HEADMASTER

Darryl Franklin Reaves earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Florida A&M University (FAMU) and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. He is an accredited instructor in the disciplines of Sociology, History, and Government, having taught Sociology at the University of Miami and History and Government at his alma mater, FAMU.

A former member of the Florida House of Representatives, Reaves served on the influential Finance and Tax Committee, where he developed expertise in the state budgeting process. As a freshman legislator, he successfully secured millions of dollars to fund a healthcare center in an underserved area of Miami, Florida. The center was later named in honor of his father, Jefferson Reaves Sr., who also served in the Florida legislature.

Reaves currently serves on the Board of Trustees for The Foundation for Florida’s Future. He is married to Anette During (FTA’s CAO). They have two daughters: Cara Victoria, a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, with a Bachelor of Science in International Studies; and Zara Franchesca, who is currently in high school.

Before founding First Trinity Academy, Reaves taught in public schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. He believes that care and inspiration are the essential ingredients of effective education.

Math Teacher

Ms. Bradshaw is an enthusiastic and passionate educator specializing in Math. With a strong foundation in both elementary and middle school instruction, she brings clarity, structure, and enthusiasm to each lesson.

Ms. Bradshaw teaches with the belief that greatness grows from knowledge. Her goal is to help every student build confidence, master core concepts, and develop a lifelong appreciation for mathematics. Whether introducing basic number sense or guiding students through algebraic thinking, she creates a supportive learning environment where students thrive. She aims to touch not only the ears of her students, but also their minds and hearts—laying the foundation for a bright future in every classroom moment.

Music Teacher

Mr. Snurr received his Bachelor of Music degree from John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, and his Master of Music degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been a music teacher for over twenty-five years, directing bands, orchestras, and choirs in Maryland, Missouri, and Florida. He has taught band and orchestra private lessons in Kansas, Missouri, and Florida. He performed in Columbia, Missouri, with the Swinging Axes Jazz Band and played with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra.

Prior to teaching music, Mr. Snurr performed for eight years with Broadway Touring Productions throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, and for recording artists including Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, and Arlo Guthrie. Shows included Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Chorus Line, and various other shows.

Mr. Snurr is originally from Maryland, but he moved to Missouri to take a teaching job, where he met his wife, and eleven years ago, they moved to Florida to be closer to family.

Civics Teacher

Ms. Timberlake is a native of New York City and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Theology. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration of Criminal Justice. Her professional experience includes working with students with disabilities in the private sector, as well as supporting exceptional student education within the public school system.

Ms. Timberlake takes an active learning approach, fostering student participation through group collaboration and hands-on activities. She is committed to creating engaging learning experiences by incorporating real-world strategies and critical reasoning into her instruction.

Science Teacher

Mr. Gray is an engaging and experienced Science teacher serving students in grades 2 through 9. He is passionate about sparking curiosity and making science come alive through hands-on experiments, real-world connections, and interactive lessons. From exploring ecosystems and the solar system to diving into physics and chemistry, he helps students develop critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of the scientific world.

Mr. Gray is committed to creating a classroom where students feel inspired to ask questions, investigate, and discover.

English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher

Mrs. Coleman is a passionate Language Arts teacher with a career in education that spans over two decades.

She is a Jamaican national who began her teaching career as a 3rd grade teacher in Jamaica. She has since taught at the middle and high school levels with Orange County Public Schools, as well as provided test prep support with English exams like IELTS and PTE to international nurses.

Mrs. Coleman is a Central Connecticut State University alumnus, graduating with a master’s degree in Reading and Language Arts.

She is keen on creating a classroom environment where students are empowered to excel as, for her, student success is her success. Her classroom will always be one where students are encouraged to think critically and express themselves intelligently.

Mrs. Coleman is an avid reader, with her favorite genres being thriller and historical fiction. She also enjoys spending time with her family and designing T-shirts.

2nd Grade Teacher

Candace Chatman is a Leesburg, FL native, and holds a double Master's Degree in Counseling and Psychology, as well as School Guidance Counseling.

She has prior teaching experience with Sumter County Schools, where she specialized in ELA and Social Studies. She also has extensive coursework in Educational Leadership. She led the Sumter Prep Academy ESE program and specialized in IEP accommodations and implementation.

Ms. Chatman serves the Lake County community well through the not-for-profit organization Virginia Samuels Cares, Inc., where she is the Executive Director and founder. Her teaching style is student-centered, and she believes that all children have the ability to succeed with proper encouragement and structure.

She loves to travel the world with her 10-year-old daughter. Education is important to her, and she is excited about educating the students at First Trinity Academy.

1st Grade Teacher

Mr. Gibson is a First Grade teacher at First Trinity Academy with nine years of classroom experience. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K–6) from the University of Central Florida and holds certification to teach English Language Arts for grades K–12.

As a lifelong learner, Mr. Gibson continually strengthens his practice through professional development in literacy, mathematics, social studies, curriculum analysis, support for students with learning disabilities, and instruction for English language learners.

Mr. Gibson believes every child can learn and grow with strong modeling, clear guidance, meaningful collaboration, and time to practice. He values the partnership between school, home, and community; when we work together, students thrive and step confidently into their potential.

Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Gardner is a dedicated professional with a background in elementary education and over a decade of experience in childcare settings. She holds an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education and brings strong skills in teaching, special education, time management, and student care.

Mrs. Gardner has worked in an educational environment, demonstrating her adaptability, commitment to excellence, and passion for supporting children’s development.

VPK Director/Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Hilliard is a proud mother of two amazing boys, a devoted wife, and a passionate educator.

With two degrees, one in early childhood education and management, and a few certifications, she knows her knowledge will continue to expand. With years of experience as a teacher, youth coach, mentor, and community outreach leader, Mrs. Hilliard is now honored to serve as the VPK Director and Pre-K teacher to our youth.

Early childhood education has been her lifelong dream and greatest passion. The early years are the most impactful in shaping a child’s foundation for lifelong learning and success. As adults, we have the unique privilege and responsibility to be the “village” that nurtures, supports, and inspires children during these critical years.

Mrs. Hilliard is deeply grateful for the opportunity to help children grow, thrive, and develop a love for learning at First Trinity Academy. Her goal is to foster a warm, positive presence in each child’s life and create an environment where every child feels valued, capable, and encouraged to become their best self.

Athletic Director

Coach Marshall graduated from Heidelberg University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and a minor in Economics.

A former basketball player, Coach Marshall brings both athletic experience and academic expertise to the classroom and gym. This is his sixth year in education—three years teaching Physical Education and three years teaching 3rd Grade ELA.

He is passionate about helping students build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong fitness habits through an engaging and structured PE program.