Faculty & Staff

Aaron Quaintance

Head of School

Lorrie Vega

Dean of Students (Grades K-3)

Mrs. Vega has been in education for over 35 years. She has worked diligently to foster a learning environment that prioritizes student needs for success, provide teachers and staff a positive climate and culture while supporting academic achievement. Mrs. Vega has a Bachelor Degree in Special Education and Child Studies, a minor in Child Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Reading/Language Arts. She also holds a Certification in Supervision/Administration. She was both a General education and ESE teacher then promoted to an administration role for the Department of Pupil Personnel Services overseeing the ESE department, was a former Florida Supervisor for the College of Education and served as a Dean of Students and Dean of Curriculum in a Christian private school. Mrs. Vega is a wife and the mother of a beautiful daughter and Mama to three wonderful and Jesus loving grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing with her family and baking. 

Julie Zearfaus

Dean of Students (Grades 4-9)

Mrs. Zearfaus has a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and is certified to teach middle grades science and math.  She has been an educator for 14 years and is passionate about the learning process. Mrs. Zearfaus is married and has two children, a son and a daughter who both attend CLA.  In her spare time she loves relaxing at the beach and spending time with her family.  Mrs. Zearfaus has loved Jesus since childhood, continues to seek him, and desires to increase her knowledge and understanding of Biblical truth.  She currently serves on the audio-visual team at Christian Life Fellowship.  When asked about her passion for teaching, she stated, “Teaching means I have an opportunity to instill a love of learning into the next generation through implementing a variety of teaching methods tailored to each student’s unique learning styles.  My desire is to create an atmosphere in which students can reach their full potential academically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.”

Rebekka Hall

Office Assistant

Mrs. Hall has lived in Florida since she was 10 years old.  She is married and has two bonus daughters.  She enjoys baking, singing, reading, and has a deep love for colored pens, planners, and stickers.  She hopes to have a farm one day raising highland cows.  Mrs. Hall came to the administrative team from the preschool where she was a teacher in the one year old room.  She holds an Associates degree in Theology, has a passion for the word and finds joy encouraging others in the faith.  CLA is blessed to have Mrs. Hall’s administrative skills on the team. 

Erika Latorre

Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Latorre holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and History.  She has been married for over 15 years and has a son who attends CLA.  She accepted Christ at a young age and continues to serve him at Skyline Church.   When her family moved to Cape Coral, she knew she wanted her son to attend a Christian school where the Lord would be the focus of all subjects and His word would be taught.  She first found CLA when searching for a preschool for her son.  She began as a parent in the CLA family, but one, short, year later, God opened the door for her to teach here.  She says, “I love teaching children.  It is a bonus to teach them about Jesus and how much He loves them.  It’s not an easy job, but it is the most rewarding.” In her free time, Mrs. Latorre enjoys coloring, reading and going to Disney World. 

Krystal Yetman

Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Yetman had been teaching in the public school system before God led her to Christian Life Academy. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, but has been teaching for 6 years. Mrs. Yetman holds a Pre K-3rd grade certification, a K-12 ESE certification, and is autism and ESOL endorsed. She is married and has two beautiful children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach and park with her family. She says, “Young minds are so curious and interested in learning new things. Teaching and encouraging students to grow in their faith and academics at a young age can help shape their future success. This is why I love to teach.”

Janelle Almonte

1st Grade Teacher

Allyson Harris

1st Grade Teacher

Theresa Sandahl

2nd Grade Teacher

Cynthia Rodriguez

2nd Grade Teacher

Ms. Rodriguez holds a Bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan College of New York where she began her career in education, specifically working with special needs students.  She moved to Florida over 11 years ago and has worked in a variety of roles in the public school system.  She has had a passion for teaching since she was 10 years old.  Ms. Rodriguez has a son who attends CLA.  In her free time, she enjoys shopping, decorating, traveling, and enjoying her family. She says, “Finding CLA was exactly where God wanted us to be! It is a place where I can glorify God in my teaching and my son’s spiritual and educational upbringing can flourish. The community that surrounds us has been a beautiful blessing to our entire family.  Mrs. Rodriguez endeavors to use her gifts, talents, and skills to bring glory to His kingdom as she helps lead young minds.

