Administration

Michael S. Phillips holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Biblical Studies and Theology from Boyce College in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Master of Liberal Studies from Rollins College. An ordained Anglican priest serving with Mission Mosaic, an Anglican missional society, Fr. Phillips is devoted to the integration of faith, scholarship, and culture.

He currently serves as Headmaster of Smith Preparatory Academy, a fully accredited classical Christian school in Central Florida, where he teaches history, theology, and philosophy. His academic interests include medieval theology, classical Christian philosophy, and the study of sacred art and architecture. As both an educator and scholar, he is committed to recovering a richly integrated vision of classical Christian education that unites truth, goodness, and beauty. He is frequently invited to speak at churches, schools, and academic gatherings on topics related to classical Christian education, Christian formation, and the renewal of Christian culture.

In addition to his leadership in education, Fr. Phillips serves as a legislative affairs representative for the Florida Association of Academic Non-Public Schools (FAANS) and the Florida Coalition of Christian Private School Accreditation (FCCPSA), advocating for faith-based and independent education at the state level.

A lifelong resident of Winter Park, Florida, Fr. Phillips has been married to his high school sweetheart for nearly twenty-five years. Together, they are raising their four children in the community where they were both born and raised. Outside the classroom, he enjoys coaching his son’s baseball team and investing deeply in the life of his family and church.

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