Welcome

From Our Head of School

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Welcome from Our Head of School

We are so excited about what God is doing in our school and in the lives of our students. We are glad that you have given us the opportunity to help you in training your child in the way he should go, as God’s word instructs.

We are “Putting God First in Education”. The Word says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. That is what we strive to do, to put God first. Your child will be receiving an education first in God’s word and in how God expects them to conduct their lives each and every day, in addition to an academic education with high standards.

We will only be able to assist you in training your child in the way he should go; the responsibility ultimately is the parents. For this reason, we ask that you teach them the same Godly character at home by keeping your house in order. Your home should be a place of peace, love for others, obedience to God, and separation from all sin.

God expects loyalty from all those that call themselves His children. We ask that you are loyal to God, to your church, and to this school. If there is ever a misunderstanding or problem, please resolve it in a Godly manner with the person or persons involved in the solution. Please do not go to other parents, students, or other faculty not involved. Spreading negative comments about this school will only hurt the ministry of this school.

We ask that you pray for us always and that you help us promote our school and keep the image of our school a favorable one. We are instructed in God’s word to edify one another.

We look forward to serving you and your child.

Sandra Lassiter
Head of School

Supporting Parents in their God Ordained calling…
Deut. 6:4-9; Eph. 6:14; Prov. 22:6

History

Over the last few years there has been a desire in the heart of Pastor Jim Lassiter to see a Christian school opened at Cobbtown Holiness Church. Many of the members of the church also expressed that same desire. For quite some time individuals were coming to Bro. Jim and telling him they saw a vision of a school on the church grounds, while others were having dreams of a school in operation at the church. God was even placing this in the heart of believers who did not even attend church at Cobbtown.

Pastor Jim Lassiter could not overlook the overwhelming need for parents to have a place in this area where their children could be taught Biblical principles and Godly character, as well as, receive a great academic education. This became a regular prayer among the members of Cobbtown Holiness Church that God would give us wisdom and direction concerning the school He would help us open.

In January of 2010, Bro. Jim Lassiter presented to the church board the desire to open the school that year. There was 100% agreement that the church was ready to take on this awesome responsibility.God began to bless! He provided us with the portable building we needed and many donations began to come in. God was making a way!

Bro. Lassiter having been a former A.C.E. student and being familiar with the A.C.E. program, decided that it was the best curriculum for us to utilize. We began to go through the necessary training with A.C.E. to prepare for the upcoming school year. Bro. Jim Lassiter and his wife, Sandra, completed the Administrators Training Program with A.C.E. and after completion, Mrs. Sandra Lassiter took on the responsibility of principal for the school.

Mrs. Betty Davis completed the Supervisors Training Program and became the first supervisor of the school. Mrs. Cindy Sanford blessed the school the first year by volunteering part-time as the school’s secretary. The following year, Mrs. Dru Douglas took the position as full time secretary and three more supervisors were added, Mr. Andrew Barrow, Mrs. Kayla Barrow, and Miss Gena Peck. Cobbtown Christian Academy opened for school on August 25, 2010 with six wonderful students.

God has since blessed us with a larger facility and we have renamed the school Faith Christian Academy. We have recently made the transition to the Abeka curriculum and have added multiple teachers and classrooms. We are so excited about what God has in store for Faith Christian Academy.

To God be all the glory!

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Statement of Faith

Faith Christian Academy holds to the statement of faith of Cobbtown Holiness Church of Jay, Florida. This school is a ministry of Cobbtown Holiness Church and the faculty are employees of the church. The school board consists of the Pastor, Principal, and Deacon Board of Cobbtown Holiness Church.

A listing of our beliefs are as follows:

We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God and the basis for our beliefs. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation [1 Peter 1:20]. We voluntarily band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ of Nazareth personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind. The ordinances of the church are Believer’s Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and the washing of the Saints feet as recorded in the Gospel according to John Chapter 13.

Having been led as we believe by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost [Matthew 28:19], we do now in the presence of God and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage in, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort, to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, doctrines, and discipline; and to contribute cheerfully and regularly to support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family devotions; to educate religiously our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to use our influence to combat the abuse of drugs and the spread of pornography; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech-and to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the commandments of the Holy Bible with Jesus Christ of Nazareth as our example.

The foundation for a great education starts with the curriculum.

Every teacher administered at FCA is highly qualified in their field and have either received or are currently seeking Bachelor’s degrees at the highest level. Click the “+” next to a staff members name to view more info.

