Alumni

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Keep your personal information up-to-date so that we can help your high school friends find you. TMA would also like to keep you in contact with information concerning reunions and special events. You can email Carel Nally to update the website or contact Laura Deery at 407-971-2221 ext. 1246 to update your address, phone or find out about special events.

Please update us with the following information:

Your name, date of graduation, your e-mail, and any other information you would like to share about your career, family, education.

Alumni News

Erica Lowe, Class of 2006

Erica graduated from UCF in the spring of 2010 obtaining a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Science Education. Erica was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ all four years of college and in 2008 she developed a desire to be in full time ministry while on a 6 week summer missions trip to South Africa with Campus Crusade. She has now joined the staff of Campus Crusade and will be serving in South Africa for up to 2 years beginning in January 2011. Erica says, “It still seems surreal that I get to do ministry as my full time job, but I can’t wait to be in South Africa where the Gospel is taking root so quickly in people’s hearts and transforming students’ lives.” You can follow Erica at www.erica-lowe.blogspot.com. Erica shared that her years at TMA influenced her walk with the Lord as many of her teachers encouraged her to stay close to God and follow Him for the rest of her life. She said, “I feel that I had a great spiritual foundation going into college due to many of the things I was taught at TMA.”

Dr. Laura (Smith) Knutson, MD, Class of 1998

Laura earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in biology from the University of South Florida in 2002.  While attending The Master’s Academy, Laura’s biology teacher, Mrs. Becky Hunter, had a tremendous impact in Laura's life, which she discussed in her essay on her medical school application.  Laura entered medical school at the University of Florida where she earned her MD and began her pediatric residency at Shands Hospital in Gainesville.  While at UF, she met her husband, Nate.  Nate's job took their family to Pensacola where Laura has taken a temporary leave from residency and is currently enjoying caring for their two sons, Kaden and Asa.
(Posted 4/26/10)

Kristin Cain, Class of 2000

Kristin is following her dream by working in the field of biology. Her love for biology came from two of her former TMA teachers who greatly influenced her - Mrs. McGowan and Mr. Andreasen. Kristin graduated cum laude from Ottawa University in Kansas from the biology studies program in 2005.  She currently lives in Raytown, MO and works in the Research Unit at the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Kristin’s work has focused on lab research regarding breast cancer and her lab is newly exploring pancreatic cancer. She is also doing Phase 3 clinical trials research focusing on new drug formulations for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Kristin also prepares grants to apply for both national and local funding (National Institutes of Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA VISN 15 and University grants such as KU and KUMC). Grant funding is the key to all research.  Without funding, research (bench and bedside) would cease to exist.  Kristin reads each grant application’s guidelines then provides the investigators with goals that need to be met in order for grant submission to be completed in a timely manner.  Any deviation from the guidelines may result in immediate denial of funds, so Kristin ensures that all the minute details are met and that the quality of the research proposal is truly showcased. During her free time, Kristin is involved in a Bible Study and teaches two exercise classes at her church’s fitness center. (Posted 3/23/10)

Monica (Batts) Brescia, Class of 2005

Monica is living out what God called her to do in her teenage years and thanks TMA for all of the love and support to help get her there! Monica graduated from TMA in 2005 and had the privilege to attend Wheaton College in Illinois where she met her husband Brad Brescia. Her acceptance to Wheaton and enthusiasm to get involved with the student body has much to do with the preparation The Master's Academy gave her throughout the 13 years she spent there. From her middle school years, Monica sought to make a difference in the lives of children through teaching just as her teachers and administration at TMA made a lasting impact on her own life. Their spiritual and academic guidance throughout her education at TMA inspired her to believe in students as well. Given the opportunity to be a teacher's assistant and counselor at a camp managed by a TMA staff member (Mrs. Curtis), Monica solidified her calling to be an elementary educator.

After graduating from Wheaton College in 2009 Cum Laude, Monica was hired as an elementary teacher of fifth grade (her dream grade!). She married her college sweetheart, Brad, and lives in Lake Mary, Florida. She is currently teaching fifth graders at PM Wells Charter Academy and loves every minute of it! As one of her students said in a recent essay, "learning can be fun!" If it wasn't for the excellent examples of the teachers at The Master's Academy, she would not have personally experienced the difference one teacher can make in the life of a child. Education is a high calling and she considers it a privilege to take what she has learned from their example and apply it to the lives of her 22 students.

In addition to the academic support TMA gave her, the athletic department gave Monica the opportunity to be a cheerleader for more than 4 years and instilled a passion for cheerleading that still remains! After joining the co-ed cheerleading squad at Wheaton College and serving as captain for her junior and senior years, Monica brought her enthusiasm for school spirit to her elementary students and is currently the head cheerleading coach at her school.

