Growing Minds, Hearts & Futures
We are a tuition-free public charter school for grades 6 - 12!
William Powell
Principal
William Powell is a former mustang as a graduate of Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, FL. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of North Florida, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, and a Master of Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University. He has taught for over six years in Math, Social Studies, and Theology including on the college level with Barry University as well as AP courses. He was also a former dean of students at Saint Francis Catholic Academy in Gainesville.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Powell has coached soccer and worked at Walt Disney World. He enjoys hiking, strategy board games, and spending quality time with family and friends. He is excited for the opportunity of the upcoming school year and the ongoing progress that can be accomplished at Micanopy Academy. Go Mustangs!
Lesleigh Phillips
MS Math + Science
Lesleigh Phillips was born and raised in the Philippines in a mountainous region. She graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Polytechnic University of the Philippines and earned a Certificate in Professional Education in 2007 at the University of the Philippines.
She taught Chemistry, Physics, and Math in the Philippines, before immigrating to the US.
Her post-graduate work included helping to start a school in an underserved and remote island region and setting up a science laboratory for the school with the partnership of her university and the Department of Education (Philippines).
Mrs. Phillips also worked in Singapore as an Early Childhood Educator.
She travels and does missionary work that teaches agriculture, water filtration system and nutrition with her husband as part of the "Seeds for Life Ministry". She also enjoys playing piano and guitar and looks forward to the 2024-25 school year at MA!
​
​
​
Serena Suggs
MS Teacher
Serena Suggs earned her bachelor’s degree in education in 2007 from Saint Leo University and is also a certified K-12 Art teacher. Throughout Mrs. Suggs’ career she has had the opportunity to work in several different school settings and says confidently that her heart belongs to our rural communities.
Mrs. Suggs is native to the area and is now raising her family here. They enjoy almost anything outdoors, including camping, tubing, hiking, and swimming in the local Springs. The Suggs family is big into board games, RPGs, and attending Comic-Cons too!
In her spare time, she enjoys watercolor painting, thrift shopping, shelling and shark teeth hunting, and chasing her backyard chickens. She believes incorporating mindfulness in education and the concept of “progress not perfection” can improve academic, social, and emotional learning.
She is excited to see what another year at Micanopy Academy will bring! Go Mustangs!
Paityn Arroyo
History and English
Paityn Arroyo graduated from the University of Florida in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Florida Teaching. Before transitioning to MA, Mr. Arroyo taught Civics and U.S. History as well as worked with several After School programs in the
Gainesville area. He was born and raised in Tampa, FL (Go Bolts!) but makes a point to travel whenever possible. He always has a
Song of the Day, so don't be shocked if you hear music in the classroom! When school is not in session Mr. Arroyro enjoys photography, movies, and anything involving the outdoors. He is looking forward to bringing some of these elements to the classroom for a successful school year at Micanopy Academy!
Shawna Bitton
Math and Social Studies
Shawna Bitton is an enthusiastic and dedicated new teacher at Micanopy Academy. She earned her bachelor's degree in 2024 from the University of Florida and is certified to teach Social Studies and Math.
Before coming to MA, she was a homeschool teacher and tutor which is where she fell in love with teaching. Ms. Bitton believes in a student focused approach to teaching, and is excited to find ways to inspire and motivate all of her students.
She was born and raised in South Florida, so loves the northern feeling that Gainesville has to offer (specifically the change in seasons). During her free time, she loves to visit her brother stationed in California with the U.S. Coast Guard, and spend time with her family back at home. She also loves to travel and explore nature with her puppy, Liberty.
Ms. Bitton is excited to begin her teaching journey with her students and guide them as they grow both academically and personally!
Charles Davis
Math and
Computer Science
Hello, my name is Charles Michael Davis. My friends call me "Mike". With five years of dedicated teaching experience in Algebra 1, I bring enthusiasm and expertise to the classroom. I have been recently certified to teach Computer Science. I'm excited to be joining the Micanopy Academy team!
I was born in West Palm Beach and have lived in Florida most of my life. I've been married for 19 wonderful years to my beautiful wife, Gail. Our family has been blessed with three children, five grandchildren, a delightful great-granddaughter, and our beloved dog, Jed.
I graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Florida with a BS degree in Information Technology. After several rewarding years in the IT industry, I transitioned into the Education field. Throughout my career, I've consistently received "exceeds expectations" on my performance reviews, reflecting my commitment to excellence.
Prior to joining Micanopy Academy, I taught at Lake Gibson Middle School and spent the last four fulfilling years at Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Florida.
Outside the classroom, my passions include computers, classic rock music, performing magic and mentalism, and avidly following football. Go Gators and go Vikings!
