MEET OUR TEAM
Educators Who Lead with Care, Faith, and Purpose
Our teachers are passionate about helping children learn, ask questions, solve problems, and experience the satisfaction that comes from mastering something new.
School Leadership
Dedicated teachers and staff committed to helping students grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Mrs. Debra LaFountain
Principal
Mrs. Debra LaFountain is a veteran educator and school leader with more than 40 years of experience in Christian education, serving students from Pre-K through high school. Throughout her career, she has served as a Preschool Director, Elementary Principal, ESE Team Leader, mentor teacher, and classroom educator, giving her a well-rounded understanding of both students and school communities.
She holds an A.S. in Business Administration, a B.A. in Elementary Education, and an M.Ed. in Special Education. Her background includes educational leadership, teacher mentoring, business administration, and program development.
Ms. Debbie believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn, succeed, and discover what they are capable of achieving. She is committed to fostering a school community where students are encouraged to think, explore, persevere, and develop the skills and character that will serve them throughout their lives. When asked what continues to inspire her after four decades in education, she smiles and says:
“I believe in children, and I love watching them surprise themselves.”
She holds an A.S. in Business Administration, a B.A. in Elementary Education, and an M.Ed. in Special Education. Her background includes educational leadership, teacher mentoring, business administration, and program development.
Ms. Debbie believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn, succeed, and discover what they are capable of achieving. She is committed to fostering a school community where students are encouraged to think, explore, persevere, and develop the skills and character that will serve them throughout their lives. When asked what continues to inspire her after four decades in education, she smiles and says:
“I believe in children, and I love watching them surprise themselves.”
Christine Dvorak
Director of Early Learning
Christine Dvorak is an experienced and respected early childhood educator and leader with more than 30 years of experience serving children from birth through age five in faith-based learning environments. She holds an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Director’s Credential.
Ms. Christine believes that curiosity is one of God’s greatest gifts to a child. She is passionate about creating engaging early learning experiences that encourage children to explore, imagine, create, and discover. Her goal is to help every child develop the confidence, independence, and enthusiasm that make learning an adventure.
Ask Christine what she loves most about teaching young children and her answer comes quickly:
“Watching a four-year-old figure something out for the first time.”
Ms. Christine believes that curiosity is one of God’s greatest gifts to a child. She is passionate about creating engaging early learning experiences that encourage children to explore, imagine, create, and discover. Her goal is to help every child develop the confidence, independence, and enthusiasm that make learning an adventure.
Ask Christine what she loves most about teaching young children and her answer comes quickly:
“Watching a four-year-old figure something out for the first time.”
Dennis Robinson
Founder & School Leadership
Dr. Dennis Robinson serves as Chief Operations Officer of Schools by Design, the parent organization of Foundations Academy, and as Superintendent for Foundations Academy.
A native Floridian, Dr. Robinson grew up in Sanford, Florida. Following 22 years of service as an Air Force officer, he returned to Central Florida and became Headmaster of Trinity Christian Academy in Deltona, where he served from 2000 to 2018. During that time, he also served on the Board of Directors of the League of Christian Schools and as its President for twelve years.
Dr. Robinson later served as Dean of the Harrison School of Graduate Studies at Nelson University in Waxahachie, Texas, before assuming his current leadership role in 2022.
Educational Achievements:
B.A., French — Florida Technological University (now UCF)
M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership — Troy State University
Ed.D., Educational Leadership — University of Central Florida
Dr. Robinson believes education should prepare students not only for academic success, but for a life of character, perception, and service.“Every child has a purpose. Our role is to provide the guidance, structure, and opportunities that help them discover their gifts and use them well.”
A native Floridian, Dr. Robinson grew up in Sanford, Florida. Following 22 years of service as an Air Force officer, he returned to Central Florida and became Headmaster of Trinity Christian Academy in Deltona, where he served from 2000 to 2018. During that time, he also served on the Board of Directors of the League of Christian Schools and as its President for twelve years.
Dr. Robinson later served as Dean of the Harrison School of Graduate Studies at Nelson University in Waxahachie, Texas, before assuming his current leadership role in 2022.