Monica says, "TMA made an everlasting impact on my life and I am eternally grateful. Dr Harris and teachers such as Mrs. Newport and Miss Thomas believed in me, instilling a desire to serve the Lord and pursue academic excellence in the process. It is an honor to be a TMA alumna and I am excited to see what God has in store for the student body there in the coming years. Thank you TMA!" (Posted 1/16/10)

Anne (Bustraan) Lambert, Class of 2003

Anne earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southern University in December of 2008. She met her husband, Greg Lambert, during her senior year at GSU. Anne was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into the Army Nurse Corps in December 2008 immediately after graduation. Currently, she is stationed at Fort Hood, Texas and is assigned to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.

Anne says, “TMA prepared me for my career in nursing by readying my heart to serve and care for others. I am so very thankful for the opportunities to take several trips with Mr. Bruning and other classmates to the HEART institute, and take a mission trip with the Girls Varsity Basketball team to Puerto Rico.” (Posted 12/11/09)

Angela Knapp, Class of 2001

After graduating from The Master's Academy in 2001, Angela attended Florida State University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in International Affairs. During her time at FSU, Angela was involved with leading the Baptist Collegiate Ministry's outreach to international students, where her interest in other cultures continued to grow. She also pursued pre-med studies; however, she determined that medical school was not God's plan for her life. Angela always had a passion for child welfare issues. God led her to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. Angela now works at Florida United Methodist Children's Home in Enterprise, FL as a Child and Family Therapist. Angela also recently passed the exam for advanced licensure and will become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the spring of 2010. Aside from working, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Angela is still praying about and exploring the role that God has for her in His work overseas.

The teachers and classes at T.M.A. helped Angela set a firm foundation for her faith. Experiences such as trips to H.E.A.R.T. institute, drama productions, and student government helped build her confidence and shape her passions. As she ventured on to a secular university, she appreciated all the more the Christian and family atmosphere of T.M.A. She is very grateful for her time at The Master's Academy and all that God did in her while she was there. (Posted 11/19/09)

Wendi (Heiniger) Rumbold, Class of 1989

What a journey the Lord has brought me on the past 20 years since I graduated from The Master's Academy in 1989! I am excited to tell you of the plans He has made clear in my husband's and my life to move our family to Slovakia, Eastern Europe in a couple of months! We have been praying about a long-term missions opportunity for our family for about 10 years, and just now are taking the steps to make this a reality. The Lord has shown us an incredible ministry with Josiah Venture where He is making possible for us to be involved, sharing Christ and the power of His love to the youth of Slovakia. We will be working in a local church, doing outreach to the youth in the community through youth groups and summer English camps, and then doing follow-up and discipleship throughout the year in the same town. We are planning to leave mid-January 2010, taking our five children and reestablishing our home in Bardejov, eastern Slovakia, for as long as we feel the Lord calls us to stay.

My high school years at TMA have had an incredible impact on my life, and even on this decision God has brought to us. It was during my years at TMA that the Lord gave me the desire to be a junior high/high school math teacher. I was very blessed through the teachers, administration, and the quality of education that I received. I taught for six years before getting married, and never lost my love for youth of that age, and for impacting them for Christ during these impressionable years. When I married Ed, he had a youth ministry degree and a passion to share Christ with these youth of Eastern Europe. We know that God has this plan for our family, as we both have such a heart for kids that need to hear about Him and His grace! I am grateful for such Godly training during my high school years, teaching me characteristics and qualities that have made me hungry to know Christ more, and to serve Him in everything I do. (Posted 10/28/09)

Ivey (Addison) Schulkers, Class of 2002

Ivey now lives in St. Augustine, Florida with her husband. After graduating from TMA, Ivey attended Flagler College where she earned a BA in English and Creative Writing. TMA provided Ivey with the opportunity to get involved in student leadership and athletics, and she continued those activities at the college level, going on to be captain of the Flagler College cheerleading squad, President of the Student Government Association, and the 2006 recipient of the College President’s Award of Excellence in Leadership. Following graduation in 2006, Ivey married her college sweetheart Kyle Schulkers and accepted a position in the Office of Admissions at Flagler. She is currently working as the Associate Director of Admissions, and stays involved in student life serving as Flagler’s head cheerleading coach, advisor to several clubs and organizations, member of the Omicron Delta Kappa faculty board, SACS reaccredidation committee, and Saints Club Advisory Board. Some of her favorite memories involve TMA Student Government and the important life and leadership lessons learned during those meetings. (Posted 10/14/09)

