Our Staff

Dr. Suha A. Jaber, Executive Director

Dr. Suha Jaber founded Rising Leaders Academy in 2012. She served as the Principal until January 1, 2019, then became the Executive Director. She is also the Instructional Coach for the hands-on expeditionary learning model the school implements. Dr. Jaber comes from the state of New Jersey, where she was a full-time university instructor. According to a popular rating website by students, she is ranked among the top 25 professors in the country out of one million. Business Insider named her as one of the best 25 professors in America. In addition, Princeton Review named her as one of the best 300 professors in the country. She received an Excellence in Teaching Award and was recognized for her course/curriculum coordinator accomplishments.Dr. Jaber holds two Bachelor’s Degrees in Mathematics Education and Computer Science, a Master’s Degree in Applied Mathematics, and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership with a specialty in Curriculum and Instruction (Summa Cum Laude). She also completed Beacon courses in Gifted, Exceptional Students Education (ESE), and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). She is a certified Heroic Imagination Project workshop trainer and is certified in High-Performance Collaboration: Leadership and Teamwork through Northwest University. Dr. Jaber brings pioneering ideas to the school and provides an education model based on sound research and proven success. She created a public charter school accessible to all children of Bay County that offers an exceptional learning environment and innovative educational solutions.

Mrs. Alison Johnson, Dean of Students

This is Mrs. Johnson’s 4th year at RLA and 13th year teaching. She moved to Bay County from Cherokee County, Georgia where she was 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year.  After many years of excellent teaching, she now serves as the Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction. She holds a Bachelors in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, and certification for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Mrs. Johnson is married with two adult children, one who will soon graduate from Kennesaw State University with a degree in athletic coaching and another one graduated from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) with a degree in Education and will begin her first year of teaching this year.  Mrs. Johnson enjoys spending time with her husband shopping, fishing, traveling, and relaxing on the beach.

Mrs. Rebecca Foster, Front Office Clerk

Born and raised in New Mexico, Mrs. Foster relocated to Tyndall AFB with her family in 2014. She has two sons who attend RLA. With previous work in healthcare, Mrs. Foster joins our team in 2024. She is multi-talented, hard-working, and has a big heart. She helps ensure all operations at RLA run smoothly and efficiently.

Mrs. Shelia Murphy, Data Clerk

Shelia has been at Rising Leaders since 2018 and enjoys working with our staff and students. She completed secretarial studies at Haney Vocational School and has completed various courses at Gulf Coast State College. Shelia’s office experience includes providing support to top-level corporate executives, managing an office of a local non-profit organization, and office work in the construction and medical fields. Shelia is a motivated lifelong learner and her personal interests include playing piano, drums, clarinet, and traveling. Shelia continues to pursue her educational pursuits and is very excited to be at the finish line of obtaining her degree in History!

Miss Victoria Cordell, Cafeteria Manager

Miss Victoria Cordell has been delivering nutritious school meals since 1999. She worked in several counties throughout the state of Florida. She started her foodservice career with Bay District Schools and had been elected Employee of the Year. She came to Rising Leaders Academy from Monroe County, where she also received the Year Award. She is Serv Safe certified and holds several certificates from the Florida Department of Education Division of Food Nutrition and Wellness. She made her way back to Bay County after Hurricane Michael so she can support family and friends. She loves encouraging children to choose healthily.

OUR TEACHERS

Click here to access FL DOE teacher certification information. 

KINDERGARTEN

Mrs. Lena Kharaieh

This will be Mrs. Kharaieh’s third year teaching kindergarten at RLA. She is a parent of three students who have attended RLA from kindergarten. She has six years experience of teaching STEAM based preschool at, as well as Science camp, at the Science and Discovery Center in Panama City, Florida. After preparing preschool students to enter kindergarten for many years, she is very excited to help the incoming kindergarten class succeed at RLA, as well as watch some of her past students grow into successful learners.

Mrs. Sam Martone

Mrs. Samantha “Sam” Martone has been teaching, mentoring, volunteering, and serving in Bay District for over 25 years. Besides her love for kids and teaching, she and her husband own a local charter fishing business, and she has been a nutrition consultant for almost 30 years. She enjoys family time, friends, music, traveling, walks in the rain, and time on the water. This is her 6th year at RLA and her 5th year in Kindergarten.

Ms. Sarah Qashou

My name is Sarah Qashou, and I’m beyond excited to be part of this amazing team and community! I graduated from Auburn University (War Eagle!) with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s in ESOL. I recently moved from Auburn to Panama City to be with my amazing fiancé, and I’m so excited to begin this exciting new chapter especially in the classroom!

Teaching young learners is truly where my heart is. I believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are. My classroom is a space where curiosity is encouraged, mistakes are welcomed as part of learning, and every student’s voice matters. A little about me outside of school, I’m a travel and adventure junkie who’s always up for exploring new places and trying something new. My life motto is to seek discomfort and always put yourself in an uncomfortable position where you may discover a new love for this world. I’m also a big coffee girl and huge foodie, always on the hunt for the best lattes and best eats so if you have any favorite spots, send them my way! I can’t wait to get to know you and your amazing kiddos this year. It’s going to be full of growth, fun, and lots of learning together! 

