Director of School Operations

Mrs. Gunter is a member of the Founding Board of Pineapple Cove Classical Academy and was the founding principal for the first three years of our school. Mrs. Gunter wrote the original charter application for Pineapple Cove Classical Academy at Palm Bay, as well as the subsequent applications for West Melbourne and our high school programs. In addition, Mrs. Gunter authored the Charter School Program grants for both schools, totaling over $850,000 in grant awards.

 

Mrs. Gunter brings 15 years of education experience as a classroom teacher, college professor, and faculty advisor to PCCA. She is certified in Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education, and English 6-12.

As Director of School Operations, Mrs. Gunter handles much of the business tasks associated with the school, manages grants, ensures district, state, and federal compliance, and continues to mentor school leadership.

Email Mrs. Gunter here.

Lisa Wheeler, M.A., Ed.
Principal

Mrs. Wheeler taught for 15 years in Florida public schools prior to joining the administrative team at Pineapple Cove Classical Academy in 2015. Her teaching experience includes primary grades and literacy coaching, which provided extensive experience in supporting classroom and ESE teachers with core and intervention instruction, diagnosing reading difficulties, designing interventions, administering and analyzing assessments, working with at-risk students, and professional development for both parents and faculty. Her educational credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Reading.

Mrs. Wheeler has a long-standing relationship with Pineapple Cove Academy. In 2006, Mrs. Wheeler began working with PCA’s VPK teachers. Through curriculum development, training, and data analysis, teachers worked to create a prestigious VPK Literacy program that is known throughout Palm Bay and Melbourne. In addition, Mrs. Wheeler also authored and organized PCA’s SES and private tutoring program.

Mrs. Wheeler is a founding member of the Palm Bay location and has worked closely with the administrative team, instructional staff, Barney Charter School Initiative, and the governing board to ensure a successful launch in the school’s beginning years. In her role as Assistant Principal, Mrs. Wheeler oversaw student discipline and adherence to our school’s virtues and policies, monitored the MTSS process and student progression, coordinated student assessment, supported teacher instruction, and conferenced with students and families to enhance our school’s academic and social culture.

 

E-mail Mrs. Wheeler here.

Assistant Principal, Elementary

Ms. Engeron began working with PCCA at its inception as a founding member of the governing board. After serving on the board, she taught third grade at the school for two years, and has now transitioned into the role of Assistant Principal at the Palm Bay campus.

Ms. Engeron brings 9 years of education experience as a classroom teacher, adjunct college instructor, and student academic advisor. As a complement to her role in student services at Eastern Florida State College, Ms. Engeron earned her master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from the University of Central Florida. Her student services experience includes student scheduling, program coordination, and admissions.

 

E-mail Ms. Engeron here.

AP of Curriculum, Junior/Senior HS

Mr. Ottinger is a founding faculty member of Pineapple Cove Classical Academy – Palm Bay and a teacher with over fifteen years of instructional experience in grades 5-12. He formerly taught in private schools and for five years owned, operated, and developed a classical instructional program for homeschool students in middle school and high school. He also spent three years as a senior loan adviser in commercial real estate finance and development.

Mr. Ottinger has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education – Middle Grades and earned his Master of Arts in English from the University of Central Florida. He is certified in Elementary Education and English 5-9 and holds the ESOL Endorsement.

At PCCA, Mr. Ottinger taught sixth grade and middle school English and was the National Junior Honor Society adviser and chess club adviser. He was awarded two field trip grants from Target for students to attend plays at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. As the Upper School Faculty Chair, Mr. Ottinger served as the liaison between instructors and the administration and coached new teachers in the classical model of education and the mission of PCCA.

E-mail Mr. Ottinger here.

AP of Student Affairs, Junior/Senior HS

Mr. Ramirez grew up in Miami, Florida. He has a broad based background which includes management in private-sector business and entrepreneurship. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from St. Thomas University in Miami, and a Masters in Science degree in Educational Leadership from Nova University in Miami. He began his career in education in 2003 at the middle school level in Miami-Dade County. He was first a teacher, he then became the science department chairperson, a school site administrator and later worked at the Miami-Dade County District offices.

Mr. Ramirez moved to Melbourne Beach in August of 2014 and joined the Brevard Public School system as a science teacher. The following year he became an assistant principal at Central Middle School. Mr. Ramirez joined the Pineapple Cove Classical Academy family in 2019 and he is honored and excited to be the new Assistant Principal of Student Affairs at the Palm Bay campus. He is looking forward to serving our community and families.
Mr. Ramirez has been married for 43 years, has two married children, and four grandchildren. He currently lives in Melbourne Beach with his wife Susy. He enjoys reading, riding his motorcycle, going to the beach with his family, listening to classic rock and building and fixing things.

E-mail Mr. Ramirez here.