Teachers and Staff
Mr. Bryant Black
Head of School
Head of School
EDUCATION | BA in Education and History, Covenant College | BA in History/Humanities, Vanderbilt University | MA in Educational Leadership, Covenant College


Bryant was named the new LCS Head of School for the 2023-2024 school year. He has served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction over the past year. Prior to LCS, Bryant served as the Upper School Head at Chattanooga Christian School (CCS) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from 2013 to 2019. Bryant began his educational career at CCS in 1995, serving as a history teacher and history department chair, as well as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, before his promotion to Upper School Head.
Bryant attended Vanderbilt University on a four-year Naval ROTC scholarship and went on to serve as a Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy during Operation Desert Storm. Bryant and and his wife Ashley raised three sons, Taylor, Porter, and Michael, at Chattanooga Christian School, all of whom attended the University of Tennessee.
Bryant loves the water, both sea and lake. He learned to waterski in Winter Haven visiting his cousins on Lake Hamilton and shares an affinity for sailing with his wife Ashley. If he is AWOL, good chance you will find him at Fernandina Beach searching for sharks teeth.
Mr. Matt Green
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer
EDUCATION | BS in Accounting, Cedarville University | MBA, University of Dayton | CPA


Matt is a 2001 alum of Lakeland Christian School. Prior to coming to Lakeland Christian, Matt served as the CFO of the Land South Group. Matt’s previous work experience also included 4 years of public accounting in the audit practice, serving the manufacturing, service, and construction industries. Matt is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Matt lives in Lakeland with his wife Kelly with their two kids and is actively involved at Heritage Baptist Church. He is a member of the Lakeland Rotary and serves on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of West Central Florida and Lakeland Regional Health.
Mr. MattE Diaz
Chief of Institutional Advancement
Chief of Institutional Advancement


After retiring from professional baseball in 2014 MattE went to work in Lakeland in the financial services industry. After four years in financial services he transitioned to be the Director of Advancement at LCS. In the five years since the Advancement team started and completed the Forging a Firm Foundation Capital Campaign, bringing a new high school building to our campus.
MattE attended Florida State University where he also played baseball. He was drafted in 1999 by the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He and his wife Leslee lived in many cities including Kansas City, Atlanta, and Pittsburgh. They now call Winter Haven home, along with their three children, Nathan, Anna, and Jake. They attend Redeemer City Church. MattE enjoys coaching baseball, fishing, and hitting golfballs into water hazards when he has time.
Mrs. Luci O’Byrne
Elementary Principal
Elementary Principal
EDUCATION | B.S., Campbell University | M.Ed., Covenant College


