Andrea DiBartolomeo was born in Alabama, but shortly thereafter moved to Florida where she was raised. Working with children has always been a passion of Andrea’s, so it was no surprise that she pursued a degree in Elementary Education. 

She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2002. After teaching for five years in Orlando, Andrea knew the Lord was leading her to pursue mission work.

In January of 2008, she left for Uganda to teach vulnerable children through an organization called The Rafiki Foundation. She taught Language Arts for kindergarten, second, and third grades. Her year in Uganda was one that has left her forever changed.

After teaching in Africa, Andrea strongly desired to further her own education. Andrea continued teaching while working on her graduate degree part-time. In 2015, she graduated from UCF with her master’s degree in Exceptional Education. Andrea heard about United Global Outreach through her church and contacted Mr. Timothy McKinney about possible teaching opportunities. In 2017, she began teaching first through third grades at Orange County Academy. She absolutely loves what she does and is so thankful for the chance to work at a place that combines so many of her passions!

​My education background includes a B.A. in Professional Chemistry (Case-Western Reserve University), an M.S.T. in Chemistry (University of Florida), and an E.D.D. in Mathematics Education (University of Central Florida).

My work history includes working in a medical laboratory for several years at the Medical School at Case-Western Reserve, teaching chemistry at the College of Orlando, and then 3 semesters of part-time teaching in science (chemistry, earth science and physical science) at Valencia Community College. In the fall of 1974, I was hired as a full-time faculty member on the East Campus of VCC to teach chemistry. In 1982, I became the department chair for mathematics, science and physical education. I taught a minimum of one class in chemistry and/or mathematics each semester during the next 12 years while I supervised both full-time and adjunct faculty. In 1994, I returned to teaching mathematics full time and taught at the VCC center on the UCF campus as well as at the VCC East Campus.

After retiring in 2004, I taught several classes for another year and a half as a Professor Emeritus. I became interested in Therapy Dog activities in 2014 and my dog, Kelley and I joined the Be An Angel Dog Therapy Group. We visited several venues a month until December 2016. We brought our dog, Kacey, home in the summer of 2016 as a 10-week old puppy. Because of Kacey’s training at Pawfection Dog Training, Kelley’s activities were limited in her therapy work. Since that time, both Kelley and Kacey have become fully certified Therapy Dogs through Pawfection Therapy Dog Training. Their activities have introduced me to several wonderful private schools including the Florida Methodist Children’s Home School and the Orange County Academy as well as several assisted living facilities. Kelley and Kacey’s activities have kept me busy many hours each week and we love doing our visits and meeting everyone involved. I am looking forward to combining my teaching experience in mathematics with the visits the Kelley and Kacey enjoy during the next school year at Orange County Academy.

Jennifer graduated from University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.  in 1998.  Jennifer danced as a UCF Golden Knight Dancer for football and basketball seasons all 4 years in college.  She was also the rush chairman for her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. Jennifer grew up taking dance classes and competing in dance competitions.  Jennifer danced professionally for the NBA Orlando Magic for 3 years and was also captain.  Jennifer was also a character performer at Walt Disney World & MGM Studios.  This love for the performing arts led her to successfully own and operate her own business for 13 years.  Center Stage Academy was Central Florida's Top Cutting Edge Performing Arts Center where she taught dance classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Acrobatics, Contortion, Modeling & Acting Workshops. Jennifer's business Center Stage Academy had dance & cheerleading competition teams and  an after school program that picked up from several local elementary schools.  The after school  program included tutoring/homework session, daily dance class, arts & crafts, games, activities, and after care until parents came to pick up their children after work. In the summertime, Jennifer's dance school would have all day camps with themed weeks, daily field trips & performing arts classes. 

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After 13 years of successfully running her own business, Jennifer decided she was ready for a change but teaching has always been a part of her life.  Jennifer has taught high school Earth Science, Physical Science, Astronomy,  & STEM classes at Elite Preparatory Academy in 2017-2019.  This is her sixth year teaching at Orange County Academy. She taught two years in 2014-2016 and came back to teach again in 2019 to present.  Jennifer is our High school teacher and has experience teaching English, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Business Entrepreneurship, Personal Finance, Algebra, Life Skills, and College Prep.  In 2021, Jennifer decided to start OCA's first official student council and still continues to be Student Council Advisor.  She feels it's important for high school students to understand leadership and have responsibility. Student Council holds weekly meetings and plan school spirit weeks, fundraise for homecoming & prom events, and organize various other events.  Jennifer also assists all the high school students with career exploration, introduces them to college board exposing our high school students to various options for college and trade school. Jennifer assist high school students with SAT Test Prep, SAT waiver (allows students to take SAT and apply to all colleges with all fees waived).  Ms. Forster often schedules campus tours and facilitates how to apply for FASFA & exposes students to scholarship opportunities. Ms. Forster has been able to also work with middle school students and she feels its important to be a role model and prides herself on building relationships with each one of her students. 

Lisa was born and raised on the shores of Northeastern Ohio.  In 1992 she graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a Bachelors of Science in Geology and Speech Communications.  In addition to having a passion for the study of the earth, she was also an avid participant in her college's radio station logging many hours as a DJ and holding various board member positions.  While raising 4 children, she was transplanted to Central Florida in 2005.  Settling in Orlando, she spent the next years teaching a variety of subjects from language arts to science to varying age groups all in ability lead classrooms.  During the last year of co-op teaching, she helped take a group of middle schoolers to competition level in the National Science Olympiad Competition.   Due to a life-changing event, Lisa obtained her TEFL and teaching certification and joined Orange County Academy in 2018.

If you ask Lisa what her favorite job has been, she will tell you, "Hands down, teaching middle schoolers at Orange County Academy.  Working with these students has been the most challenging AND the most rewarding job.  To reach each student where they are and help them see their own strengths in order to move forward has been a life-changing experience.  I am grateful to God to have been chosen for this job!" 

Hi, my name is Linda Wheatley.  I am a native Floridian and married for 33 years with three adult daughters and one grandson.  I received my BS degree in Psychology from Presbyterian College and then earned my Montessori Primary certification from The Center for Montessori Teacher Education in New York.  I taught in a Montessori classroom for two and half years and after moving to an area without a Montessori school taught in a traditional Kindergarten classroom.  For the past 24 years I worked as the Director of Children’s Ministry at a local church.  I am now teaching the Pre-K and Kindergarten Class at OCA.