Meet Our Team

Graham Chancey, Lead Pastor
Bishop Graham Chancey became lead pastor of Ocoee Church of God in December of 2023.  He has 21 years of full-time ministerial experience. Pastor Chancey is Regional Bishop for the churches of God in his area, has been elected to the state council, and was appointed to the Central Florida Ministerial Examining Board.  In addition to his ministerial ordination, Pastor Chancey holds a Bachelors of Science from Lee University.  Pastor Chancey can be reached via email at admin@mylcac.com

Melody Chancey, First Lady/Women’s Ministries Director/Worship Pastor 
Mrs. Melody Chancey serves with her husband at Ocoee Church of God as First Lady, Women’s Ministries Director, and Worship Pastor.  She has over 20 years of experience in education in the public, private, and charter school sectors.  She is currently leading LCA’s elementary chapel services and music program.  Mrs. Chancey has a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education and holds a State of Florida Department of Education Professional Educator’s Certificate (K-6) with ESOL endorsement.  Mrs. Chancey can be reached via email at admin@mylcac.com.

Thomas Odom, Head of School/Chief Administrator

Bishop Thomas Odom has served as the chief administrator of Light Christian Academy since the school’s formation. In addition to his work with Light Christian Academy, Bishop Odom was also appointed as Executive Director of Church of God Association of Christian Schools in November 2017. In addition to his ministerial ordination, Bishop Odom has a Bachelors of Science from Lee University. Bishop Odom can be reached via email at admin@mylcac.com.

Wendy Odom, Co-administrator

Mrs. Wendy Odom serves with her husband, Thomas Odom, as co-administrator of Light Christian Academy. Mrs. Wendy has been actively involved in the ministry of Light Christian Academy since the school’s inception. In addition to being a co-administrator, Mrs. Wendy serves as the director of the school’s preschool department, Lil’ Lights Preschool. She holds a Florida Childcare and Education Program Director Credential with a VPK endorsement and a Florida Childcare Professional Credential. Mrs. Wendy can be reached via email at admin@myLCAC.com.

Mrs. Kristi Faircloth joined the staff of Ocoee Church of God in 2016 as the church’s executive assistant, and in 2018 she became the ministry’s office manager, where she managed the daily function of the school office. At the end of the 2019-2020 school year, Mrs. Kristi moved into the role of vice principal at the school’s new South Campus location. Currently she is the vice principal serving 6th-12th grades. Mrs. Kristi is an ordained minister in the Church of God and holds a Masters of Business Administration degree awarded by Florida Metropolitan University. Mrs. Kristi and her husband, Pastor Ricky, are the lead pastors of Park Avenue Worship Center in Apopka. Mrs. Kristi can be reached via email at kfaircloth@myLCAC.com.

Tanya Mercer, Vice Principal Kindergarten-5th Grades

Mrs. Tanya Mercer is an experienced teacher who has worked with early elementary students for more than ten years. She first joined the LCA team as a Kindergarten teacher then moved up a grade in 2017 when the school chose to implement the Abeka curriculum for the first grade class. During the 2021-2022 school year, she taught 3rd grade class as the school implemented the Abeka curriculum in that grade as well. At the end of the 2021-2022 school year, Mrs. Tanya moved into her new role as vice principal of Kindergarten-5th grades. Mrs. Tanya emphasizes the value of hard work and persistence in addition to encouraging creativity with all of her students. Mrs. Tanya holds a teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools and is currently pursuing a degree at Valencia College. Mrs. Tanya can be reached by email at tmercer@myLCAC.com.

Mandy Almanza, Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Mandy Almanza was a part of the LCA faculty when the school first opened in 2009. After teaching for a year, she returned home to her family, then rejoined the LCA staff as Aftercare Coordinator during the 2013-2014 school year. In 2017-2018 she stepped into the position of 2nd grade supervisor and in the 2021-2022 school year she took on the position of kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Mandy has completed ACE Administrator Training and ACE Supervisor Training and has a temporary teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools. Mrs. Mandy can be reached by email at malmanza@myLCAC.com.

