Growing Minds, Hearts & Futures
We are a tuition-free public charter school for grades 6 - 12!
Daniel Ferguson
Principal
Daniel Ferguson has been a principal in Alachua County since 2011. He holds an Ed. Sp. degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a Masters in Exceptional Student Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Florida A & M University. In addition, Ferguson has a certificate from Harvard University Graduate School of Education in Data Wise.
Mr. Ferguson is a proud graduate of Eastside High School in Gainesville, Florida. His family is native to Orange Lake and Flemington, FL area. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing on many of Florida's lakes, reading good books, and spending time with family and friends. Ferguson is passionate about helping others and he has devoted his career to doing what’s best for students, while supporting teachers.
Abbey Lestrange
MS Math + Science
Abbey Lestrange is from Melbourne, FL and recently moved to the Gainesville area. She graduated in 2024 from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Environmental Science.
Before coming to Micanopy Academy, Ms. Lestrange was a Chemistry tutor in college and worked for three summers at a teaching internship where she taught middle school math and science to underserved students in the Tampa area. She also spent the last year volunteering with the U.S. Forest Service, which gave her the opportunity to travel to states like Virginia and South Carolina to protect communities from wildfires!
In her free time, Ms. Lestrange likes to spend time with her twin sister, go to the gym, and look through field guides (especially ones for shells). She also loves to travel and visit local coffee shops.
Ms. Lestrange is very excited to begin her first year at MA and to explore science/math concepts while getting to know her students along the way!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
Griffin Roberts
English and Reading
Griffin Roberts graduated from the University of Florida in 2024 with a Bachelor’s in English. He grew up in Sarasota, Florida by the beach, though he somehow never managed to get a tan.
Before coming to Micanopy Academy, Mr. Roberts worked at the Humane Society of North Central Florida, helping unite dogs and cats with their forever homes. He loves doing work with a purpose, and he believes there is great purpose in teaching English. After all, the technological and sociological feats we take for granted today would be impossible if we could not externalize our knowledge and build upon it. Language makes learning efficient.
In his free time, Mr. Roberts enjoys anything that challenges him to learn or be creative. He reads and writes (obviously), plays video games, makes music, exercises, and relaxes by spending time with his loving girlfriend and crazy dog.
Mr. Roberts’ goal is to gift his passion for learning and critical thinking to his students. He aims to train their memories, analytical skills, and creativity, so they can develop lifelong skills to carry them wherever they wish to go in life. He is thrilled to be part of the team!