Office Staff

Sandra Lassiter

Glenda Peck

My name is Glenda Peck. I have been an employee at Faith Christian Academy since 2018, serving as Receptionist and Event Coordinator and was promoted to Administrative Assistant 2021. I attend Cobbtown Holiness Church where I serve as church secretary since 2012.

I have been married to my best friend, an awesome father, a true servant of God and the love of my life Todd Peck since 1983. Todd and I were blessed to have owned and operated Peck’s House of Flowers for 16 years.

I love spending time with my wonderful children and my precious grandchildren. I also enjoy camping, growing plants, arranging flowers, crafting, and sewing.

My favorite scripture is Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

Jennifer Mooney

My name is Jennifer Mooney. I have been working at Faith Christian Academy since 2015, serving as the director of Little Warriors Preschool. I have worked in childcare for many years and started my first job in 1984 with Santa Rosa Christian School. I worked there for a few years but after having my first daughter made the decision to stay home. I was then a stay-at-home mom for the next several years.

In 1997, I was offered a position at Pathway Christian School with Jay First Assembly of God in which I served as a teaching supervisor. When they closed the school, I then had my third daughter and was a stay-at -home mother once again.

In 2006, I began working part-time as the church secretary at Jay First Assembly of God. I eventually began working in their childcare center too. I worked there for several years in both positions and was offered the position as director sometime later. I worked there until the childcare center closed in 2014.

It seems that God has always opened the doors for me to work with children in some capacity. They are truly a blessing, and I enjoy my time with them and the families that we serve.

I have training in Early Childhood Development earning my Florida Childhood Professional Certificate, also obtained my Director Credential. Currently continuing my education yearly to meet the necessary guidelines in preschool.

I have been married to Chuck Mooney for seven years, and we currently attend church at Cobbtown Holiness Church. We enjoy spending time with our children and grandchildren, eating out, and going to the beach together.

I also enjoy fishing, traveling, swimming, gardening, Bible devotions, spending time with God, nature, and just being outdoors.

One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” This verse has kept me many times throughout my life and recognizing that my total dependence is in God.

Selina Carnley

Selina Carnley graduated from Nathan B Forrest High School and has worked for faith Christian for 2 years. She is currently the school secretary and nurse. She is married to Evangelist Zach Carnley, and they have an 8-year-old son and are welcoming in their second child, a baby girl. They attend Ebenezer church where they serve as worship leaders. The couple also travels and evanglizes. Selina’s favorite bible verse is, Psalms 34:8: “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”

Nathan Leccese

Mr. Nathan Leccese started at Faith Christian Academy as a high school teacher in 2014 teaching a variety of subjects, such as Bible, Math, and Science. In 2022 Mr. Leccese moved in the IT department as the IT Specialist, but still assist with some elective classes and various office work.

Before coming to FCA he spent four years enlisted in the United States Air Force in aircraft metal’s technology as a machinist and welder certified in seven different types of metals.

Mr. Leccese holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Software Development with a major in Game Software Development from National American University.

Mr. Leccese is not married but is engaged to Miss Angela Evans. He has two children who are currently enrolled in high school at FCA. He attends church at Cobbtown Holiness Church where he teaches the Teen Sunday school class and operates the sound and video equipment for the livestream ministry.

Some of Mr. Leccese’s hobbies include embroidery, vinyl sticker design, digital art, and streaming on Twitch. He does all of the logo embroidering for the school’s uniforms as well as designing our P.E. uniform gear.

His favorite scripture passage is James 1:2-3, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

Teachers

April Ward

My name is April Ward and I teach high School Bible, Math, and History. I am married with a 10-year-old son, who I have home schooled for the past 5 years. My whole family is excited to join FCA.

My home church is Welcome Assembly of God located in Milton. From 2019 until this past year, I taught children’s church and youth. I also tutored students academically the past 2 years.

I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling to hear my father, who is a full-time Missionary/Evangelist, preach.

I graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a 3.78 GPA and earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Natural Resource Conservation.

My favorite scripture is found in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Anita Davis

Mrs. Anita Davis felt the call to return to the ministry of education after being in the corporate field for over 30 years. In 1991, she worked with the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) program in Louisville, Kentucky and later assumed the role of principal at Families for Christ Christian Academy.

After working in the ministry of education for approximately ten years, Mrs. Davis returned to the corporate field in Business Management and recently worked in mental health until the Lord brought her full circle to where her heart truly is – educating and nurturing young minds and hearts.

Mrs. Davis has taught high school Bible, English, Spanish and History at FCA for the last two years. She is continuing her education and pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education with concentration in Middle/High School English.