Gina Cole, Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Gina Cole joined LCA faculty as a Kindergarten teacher in 2017. She works with her students to develop a solid foundation in phonics, reading, mathematics, and other subjects and is often willing to look for out-of-the-box solutions to help students understand challenging concepts. Mrs. Gina holds an Associates of Science degree in Crime Scene Investigation from Valencia College. She also was awarded a temporary teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools and is currently pursuing her bachelors degree in psychology. Mrs. Gina can be reached by email at gcole@myLCAC.com.

Brea Craig, Middle School Assistant Supervisor

Mrs. Brea joined the LCA team in January of 2023 after moving to the area from Indiana. She graduated from Indiana University in 2008 with an associates degree in General Studies and is currently pursuing her bachelors degree. Mrs. Brea draws her experience from many years of homeschooling her own children and the 10 years she spent as a social worker/case manager working with young children, families, and disabled adults. Mrs. Brea has expressed her gratitude to the Lord and His divine direction that led her to LCA and considers it a privilege to work with LCA staff and students. She holds a temporary teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools. Mrs. Brea can be reached by email at bcraig@mylcac.com.

Rachel Harris, 1st Grade Supervisor

Mrs. Rachel joined LCA June 2023 as a first grade teacher. Over the course of 9 years she accumulated a variety of teaching experience including homeschooling her own children, teaching at homeschool co-ops and also as an ACE monitor. Mrs. Rachel is passionate about her students knowing Jesus and experiencing Him in her classroom and beyond. She is also passionate about reaching her students where they are academically, while challenging them to grow. She is grateful to be a part of LCA and believes it’s a gift from God. Mrs. Rachel has a temporary teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools, an associate’s degree from Valencia College and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Teacher Education. She can be reached at rharris@mylcac.com

Janie Heins, 5th Grade Supervisor

Mrs. Janie joined the LCA team in September 2023. Mrs. Janie is an experienced degreed teacher who has taught the Abeka curriculum since 1998. She is also a Varsity Cheerleading Coach as well as a drama teacher. Mrs. Janie serves the Lord by volunteering and teaching with the elementary kids team at her local church. She holds a temporary teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools. Mrs. Janie can be reached by email at jheins@mylcac.com.

Tina Hendrickson, 4th Grade Teacher

Mrs. Tina is an experienced elementary teacher who joined LCA’s team in August 2021. Mrs. Tina has been teaching elementary students since August of 1992. She has 15 years of experience with the ACE curriculum, and 14 years of experience with Abeka curriculum. She has also worked in various areas of children’s ministry at her local church. She holds a temporary teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools. Mrs. Tina can be reached by email at thendrickson@mylcac.com .

Krystal Johnson, 6th Grade Supervisor

Ms. Krysal  joined the LCA team during the 2023-2024 school year. She’s felt a calling since high school that she would be working with children in some capcity. Krystal has 35 years of working with students in various capcities such as a Sunday School teacher, youth director, and praise team leader. Ms. Krystal enjoys helping students reach their full potential in academics. Krystal has recieved her Early Childhood Development Diploma from Lake Tech in 2002 and she holds a temporary teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools.  Ms. Krystal can be reached at kjohnson@mylcac.com.

Miriam Masson, 2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Miriam joined LCA as a 2nd grade supervisor in 2022. She has a genuine passion for education and teaching children God’s Word. In addition to teaching at LCA, she teaches Children’s Ministry and Sunday School and leads youth at her local church. Mrs. Miriam is currently enrolled in college pursuing her degree in education, and she holds a temporary teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools. Some of her hobbies are shopping, decorating, and reading. Mrs. Miriam can be reached by email at mmasson@mylcac.com.

Hannah Mercer, Kindergarten Supervisor

Miss Hannah is an alumni of Light Christian Academy and was involved in many of our extracurricular activities as well as in various aspects in the ministry. In the 2018-2019 school year she served as the aftercare coordinator the moved into a part time fifth grade monitoring position in the 2019-2020 school year. Miss Hannah is currently pursuing her Associates Degree at Seminole State College and a teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools. Hannah can be reached by email at hmercer@mylcac.com.

