Administration

Headmaster Michael Phillips earned his B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Biblical Studies and Theology from Boyce College in Louisville, Kentucky. He has also studied religion and philosophy at Carson-Newman College and theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to his work at Smith Prep, Mr. Phillips is the Director of Veritas Academy, a non-traditional private school serving the state of Florida. He is the Executive Director of Legislative Affairs for the FCCPSA and a member of the Association of Christian Classical Schools and the Society of Classical Learning. Mr. Phillips is working on his Master’s in Liberal Studies from Rollins College. 

Carolyn Hunter received her B.S. in Psychology from UCF and Masters in Teaching from Pace University in New York City. She taught middle school in Brooklyn for 7 years. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter recently relocated to Central Florida where they are raising their 2 small daughters and schooling through Smith Prep.

Ruben Santa-Cruz holds an B.S. in Biblical Studies from Johnson University and is currently pursuing graduate work at New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, ID., where he is working towards an M.St. in Classical Christian Studies. At Smith Prep, he is the Traditional 5^th/6^th Grade Instructor where he engages a lively bunch of students in a liberal arts education. His special interests include teaching Latin, Medieval History and Cosmology, and Music. When not teaching, he enjoys reading stories aloud to his family, playing guitar, and drinking coffee. 

We are thrilled to introduce Christine Brner as our new Dean of Guidance. Christine brings many years of experience in counseling, and we are excited to have her join our team. With her expertise and dedication, she will be a valuable resource for our students as they navigate their academic and personal growth.

Melissa Phillips has taught first and second-graders at multiple schools, including Sayers Classical School in Louisville, Kentucky. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Toccoa Falls College. She was instrumental in assembling Smith Prep’s Lower School curriculum and training our teachers.  She enjoys standing alongside our families as they walk the path of classically educating their children.   

William Castaldi has an undergraduate degree in Classical Civilization and in Religion from Mary Washington University; a M.Div. from Biola University; and a MSW from Norfolk State University. He is an avid writer and musician. In the near future, he plans for two of his works to be published for the benefit of those who struggle with English grammar. He is given permission to preach and present from time to time at local venues in the central Florida area. On occasions he leads worship at and performs original music compositions when and wherever he is allowed. He is married to the greatest wife ever (Brenda). He has a son who is quite amazing and extremely talented, gracious, and smart. (He likes to ask questions, as does his father.) In addition, he is blessed with two cats and a service dog named, Phoenix—he goes with William wherever William goes, especially to work