching in a way that encourages children to grow in faith, confidence, and character, while reflecting Christ’s light in all they do.
Tracy Kennedy
Teacher at NSB Campus
Tracy earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Art from Heidelberg University. During her time at Heidelberg, she played collegiate volleyball, which inspired her passion for coaching and mentoring students through athletics. In the classroom, Tracy has experience teaching early elementary, culinary arts, art, and physical education. She brings creativity, energy, and enthusiasm to every subject she teaches. Tracy looks forward to teaching 1st grade writing and science, 2nd grade writing, and Friday electives in art and volleyball at Faith this year!
Andraia Lee
Teacher at NSB
Andraia is an educator, coach, and business professional with over 20 years of experience working with children and youth. She has spent more than two decades coaching cheerleading, owned and managed a competitive cheer gym, and operated a mobile gymnastics and cheerleading program. Andraia also has eight years of classroom experience, including preschool and kindergarten teaching. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and is SafeSport certified. Passionate about helping children grow in confidence, teamwork, and leadership, she is dedicated to creating positive learning experiences that help every child reach their full potential.
Alyssa McFarland
Assistant at NSB Campus
Coming soon
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Tiffany McFarran
Teacher at Ormond Campus
Tiffany has been a part of Christian education and ministry for over 30 years, earning her teaching certificate in 1993 and her Ordination and Certificate of Completion in Pastoral Studies in 1999. She has experience in preschool, elementary and middle school education. In 2002, she began her homeschool journey with her own children, later returning to private Christian education, where she was promoted to Administration and Director of Enrollment and Student Financial Services. Tiffany is a proud Mom of six and Grandma of eleven. Her heart and passion are truly sharing the beautiful love of Jesus with children and their families.
Bill McLaughlin
Teacher at NSB & Ormond
Mr. Bill's passion for teaching math started at Northwestern University while earning a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. He spent the next 20 years teaching students how to trade commodity futures and options at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He has been teaching math related skills and Faith for the past 5 years and he has a heart for teaching children and young adults.
Noelle McManus
Teacher at NSB Campus
Noelle has taught math, martial arts, and Sunday School since her High School days. With over fifteen years of teaching experience, she uses games and drills to help students learn while having fun. She also loves bringing math alive to students by using visual aids and helping them understand the real world applicants. As a military spouse, Noelle has taught in Maryland, Texas, and now Florida.
Crystal Mills
Teacher at NSB
Coming Soon
Jake O'Bryan
Teachert at NSB Campus
Love for history came early for Jake when he checked out books about castles, American history, vehicles of the past and more from his elementary school library. His passion for music was planted even earlier, having a small toy guitar as a toddler. Ever since, his passion for Music and History has naturally grown to film, reading and writing. He received his A..A for Music Production and Music Theory in 2013 from Finger Lakes Community College in Upstate NY as well as having taken A.P. Courses in History. Jake has provided lessons for multiple students since 2017.
Melissa O'Bryan
Teacher at NSB Campus
Melissa's passion for teaching stems from her own experiences growing up under the guidance of many wonderful educators, and she finds it a great honor to now be in a position at FAITH to pass on the joy of learning. She received her Associate's Degree in Business Administration in 2014. After graduation she spent 12 years in restaurant management, while also working with horses and people in her own farrier business, which continues to this day. Melissa's business management background lends itself to excellent classroom management at FAITH, where she has been teaching since 2022.
Rachel Ogadah
Teacher at NSB Campus
Rachel earned a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Studies in 2006 and has been teaching in a variety of settings since then, including public school, charter schools, virtual school, co-ops, and tutoring. Her passion is making math accessible and engaging for all students! She began homeschooling her own children in 2012 and began partnering with FAITH in 2000 for their education. Just 2 years later, she was blessed to join as a teacher, sharing her love of math and God with others.
Laurie Parker
Teacher at NSB Campus
Coming Soon
Eliana Peck
Assistant at NSB
Eliana has loved teaching and assisting at FAITH for the last two plus years! She is a student at CrossRoads Bible Institute at CrossRoads church in Daytona. Her greatest passion is worship to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and she helps lead worship in multiple areas at her church. She also enjoys playing several instruments, singing, spending time with friends and family, and being in nature. Another one of Eliana’s passions is for children. She loves to see how each of them learn in their own unique ways. She feels very blessed to be a part of FAITH and to be a part of the kids' lives. She prays that she can continue to teach in the future!
