Faculty & Staff

Lead Pre-School Teacher

Kristie Craig graduated from Taylor University in Indiana with a degree in Elementary Education. She ran a home daycare for four years before she and her husband expanded their family through the international adoption of their three children. After moving to Florida, Kristie served as a Children’s Ministry Director and homeschooled her children. When the Craig family isn’t at Smith Prep, they’re likely enjoying some magical moments together at Disney! 

Kindergarten Teacher

Tiffany Tinley graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a BA in Spanish Education (K-12) and a minor in TESOL. Before becoming a full-time mom, she taught Spanish and developed a passion for education. She and her husband of 15 years have been actively involved in their church, serving through small groups and marriage mentoring. All three of the Tinley children began their academic journey in Kindergarten at Smith Prep, where the growth in critical thinking, maturity, and overall learning inspired Tiffany to join the faculty as a Kindergarten Teacher three years ago. 

She is passionate about the power of storytelling to convey Truth, believing stories can spark imagination, dig into spaces in the heart that the mind cannot see, and plant seeds of wisdom. Tiffany’s goal is to help her students find wonder and joy in the order and beauty of God’s creation, cultivate virtue, and develop a love for Truth. She prays that each child feels deeply loved—both at school and by God—and that as they grow, they will become lights to the world, holding out the Word of Life.

Jennifer Gross received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from UCF and used it to homeschool her eight children for nineteen years. She has taught co-op classes, tutored students in reading and writing, and directs a children’s choir at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church. She is thrilled to be a part of the Smith Prep community and is passionate about creating lifelong learners that glorify God. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, singing praises to God, and writing poetry.

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.   

Fifth/Sixth Grade Teacher (Cottage)

Dana Brenyo currently teaches the 5th and 6th grade Cottage class at Smith Prep, having previously served as the Upper School Literature teacher. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Florida State University and brings over 33 years of teaching experience to the classroom. Dana’s diverse background includes teaching in both public and private schools, homeschooling her own children, and mentoring women through her church. She and her husband, Christopher, are blessed with nine children and four grandchildren. In her free time, Dana enjoys reading great literature, baking delicious treats, sewing simple projects, and exploring watercolor painting.

Christine Brown received her Bachelors in Studio Art from Towson University, with a concentration in metalworking, jewelry, and sculpture.  She set up her first studio in Boulder, Colorado twenty years ago and has been creating and teaching art ever since. She believes everyone is made in the image of an incredibly creative God and creativity should be intentionally nurtured by everyone. 

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. 

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.

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

Upper School History Teacher

Matthew Coffman is a proud Smith Prep alumnus from the Class of 2018. After graduating, he went on to earn a B.S. in History from Montreat College. His time at Smith Prep was deeply transformative, and he feels honored to return as a teacher, giving back to the community that shaped him.

Mr. Coffman has a keen interest in various historical fields, with a special focus on East Asia, environmental history, and the formation of the modern world. He believes that Christians are uniquely positioned to study history, with the belief in the Image of God uniting humans across time in the shared story of sin and redemption.

In his free time, Mr. Coffman enjoys gardening and playing the piano, finding joy and relaxation in these hobbies.

Susie Cheatham graduated from Duke University with degrees in English and chemistry. She earned her MD and completed a residency in pediatrics at Vanderbilt University. She recently earned her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.   
Susie practiced pediatrics as she and her husband started their family, but she eventually retired to homeschool their children. In the classroom, she has taught everything from English to American history to anatomy and physiology for over fifteen years. She loves nurturing young minds and encouraging her students in their faith journeys.   
 

Susie and her husband have four young adult daughters and one baby grandson. In her spare time, Susie enjoys volunteering as a pediatrician, writing, swimming, and playing the violin. 

Christian Doling graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2019, obtaining B.A.s in both English and History. After that he moved to Fort Myers, Florida where he participated in a campus ministry internship program at Florida Gulf Coast University. Upon completion he moved back to Orlando where he was a campus missionary associate at the University of Central Florida for three years, which was followed by him earning his M.A. in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. 

Dr. David Romaine teaches Life Science and Biology at Smith Prep and holds a Doctor of Theology degree. With extensive experience in education, he has taught Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and a range of Bible courses for both high school and adult learners. He has also led a remedial Greek class for first-year seminary students. Dr. Romaine's career includes work on Department of Defense contracts as a computer programmer, project manager, and IT director.

Outside the classroom, he sings in his church’s music ministry, enjoys a variety of musical styles, and trains bull terriers with his wife. His hobbies include practicing martial arts, running role-playing games, and practicing magic as a fun craft.

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.