Lisa Quaintance

3rd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Quaintance was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and grew up in Cape Coral. She has been teaching for 6 years and earned her Bachelors in Healthcare Administration. Mrs. Quaintance also holds a Professional Florida Teaching Certificate in K – 3rd grade.  She has served in children’s ministry at her church for over 14 years and has been on many mission trips and local community outreaches in Lee County. Regarding her passion for teaching, she says, “I feel that all children deserve the best educational experience possible. All students learn in many different ways. Students should be able to learn and grow through real life experiences.”

Rowena Wylie

3rd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Wylie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education with an emphasis on Comprehensive Applied Behavior Analysis.  She is also TESOL certified.   Mrs. Wylie was born in Manila, Philippines.  She taught Language Arts and Reading in grades 2-6 at a private Chinese Christian school.  She also taught English at an elementary school in Thailand while doing missionary/tentmaking work with IMB and Pioneer’s Group.  She believed God paved the way in opening the door to joining the CLA staff as she had been looking and praying for a Christian school in the area. She says, “Teaching is my calling and my passion. I want to not only impact student’s minds, but their hearts as well.” Mrs. Wylie is married and in her free time she enjoys reading Christian books, singing worship songs, watching NBA, and traveling. 

Alexandra Rigley

4th Grade Teacher

Mrs. Rigley holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Education and is K-9 Elementary, 6-9 English and Math certified.  She moved to Florida from Grand Rapids, Michigan over 10 years ago.  He is married and has two daughters who attend CLA preschool.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and watching her favorite shows.  After spending the majority of her career teaching in the public school system she knew she needed a change, but wasn’t sure what that would be.  Having her daughters at preschool allowed her to really know the heart of CLA and God began growing her desire for that kind of teaching environment.  She believes CLA’s high expectations, standards, and Christian values are what have been missing from her teaching.  Mrs. Rigley chose teaching because she wanted to make a difference and be a positive influence in the lives of youth.  She is passionate about watching a student’s journey learning, problem solving, and growing as individuals.  She says, “Teaching allows me to be a part of each student’s history in becoming who they are meant to be.” 

Jake Sandahl

4th Grade Teacher

Mr. Sandahl holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies, an Associate’s degree in Management, and is Safe Sport certified.  He is married with two daughters who both attend CLA.  He enjoys camping trips, being outdoors to witness God’s creation and quality family time.  Through extensive research for what is best for building a solid foundation for his children, he was led to CLA.  He had the opportunity to coach in CLA’s sports program and that ignited his passion to give back to the community.  Mr. Sandahl felt like God put him on the right path when the opportunity came for him to be a classroom teacher.  He says, “I love teaching others, helping them reach their full potential, and seeing them thrive. It is a privilege to pour into our future generation.”

Danny Perez

5th Grade Teacher

Mr. Perez has a deep passion for the next generation and has been reaching them through a variety of roles. He has served as a JVOX leader for many years and joined the CLF staff as the student ministries assistant. Mr. Perez also taught an 8-week volunteer elective class, titled “Tough Questions Christians Ask,” at CLA several years ago.  Mr. Perez has also served CLA by managing tech and teaching middle school chapel. We were blessed to have Mr. Perez teach technology in 2023.  In pursuit of other ways the Lord could use him at CLA, God opened the door for Mr. Perez to teach 5th grade. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Supervision and Management, as well as a Masters degree in Christian Apologetics. In his free time, Mr. Perez enjoys bowling and using his creativity in a variety of ways. He says, “I love the opportunity to invest in kids and acquire new skills for the Lord to use in the future.”

Taylor Van Horn

Grades 6-9 Social Studies

Ms. Van Horn has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.  After beginning a career in Pediatric Chiropractic and working so closely with children, God grabbed her attention and started stirring a new thing in her regarding education.  Ms. Van Horn desires to inspire.  She wants to instill a love for learning into her students as she helps them discover and grow in their identity in Christ.  She has a daughter of her own and loves watching her grow through all the different stages.  In her free time, Ms. Van Horn enjoys kayaking, reading, and spending time with her family.  She also serves faithfully at Christian Life Fellowship.  Ms. Van Horn continues to surrender to God’s will for her life; while she was open and praying for Him to use her to further His kingdom, He led her to CLA.  She stated, “I strive to treat each student as the individual that they are, to honor their giftings, and meet them where they’re at, thus empowering them to succeed in school and life.”