Cristi Peck
Teachert at NSB Campus
Cristi enjoyed a career as ER/Trauma RN with Halifax Medical Center for 17 years, but after the blessing of four children, the Lord pressed upon her heart to make a significant career change to that of a homeschool educator. She served in leadership with FAITH Homeschool group in the early years, and as coordinator of Homebase homeschool group, directing a weekly co-op serving several families. Cristi has enthusiastically taught honors High school Biology with micro lab and dissections, Botany, Constitutional Literacy, Spanish 1, an interactive class on Israel and much more. She loves serving with her husband in the youth group at her church, leading a middle school girls’ Bible study, researching health and nutrition, and encouraging homeschool families to make the most of these precious years with their children.
Lorena Perman
Teacher at NSB Campus
Born in Costa Rica, Lorena earned her B.A. in law and worked as an attorney with a United Nations Agency before moving to Florida and becoming a United States citizen. After starting a a family and homeschooling three children all through graduation with FAITH, she decided to continue using her teaching gifts, educating the next generation with the knowledge she has gained. She has since been teaching Spanish, Math, and Civics classes, all with a foundation of Christian values and the Bible. Sharing Christ in her classes has been her passion.
Ashley Piechowski
Teacher at NSB Campus
​Ashley brings a background in both education and healthcare, having taught Sunday School for eight years and worked as a Certified Medical Assistant for ten years. Ashley also has experience as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). She has been homeschooling her children for six years.She has been involved with FAITH for the last three years and feels called by the Lord to start this next chapter. She looks forward to encouraging students to grow in both knowledge and faith throughout the school year.
Grace Rutherford
Teacher at NSB Campus
Grace holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Counseling and Biblical Theology. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health. For the past 11 years, she has worked in the field of neurodevelopment, supporting exceptional students and their families through individualized and relationship-centered approaches. Grace also has an extensive background in children’s ministry and teaching, where she has developed a deep passion for helping children grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually in a supportive and engaging environment.
Elizabeth Sheavley
Teacher at NSB Campus
While in college, Elizabeth was inspired to teach someday, by numerous instructors who educated with joy and enthusiasm. She began homeschooling nearly 20 years ago. She loves to inspire pursuing education with joy and giving glory to God.
Taylor Smith
Teacher at NSB Campus
Taylor Smith is a holistic wellness educator and homeschool mom with over 15 years of experience teaching certified group movement and wellness classes. She is passionate about helping children build strong, healthy habits through movement, nutrition, and emotional wellness in a fun and age-appropriate way. Taylor teaches using the FORM curriculum, a Christian-based health and physical education program, and enjoys helping kids learn how to care for their bodies with confidence and gratitude. Her classes combine faith, structure, and hands-on activity to support healthy development for elementary-aged students.
Jessie Stein
Teacher at NSB Campus
Coming Soon
Rhiannon Thornhill
Teacher at NSB Campus
Coming Soon
Danielle VanScoy
Teacher at NSB Campus
Danielle graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Exceptional Student Education in 2011. She has been teaching in some capacity ever since! She taught in public school before having her children and homeschooling them. She holds a teaching certification for children 3 years old to 3rd grade and has a separate Reading Endorsement for teaching reading for K-6th grade. This will be her 5th year teaching at FAITH. She believes the hybrid homeschool model provides the best of both worlds and is so thankful to be part of FAITH Homeschool Academy!
Heather Watkins
Teacher at NSB Campus
Heather Watkins has been teaching since 1998 and was home schooled as well. She is a third-generation pastor’s wife and a former missionary kid. Her love of English is not for the ps and qs, but for the growth in analytical learning of grammar, the expansion in knowledge of literature, and the critical thinking skills developed through writing. Her goal is to teach students how to think and learn independently, and to do these from a Christ-centered mindset. Most importantly, she is married to Pastor Eric Watkins, and is mom to four wonderful children.
Eve Young
Teacher at Ormond Campus
Coming Soon
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Teacher at Port Orange Campus
Coming Soon
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Teacher at NSB Campus
Coming Soon