
KAIROS ACADEMY
OUR STORY
The word kairos comes from a Greek term translated as the “right time” or “opportune moment” to do something. It originated Greek archery, representing the moment when the archer finds the perfect opening to shoot his arrow and hit his target. Kairos plays a prominent role in Christian theology, the term appearing in philosopher Paul Tillich’s 1936 Interpretation of History, where he discusses kairos as “God’s time." At Kairos Academy, we believe that God has brought together our diverse team for this "appointed time”. We know that our work at Kairos Academy is ordained, and we strive to offer the best education possible.
MEET THE TEAM

Lead Pastor & Founder Kairos Academy
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.

Co-Founder
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.

Director & Founding Partner
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.

Family & Parent Services Director
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.

Lower School Director
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.
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Upper School Director
Bronson Odshoff
Bronson is the Upper School Director at Kairos Academy.

Administrative Coordinator
Erin Tripp
After two years as a middle school teacher at Kairos, Erin transitioned into administrative work, where she enjoys using her background in education and technology to help the school run smoothly. Erin's heart is to help students grow into confident and capable young adults who know who God created them to be. She hopes they will find their identity in Christ and, from that place, show the love of Jesus to the people around them. She is grateful to be part of a school that cares about developing the whole student. Outside of school, Erin loves reading, painting her nails, and going on long walks with her two rambunctious dogs.

Teacher
Mykayla Oudshoff
I am so excited to be part of the Kairos community as the kindergarten teacher! I have a special love for working with young children. I believe the classroom should be a place where children feel safe and loved while developing a lifelong love of learning. My goal is to show each child the love of Christ and remind them that they are wonderfully made and capable of amazing things.
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Teacher
Nicole Vedhuis
Nicole is the 5th grade teacher at Kairos.
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Teacher
Sally Rusnell
I am thrilled to be in my 13th year in the classroom and to be part of the Kairos team! I graduated from USF St. Petersburg with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. My teaching background includes elementary education, physical education, and exceptional student education.
I am a proud mom to Victoria (6) and Victor (2). As a family, we love zoo and aquarium trips, park days, and Disney adventures. I adore the ocean, learning new things, and creating meaningful experiences with children.
Most importantly, I am grateful for the opportunity to use the gifts and talents God has given me to serve students and families. I truly believe God has a plan for each of us, and I am excited to see where He leads me during this next chapter at Kairos. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do what I love while keeping my children close.

Teacher
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.
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Teacher
Chelsea Jones
I am a Christian educator, mother of three, and CDA-credentialed teacher with a passion for helping children learn, grow, and discover their God-given potential. I currently serve as a First Grade Teacher at Kairos Academies, where I am blessed to combine my love for teaching with my faith.
My experience includes working with children from infancy through elementary school, including serving as a Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher and Lead VPK Teacher. My CDA credential and years of hands-on experience have given me a strong foundation in child development and early education. I strive to create a classroom where every child feels loved, valued, safe, and encouraged to learn.

Teacher
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.

Teacher
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.

Teacher
Shanelle Pooler
My name is Shanelle Jenkins Pooler, and I am the science teacher for grades 9–12. I hold a master’s degree in Health Science and Informatics and a Bachelor of Science degree, with over 10 years of experience in the science and healthcare fields. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching and tutoring students in a variety of science subjects, and I love helping them grow in their curiosity and God-given confidence.
I believe children are a blessing, and my goal is to inspire students to learn more about the world God created for us. My hope is that their time in my classroom sparks a lasting love of science and encourages them to explore STEM majors and careers as they graduate and take their next steps in life.
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Teacher
Khristian Parrish
I hold a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a MBA from Saint Leo University. While this is my first year as a high school teacher, I previously worked as a co-professor and college advisor at Saint Leo University. I’ve been a Camp Sonshine counselor for five years and active in children’s and youth ministry for over a decade.
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Teacher
Sean Carey
Sean is a high school teacher at Kairos.

Teacher
Christine Bauhs
Christine is a high school teacher at Kairos.

Teacher
Courtney Harriott
I have been part of Abundant Life’s Family Ministry since 2011, and throughout the years, I have developed a deep passion for discipling kids and helping lead them to Jesus—all while making sure we have plenty of fun along the way! I attended Free Chapel College, where I received a certificate in Ministerial Leadership. I have had the opportunity to serve in children’s ministry, youth ministry, and Camp Sonshine Florida since its launch in 2022. Each of these experiences has helped shape my heart for investing in and discipling the next generation. My greatest goal for my students is that they feel seen, known, and loved. I want to help them discover the unique, God-given gifts and abilities within them and encourage them to become who God has created them to be. My hope is that they will grow in their character, their intellect, and, above all, their relationship with Jesus.
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Teacher
Leecy Grigg
Leecy is a high school teacher at Kairos.

Teacher
Crystal Brooks
Crystal is the second grade teacher at Kairos.