Natasha Mercer, High School Supervisor

Miss Natasha is an alumna of Light Christian Academy. During her senior year, she worked in the 4th & 5th Grade Learning Center as a part-time monitor, gaining important experience and training. She worked as a full-time monitor during the 2020-2021 school year, and moved into the position of a supervisor beginning in the 2021-2022 school year. Miss Natasha holds an Associate’s degree from Valencia College and a teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools. ​Miss Natasha can be reached by email at nmercer@myLCAC.com.

Alanna Moffit, 3rd Grade Supervisor

Miss Alanna joined LCA in January 2022. She is active in her church and has a love of sharing God’s Word with others. She brings to her classroom her passion for ministry and seeks to share the love of God with her students. Miss Alanna is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology, and she holds a teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools. She can be reached by email at amoffit@myLCAC.com.

Caitlin Perkins, 1st Grade Teacher

Mrs. Caitlin joined LCA in August 2022. She has over 13 years of experience working with children, including working in a pre-K setting. Once she had her son she knew she wanted to give him a Christian education. She always knew that she would serve God by working with children, and she says that she considers it a blessing to teach first grade at Light Christian Academy. She holds a teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools. Mrs. Caitlin can be reached by email at cperkins@mylcac.com.

Danis Melendez Rivera, Middle School Supervisor

Mr. Danis joined LCA this year.  He is originally from Puerto Rico.   He studied in the American University of Puerto Rico were he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree as a physical education teacher. He is also a volleyball and baseball coach. I was born into a Christian family were I have learned the most important values which I carry today. My devotion to the kids go far beyond just teaching, I believe that God put me here not just as a teacher but also to share the good news of salvation to every child I come across.  Mr. Danis has a temporary teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools.  Mr. Danis can be reached by email at driveramelendez@mylcac.com.

Mr. Kalvin joined the team at Light Christian Academy in August 2022. Before joining LCA, Mr. Kalvin worked at an OCPS ESE behavioral school. He is a graduate of West Orange High School, where he excelled in athletics. He attended ASA College in Brooklyn, New York, on a scholarship. He also has a huge heart for the youth and leading them to Christ. He holds a teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools. Mr. Kalvin can be reached by email at krymer@mylcac.com.

Miss Aarika Wilson graduated from Central Christian Academy, an ACE-based Christian school, in May 2019. She has a heart and passion for ministry, and brought that passion to LCA in the fall of 2019. Since joining the LCA team she has taught at both the 3rd and 4th grade levels, and will be serving as a 2nd grade teacher beginning the 2022-2023 school year. Miss Aarika is excited about helping her students learn and succeed in all they do. She has completed ACE Supervisor’s Training, holds a teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools, and is currently pursuing a degree from Lee University. Miss Aarika can be reached by email at awilson@mylcac.com.

Carol Walker, 3rd Grade Supervisor

Ms. Carol join the LCA team in November 2023. Her career started out in NYC for the Board of Education as a Paraprofessional while I was in college  pursuing a degree for my Bachelor of Science in Elementary  Education. Upon graduation in 1992, from City College of New York she worked as a Substitute Teacher, then an Elementary School Teacher. She worked in Orange County Public School as a teacher from August 2000 to November 6th 2023; Except for two years when I taught at St. Marks Preparatory School. She holds a temporary teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools. Ms. Carol can be reached at cwalker@mylcac.com. 

Charles Craig, Maintenance/Transportation

Mr. Charles join the LCA team in September 2023. Mr. Charles serves as our Bus Driver and Maintenance Tech, he started working with us at LCA at the beginning of the 2023-2024 School Year.  He is a hard worker and a father to four children who also attend the School.  He previously lived in Indiana where he has worked at several companies as a Commercial Driver, as well as previously working for a School as a Bus Driver.  His wife Mrs. Brea also serves as one of our Middle School Teachers.