Educational Achievements:
B.A., French — Florida Technological University (now UCF)
M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership — Troy State University
Ed.D., Educational Leadership — University of Central Florida
Dr. Robinson believes education should prepare students not only for academic success, but for a life of character, perception, and service.“Every child has a purpose. Our role is to provide the guidance, structure, and opportunities that help them discover their gifts and use them well.”
Meet our Team
A Personal Message from Our Principal
“As principal, one of my greatest joys is seeing children walk through our doors each day knowing they are safe, loved, and valued. At Foundations Academy, we believe education is not only about what a child learns, but also about who they are becoming. Every student has unique gifts, needs, strengths, and potential, and it is our privilege to help nurture those qualities with care, patience, and purpose.
Our school was built around the belief that children thrive when they are known personally. We want each child to feel seen by their teachers, supported in their learning, encouraged in their faith, and challenged to grow with confidence.
We also know that choosing a school is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make. Parents are trusting us with their children’s hearts, minds, and futures, and we do not take that responsibility lightly. Our teachers and staff are committed to partnering with families, creating a strong connection between home and school, and helping each child feel surrounded by people who truly care.
At Foundations Academy, we are more than a school. We are a Christ-centered community where children are known, families are welcomed, and growth is guided with love and intention.
I invite you to visit us, meet our team, and experience the heart of Foundations Academy for yourself.”
- Principal Debra LaFountain
Our school was built around the belief that children thrive when they are known personally. We want each child to feel seen by their teachers, supported in their learning, encouraged in their faith, and challenged to grow with confidence.
We also know that choosing a school is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make. Parents are trusting us with their children’s hearts, minds, and futures, and we do not take that responsibility lightly. Our teachers and staff are committed to partnering with families, creating a strong connection between home and school, and helping each child feel surrounded by people who truly care.
At Foundations Academy, we are more than a school. We are a Christ-centered community where children are known, families are welcomed, and growth is guided with love and intention.
I invite you to visit us, meet our team, and experience the heart of Foundations Academy for yourself.”
- Principal Debra LaFountain
Will My Child Be Ready?
99% of Foundations Academy students are prepared to successfully enter the next level of learning when they complete their current grade.That result reflects the commitment of our teachers, the strength of our academic program, and a school culture that takes learning seriously.
Jazmine Harper
Infant_1 yr
“The earliest years are filled with important firsts, and I love being part of those moments as children begin exploring the world around them.”
Kaitlyn Raiano
2 yr old
“Two-year-olds are curious about everything, and I love helping them turn that curiosity into learning through play, laughter, and discovery.”
Mrs. Alysha Oddo
Kindergarten
“I love finding different ways to help children connect with new ideas and discover that learning can be both exciting and rewarding.”
Yakima Oliva Alvarez
1 yr old
“The earliest years are filled with important firsts, and I love being part of those moments as children begin exploring the world around them.”
Ms. Winnie Nabukenya
2nd Grade
“Technology continues to shape our world, and I enjoy helping students learn the skills they will use for years to come.”
Mrs. Alisha Alexis
2nd Grade
“I want my students to know that questions are welcome, mistakes are part of learning, and every day is an opportunity to discover something new.”
Ms. Melanie Garcia
1st Grade
“First grade is filled with big milestones, and I enjoy helping students build the skills that open the door to new possibilities.”
Mr. Brad Lynch
3rd-5th Grade
“Every child brings a unique perspective to the classroom. I enjoy helping students think critically, work together, and discover new interests.”
Trudyann Dawson
3 yr olds
“One of my favorite parts of teaching is getting to know each child’s personality and seeing their excitement when they learn something new.”
Miss Brianna Aguilera
Enrichment
“Language, music, and the arts give children powerful ways to express themselves. I love helping students find their voice through creativity.”
Come Meet the People Behind Foundations Academy
2250 SE Walton Rd.
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34952
772-301-1616
Partner Programs
We proudly participate in statescholarship programs to make qualityChristian education accessible.