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  • Academics
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Portrait photo of Angela Bast

Angela Bast

Head of School

It is a privilege to serve as the Head of School at Grace. I am passionate about providing an environment that is both academically challenging and spiritually encouraging. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin with a focus on history and government and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida.

I taught at both the middle school and high school level from 1993 - 1997 and served as the Director of a church-affiliated Early Learning Program from 1999 - 2005. Our family relocated to Jacksonville in 2006, and I was offered a position as the Director of the Extended Day program at St. Mark's Episcopal Day School. In 2013, I returned to the classroom teaching social studies to 5th and 6th grade students.

I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, and I am actively involved with Young Life, an inter-denominational Christian outreach to middle school and high school students.

Photo of Ginger Neitzke

Ginger Neitzke

Office Manager
Hello my name is Ginger Neitzke. I am married with pets, and I enjoy reading in my quiet time. I have been a banker in the Jacksonville / Orange Park area since 1983. I joined Grace Episcopal Day School in 2017, and I feel extremely blessed to be a part of such a wonderful school. The staff and students are a joy to work with, and I have felt welcomed since the first day I was here. I look forward to the many years ahead.
Photo of Moppy McGee

Martha (Moppy) McGee

Director of Admissions
I'm honored to serve Grace Episcopal Day School as Director of Admissions. Grace is a wonderful school and in so many ways similar to the Episcopal grade school our son, Parker, was fortunate to attend for 9 years (PK3 - 6th grade). I'm a lifelong Episcopalian and have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Wake Forest University. I spent 10 years as a capital equipment sales representative in the wholesale baking industry and 18 years as a buyer and marketing representative in commercial aviation. I've served on the Alumnae Board of my high school, Salem Academy, and I'm a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Jacksonville. My husband, Bill, and I have been happily married since 1989. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, entertaining and needlepoint.
Photo of Melissa Van Horn

Melissa Van Horn

Director of Development and Communications
I'm excited to be working at Grace Episcopal Day School as the Director of Development and Communications. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Stetson University, a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Florida State University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education from Queens University. I came to Grace with university administration and elementary school teaching experience. Grace Episcopal Day School provides an educational opportunity unlike any other, and I am thrilled to be a part of the tradition of this school.

PK3

Portrait photo of Sloan Lewis

Sloan Lewis

My name is Sloan Lewis. I am a wife and Christian mother of two amazing boys. I grew up in Auburn Alabama and received a B.S. degree from Troy University. I have over five years experience working in a preschool as an assistant and over ten years experience working in the children's ministry at my church. I enjoy interacting with children and watching them grow and develop new skills. I am blessed and privileged to work with the talented and dedicated team at Grace Episcopal Day School.

PK4

Photo of Cari Rahn

Cari Rahn

My name is Cari Rahn, and I teach PK4. I graduated from the University of North Florida with my Bachelors in Elementary Education in 2001. I have taught first grade, second grade, and preschool. I am happily married with two daughters, and I feel extremely blessed to have found such a wonderful home here at Grace. I enjoy teaching at Grace, and I'm looking forward to many years to come!

Kindergarten

Photo of Kristi Campbell

Kristi Campbell

I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Florida, and I hold a current Florida teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education. This is my 9th year teaching. I have experience in kindergarten through third grade.

I have been married for 21 years. I have a daughter who attends Florida State University and a son who is a Senior in high school. I love teaching at Grace and am looking forward to a wonderful school year!

First Grade

photo of Leslie Bransford

Leslie Bransford

Hello! I am thrilled to be a part of the Grace Episcopal Day School family. I am a Georgia native and a graduate of Georgia Southern University, but now a proud Floridian. My college sweetheart and I have three children. Some of my favorite activities include reading (especially children’s books), learning about the past, taking walks with my dog, dining out and trying new cuisines, and exploring Florida. After teaching for seventeen years, first grade has become one of my favorite grades to teach. This can be a special year in a child’s learning to see the growth that takes place while recognizing their unique gifts and talents.

Second Grade

Photo of Christine Reed

Christine Reed

I graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. During my teaching career, I have taught children in preschool through third grade in Georgia and Florida. I have been part of the GEDS faculty since 2011, but have been part of the Grace family as a parent since 2007. I absolutely love teaching second grade and guiding my students to become lifelong readers and learners.

After taking a year off to care for my father, I feel truly blessed to be back home with the wonderful students, families, and faculty at Grace. I have been married for 24 years. We have one daughter, Mary, who attended Grace from PK3 - 8th grade. She will be attending the University of Miami this fall. I enjoy spending time with my family, boating, and exploring all of Florida's natural beauty.

Third Grade

Photo of Alice Dunn

Alice Dunn

I attended the University of Georgia and received a degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. I have teaching experience in grades first through fifth. Although I am originally from Georgia, I have taught in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. I joined the faculty of Grace Episcopal Day School in the spring of 2014.

I have a daughter named Mimi. I enjoy cooking and reading to Mimi. We share a love for animals and have four dogs and two cats. I also enjoy tennis, riding horses, and walking.