Marisol Escalera, Administrative Assistant 

Ms. Marisol Escalera joined the team in September 2023.  Marisol and her husband Raymand Escalera currently serve as Lead Pastors at the Iglesia De Dios nuevo Comienzo for the past 14 years.  The Lord has placed in her heart a strong thrive to minister to those who need to hear the Gospel. She’s been to Guatemala 3 times with missions and enjoyed reaching out to those in need. She is currently a Cancer Survivor and in remission for the past 4 years. She gives God all the Glory and honor for his immense Mercy and Grace towards her. Ms. Marisol can be reached at mescalera@mylcac.com. 

Cassey Fleming-Fisher, Morning Care/Aftercare/Food Service

Mrs. Cassey joined LCA’s staff at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. Her roles include greeting students in the morning, helping ensure safe drop off and pick up, preparing food, and keeping the cafeteria clean. Mrs. Cassey is a life-long resident of Ocoee, and she and her husband Jamie have a daughter who attends LCA.

Perla Leal, Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Perla joined the LCA team in September 2021. She, her husband, and their daughters have been part of Luz del Cielo (Church at Whistling Pines) for over 10 years. She loves to help wherever she can, and her goal as administrative assistant is to create an efficient, stress-free office environment, help anyone that seeks assistance, and also help our Spanish-speaking families. Mrs. Perla can be reached by email a pleal@mylcac.com.

Selene Medina, Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Selene originally joined the LCA team in the 2017-2018 school year and has returned in 2023.  She worked in a family business for over 10 years while she attended and graduated from the University Of Phoenix. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in health administration. In 2020 during quarantine, she opened her small business where she enjoys using her creativity and her love for baking. Her family has attended Resurrection Catholic Church for over 13 years. My family is my greatest blessing. As a Christian it is immensely important for my children to have a Christian based education which is why all my children are students at LCA and now my youngest attends Lil lights preschool. I enjoy working at LCA with such a great team and helping translate for our Hispanic families.  Mrs. Selence can be reached by email at sluna@mylcac.com

Melfin Pena Ramos De Paulin, Aftercare Coordinator/Food Service Staff

Mrs. Melfin began working for LCA at the start of the 2023-2024 School Year.  She moved here from the Dominican Republic, where she previously worked for a school, she also managed her own Accounting Company.  She is a passionate worker for the School and serves as our Aftercare Coordinator and Food Service Staff.  When she is not at work she is busy being a mom to her little boy at home.

Ashley Rivera-Arroyo, Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Ashley is from Puerto Rico, where she was a student at Interamericana University of Puerto Rico. She graduated with honors with an Associates degree in Business Administration and a Bachelors degree in Human Resources Management. She also has begun a Master’s degree in Creative Writing in Spanish, which is her favorite hobby. Mrs. Ashley is a Christian who loves God above all else and believes that she serves Him as she helps others. She is an asset to the LCA team! Mrs. Ashley can be reached at ariveraarroyo@mylcac.com ariveraarroyo@mylcac.com.

Cherith Odom, Supervisor

Miss Cherith Odom is an alumna of Light Christian Academy. After graduation, she completed a 4-month ministry internship program that included two months of training in the USA then two months of missionary work in Nicaragua. After completing her missionary training, Miss Cherith joined the faculty of LCA in December of 2017. Miss Cherith has completed ACE Supervisor Training, has a temporary teaching certificate from Church of God Association of Christian Schools, and is currently enrolled at Lee University to pursue a degree in education. Miss Cherith can be reached by email at codom@myLCAC.com.

Rhonda Odom, Assistant Supervisor

Mrs. Rhonda joined the Light Christian Academy team as the Union Campus Supervisor when the campus opened in Fall 2021. She has previously spent many years in early childcare education and elementary education, including teaching at Christian private schools in nearby Bradford county. When she is not working for Light Christian Academy, you can often find her volunteering at her church. Mrs. Rhonda can be reached by email at rodom@mylcac.com.

Titus Odom, Supervisor

Mr. Titus Odom is an alumni of Light Christian Academy. After graduation, he moved to the North Florida area, where he serves as the Student Pastor of the Lake City Church of God. He is licensed in the Church of God at the exhorter level and is currently in the Ministerial Internship Program for the Church of God to become an ordained minister. Mr. Titus can be reached by email at todom2@mylcac.com.