Chris Leader, Class of 2004

Chris graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in International Relations and Comparative Politics. He is currently attending Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC earning a Masters in Divinity degree. Chris serves as the Student Pastor of Cross Culture Church, a church start in Raleigh, NC. He also serves as the Executive Director of Ignite Student Outreach, a parachurch organization that puts on youth camps, conferences, and retreats throughout the southeast US. Chris is privileged to speak to thousands of students each year presenting the Great News of Jesus Christ. Chris says, “I am truly grateful for the foundational truths of the Gospel that The Master’s Academy was able to help lay in my life. I definitely believe that the investment from TMA’s staff is, in part, why am I doing what I do today.” (Posted 9/30/09)

Marty Manor, Class of 1994

Marty is currently pursuing a PhD in East European History at the University of Washington in Seattle. She hopes to teach history at the college level someday. Marty’s introduction to Eastern Europe came in 1997 as a UCF student when she traveled outside the States for the first time and visited Poland on a short-term mission trip. The following summer she spent 6 weeks in Slovakia and fell in love with the mountains and the people of former Czechoslovakia. After graduating from UCF in 1999 with a degree in History Education, she worked on a mission team in Slovakia for 2 years with Campus Crusade for Christ. Upon returning to the States she attended the University of Richmond for an M.A. in History (2004) and then had the incredible privilege of teaching English at a Slovak high school in Košice, Slovakia, for 3 ½ years. Marty really loves connecting with students as a teacher and was profoundly influenced by her TMA teachers who shared their love of Christ with their students. (Posted 9/17/09)

ELISABETH (MUNIZZI) BURNS, Class of 2000

Growing up in a family immersed in both music and ministry, it was only natural that Elisabeth Burns would choose a combination of the two for her path in life. That path, however, would be intertwined with many obstacles that would serve to shape her songs and her philosophies on life and even God Himself. Born in New York City, but raised in Central Florida, Elisabeth Munizzi attended The Master's Academy for her high school years, graduating there in 2000. She headed off to Southeastern University, where she would receive a Bachelor's Degree in Church Music in 2003.

While attending SEU, Elisabeth helped form Hip-Hop/R&B group "XYC," with which she traveled and sang for over 3 years. While with "XYC," she performed concerts across the USA, opening for groups such as "Grits" and releasing their original, debut album "Living Room." The group disbanded in 2003, and member Manwell Reyes went on to join Dove Award-winning group, "Group 1 Crew." Elisabeth met Jason Burns while attending SEU, and the pair married in December of 2004.

It wasn't until the summer of 2005, however, that one of the largest inspirations for Elisabeth's music would surface. Diagnosed with Stage 2, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Elisabeth had to endure six grueling months of chemotherapy, all the while keeping journals of the experiences that would become her debut solo album, "True Story." After being healed of cancer, Elisabeth began traveling across the US sharing her message of hope in both story and song. Her debut album "True Story" was released July 1, 2006. Elisabeth has since been asked to speak and sing at various national conferences, encouraging others with her message of God's healing for all - mind, body, and soul.

Elisabeth and her husband Jason reside in Lakeland, Florida with their son Joey who was born on August 25, 2007. Together they founded and pastor Access Church, a church community aimed at reaching young adults and young families with the love of Christ. It is Elisabeth's desire to bring the message of God's hope to others by using the experiences of her own life as a bridge into the lives of many.

For more information on Elisabeth Burns, please visit her website at http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.elisabethburnsmusic.com.
(Posted 9/3/09)

Marcus Mennenga, Class of 1997

Marcus graduated from Liberty University with a Finance degree. He met his wife, Jocelyn, while doing an internship in Boca Raton, FL during the summer of ’99. Jocelyn graduated from Baylor University. Both moved back to the Orlando area to marry and begin their careers in 2002. They are thrilled with the addition of their daughter, Kallie Grace, who, God-willing, will be a TMA graduate in the class of 2020! The Mennengas enjoy family life together through travelling and spending as much time outdoors as possible. They worship and serve at Northland. One passion that Marcus has is working with a ministry that matches up fatherless boys in our community with mentors. Marcus is a financial planner with Ledford Financial in downtown Orlando, while his wife manages properties for GE Capital. Marcus has always been thankful for the teachers who poured their lives into him during his 11 years at TMA, some of whom are still teaching! He believes his teachers prepared him for way more than college, they prepared him for life. (Posted 8/19/09)