FIRST GRADE

Dr. Shirley Tew

This is Dr. Tew’s first year at RLA but her 27th year in education. She holds Florida and
Alabama Certifications. She received her Doctorate in Education in 2007 from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida. She has an Educational Administrator Certification for Grades P-12 and an Educational Specialist for Elementary Grades K-9 and Early Childhood, Grades P-3. She strives to be a student-focused teacher, possessing a strong commitment to provide accommodations, modification, and/or adaptations to the curriculum to meet the student’s needs. She believes in being a solid team player, to maintain excellence in education.

Mrs. Kathleen Gaffga

SECOND GRADE

Ms. Kristen Kelly

Ms. Kelly holds her professional teaching certification in K-6 Elementary Education and has been teaching for nice years. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Emory University and a Business certificate from Harvard Business School. Ms. Kelly established RLA’s Student Council and led RLATV, as well as the yearbook. She is eager to continue helping students find their voice and make a positive impact on their community this year through Student Council.

Ms. Megan Hardin

Mrs. Hardin is excited to begin her first year of teaching at Rising Leaders Academy! She graduated magna cum laude from Armstrong State University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and a minor in Psychology. She is currently pursuing her K–6 teaching certification. Following college, Mrs. Hardin fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a dolphin trainer, spending over four years in the field before transitioning into education. A passionate advocate for animals—especially marine life—she brings her love for the ocean into the classroom in creative and inspiring ways. Mrs. Hardin hopes to instill in her students a deep appreciation for the ocean and a desire to protect its beautiful creatures. Her classroom reflects her enthusiasm for marine science, encouraging curiosity and wonder.

Outside of school, Mrs. Hardin is celebrating her fifth wedding anniversary with her husband, Cade. Together, they enjoy training calisthenics, going on adventures with their two dogs, relaxing at the beach, scuba diving, and growing the fitness community they founded—Gulf Coast Calisthenics. They are also members of Destiny Worship Center, where they enjoy worship and community involvement. Above all, Mrs. Hardin’s goal as a teacher is to help each student become the very best version of themselves.

THIRD GRADE

Mrs. Kristin Jeffrey

My name is Kristin Jeffrey. I have been married for 22 years and have 3 children with one attending RLA. I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I am Reading Endorsed and ESOL endorsed. This is my 18th year teaching and third year at Rising Leaders Academy. I have taught grades Kdg through 4th. I also worked 2 years at The Boys and Girls Club teaching kdg through 5th grade after school. I live on 10 acres and have a farm. We have goats, pigs, ducks, chickens, quail, a dog, a cat, bearded dragons, a turtle, bees, and fish. I am a huge animal lover. I enjoy making goat milk soaps and lotions.

Ms. Michelle England

This will be Ms. England’s first year of teaching 3rd Grade English Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies at RLA.  Ms. England has 6 years of experience teaching ELA to middle and high school students in Bay county.  She is certified to teach Elementary K-6 and English Language Arts 6-12. She has worked in education a total of 16 years, with experience teaching and working with all age groups from Pre-K to 12th grade.  Ms. England is a fur mom who loves to read and write.  Some of her poetry has been published in literary magazines both online and in print. She enjoys cooking, baking, kayaking, going to the beach, and camping. 

FOURTH GRADE

Mr. Mark Gregory

Presley Carico

Ms. Presley Carico is entering her second year at Rising Leaders Academy, where she teaches 4th grade ELA and Social Studies. She brings a creative, hands-on approach to learning, inspired by the school’s expeditionary model. Her lessons encourage students to think critically, write with confidence, and make meaningful real-world connections. Before becoming a teacher, Ms. Carico worked as a marine mammal trainer, which sparked her passion for conservation—something she often incorporates into her teaching. She’s also a writer working on her debut novel and enjoys helping students find their voice through storytelling. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her two cockatiels, Zinnia and Zazu, and her dogs, Ezra and Arya. She’s proud to be part of the RLA community and looks forward to another exciting year of growth and exploration. 

FIFTH GRADE

Mrs. Cooley

Mrs. Cooley joined R.L.A. at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, bringing a diverse background to her role as an educator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Florida State University and is currently pursuing her K-6 certification. Before her tenure at R.L.A., Mrs. Cooley served as a child abuse investigator for the state of Florida. Prior to that, she enjoyed a successful career in journalism, where she spent over a decade as a writer, copy editor, and page designer for various daily and weekly newspapers across the Florida Panhandle. Notably, she found particular satisfaction in editing and designing the Panama City News Herald and its weekly entertainment section, the Entertainer. Additionally, she gained valuable experience as a substitute teacher in Jackson County. Mrs. Cooley is passionate about creating a dynamic and engaging environment for her students, particularly in the areas of reading, writing, and social studies.  