Aaron Mishoulam
P.E.
Aaron graduated from Emory University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English. He grew up in Oak Park, IL with a passion for sports where he competed in baseball, basketball and swimming. After High School he was a collegiate pitcher at Emory before transferring to Michigan State University and pursuing a Masters of Social Work degree. He has over 5 years of baseball coaching experience at the youth level. His favorite thing about working with younger populations is building someone’s confidence and showing them their endless potential. Outside of the classroom Aaron enjoys spending time fishing or playing golf.
Lourdes Welch
Paraprofessional
Hola! My name is Lourdes Welch and I recently joined MA as a parapro. Before this I worked as a paraprofessional behavioral II and substitute teacher at Lawton Chiles Elementary. I worked with ESE children in a title 1 classroom. I also assisted children K-5 who struggled in various areas. Before having children I was a pediatric hem/onc nurse for 7 years. With all that being said my true passion is children. I love animals so much. I have 2 dogs and a cat. My other passion is cooking and I look forward to the 2024-2025 school year. Go Mustangs!
Brittany Baker-Andrews
Receptionist
Mrs. Baker-Andrews was born and raised in Sparr, FL. She graduated from North Marion High School in 2006 and attended the College of Central Florida. She was a Sergeant for Florida Department of Corrections for seven years. Mrs. Baker-Andrews had three kids attend Micanopy Academy (one deceased). She subbed at MA last year and enjoyed getting to know the students. She loves to cook and bake so much that she turned it into a business called "Lady B’s Cafe & Confections." She loves her family, gospel music, helping and serving others and crafting. Mrs. Baker-Andrews Motto is : “Whatever you find your hands to do, do it with all your might” Ecclesiastes 9:10.
Mrs. Alene Hampton
Administrative
Assistant
Mrs. Hampton graduated from Williston High School and has worked at Nationwide Insurance and the University of Florida. She joined the MA family in 2012 and enjoys working with the faculty and students alike. Her hobbies include reading and sewing. Mrs. Hampton is known for her smile, which earned her the nickname "Sunshine" by her coworkers at Nationwide. She was also told that it was her smile that helped someone make the decision to join her church, in which she is very involved. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and is looking forward to a great year with new and former students!
Clayton Phillips
Communications
​
Clayton Phillips is a seasoned professional with a strong emphasis on strategic communication and planning, particularly in the context of hospitality and school settings. With extensive experience in restaurant operations, event planning, and project management, Clayton has honed his ability to effectively communicate and plan within various operational environments. He excels in areas such as process improvement, staff development, and organizational efficiency, using his leadership skills to foster a positive and productive environment. As the President of Seeds For Life International Inc., Clayton was responsible for strategic oversight, ensuring high-quality service delivery while aligning the organization’s mission with clear communication goals. Between 2018 and 2021, he owned and operated Seedsfl Events and Catering, where he oversaw food service, catering events, and restaurant management, ensuring smooth operations through careful planning and communication. In 2021, Clayton expanded his expertise as the Kitchen Summer Camp Manager at Lake Swan Camp, refining his ability to manage both staff and operations in a fast-paced environment. His diverse education, including culinary training with renowned chefs, along with his Serve Safe Certification valid through 2025, underscores his commitment to excellence in all aspects of operational planning and communication.
Brandon Bowden
School Guardian
Hi, my name is Brandon Bowden. After graduating from Hamilton County High
School in 2001, I joined the United States Army. My duration in the Army
included serving in Korea for one year, where I guarded a four-star general, as
well as three years in Iraq following the September 11 th terrorist attacks. In 2005, I
embarked on my career as a Deputy of Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Three
years later, I moved to Pontiac, Michigan where I became a Corrections Officer
and then later worked for the Pontiac School District. At 30 years of age, I felt a
deep desire to move back to Florida and become a Pastor. Additionally, I returned
to the school system, as a Guardian of Micanopy Area Cooperative School for four
years. Currently, I am still pastoring, and I am so excited to continue my career as
a School Guardian. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my
family, travelling, and riding my Harley.
Madelyn Walker
MS ELA
Madelyn Walker graduated in 2024 with a degree in English from the University of Florida. While attending college, she worked as an editor and writer for the university’s literary magazine. Growing up in the Gainesville area, she attended a local charter school, where she developed a lifelong passion for literature and creative writing. She wants nothing more than to inspire others to feel the same. Having grown up on a farm herself, she loves the rural communities of Florida and is very happy to be in the beautiful town of Micanopy. Outside of the classroom, she loves horses and chickens and has been doing aerial acrobatics for many years. She is very excited to be teaching at Micanopy Academy and looks forward to the rest of the school year!