LUCI O’BYRNE – Head of Lower School & Elementary Principal
(Campbell University, Completed graduate work at Covenant College, Doctoral Program in Progress at Columbia International University)
Luci is a 1988 alumna of Lakeland Christian School. Prior to returning to LCS, Luci taught kindergarten through 8th grade in North Carolina and Florida. She founded Shepherd Road Christian Academy, a preschool for infants to four-year-olds. In 2006, she returned to LCS as an elementary administrator.
Luci and her husband Chris have two children, Taylor and Cameron, who are both alumni of LCS. The family worships at Heritage Baptist Church.
Mr. Mike Zavada
Director of Upper School Academics
Director of Upper School Academics
EDUCATION | BA in History, George Mason University | MA in Educational Leadership for Independent Schools, University of Hawaii-Manoa
Mike Zavada joins the LCS faculty as the Director of Upper School Academics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from George Mason University, a master’s degree in secondary education from Marshall University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership for Independent Schools from the University of Hawaii-Manoa. He also holds a Professional Certificate in Economics from the Harvard Business School Online. Mike is the Founder and Chief Strategist for the RoundTable Education Consulting.
Mike is an experienced educator. Mostly recently, he served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Geneva School of Boerne in San Antonio, Texas. He also served as Head of Middle and Upper Schools at Trinity Presbyterian School from 2013-2019. From 2006-2013, He was the Director of K-8 Athletics and Summer Programs at The Randolph School in Alabama. He served as an Instructor of AP History, AP Government and European History at Punahou School in Hawaii (2004-2006), and as the Dean of Students, College Counselor, History Instructor and Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at Palmer Trinity School in Miami (1998-2004).
Mike has been married to Pam for 21 years. Pam is a fellow educator and served as the Director of the Children’s Ministry for Bible Study Fellowship International. They have three children. The oldest, Collette, will be entering her junior year at LCS and loves basketball, track, and fashion. Zeke will be entering the freshman class at LCS and plays football, basketball, and golf. Wyatt is their youngest and will be entering 7th grade at LCS. He enjoys football, baseball, flying his drone and time spent on the water. He is eager to get his boating license as soon as he gets to Lakeland.
Mr. Jason Roloff
High School Principal
High School Principal
EDUCATION | BA in Social Studies, Cedarville University
Jason Roloff is a current member of the LCS faculty and teaches high school Bible, Government and Economics. He will be taking over as High School Principal for the 2023-2024 school year.
Jason is a 1996 graduate of Cedarville University where he received his bachelor’s degree in American studies. Prior to joining the faculty at Lakeland Christian School this year, Jason was in leadership at Morrison Academy in Taichung, Taiwan, an international, Christian school. He served as Student Leadership Director and Chaplain for three years and then served as Athletic Director for four years. He also served as Program Director and Head Varsity Coach for both the boys and girls soccer programs at Morrison. He coached domestically in Taiwan as well in tournaments in The Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand. Prior to his tenure at Morrison Academy, Jason served as the Executive Director for Taipei International Christian Academy (TICA) in Taiwan.
Jason and his wife, Michelle, have five children. Their eldest, Jake, is married to Keegan, and serves in the US Navy, in San Diego, California. Sons, Grant, a senior, and Gabriel, a junior, attend Colorado Christian University, while daughter, Abigail, is a freshman at Columbia International University in South Carolina. Micah is a freshman at LCS and has settled in well as a Viking.
Jason enjoys the outdoors, enjoying time spent in the mountains, skiing, fly fishing, hiking and rafting, as well as time at the beach. He enjoys spending time with his family and travel. He is passionate about the “Beautiful Game” (soccer) and follows English Premier League side Manchester United.
Mr. Jonathan Harvey
Middle School Principal
Middle School Principal
EDUCATION | BS in Childhood Education, Nyack College | MA in Educational Leadership, Ramapo College


Jon grew up near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon graduating college, he relocated to New Jersey where he taught 6th grade at a Christian School in Nutley, New Jersey for four years. Next, he taught gifted and talented students in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey for eight years. In 2021, Jon moved to Lakeland to become the Middle School Assistant Principal.
Jon and his wife, Lauren have two kids, Reagan (5) and Rhett (3). The family worships at Trinity Presbyterian Church.


Mrs. Heather Rhoden
Director of Upper School Student Life
Director of Upper School Student Life
EDUCATION | BS in Animal Science, University of Florida | MA in Educational Leadership, Southeastern University
Heather has been at Lakeland Christian School since 2013. She taught 5th grade for four years at LCS before moving into administration where she has served as Elementary Assistant Principal for the past 6 years. Prior to coming to Lakeland Christian, Heather taught high school chemistry and middle school science.
Heather has been married to her husband, Jason, for 28 years and they are the proud parents of 3 children, Riley, Gage, and Ridge. She has been an active member of Lakes Church for 20 years.
Mrs. Julie Rice
Director of Enrollment
Director of Enrollment
Julie has served as the Director of Enrollment for 11 years. Prior to her current role, she was the Director of Community Relations at LCS for four years. She was also a high school teacher for more than six years.
Julie and her husband Tim have lived in Lakeland for 37 years and have four married adult children, who are all alumni from LCS, and two grandsons. Tim is the lead pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Julie enjoys exercise, reading, having dinner out with friends, enjoying the beach and sunshine, and her most favorite – spending time with her children and their families.
Mrs. Wendy Carl
Director of Performing & Fine Arts
Director of Performing & Fine Arts
EDUCATION | BA in Music Education, The King’s College | MA in Christian School Education, Baptist Bible Graduate College




