Learning. Life. Leadership. First Baptist Academy Lions. Established 1996

Jill teaches Related Arts classes at First Baptist Academy, including high school worship team, high school drama, middle school choir, general music for third grade through kindergarten, and preschool music.  Jill is certified through ACSI and the state of Florida and received her Music Education Degree from Oklahoma State University.  Jill enjoys serving the Lord by singing in the Worship Choir and praise teams at First Baptist Church Naples.  She was also the director of the Praise Kids Children Choirs at FBCN for several years. In her spare time, Jill enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and making jewelry.

Jennifer was born in Kansas City, Missouri and spent her childhood in Ohio, New York, and Connecticut.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from the University of New Haven and is certified from ACSI to teach all levels of art.  She also has her state certification in Art Education.  Jennifer is currently pursuing her Masters in Art Education through Boston University. Jennifer taught K-8 art for four years at Shoreline Christian School in Madison, CT.   She also taught K-8 art for two years at Our Lady of Mercy School in Madison, CT.  Jennifer has run various art clubs and summer art camps.

Lani was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia. Lani received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Southern Methodist University and her Master’s Degree in Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2001, she began teaching general music in the Collier County Public Schools and came to First Baptist Academy the following school year. Lani currently teaches 4^th – 5^th grade general music as well as strings in the elementary, middle and high school. Lani also serves as the Fine Arts Director for First Baptist Academy.

Steve was born and raised in Emerald Isle, NC. He graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelors of Science in physical education. He started his career teaching physical education at Southwest Florida Christian academy in Fort Myers, Florida, and since then has taught at a public middle school in North Carolina and at Bonita Springs Charter school. Steve has been coaching soccer ever since graduated from college. He transitioned from teaching to serving as a youth pastor for two years. Now he is back into education, and he is the physical education in both the elementary and secondary here at First Baptist Academy. His passion is to lead students into a real, growing relationship with Jesus Christ. He and his wife, Kelli, are the coaches for the girls’ soccer program at First Baptist Academy.

Rob Platter is in his first year at First Baptist Academy.  Rob grew up in Garland, Texas which is a suburb of Dallas.  Rob and his wife Tina have two children, Ryan and Kaylee.  Ryan is in 2^nd grade at FBA and Kaylee will be one year old in October.  Rob has taught band at the Middle School and High School level for 15 years in both public schools in McKinney, TX and Garland, TX, and private school at Garland Christian Academy.  Rob surrendered to full time gospel ministry in 2003 and became a licensed minister in 2006.  Rob received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas in 1995, and began work on his Masters degree in Church Music – Composition at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2003.  Rob and his family are extremely excited about serving the Lord here at First Baptist.

April joined FBA in 2002. At FBA she taught fourth grade for a year and then moved into the technology teacher position. April has her Bachelor’s Degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University and she received a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Instructional Technology from Grand Canyon University.  She has taught elementary through middle school technology. She currently teaches technology classes in the high school and serves as Yearbook Advisor. April enjoys all spectator sports, horseback riding, water skiing, reading, and vacations!

Sonya currently teaches Choir and Freshman Language Arts at FBAHS.  She graduated from the University of Mobile, Alabama with a BA Degree in Vocal Music and minor in Religion.  She also holds an ACSI Secondary Education Certificate, with a Bible endorsement.  Sonya served as Director of Music at the First Baptist Church of Lilliian, Alabama and Youth/Youth Music Director at East Ridge Baptist Church in Granbury, Texas.  She taught choir and Bible at Faith Academy in Mobile, Alabama, for three years, and private voice and basic music lessons.  Sonya led the Alabama Independent Schools State Choral Music Festival in 1994 and continues to serve in various church ministries.years, and private voice and basic music lessons.

Scott Stewart teaches physical education K-12th grade at FBA.  He graduated from University of Florida with a BS in Sports Administration.  He is entering his fifth year at FBA as a full time teacher.  God led him to FBA after spending twelve years of playing professional basketball in Europe and overseas.  He is also a basketball coach and instructor in various basketball camps in the USA and overseas.  He is married to Margaret Stewart who is from New Zealand and they have 4 children.  He loves sports , movies, and cards as a hobby.  His favorite cities in the world are Naples, FL and Christchurch , New Zealand.  Coach Stewart is the Varsity Boys' Basketball coach at FBAHS.

Jason was born in Alabama and his family moved to Naples in 1982. Jason attended Barron Collier high school and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at the University of Florida. He moved back to Naples in 2009 and began coaching football here at the Academy. In addition to coaching football Jason also coaches track and field. He is currently teaching elementary technology and P.E.

This year will mark Mrs. Simpson’s eighth year of teaching Elementary School.  During her career, her goal has been to provide a safe and caring learning environment where all children can learn and succeed.  Mrs. Simpson graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.  She later attended the University of Central Florida where she received a Masters of Education with an emphasis in Elementary Education and Reading (K-12).  Mrs. Simpson’s biggest passion is to learn and research effective learning strategies to best meet the needs of her diverse students.  During her career she has received the following awards and recognition:  Ray V. Sowers Elementary Award, Kappa Delta Pi Student Teacher of the Year Nominee, Seminole County Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Month, Grants for Great Ideas and Teacher of the Year at Wilson Elementary. 

On a personal note, Mrs. Simpson feels blessed to have married her best friend in 2003.  Her husband supports every aspect of her career and has helped her carry out many ideas.  They love to travel, attend Art Shows and watch movies.  Mrs. Simpson’s other hobbies include sewing, scrapbooking and reading.