Scotty Manor, Class of 1998

Scotty graduated from Covenant College (2002), where he met his wife Rebecca (Berg) Manor during a study abroad program at Oxford University. During 2005, after graduating from Covenant Theological Seminary (2005) he married Rebecca. Both of them had always hoped to return to the U.K. for further study, and two years later they moved to Edinburgh, Scotland for further studies at the University of Edinburgh. In 2008, Scotty completed an MTh in Church History and is currently in the second year of his PhD program, where he is researching the reception of the Gospel of John in the early Church. (Posted 7/28/09)

Stuart Sloan, Class of 1992

Stuart is a commercial litigation attorney in Melbourne, Florida. Stuart has been practicing law for ten years after graduating from the University of Florida law school in 1999. Stuart and his wife, Sarah, are raising four beautiful daughters. He is also involved with a mission in Peru that operates an orphanage and school (www.morningstarperu.org). This past April, Stuart and his eldest daughter, Madeline, took a small team of young people to experience the mission and help out.

TMA's former Spanish teacher, Miss Hillyard, would be proud of the Spanish that came to the surface of his mind from the deep memories of her Spanish class at TMA! The Sloan family is also part of a new startup church in Melbourne called "Family Bible Church." (Posted 7/14/09)

Ashley Fierro, Class of 2001

Ashley is now living in Fort Lauderdale, enjoying every moment of Florida sunshine. After graduating from TMA where she cheered from the time she was in third grade until she graduated, she became a member of the Varsity Coed Cheerleading team at Florida State University. It is fair to say her cheerleading experience was molded and supported at TMA. (Thank you Erin, Lori, & Nikki!) At FSU, Ashley cheered for all four years of her college career, eventually becoming the Varsity Team Captain. While there, she studied Human Resource Management in the FSU College of Business, graduating Magna Cum Laude. After her years in Tallahassee, Ashley moved back to Orlando for a year while she studied for a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. Upon completion of her MBA, Fort Lauderdale became the next step where Ashley would begin working full-time as the Human Resources Coordinator for Bass Underwriters, a national insurance broker. She is very happy with her career in HR and loves it most for the opportunities to interact with and meet new people while serving the 230+ employees at Bass. Ashley also just recently passed the PHR, Professional in Human Resources, certification test. She is now fully settled in South Florida, living in a condo she purchased just a mile from the ocean. Florida will always be her home and she is grateful for all the memories and opportunities she has been given from the time she entered Mrs. Price's second grade classroom at TMA. (Posted 6/30/09)

Nicholas J. Begich, III, Class of 1995

Nicholas is President of FarShore Partners, a software engineering firm with offices in Anchorage, Alaska, USA and Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Starting with 1 part-time employee in 2006, the team has expanded to over 30 full-time and 10 part-time resources. Prior to founding FarShore Partners, Nicholas had resource management responsibility through various roles spanning 5 continents and often exceeding 100 resources in both direct and “dotted line” chain-of-command reporting relationships. Nicholas has held a number of professional positions including: Program Manager of a $200MM USD telecommunications implementation, Product Marketing Manager for vehicle line at a major auto-maker, Investor Relations Analyst at an NYSE-traded, S&P500 firm and a Real Estate Brokerage General Manager with over 140 agents and employees.

In 2003, Nicholas Begich and Dharna Vakharia (Class of 1997) married. Dharna received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Purdue University in 2004, and today is an in-patient staff pharmacist at 2 Anchorage-area hospitals. In addition Dharna serves as a member of the State of Alaska Medicaid Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Dharna is a Veteran Officer of the U.S. Commissioned Corps having attained the Navy-equivalent rank of Lieutenant. Nicholas and Dharna have been proud contributors to the campaigns of Nicholas’ uncle and Alaska’s newest legislator, U.S. Senator Mark Begich.

Nicholas has received his Master of Business Administration with concentrations in Business Operations and Information Technology from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business Full Time program. He has also received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University’s Hankammer School of Business with an emphasis in Management and Entrepreneurship. Nicholas credits his professional development in no small part to The Master’s Academy’s fundamental values structure, attentive educators, leadership opportunities, and comprehensive extra-curricular programs. (Posted 6/16/09)

Stefanie Higgins, Class of 1999

Stefanie has lived in Washington, DC for six years. After graduating from UCF in 2003, she worked in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. In 2007, she joined the Bush Administration and worked at The White House in the Office of the First Lady and Visitors Office. In Mrs. Bush’s Office, Stefanie served as a Confidential Assistant and managed the White House Holiday cards. In the Visitors Office, she contributed on events including, the Easter Egg Roll, 4th of July celebration on the South Lawn, and Arrival Ceremonies – including ceremonies for the Queen and Pope. Stefanie currently works for Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia. Her most rewarding experiences were starting an intern Bible study at the White House and co-leading a study in Congress. Stefanie serves on the Parish Council at Church of the Resurrection on Capitol Hill. (Posted 6/2/09)