Fourth Grade

Photo of Kim Hines

Kim Hines

I graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and Reading. During my teaching career I have taught 3rd through 8th grades. I am married and have two children. In my free time I enjoy shopping, going to the beach and boating with my family.

Fifth Grade

Photo of Maria Nolan

Maria Nolan

5th & 6th Language Arts and Social Studies
After working part time last year at Grace in first, seventh and eighth grades, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to teach full time in this amazing community of teachers, staff and parents. I look forward to teaching language arts and social studies this year to the fifth and sixth grades. I attended the University of Dayton in Ohio and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and then earned a Master of Science degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. I have over 20 years of teaching experience. I am a native of Rockville, Maryland, where I taught grades three through eight. In 2016 I moved to Jacksonville and taught at St. Mark's Episcopal Day School, a sister FCIS school, for several years. My husband and I have been married 27 years and have three sons. In my free time I enjoy walking on the beach, reading, cooking, and relaxing by my pool.

Sixth Grade

Photo of Donna McDaniel

Donna McDaniel

5th & 6th Math and Science

I am excited to be teaching 5th and 6th grade science and math. I have the privilege to teach my favorite subjects this year. I have worked with preschool through teenagers in school setting as well as in the medical field.

I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition. The following year, I completed my internship at Florida Hospital in Orlando to become a Registered Dietitian. My most rewarding dietitian position was working for a Pediatric Endocrinologist, as I helped educate children and their families with Type 1 diabetes.

My husband and I, along with our two children moved to the Orange Park area in 2011. I have had the opportunity to serve in educational settings and have learned that I enjoyed teaching others. I have developed a passion to work with children and to see them grow. l look forward to a great year at Grace.

Seventh Grade

Photo of Sharon Barber

Sharon Barber

7th & 8th Math and Science
I am excited to be teaching seventh and eighth grade science and 8th grade math this year! This will be my twenty-fourth year in education. I am a graduate of both Jacksonville University and George Washington University. On a more personal note, I am a mother of four grown children and a grandmother of three. My husband Rick, and I are "empty nesters" and we have a fur baby named Teddy.

Eighth Grade

Photo of Carolyn Taylor

Carolyn Taylor

7th & 8th Language Arts and Social Studies
I am a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville where I received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I hold certifications in ESE, ESOL, Reading, and English 6-12. I have taught for over 35 years in public and private education ranging in grades 3rd through 12th. My favorite pastimes are reading, crafting and spending time with my children and six grandchildren. Teaching children is my passion, and a wonderful gift from God.
Portrait photo of Sloan Lewis

Carol Britt

Librarian, Preschool through 6th Grade
I am originally from North Carolina, but I have also lived in South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia. I graduated from Winthrop College with a Bachelor of Arts in English. After college, I moved to Charleston, SC, and completed a Master of Arts in Teaching at The Citadel. I then went to the University of South Carolina and received a Master of Arts in English as well as a Master of Library and Information Science. I have worked as both a College Reference Librarian and a School Librarian. I am happily married to my husband, Steph, who has served as Rector of San Jose Episcopal Church since 2006. Our daughter, Katherine, attended Grace Episcopal Day School for 7th and 8th grades and is now a graduate of Stetson University. It is a pleasure to be back as a part of this Christian-based community.
Photo of Amy Cid

Amy Cid

Spanish Instructor, Preschool through 8th Grade
¡HOLA A TODOS! My name is Amy Cid. While I'm a New Hampshire native, I'm Hispanic at heart, and have loved languages for as long as I can remember. I graduated with honors in Hispanic Literature from Colby College, studied and lived abroad in both Spain and Argentina, and have been teaching since 2008 when I moved to Florida. There is nothing that I love more than helping students broaden their horizons through language, and I am beyond blessed that I can do that with all the sweet "estudiantes" here at Grace Episcopal!
close-up of Emma Corfield

Emma Corfield

PE Teacher and Athletic Director

Hi! My name is Emma Corfield, and I am the PE teacher and Athletic Director at Grace Episcopal. I graduated from University of North Florida with my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I absolutely love working with children, and I have a passion for creating a positive, active, and loving environment for them. Kindness, respect, and love will always be my number one priority. I know we are going to have a great year!

close-up of LIsha Dinkins

Lisha Dinkins

Art Teacher
I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education. I taught Art for four years in the Clay County School System and was selected as Teacher of the Year at Grove Park Elementary School. I began teaching at Grace Episcopal Day School in 2010. I have three children who all attended GEDS. I have always been passionate about art and fitness. In my free time, I enjoy walking, running, reading, painting, listening to music, and learning new things.
Portrait photo of Meg Henning

Meg Henning

Teaching Assistant, PK4
I am happy to be working as a preschool assistant at Grace. I have worked with this age group for several years and absolutely enjoy teaching this young group. My husband Brent and I have two wonderful children, Jack and Holland. In my free time, I enjoy walking our two dogs Shelby and Georgia, hiking, swimming, traveling, and enjoying the Florida outdoors! I'm humbled to be a part of the Grace Community.
Close up photo of Jennifer Lancaster