Wendy spent 15 years teaching choral music and music theory in New York and New Jersey before moving to Florida. She has served as the Director of Choirs and Private Voice at Lakeland Christian School for 16 years.
Wendy and her husband Mike (who teaches elementary PE at LCS) have two married daughters who are both LCS alumni (Amanda, ’12 and Emily, ’14). Wendy and Mike attend Lakes Church. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially with her two new granddaughters. She also likes reading and watching the New York Yankees.
Mr. Todd Radford
Athletic Director
Athletic Director
BS in Physical Education, Grace College | MA in Educational Leadership, Covenant College


Todd is a 1988 alum of Lakeland Christian School. Prior to returning to LCS, Todd served as Athletic Director at Bradenton Christian School and Out-of-Door Academy. He has been at LCS for 16 years (13 years as Assistant AD and Basketball Coach; 2 years at AD).
Todd and his wife Patches have three children who all graduated from LCS: Cole (’16), Morgan (’18) and Taylor (’22). He is a member at Bethel Baptist Church in Lakeland. He enjoys boating, fishing, golfing and spending time with his family and friends.
Mrs. Jennifer Canady
RISE Institute Director
RISE Institute Director
EDUCATION | BA, Florida State University | MA, University of South Florida


My job is to connect students and our RISE faculty to interesting opportunities for real-world learning. I make connections and help develop community partnerships, providing leadership and hands-on support for projects, events, and student travel. I teach Entrepreneurial Leadership, Urban Farming, and robotics courses and facilitate Design Thinking workshops for schools, businesses, and non-profits. I love to teach students to use design thinking to solve problems. We have designed student-owned companies that provide services, products like toys adapted for kids with physical disabilities, and experiences for groups ranging from successful professionals to individuals coming out of homelessness. Good design starts with empathy and valuing the user.
Miss Carly Faller
Discovery Program Teacher
Discovery Program Teacher
EDUCATION | BS, University of South Florida St. Petersburg


WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
When I was a kid, my sister and I (like many others) liked to “play school”. We would take turns playing the teacher and student, and I still have such vivid memories of it. In 2018, my sister (Sarah Williams) told me about this great job she got teaching at this great school in Lakeland. After I visited her, I knew there was something special about this school. At the time, I was about to begin my career in Special Education in Pinellas County, so it did not make sense for me to move over this way just yet. When she called me a year later informing me about an open position in the Discovery Program, I couldn’t let it just pass me by. I felt God pulling me in this direction immediately after my next visit to LCS. Now here I am, and I get to actually live out the dream Sarah and I had as kids about teaching together. And to top it all off, we get to do it with the best students, the best team, and at the BEST school!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
First of all, I love teaching my students about the Lord and how loved they are! I also love to teach math.
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I love to sing, and I am currently trying to teach myself piano!
Mrs. Rachael Hamblin
Piano Teacher
Piano Teacher
EDUCATION | BS – Southeastern University
WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
I have always wanted to teach in a Christian School, but the door had never opened up until now. I love the idea of partnering with a school and families to teach music and academics from a Christian perspective!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
My absolute favorite is when students have taken piano lessons for a few years and we can really start digging into the musicality and expression of the music. I love watching their love for music totally take off when they can become more artistic with their music.
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Most often, I am first seen as a somewhat reserved. So, it can be surprising for some to learn that I can be quite competitive!!
Mrs. Christy Fung
Piano Teacher
Piano Teacher
EDUCATION | BM, University of Central Florida
WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
After teaching privately for a number of years, God led me to LCS at just the right time to teach here and have my daughters attend LCS.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
My favorite thing to teach is Christmas music because it gets me in the holiday mood!
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A fun fact about me is that I love college football—Go Gators and Go Knights!
Mrs. Kim Fagan
Fifth Grade Teacher
Fifth Grade Teacher
EDUCATION | BA, University of South Florida


WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
I was lead to teach at Lakeland Christian by a friend that recommended I apply. She spoke so highly of LCS and loved the school so much that it made me want to teach at LCS. God opened the door and I trusted! I am so glad I did! She was right, there’s nothing like LCS.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
I am the science teacher for 3rd grade, so my favorite thing to teach is… Science! We have been learning about Weather and Climate and I have enjoyed teaching my students how to do a few labs and letting them measure temperature and rainfall.
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
One fun fact about me is that I am not originally from Florida. I was born and raised in the great state of Texas. I’ve been in Florida now most of my life, but I will forever be a Texan!
Mrs. Mary Fairchild
Admissions Registrar
Admissions Registrar
WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
A friend told me about the open position as Administrative Assistant to Dean Johnson, in the guidance department; and since I was going to transfer my daughter to LCS in about a year… I decided to apply! I worked in the Secondary Office from January 2006 until November 2010, when we moved to Birmingham, AL. I returned a year later (in Nov. 2011), and began working in the Admissions Department. By the summer of 2012, I was promoted to registrar!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR LCS JOB?
I find great joy in helping new families become part of LCS. I personally know the impact that LCS has in shaping the future of a child, which flows over to the parents as well. I’m very thankful to be a part of an organization that not only strives – but succeeds – in making a difference!
WHAT ARE SOME FUN FACTS THAT MOST PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
- I was born in Kansas, although, I’ve never really lived there.
- My husband and I share the love of remodeling homes and if we’re not working on a project then we are most likely riding our mountain bikes.
- Our newest addition to the family is my daughter’s pet rabbit, Bun-Bun, that likes to race us from the other side of the sliding glass door.
Mrs. Nicki Davis
Third Grade Teacher
Third Grade Teacher


WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
God! He opened the door for me at LCS at the right time.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN YOUR LCS JOB?
I have loved getting to know my students and building relationships with them all. I am also blessed to be part of the amazing 3rd grade team.
WHAT MAKES LAKELAND SPECIAL?
I am still getting to know Lakeland but so far, everywhere I go, I have been amazed at how friendly everyone is. Lakeland has captured my heart!
Mr. Mike Carl
Elementary Physical Education
Elementary Physical Education
EDUCATION | BS, The King’s College | MA, Clarks Summit University


WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
After 16 years in Christian Education in NY and NJ, we moved to Lakeland. I did sports ministry until God opened up a door in 2012 for me at LCS to go back into coaching and teaching PE.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
Probably my favorite thing in PE is to see kids having fun, playing games and being able to teach them good sportsmanship and life lessons that bring honor and glory to God.
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I am married to Wendy Carl who is a secondary teacher here. Most elementary students do not even make the connection that she is my wife. I love the New York Yankees and also enjoy coaching basketball.
Mrs. Chris Cabrera
First Grade Teacher
First Grade Teacher
EDUCATION | BS, Florida Southern College


I originally came to LCS as a parent searching for the perfect school for my children. After touring LCS, we immediately fell in love with its warm and caring atmosphere along with its mission to provide a Christ-centered education. Several years later, I was fortunate enough to be offered a teaching position. I love being able to freely share God’s Word with my students. My own children are now LCS “Lifers” and have received an excellent Christian education.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
My favorite subject to teach is reading. I love to captivate my students’ attention while reading exciting books during our read aloud time, helping to foster a love of books. It is extremely rewarding to witness the growth first graders make throughout the year.
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
One of my favorite vacations is boating on Lake Hiawassee in North Carolina.
Mrs. Jane Burnette
Fourth Grade Teacher
Fourth Grade Teacher
EDUCATION | BS, Florida Southern College


WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
I was led to Lakeland Christian School when I saw what a positive impact the school had on my own son.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
My passion for teaching is most definitely math and problem solving.
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I grew up on an island located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that was only 3 miles long and a half of a mile wide. (Kwajalein, Marshall Islands)
Mrs. Tammi Brown
Student Services – Attendance
Student Services – Attendance
WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
I attended Lakeland Christian School from kindergarten to 5th grade and my daughter Madilynn is a senior this year!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN YOUR LCS JOB?
I love my co-workers!
Mrs. Kelly Brenneman
Assistant Director of Advancement
Assistant Director of Advancement
EDUCATION | BS, University of Central Florida


WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
As an LCS parent of 7 years and 12 years as a stay-at-home mom (working only part-time for a few of those years), I knew I was ready to return to work full-time. I had been praying that in His time, a door would open with an opportunity; and… soon it did! A good friend led me to my position at LCS (in 2019) and I am so very thankful to be a part of LCS today!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR LCS JOB?
I’m enjoying assisting with our new high school building campaign!
WHAT ARE SOME FUN FACTS THAT MOST PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I love being outside watching football and baseball – especially when my boys are playing!
Mrs. Stacy Allen
K4 Paraprofessional
K4 Paraprofessional


WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
My husband was in a Sunday school class taught by Dr. Sligh at about the time our oldest daughter was to begin sixth grade. Dr. Sligh was sharing the value of an education from a Christian School. That very Sunday my husband made the decision to send both our girls to LCS. I also applied to work in K4 and the girls and I had our first day at LCS together.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
My favorite thing to teach K4 students is anything arts and crafts. In today’s technological world, it’s wonderful to see imaginations enjoyed.
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Before I had children, I owned and operated a custom picture framing shop. I enjoyed the work and being creative, but I prefer working with kids. I’m grateful the Lord led my family to LCS.
Mrs. Erica Allen
Elementary Special Programs
Elementary Special Programs
EDUCATION | BA, University of South Florida
WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
As an 1989 alumni from LCS, I understood the value a God-centered education. I knew that I wanted my children to have the same opportunity and experiences in a strong Christian school as I did. In 2013, after being a stay-at-home mom for five years, I began substitute teaching at LCS. Soon, I had the opportunity to teach in the Discovery Program and joined the faculty in 2014. Currently. I teach first through fifth grades in Special Programs.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
My favorite thing to teach students is reading and math and I love the moments when a student finally conquers a challenge!
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
One fun fact about me is that I have four horses and enjoy horseback riding as much as I can.
Mrs. Sherrie Adams
K5 Paraprofessional
K5 Paraprofessional
WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
I graduated from LCS. When my children started school, I wanted them to be here. I have been blessed to work here throughout their time here.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
I love journaling with the students. I love to see their creativity and watching them learn to write.
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Even though God has given me a heart for the people of Alaska, it’s very much out of my comfort zone to go there.
Mrs. Deborah Sullivan
First Grade Teacher
First Grade Teacher
EDUCATION | BS, Bowie State


WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
God opened the door for me to be at LCS when we were looking for my son a school to attend.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
I love teaching reading. I enjoy watching the boys and girls learn how to read God’s word. Their faces light up once they realize they can read the Bible!
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I love watching basketball and football!
Mrs. Beth Burton
K5 – Kindergarten Teacher
K5 – Kindergarten Teacher


WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
My husband was an alumnus from the class of ‘85 and my two daughters have attended since kindergarten.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
I love teaching anything that is a new concept… which being in kindergarten that’s just about everything. I love when the light bulb comes on and the priceless expressions.
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I played college golf at USF.
Mrs. Missy Green
K4 Teacher
K4 Teacher
EDUCATION – BA, Cedarville University


WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
I came in 1990 (the first time) for my husbands job. My husband is a 1984 LCS graduate. I taught 1st grade for 3 years. After staying home 15 years (as a stay at home mom) I returned to teach 2nd grade for 1 year. I eventually landed in K4 – where I have LOVED teaching the past 13 years!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
I love that I get to sing with my kids! Like the line from the Christmas movie Elf, “singing is my favorite!”
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I guess a cool thing about me is that all of my kids (and husband) were coached by Dean Johnson in soccer.
Mrs. Kaylin Albright
Third Grade Teacher
Third Grade Teacher


WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
My husband has been in Lakeland for the last four years, so when we got engaged, we felt like the Lord wanted me to leave Orlando and join him in Lakeland once we got married. We began praying for a school for me to work at, and LCS is what the Lord provided. We knew people from our church who worked here and students who had graduated and heard nothing but amazing things, so the decision was easy!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN YOUR LCS JOB?
My favorite thing about my LCS job is my relationships with the students and the “lightbulb” moments I get to see.
WHAT MAKES LAKELAND SPECIAL?
I think Lakeland is unique because of the established community and all of the small businesses. It is incredibly comforting to move to a new city and know that there are people who have been here for many years and never want to leave and that there are local small businesses that you can support.
Ms. Nora McLeod
7th Grade Science