Mrs. Davis attends Cobbtown Holiness Church and has been married 38 years to Mr. Russell Davis. She has two adult children with one grandchild who lovingly calls her “Porka” instead of Grammy.

Mrs. Davis also enjoys being a seamstress, has a heart for the worship/music ministry and has recently picked up learning the dulcimer from her Appalachian roots of North Carolina.

Her favorite scripture speaks where the Lord asks us to put down our weapons of war and stand in awe of Him and His mighty power. As God, He is sovereign, faithful, omnipotent and unfailing.

Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Benjamin Lassiter

Mr. Benjamin Lassiter is a former graduate of Faith Christian Academy and has returned to teach in our high school. He teaches a variety of subjects with a focus on the sciences such as Chemistry and Health.

Mr. Lassiter is currently seeking to complete his Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences degree at the University of West Florida.

He enjoys several hobbies such as sports, hunting, fishing, cooking, and spending time with his wife and newborn daughter.

Mr. Lassiter attends Cobbtown Holiness Church where he and his wife are involved in the Children’s and Youth ministries.

His favorite verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Candace Pennell

My name is Candace Pennell. I have been working at Faith Christian Academy for the past seven months. I also worked a little over four months in 2019. I have taught in the K3 class, worked as the Aftercare teacher, and now I am teaching the sixth grade. I love seeing all the smiling faces of the kids each morning. I have been married to my best friend and awesome father Bradley Pennell for fifteen years. We have been away for the past ten years while my husband served in United States Navy. I am thankful to be back home in the town I grew up in and love.

I was a stay-at-home mom for the past nine years and I am now currently completing courses to further my education in childcare and Early Childhood Education. I love my job and the Christ-centered environment at Faith Christian Academy. The staff is amazing, and I get to love on the kids.

I currently serve on the worship team at the “Bay Area Vineyard Church” in Milton, Fl. where I play the piano and sing. It is a passion and a gift that God has blessed me with. I have led many women’s Bible studies in my home and love our time of fellowship.

My hobbies include all things sports, fishing, word finds, biking, playing piano, spending time with family, and card and board games. I love coffee, journaling, sunflowers, riding roller coasters, the sun

(being outside) and swinging on my back porch. My favorite color is green.

My favorite scripture is 1 John 3:18, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

Gena Lassiter

Our third grade teacher, Mrs. Gena Lassiter has been a teacher at Faith Christian Academy for ten years. She is actively pursuing an Education degree from Liberty University as a Junior.

Mrs. Lassiter and her husband, Mr. Benjamin Lassiter have just welcomed their first child; a baby girl. They attend Cobbtown Holiness Church where they work in the Children’s and Youth ministries.

Mrs. Lassiter’s favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

We are so blessed to have you on our team here at FCA. We are grateful for your hard work and dedication to the ministry of Christian education.

Rebecca Odom

Mrs. Rebecca Odom is a 2018 graduate of FCA and has returned to be our fourth grade teacher. She is currently working on completing her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, having already completed two and a half years at Pensacola Christian College where she was listed on the Dean’s List. Mrs. Odom was also a member of the Zeta Alpha Rho Society where she was nominated Collegian Chaplain.

Mrs. Odom recently got married to her husband, Colby, and they are serving as youth pastors at Cobbtown Holiness Church. She enjoys spending time with her husband and family as well as baking. Her students have recently nicknamed her Mrs. O’smart.

Her favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.”

Genna Hardy

My name is Genna Hardy and I teach third grade here at FCA. I previously taught K-3 for our preschool for two years and last year I was the teacher’s assistant for grades K5-12. I attended Pensacola Christian College for two years towards earning a degree in Elementary Education. My third grade teacher inspired me and I am blessed to have this opportunity to teach third grade myself this year.

When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my three-year-old Nellie. I enjoy spending time crafting, such as crocheting, card making, and more. I also enjoy photography and have recently started my own photography business.

My life verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” My mother made me memorize it for Thanksgiving one year and the truth of the verse has stuck with me ever since.

