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.
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Lesleigh Phillips
MS Math, Science and STEM
Mrs. Phillips is a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience teaching Mathematics, Science, and STEM. Born and raised in the Philippines, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and a Certificate in Professional Education from the University of the Philippines.
Before moving to the United States, Mrs. Phillips taught Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, founded a preschool, and helped establish a school and science laboratory in an underserved island community. She also worked as an Early Childhood Educator in Singapore.
Mrs. Phillips currently teaches Math, Science, and STEM at Micanopy Academy, where she leads the VEX Robotics program. She also collaborates with the University of Florida on STEM education initiatives and educational research.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Phillips and her husband serve through Seeds for Life Ministry, teaching agriculture, water filtration, and nutrition in underserved communities. She enjoys playing the piano and guitar and is passionate about inspiring students to become lifelong learners.
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!
Natalia Pegg
ESE/504, HS Math, and Drama
Natalia Pegg brings more than 15 years of experience in education, leadership, and student development to Micanopy Academy. She spent much of her educational career with Alachua County Public Schools, where she served as an educator, department chair, and team leader. Throughout her career, she has taught and supported students with a wide range of academic needs and has been recognized twice as Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Pegg has a strong background in mathematics, curriculum development, exceptional student education, and teacher leadership. One of the highlights of her work in Alachua County was helping lead significant improvement in Algebra achievement among at-risk students. She has also mentored and worked alongside educators connected with the University of Florida.
Ms. Pegg earned degrees in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Johnson & Wales University. Her professional experience extends beyond education into business consulting, financial operations, bookkeeping, sales, and entrepreneurship. She is the founder of her own bookkeeping and business operations company and enjoys bringing real-world experiences into the classroom, particularly when teaching economics, personal finance, mathematics, and college and career readiness.
At Micanopy Academy, Ms. Pegg teaches across several subject areas. She believes students learn best in an environment where they feel supported, challenged, and comfortable being themselves. She enjoys incorporating hands-on learning, projects, technology, creativity, and real-world experiences into her classes.
Outside of education, Ms. Pegg is an entrepreneur and artist who enjoys performing arts, painting, creative projects, learning new technology, health and fitness, and spending time with family. She appreciates beautiful and creative spaces and believes there should always be room for happiness, laughter, and a little fun in both learning and life.
Mrs. Pegg is excited to be part of the Micanopy Academy community and looks forward to helping students build confidence, discover their strengths, and prepare for life beyond the classroom.
Charles Davis
Science, 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!
Ruth Duran
ELA, History
Ruth Duran is a graduate of Southern Adventist University. Her background includes working in higher education, child support, and as a chaplain at a boarding school in Georgia. After experiencing a few different careers, she decided to become a teacher for secondary school. She is certified in both English 6-12 and Social Sciences 6-12. This is her first year joining Micanopy Academy after teaching at Gainesville High School for three years.
Ruth enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, exploring new places, and trying new restaurants with her husband. She has a passion for education and for encouraging today's youth in falling in love with stories, books, and history.
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!
Brittany Baker-Andrews
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.
Receptionist
