Kirk Carey

Kirk Carey is the Founder of Kairos Academy and the Lead Pastor at Abundant Life Ministries (ALM). Kirk is passionate about seeing the next generation raised up to lead godly lives in our world. Before stepping into a Lead Pastor role at ALM, he led an organization called Camp Sonshine International (CSI). CSI is in Silver Spring MD and serves over 1200 children daily in a wide range of programs. CSI also hosts short terms missions in various countries, runs after school programs, and youth development programs. Kirk felt called by God to help disciple children and families so they can learn how to honor God, love each other, and love their communities. Kirk holds a MBA and various other certifications in training and leadership development. Kirk believes God has called him and his family to stand in the gap for children, create fun, safe, and nurturing environments for them, and to disciple people into their God-given calling. 

Loraine Materasso

Loraine Materasso has more than 20 years of educational experience in various educational institutions including private school, public school, hybrid school and homeschool. She holds a BS Ed. in K-12 ESE, and K-6 Elementary Education in addition to several other endorsements. Loraine is highly experienced in all aspects of education including serving as a classroom teacher, working as a Technology Specialist for PCS, leading a team of elementary teachers, as well as serving as a school administrator, and a successful business owner. With her own children being homeschooled for more than 12 years, Loraine has extensive knowledge in education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Loraine knows that the Lord led her to Kairos Academy, and that her unique combination of experience and passion will provide an exceptional learning experience for ALL students. 

Mykayla Oudshoff

Miss Oudshoff has dedicated most of her life to working in the children's ministry at Abundant Life Ministries. She currently serves as a Camp Leader at Camp Sonshine during the summer, where she continues to inspire and impact the lives of children. As an assistant to the director, she feels honored  to serve alongside such  passionate dedicated individuals.

Jamie Tidwell

With over 20 years of experience in education, Jamie Tidwell is a dedicated professional
with expertise in diverse learning environments, including homeschooling, hybrid
schooling, and educational administration. Her drive for finding a biblically sound
learning environment for her own kids to grow in three critical areas: spiritually, socially,
and academically, drove her to join in the launching of Kairos Academy - to share her
goal of developing customized educational options with a biblical worldview that meet
the unique needs of all students.
Currently serving as the Step Up/Financial Coordinator at Kairos Academy, Jamie
collaborates with school leadership to enhance administrative processes, policy
development, and provides primary oversight of all Step Up for Students operations.
Previously, she has contributed her skills as a substitute teacher, homeschool instructor,
and mentor, fostering academic growth in students across various grade levels.
Jamie holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Health Administration
from the University of Memphis. In addition to her extensive experience in primary and
secondary education, she has a strong background in graduate medical education
where she has worked the past 2 decades at teaching and research hospitals,
academic medical centers, and large health systems to oversee accreditation and
compliance, curriculum development, policy development and implementation, and
program management. She currently serves as a full-time consultant and subject matter
expert as a GME Manager for a nation wide consulting firm.

Crystal Fitzpatrick 

Crystal brings a wealth of experience to our school community, having worked in various outreach programs with children and collaborating closely with Kairos Academy through Abundant Life Ministries. She has directed and worked closely with our team members to lead the creation, implementation and growth of our Friday Program. Notably, she has also worked with Camp Sonshine for several years, where she led and directed efforts to support families and enhance the camp experience. Crystal is dedicated to maintaining strong relationships between families and Kairos Academy. 

Jenny Barr

Jenny Barr has more than 25 years of educational experience in various educational
environments including public school, hybrid school, and homeschool. She holds a B.A. in
Elementary Education, as well a Master of Education from the University of Florida. She is
currently a Florida certified teacher in ESE K-12, Elementary 1-6, and holds a reading
endorsement. Prior to working at Kairos Academy, Jenny has worked as a Pinellas County Schools first grade teacher with a Reading Recovery intervention specialty, K-3 Literacy Coach, reading tutor intervention teacher, online teacher, and a homeschool teacher to her two sons. Recently she has also started a Christian online community for homeschool moms to support
them in their efforts to educate their children. Jenny has a passion for teaching children about
Jesus and helping them develop their God-given gifts and talents into the men and women they
are called to be.