Sjanna Subick

Grades 6-9 Science

Mrs. Subick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Psychology.  She also holds an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies.  She has a temporary teaching certificate in Social Sciences and is pursuing a professional certificate for grades 6-12 Science.  After working in Public Safety Communications for 15 years, she knew it was her calling to make a greater impact in the lives of others. She says,” I asked God to guide me to my next career path and through His graciousness He answered with an opportunity to teach science at CLA where I can teach real world skills and show students how science can be fun all while spreading God’s word.”  Mrs. Subick has been married for over 14 years and has two children.  She rescues greyhounds.  In her free time, she likes to cook, refinish furniture, spend time with family, and enjoy nature.

Jennifer Holder

Grades 6-9 Math

Mrs. Holder holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and teaching certificate from Delaware Valley College.  She has earned several endorsements and certifications over the course of her career; applied behavior analysis, learning behavior specialist, school social worker, reading intervention-science of reading, mentor teacher, and more. Mrs Holder knows it is her calling to teach.  She began her career in military medicine, but after years of working with autistic children and observing in classrooms, a passion grew to reach more hearts and have a greater impact.  Throughout her teaching career, she has immersed herself into instructional strategies, data, understanding the brain and child development.  She says, “Everything I have learned has helped me become a better teacher. I am grateful for my teaching journey and look forward to helping develop students towards Christ-centered lives.” If you are looking for Mrs. Holder outside of school hours, you will find her on the water. She loves the outdoors, hunting, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and swimming.  She also enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids.

Jayson Blondin

Grades 6-9 ELA

Mr. Blondin holds an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree with minors in Art and Creative Writing.  He was a successful business owner in Texas using his gifts and talents in art.  He moved back to Cape Coral to be close to his family.  In doing so, it opened up doors for him to pursue another dream of being a teacher. Mr. Blondin is excited for the opportunity to teach English Language Arts and Bible as it allows him to combine his love for literature, writing, and his deep-rooted faith.   He says, “CLA’s commitment to providing a faith-based education aligned perfectly with my own values and beliefs. My faith is a guiding foundation in my life and I wanted to work in an environment where I could integrate my faith and make a positive impact on student’s lives both academically and spiritually.”  Mr. Blondin is also an accomplished writer and has recently published two books. In his free time he enjoys cooking, reading, writing, traveling, and spending quality time with family.

Magdiel Hernandez

Physical Education/Athletic Director/After School Coordinator

Mr. Hernandez grew up in Cape Coral, FL and graduated from Mariner High School in 1991. He went on to earn his Bachelors in Biblical Studies from Trinity International University in Miami in and has taught grades ranging from 4th through high school for over 13 years. Mr. Hernandez also served as a youth and college/career pastor for several years. He enjoys sports, composing music, reading and going on mission trips. He says, “My Philosophy of Christian Education comes from Colossians 1:28 which says, ‘So we preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one into God’s presence as a mature individual in union with Christ’.”

Christine Baron

Art & Technology Teacher

Mrs. Baron moved to Florida from New Jersey in 2021.  She is married with 3 daughters who love the Lord.  Mrs. Baron finds great joy in fellowshipping with others, going to the gym, and participating in Bible studies that dig deep into God’s word.  She loves sushi, Mexican food, and talking birds.  Mrs. Baron believes God led her to CLA and she is passionate about pouring into the next generation.  She says, “I love teaching about God, all He has to offer us through HIs creation, and how much He loves us. I am excited to teach God’s principles through art and technology.”

Cathy Sturgill

Music Teacher

Mrs. Sturgill has been teaching music for over 40 years in Ohio and Florida.  She has been involved in worship ministries all of her life and is currently serving on the CLF worship team.  She has been married for over 44 years, has 3 married daughters, and 6 grandchildren.  Mrs. Sturgill loves to study the Bible, play piano, sew, swim, travel, and spend time with her family.  Mrs. Sturgill was CLA’s very first music teacher when it was first established and we are so thankful she continues to pour into our student body.

Keila Lima

Spanish Teacher

Mrs. Lima holds a Bachelor’s degree and also teaches in our CLA Preschool.  She has a deep passion to teach children.  She says, “Seeing as it’s a Christian environment, I wanted to move my kids there so they could find a better education in the Lord.  I loved it so much for my own children that I wanted it for myself as well. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach Spanish at CLA.” Mrs. Lima is married with 3 children and a dog.  She loves crafting and singing worship to the Lord.