Jennifer Lancaster

Christian Education, 3rd - 8th
I am so happy to be working at Grace Episcopal Day School as the Christian Education teacher for grades 3-8. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Florida State University and a Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders from the University of Central Florida. I was a speech-language pathologist for almost 12 years before changing directions to be able to volunteer and serve more in ministry over the last 10 years. I am the Director of Children’s Ministry at Grace Anglican Church. I have two children, and we are going into our ninth year as part of the Grace Episcopal Day School family. I am looking forward to exploring the Bible and helping students better understand the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ!
Photo of Cathy Porfidio

Cathy Porfidio

Music and Art Instructor for Preschool and Kindergarten; Christian Education Instructor for Preschool through 2nd grade

I was raised in Richmond, VA. I attended college at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA. and transferred to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, Music Education, and Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music. I’ve been involved in education for over thirty plus years teaching Kindergarten through High School in both public and private school settings. I love teaching and touching the lives of others.

I’m married to Joe Porfidio and have three adult children, Courtney, David, Troy (my son in law) and adorable grandsons, Sterling will turn nine years old and Miles (who just started at Grace), will be five years old in September. We have two new additions to our home, Sadie Grace, a beautiful chocolate lab, five years old who came to live with us this past July, and of course our Duchess Ann, a silver black Labrador, now one year old, that my husband absolutely fell in love with in December of last year. Both girls love to play and have snacks. We've had Labradors for over twenty six years and love our labs. Our family loves to have big Italian meals, play board games, go to the club pool, the beach, and play golf.

I'm Children's Ministry Director over PK 3 through sixth grade at Resurrection Anglican Church in Jacksonville, where my husband is the Rector. One of my great joys has been to serve the church in children’s ministry as a teacher and children’s pastor.

Kelly Porter

Kelly Porter

Enhanced Learning, Pre-Algebra Teacher, STEM Teacher

I have been happily teaching at Grace Episcopal Day School since 2005. I have taught grades 4-8 here, and I currently coordinate our Enhanced Learning Program, which supports PK3-8th grade. I am excited to continue offering STEM classes to grades 4-8.

I received my M.S. degree from FSU in Exceptional Student Education. Since then, I’ve received a Math Endorsement for grades 5-9, as well as a Reading Endorsement. I am certified in the LiPS method, a multi-modality program that helps children with reading, spelling, and speech. I am also trained in Seeing Stars which develops symbol imagery, Orton-Gillingham, which supports literacy, and Visualizing and Verbalizing which builds concept imagery. I have also received training in On Cloud Nine, which addresses math visualization.

I married my college sweetheart many years ago, and we've raised three beautiful daughters together. Now we enjoy visiting them and our grand-children out west. We spend much of our free time kayaking, hiking, or combing the beach for shark’s teeth.

Portrait photo of Alise Reynolds

Alise Reynolds

Director of Technology and K through 6th Technology Teacher
I graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Computer Science and had a career in Information Technology prior to working in the private school sector. I took the necessary college classes to obtain a Florida Teaching Certificate, and from 2003 through 2016, I was the Lower School Technology Teacher and provided Technology Support at St. Johns Country Day School. I joined Grace Episcopal Day School as the Director of Technology in the Fall of 2016. I am blessed to be part of Grace’s small, Christian school community.
Portrait photo of Darren Ronan

Darren Ronan

Music and Band Instructor
I am a professional musician who has been teaching at Grace Episcopal Day School since 2008. I graduated from University of North Florida with a B.A. in Music in 2002, served as Band Director at St. Johns Country Day School '00 -’07, and founded Ronan School of Music in 2010. While at UNF I was fortunate to study percussion with Charlotte Mabrey and drum set with Rick Kirkland. I also toured the southern and eastern United States playing in a variety of musical settings; opening shows and sharing stages with such notable performers as Booker T., Diane Schuur, Dwight Yoakam, Dick Dale, Syl Johnson, Mickey Thomas from Starship, Evan Dando, Randy Weston, and Junior Brown. I have provided percussion for local productions of musicals such as Pippin and Bye Bye Birdie, and along with respected Broadway pianist Eugene Gwozdz as music director, backed Theater Jacksonville executive director Sarah Boone on her show, "The Double Threats: A Celebration of Composer/Lyricists.”

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About Us

  • Why Attend
  • Board of Trustees
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Mission & Philosophy
  • Parent Testimonials
  • Alumni
  • Contact Us

About Us

  • Why Attend
  • Board of Trustees
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Mission & Philosophy
  • Parent Testimonials
  • Alumni
  • Contact Us

Academics

  • Academics
  • Preschool Program
  • Elementary School
  • Middle School

Admissions

  • Admissions
  • Admissions Process
  • Apply
  • Financial Aid
  • Request Info
  • Grace at a Glance
  • Tuition and Fees
  • Tuition Insurance

Families

  • Account Login
  • Dress Code
  • Family Handbook
  • Key Dates Calendar 2022-23
  • Library Catalog
  • Lunch Program
  • Technology Agreement
  • Volunteer Opportunities

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