Teachers who stay, students who are known
Many of our faculty have served this campus for over a decade. Some are TRA graduates who came back to teach.
Leadership
Liz Darnell
Headmaster and Co-founder
Called into education ministry since 1989, Liz has led The Rock Academy since it opened in 2009. Guidance counselor, high school math teacher, and a 25-year veteran of the FCCPSA.
Kaley Hoffman
Principal and Theater Director
Teaching at TRA for over 13 years, Kaley has produced more than 11 major productions including six musicals. She and her husband teach their three daughters through TRA.
Kimberly Parker
ELC Director and Co-founder
Kim founded the church and its schools with her husband Steve in 1999. She leads the Early Learning Center team serving families from six weeks through VPK.
The full faculty
Twenty-seven teachers and specialists, including TRA graduates who came back to teach, a former White House medical staffer, a Disney artist, and a national award-winning choreographer.
Liz Darnell
Headmaster · Guidance Counselor · HS Math · Co-founder
In education ministry since 1989; principal and math teacher at TRA since 2009; 25+ years with the FCCPSA.
Kaley Hoffman
Principal · Theater Director
13+ years at TRA; 11+ major productions including 6 musicals; accomplished singer and songwriter.
Heather Coday
Elementary Director · Club Rock STEAM Coordinator · 3rd Grade
Heads the entire elementary program; 10 years teaching K-2 in Oregon.
Ryanne Graham
MS/HS Science and Math
TRA graduate (2015); BS Marine Biology from USF St. Petersburg, earned in 3 years.
Andy Green
HS and MS Science
Florida State Certified Teacher; 15+ years teaching; at TRA since 2016.
Trisha Walshe
Learning Specialist
MA in General and Special Education; certified in Wilson Reading and Orton-Gillingham; teaching since 1998.
Matthew Mercer
Art · Yearbook · World History
Professional artist since 1993; Disney caricature artist since 1999; illustrated five books.
Tom Weichart
US History · Field Trip Supervisor
Four advanced degrees including a Master of Theological Studies; former White House Medical Staff member.
Yanzza Rojas-Negron
Faculty Advisor · Am Gov and Economics · Speech
Stetson political science graduate; former Seminole State instructor; oversees professional development.
Stephanie Slone
MS Language Arts
Taught at a private Christian school; homeschooled her own children for seven years.
Vanessa Perez
4th Grade
Nine years teaching at the ELC before moving up to elementary in 2023.
Amber Latham
1st Grade · After Care
CDA and Director's Credentials; former lead teacher at Ladybird Academy.
Midiana Markley
Kindergarten
Liberty University early education graduate; former VPK teacher and assistant director.
Kari Enot
2nd Grade
Third-generation teacher, seven years in the classroom.
Christian Thebaud
Pre-Algebra · Algebra I
TRA graduate now pursuing engineering at UCF.
Michelle Lee
English I-IV · Botany · Composition
Studied pre-med at Florida A&M; 7+ years as a professional tutor.
Vanessa Pacheco
MS Math · HS Spanish · Home Economics
SUNY Maritime mechanical engineering background.
Archie Phillips
MS History · HS Bible
Former business owner; Boys and Girls Clubs instructor.
A.J. Phillips
Outdoor Education · Youth Pastor
Youth pastor at The Rock for 8 years; regular speaker at Charge chapel.
Nicole Dorsey
Academic Interventionist · Guided Study Director
Former public-school behavioral interventionist and IEP advocate.
Shevieve Padgett
PE · Health · Personal Fitness
ACE-certified; owns Shadow Pack CrossFit in DeBary with her husband.
Tim Kearney
Media
24+ years in video, music production, and digital design.
Diana Martinez
Club Rock STEAM
BS in Digital Media from UCF.
Ella Hoffman
Club Rock STEAM Assistant
Current TRA junior, dual enrolled at Seminole State: proof the model works.
Jacob Lowrey
Piano
Plays on The Rock's worship team; at TRA since 2018.
Tiffany Smith
Dance
30+ years of dance; national award-winning choreographer.
Brittany Hoffon
MS Language Arts
The newest member of the team.