Sabrina Carey

Sabrina Carey is the Co-Founder of Kairos Academy. She also serves as the Director of Camp Sonshine Florida, Marketing Director at Abundant Life Ministries (ALM) and serves as part of the Instructional Staff and Development team at Kairos Academy. Sabrina is a mother of four who is passionate not only about helping guide and raise up her own children into the calling God has for them but ALL children. Prior to transitioning to ALM, Sabrina served as an Educator and Behavior Specialist in Pinellas County Schools. She also worked as an ESE Teacher working with students with autism. Sabrina holds a BS in K-12 ESE and a MA in Instructional Technology, in addition to several other educational endorsements and certifications. Sabrina has been recognized by the county for her dedication and innovative work with the special education population. Sabrina believes that the God has brought her, along with Pastor Kirk and their family here to create a fun, engaging, safe, and loving environment for all students.  

Patty Pereira 

​Mrs. Patty Pereira has dedicated over 25 years to teaching and ministering to children, holding a BA Degree in Deaf Communication and a Pastoral Degree. Her experience includes roles as a Children’s Pastor, teacher at Christian Schools, and homeschooling her own sons. She has also taught Sign Language, English, and Cooking classes in various Coop’s, and serves as the Girl’s Ministry Representative for Penn Florida. Her passion lies in guiding her students to do their best and seek God’s direction in their lives.

Sara Carlberg

Sara Carlberg is the High School teacher at Kairos Academy. Previously she was a Middle School teacher, and a teacher assistant in the elementary grades. Prior to that she homeschooled her 3 children for 9 years. Her educational background is in nursing, but she has always loved teaching. She also attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and the International School of Theology in Manila, Philippines.  Aside from teaching children, she enjoys teaching women to study the Word of God and apply it to their lives. When she's not in the classroom, you may find her on the Pinellas Trail or at The Trop cheering on the Rays! Sara gives all the credit to God in how He guided her steps and her simple obedience in following Him. We may plan our steps, but it has been my experience that God steps in and gives us something so much better. 

Erin Tripp

Erin Tripp is a middle school teacher at Kairos Academy. She is passionate about teaching kids about God by studying the world he created. She has a BS degree in Biology and before teaching at Kairos, she was a software developer. She was homeschooled from 4th grade to graduation and has stayed involved in the homeschool community teaching in co-ops and tutoring small groups of homeschool students. She was drawn to Kairos by their philosophy to teach the whole child strives to balance teaching life skills along with academics. 

Lana Gotay

Before coming to Kairos, I was actively involved in youth and kids ministry, where I discovered my passion for working with students and helping them grow both academically and spiritually. I’ve also had the opportunity to serve at summer camps and community outreach programs, which deepened my love for teaching and mentoring. I’m currently pursuing my degree in education and am so excited to bring that learning into the classroom. At Kairos, I hope to create a space where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to discover their God-given potential.

Amanda Cortese

Amanda Cortese is the kindergarten teacher at Kairos Academy. She has a certificate in Ministerial Leadership from Free Chapel College and has been involved in children and youth ministry for the last 8 years in various capacities. As a mother to 3 young children herself, she is passionate about leading children in the ways of The Lord by creating a nurturing environment as they begin to explore the world He has created. She believes in a holistic approach to education, cultivating both their minds and spirits.  

Madison Gauley

Madison Gauley is a teacher at Kairos Academy. Prior to coming on board, Madison has led teen counselors and children at Camp Sonshine Florida since its startup in 2021. She has also served in the children’s ministry at Abundant Life Ministries for over a decade. She has a B.A degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida. 

Madison has a passion to show kids the love that Jesus has for them, and a desire for the children to learn and grow into young people who seek the face of God. Her hope is to disciple these children so they can be a light in this world. 

Carson Canada

I earned my Certificate in Ministerial Leadership from Free Chapel College, where I developed a love for both biblical truth and practical leadership. Over the past four years, I’ve worked in children’s and youth ministry, walking alongside students in some of the most formative seasons of their lives.

I’m passionate about seeing students’ lives transformed through discipleship by helping them discover who God created them to be and equipping them to live it out with confidence. I believe education is about more than academics; it’s about shaping character, cultivating critical thinking, and encouraging a strong foundation of faith. My goal is to create a classroom environment where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired to step boldly into the calling God has placed on their life.