Michael Schuerman, Class of 1999

Michael is preparing to go on an 11 country, 11 month mission trip. In order to do this, Michael has abandoned what many of us would call the “American Dream” of owning a house and car, having a good job etc. and is following a clear calling God has placed in his life. He enjoyed his job in Orlando, Florida as a personal training manager for many years with Lifestyle Family Fitness but is now selling his car, his possessions and is leaving his friends and family for an entire year to serve people across the world. He credits The Master’s Academy as the place where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and chapels played an important part in his spiritual development. The adventure that awaits him includes traveling to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, New Zealand, Australia, Kenya, Uganda, Africa, Romania, Ukraine and Eastern Europe. To learn more about Michael and his upcoming mission trip visit www.mikeschuerman.theworldrace.org. (Posted 5/19/09)

Hans Hernke, Class of 2001

Hans is currently living in L.A. and working in the entertainment industry. It all began in 11th grade when TMA drama teacher, Miss Sarah Thomas, asked him to play the part of Elwood P. Dowd in the TMA stage production of "Harvey". After taking on the role, Hans realized that acting was his true calling. He got an agent, started auditioning, booked his first national commercial, and became a Screen Actor's Guild member. Hans credits TMA for getting him where he is today. He sends a big thank you to the teachers and staff at TMA, and his supportive, loving parents. After directing a TMA dinner theater show in late 2001 with TMA Fine Arts Director, Judi Tome, Hans was inspired to move to Los Angeles to study at The New York Film Academy at Universal Studios. He graduated from his studies in directing, producing and editing.
    Hans has enjoyed acting jobs, but also has begun branching out to work behind the scenes doing producing, casting, stand-in work, and production work. Some of his most memorable jobs include being on the Disney film "Sky High" where he was frozen into a block of ice by the Freeze Girl character, and having his dream come true playing a Flying Dutchman pirate in "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End!" Hans had the opportunity to film an independent feature film in Nigeria, Africa. He has also produced 12 independent films to date and will continue to produce films which are great stories with potential to entertain audiences. He recently completed a full season of work as a stand-in on the hit sitcom "Everybody Hates Chris" Season 4. Hans is working toward the Hollywood dream of becoming a "star" someday, Lord willing, but is quite content to work hard in L.A. as a working actor, producer, and a stand-in. Every job is a blessing and he will always remember that the Lord is constantly providing for his career. (Posted 5/5/09)

Noah Curran, Class of 2005 and Daira (DelVecchio) Curran, Class of 2005

Noah and Daira are married! They are currently studying at Belmont University in Nashville, TN.  Noah will be graduating this year with a Degree in International Business with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Spanish.  While at Belmont, Noah has founded, and is the President of, Belmont’s International Business Society.  He has traveled around the U.S. representing Belmont at various business competitions and has been initiated into the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society. Daira will graduate in 2010 with a Degree in Commercial Voice with an emphasis in Music Business.  This past fall she landed the lead in the production of Fantasticks while studying in Florence, Italy.  This international production had a cast representing over seven different counties.  The Currans studied abroad in Spain for a summer session and in Italy for the fall semester.  During this time they were blessed to travel extensively throughout Europe.  For those of you who know Daira, you can guess her favorite place was Paris!  Both Noah and Daira have felt the call to ministry.  Therefore, Noah will begin work on a Masters in Leadership and Evangelism through Wheaton College this summer.  They are planning on using Noah’s business background and Daira’s musical talent to build a traveling speaking/music/drama team to travel with them once they begin their ministry.  By the way….they say married life is terrific! (Posted 3/5/09)

Jenna Deery, Class of 2003

Jenna joined Alabama’s CBS 8 television news team in April 2008 as a general assignment reporter. (www.waka.com) (Click here to see Jenna Reporting the News) Before reporting for CBS 8, Jenna returned to her hometown of Orlando, FL to work under some of the industry's best as an associate producer for the number #1 station, WFTV Channel 9. In May 2007, Jenna graduated from Samford University in Birmingham with a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communications and a minor in Spanish. During college, Jenna spent a summer studying in Spain and also studied journalism in London. Jenna was an intern at WBRC Fox 6 in Birmingham during college and had the privilege of interviewing personalities like Gene Simmons, Hillary Clinton and Joe Namath. Jenna was also recognized by the Associated Press with nominations for Best College Feature Reporter and Best News Reporter. (Posted 2/11/09)

Jenna was featured in a Montgomery magazine on “The List” of young professionals and business leaders. Find Out More... (Posted 10/6/09)