Meet the Veritas Academy Staff and Faculty

ADMINISTRATOR

Mrs. Kira Wilson is a graduate of the University of Florida and holds a degree in Elementary Education. Having taught 7 years in traditional education, she then educated her two children at home for 10 years. She established H.O.P.E. Academy for homeschoolers in 1998, worked for Jackie Winner Testing Service and served on the Pinellas County Portfolio Review Committee. With a passion for the Lord, she serves to exhort staff, parents and students alike that whatever we do, we must seek to do all for the glory of God. She attends Gulf Coast Community Church in St. Petersburg with her husband Ron.

ACADEMIC ADVISOR

Mrs. Karen Hopping has a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. She has been the co-owner and manager of BayCoast Group Inc.(an Engineering Consulting and Software Development Company) for the past 10 years. She home educated her two children, maneuvering them successfully through the process of college preparation both academic and spiritual. Her passion and ability to help students prepare for God's purpose is a significant contribution to Veritas. Karen and her husband, Danny, are members of Gulf Coast Community Church.

OFFICE STAFF

Miss Mary Davis is a graduate of the University South Florida earning a degree in Business Administration. She began greeting parents with her friendly smile and servant heart in 2009. She is actively involved with the single ministries at Gulf Coast Community Church where she also serves on the worship team.

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Mrs. Elina Wheeler (Kindergarten) has a degree from the University of South Florida in Elementary Education. She has taught for 10 years, during which she taught first grade for 5 years. She attends Christ the King Presbyterian Church with her husband John and her son Noah, who attends Veritas.

Mrs. Carolyn Dohme (First Grade) is a graduate of Clearwater Christian College earning a degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Dohme educated her two children at home prior to coming on staff at Veritas in 2008, where she diligently works to make her classroom and teaching inviting. She attends Lakeside Community Chapel with her husband Rick and children.

Mrs. Susan Estes (Second Grade) brings more than thirty years of teaching experience to Veritas. She holds a bachelors degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Reading. In addition to teaching, she loves spending time with her three grandsons. She and her husband attend Northside Baptist Church in St. Petersburg.

Mrs. Elizabeth Hildreth (Third Grade) is the newest addition to the Veritas staff. She graduated from Miami University with a degree in Elementary Education and has taught Pre-K through 3rd grade for 10 years. As an active member St. Petersburg Community Church, where her husband pastors, she places a significant role in children’s church. Two of their children attend Veritas and one attends IRCS.

Mrs. Shana Williams (Fourth Grade) has a degree from the University of South Florida in Elementary Education, has home schooled three children, one remaining at home. She has been teaching at Veritas since 2005 where she contributes an enthusiasm for the UMS model and a passion for the Lord. She attends Christ the King Presbyterian Church with her husband, Bruce and son, Luke.

Mrs. Mary Miranda (Sixth grade) is a graduate of Slippery Rock University with a degree in Health and Physical Education. She spent 5.5 years living in Germany where she met her husband, working as a Young Life leader for military dependents. Her children attend Veritas where she has taught since 2007. They are members at New Beginning Church in Clearwater.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

Mr. John Gordos (Science) his wife Lori, and their daughters Natalie and Ashley, are members of Gulf Coast Community church. Mr. Gordos has a Bachelor's of Science from the Ohio State University and has worked in many fields over his career. He has been sharing his passion for science with the students at Veritas since 2007.

Mrs. Paola Hernandez (Math) is from Venezuela, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Math and Physics. Not many people have a passion for math, but Mrs. Hernandez certainly does. In addition to enjoying math she has a desire to help students understand math and views it as a tool to succeed in everyday life and to be good stewards of God’s provision and talents. In addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Hernandez serves as the Student Activity Director, supervising all student clubs, councils, competitions and school events. Her contribution to the students at Veritas is multifaceted and greatly valued. She and her husband Luis attend Calvary Chapel in St. Petersburg.

Coach Luis Hernandez (Athletics) is from Venezuela, where he played soccer at a professional level. He attended college at Miami Dade Community College and Trinity International University working toward a degree in Pastoral Studies. He has been involved in sports ministry in Florida and internationally since 2000. He lovingly serves the Veritas family as the PE teacher and EXA Coordinator.

Mrs. Anna Rice (Math and Science) has her bachelor's from UNF with majors in Computer Science and Mathematics, and her MBA in Finance from USF. Mrs. Rice brings joy to the classroom. She has been involved in youth ministries, teaching Sunday school, organizing retreats, and coaching the Bible Bowl team. Mrs. Rice and her family are members of Faith Covenant Church in St. Petersburg.

Mrs. Julie Opsahl (English and History) is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Finance and is completing a Master's degree in Elementary Education. She has previously taught elementary school. She loves working with the middle and high school students, and she is thrilled to be teaching History as well as English. She loves to read, and she is excited to share that passion with her literature students. She graduated high school from Indian Rocks Christian, where she met her husband, Matt. They have three children, a daughter in middle school at Veritas, a son in elementary school at Veritas, and a new baby boy. She attends Grace Christian Fellowship, in Largo, where she is very involved with the children's ministry.

Mrs. Stephanie Smith (English and History TA) is a graduate of the University of South Florida, with her B.A. degree in English Literature. Her passion is writing and her joy is teaching students approach literature from a biblical worldview. Stephanie attends Gulf Coast Community Church with her husband, Micah. In her free time she loves to cook.

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