Mr. Mathew Bunnell

Mr. Bunnell will be returning for his 7th year at R.L.A. and his 10th year of teaching overall. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Asbury University and is certified to teach Kindergarten through Sixth grade. During these years he has earned the rank of highly effective and teacher of the year teacher. He has experience educating in diverse settings utilizing Individual Education Plans and Behavioral Accommodations. Before he was a teacher, he worked as a para-professional in a classroom with multiple disabilities and as an assistant at an outdoors Waldorf Kindergarten and pre-school. Mr. Bunnell was also trained as a barista in Jacksonville, FL (Lilly’s Coffee Bar) and has founded ‘Bunnell Brew House’ in his classroom with contributions from his administration and coworkers. He enjoys using his training in drama and comedy to keep students engaged through creative methods of instruction. His ultimate goal is to create a ‘strict but nurturing’ educational setting where students feel valued, and uplifted, while being prepared for the future.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS

Mr. Roland Hankins

Mr. Hankins worked at Rising Leaders for 6 years as a mathematics teacher. He was recognized by the state of Florida as a High Impact teacher for his students’ high math test scores, which were the top in the district and among the top in the state, for the FSA and EOC. Mr. Hankins is a certified teacher who has taught every grade level and around 12 years of teaching experience in Bay County. Most of his experience has been in middle school science and mathematics in Bay District Schools. He is certified in Middle School Mathematics Education, as well as K-6. He also completed training in STEM at Gulf Coast College, which include programming and robotics. In addition, Mr. Hankins completed a Beacon course in teaching Exceptional Students Education (ESE).

Mr. Daniel Woodrum

Mr. Woodrum started teaching in 2022 after receiving his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University. He comes from a long line of teachers, including his father, grandmother, and several other close family members. He is blessed with a wife and two young sons, and loves to spend his free time with them. Otherwise, he is an avid reader of all things historical, recreational guitar player, and often volunteers with his local church.

HIGH SCHOOL Science Teacher

Middle English Teachers

Mrs. Jennie-Grace Marking

Jennie-Grace Marking is in her tenth year of teaching and her nineteenth year in education. She has taught students in kindergarten through eighth grade, with middle school reading being her favorite subject to teach. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Teaching and Learning and is certified in the state of Florida in Elementary Education (K–6), Reading (6–12), and Exceptional Student Education (K–12). Jennie-Grace has been honored as Teacher of the Year at two different schools, a recognition she feels deeply grateful and humbled to receive. She and her husband are the proud parents of two boys, Connor (16) and Cooper (6). As a family, they enjoy spending time at Disney. Jennie-Grace also loves reading mysteries in her spare time and sharing her love of books with her students.

Mrs. Cherly Keel

My name is Cheryl Keel. I am so happy to be at Rising Leaders Academy! I have been in education for 32 years. I hold a Bachelors in Education, a Masters in Educational Leadership and a Masters in Music. This will be my 28th year in the classroom. I began my journey in the private school setting for the first 16 years teaching high school and middle school Language Arts. I also taught elementary music. For 4 years I became a curriculum coordinator and writer for Florida State University for the Florida Center for Reading Research. I decided to go back to the classroom in 2013 and teach Elementary Reading Interventions. In 2016, I moved into middle school and I believe they are by far, my favorite group to teach. I have been married to Ron for 33 years and we have 2 sons. We also have 2 grandchildren who we adore! I love spending time with my family, boating, fishing, swimming and crafting. Best of all, I really love teaching!

PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS

Megan Liptik

Coming Soon

ARABIC TEACHER

Mrs. Fatma Elemam

Mrs. Elemam has a Bachelor of Education in Arabic Language and Masters of Education from Bloomsburg University. She has over 20 years of experience in teaching Arabic. She taught all levels from kindergarten to university level, where she taught at Bloomsburg University. She has been teaching at Rising Leaders Academy for six years. She has a Teaching Certificate covering World Language.

SPANISH TEACHER

Mrs. Patricia Perkins

Mrs. Perkins has been teaching Spanish at RLA since it first opened in 2012. She was awarded an Excellence in Teaching Award the four years she taught at her previous school, Panama City Renaissance School. Over the years, she has taken several courses on education and has fulfilled all the requirements to obtain her Professional Education Certification. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her background as an architect has made it easy for her to visualize and plan lessons that incorporate different forms of expression. This will be Mrs. Perkins’s 9th year at Rising Leaders Academy.

Music Teacher

Rachel Callahan

A passionate and dedicated educator, Rachel is in her third year of teaching. She grew up playing violin in numerous ensembles, including the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic. She spent her first two years teaching middle school choir in Stafford County, Virginia, where their choirs consistently earned top ratings at district assessments. With a rich background in vocal performance, Rachel has performed as a soloist and in various college, community, and church choirs throughout Virginia. Her love for music and commitment to student success continue to inspire young musicians. She is very excited to start her first year at Rising Leaders Academy. 

School Nurse

Delilah Dumrongkulraksa

My Name is Delilah Dumrongkulraksa. I obtained an Associates degree in nursing from Chipola College in 2008. I went on to get a BSN degree from The University of North West Florida. I have 10 years hospital experience and 2 years nursing home experience. I am a mother of two that attend RLA, and I am happy to be a part of the wonderful RLA team.