Andrew Barrow

Mr. Barrow is the Assistant Principal and fifth/sixth grade teacher at Faith Christian Academy. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Ministerial Leadership with a focus in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University. He has been teaching at FCA for 8 years. Mr. Barrow is married to Mrs. Kayla Barrow and they have four children together. Mr. and Mrs. Barrow are the youth, children, and worship pastors at their church, True Grace Fellowship. In his spare time, he enjoys camping with his family. His favorite verse is Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”

Kayla Barrow

Our first grade teacher, Mrs. Barrow has been a teacher at Faith Christian Academy for eleven years. She acquired her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, ESOL, and Reading from the University of West Florida and completed her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Pensacola Christian College.
Mrs. Barrow loves children and has four little ones of her own. She and her husband, Mr. Andrew Barrow, are the lead pastors at True Grace Fellowship Church in Milton where they have attended for thirteen years.
She enjoys teaching reading and is passionate about building disciples for Christ. Her favorite verse is Psalm 27:4, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all of the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”

Brittany Butler

My name is Brittany Butler. My husband, Michael, and I have three beautiful children. We attend Cobbtown Holiness Church where we are both active in children’s ministries and outreach. I love all things coffee but spending time with my husband and children bring me one of my greatest joys.

I am in my fourth year at Liberty University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Autism, while holding a membership with the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. This is my fifth year at Faith Christian Academy, where I started in the preschool, and have been in Kindergarten the past two years.

My favorite verse is a verse that speaks volumes to me because it has been a reminder for me on multiple occasions: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end,” Jeremiah 29:11.

Little Warriors Pre-School

Teisha Gillman

My name is Teisha Gillman, and I have worked in the childcare field for over ten years. I believe children are our heritage and it is a humbling and important calling from God to give them a good foundation to build upon not only academically; but also, to introduce them to Jesus Christ.

I graduated from high school in 2004 from Christian Liberty Academy and went to college online at Ashworth College where I received my Associates Degree in Healthcare Management. My original intentions were to be a medical office manager, but I found that I loved working with children even more.

I went through Childcare Education Institute and received my Florida Childcare Professional Credentials to teach K4. I was then blessed to be hired by Faith Christian Academy to work in “Little Warriors Preschool” in 2015.

I love watching the children in my class grow and learn throughout the school year and to see their excitement when they learn a new letter or read their first word.

I have attended Whitfield Pentecostal Fellowship Church all my life and I love my church family. I am also the Assistant Church Secretary, which I enjoy. Some things that I like to do are to crochet, work in the garden, and spend time with my family.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.” To me this verse means that no matter what the situation may be or the circumstances, if we will pray and seek God first in all things, wait patiently on Him; He will strengthen us and help us to accomplish what He has for us to do.

Tabitha Gillman

My name is Tabitha Gillman. I have been working with children for over ten years now, and it truly is my passion in life. I have been teaching K4 at Faith Christian Academy’s “Little Warriors Preschool” for going on six years.

I am a certified Florida Childcare Professional through the Childcare Education Institute, and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Ashworth College.

I love my job. We are very blessed to be able to share God’s word with the children everyday, as well as lay a great academic foundation. Every class that I teach becomes such a big part of my heart, and I am forever grateful for the call that God has put on my life. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatsover ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord.”

I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. I have attended Whitfield Pentecostal Church all of my life; I love my church, and my church family with all of my heart.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 17:7-8, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and it will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will it cease from yielding fruit.”

Lauren Bell

My name is Lauren Bell. My husband and I have been married for 8 years and have 3 beautiful children.

We attend First Pentecostal Church of Pensacola.

I have been in childcare for 10 years. I’ve always had a passion for teaching children and I feel childcare is my calling.

I believe God has lead me to FCA and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

I enjoy spending time outside, spending time at the creek and having movie nights with my family.

My favorite bible verse is Isaiah 12:2, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”

Staff Members

Latisha Leccese

My name is Latisha Leccese. I have worked at Faith Christian Academy for a little over two years. I first started out cleaning and helping where needed. Later, I became a teacher’s assistant for K3 before moving to my own class with infants and one-year old’s.

I am currently completing classes toward furthering my education in childcare. I have been married for nine years and have two children. One of my children is currently in the second grade at FCA and the other one will start in K4 next year.

Some of my hobbies include thrift shopping, spending time with my family, trying out new recipes, and baking. I, also, love to take the boat out to the beach.

I attend Cobbtown Holiness Church where everyone treats me like family. My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Duke Barrow

Mr Duke Barrow graduated high school in 1977 ( a long time ago). He’s been preaching and pastoring for 40 years. You may ask how did he come to be the cafeteria manager at FCA, well old guys know stuff! Mr Duke is married to Josephine Barrow for 43 years. They have three children and 11 grandchildren. Mr Duke ( Papa) is thankful for the privilege to serve the Lord and the children at FCA.

Sherri Butler

My name is Sherri Butler but everyone calls me Sha Sha. I have been so blessed to work at FCA for one and a half years. I’ve been married to my husband Ricky for 41 years. My hobbies are cooking, gardening, and going to church. I sincerely pray for God’s continued blessings on FCA, children, staff, and all connected. My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”