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 school culture.

E-mail Mrs. Wheeler here.

Mrs. Miranda Kraus is a founding member of the Pineapple Cove Classical Academy faculty. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is a Florida certified teacher in Elementary Education (K-6) and Exceptional Student Education (K-12). Mrs. Kraus began her career teaching Exceptional Student Education in Virginia before moving to Florida in 2015. When starting with PCCA, she was an ESE teacher for primary grade scholars. After a few years, she supported whole-school efforts as a Student Services Coordinator. In this role, Mrs. Kraus facilitated the MTSS process and worked closely with ESE teachers, classroom teachers, district personnel, parents, and scholars. Most recently, Mrs. Kraus became the Assistant Principal for grades K-6. She brings great experience with discipline, student services, parent communication, curriculum, and teacher support to this position. 

E-mail Mrs. Kraus here.

Mrs. Ramirez brings over 15 years of dedicated teaching experience in Brevard County classrooms. Prior to moving to Florida in 2005, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a focus in Biology from the State University of New York at New Paltz. Her diverse teaching background includes public, private, and charter schools, where she has taught kindergarten, as well as second, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Ramirez has worked with scholars of varying exceptionalities, implementing IEPs and 504 plans with fidelity. She is deeply committed to building strong, positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Known for her compassionate leadership and high expectations, she creates environments where all learners can thrive.

As Student Services Coordinator, Mrs. Ramirez is excited to support scholars both academically and behaviorally. She also looks forward to mentoring and collaborating with both new and veteran teachers to enhance classroom success and student outcomes.

E-mail Mrs. Ramirez here.

E-mail Mrs. Pape here.

Ms. Stacey Gilbert is a dedicated and experienced educator entering her 15th year in the field. She proudly serves as the Jr./Sr. Assistant Principal of Student Affairs at PCCA, where she is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging school environment for all scholars. She holds a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from the University of Central Florida and is certified in Elementary Education (K-6), Exceptional Student Education (K-12), Reading (K-12), and ESOL (K-12). In addition, she is a certified Crisis Prevention Instructor and has led professional trainings in student safety and crisis support for over a decade.

Ms. Gilbert has presented at national conferences on anti-bullying initiatives and previously served in leadership roles with the Florida Division of Autism and Developmental Delays. Her passion for student growth, advocacy, and inclusive education drives everything she does, and she is honored to support the scholars and families of PCCA.

E-mail Ms. Gilbert here.

Mrs. Michelle Johns has over 20 years experience as both a teacher and administrator in public schools and Pineapple Cove Classical Academy.  She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s degree in Instructional Systems from Florida State University.  Mrs. Johns is certified in Elementary Education and ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) endorsed. Additionally, she earned her National Board Certification in 2008.

Mrs. Johns began her career at PCCA as a third grade teacher and ESOL Contact during its founding year. Mrs. Johns also taught Math Enrichment to PCCA’s middle school scholars before becoming the Student Services Coordinator and ESOL Contact schoolwide in 2018.  She currently serves as the Student Services Coordinator and ESOL Contact for the Jr/Sr High School.  Mrs. Johns works closely with district personnel, classroom teachers, ESE teachers, Bilingual Assistant, 504 Contact, Gifted teacher, parents, and scholars to coordinate support to meet the needs of our scholars. She also supports school operations with admissions, scheduling, discipline, technology integration, and coordinating state assessments.

Email Mrs. Johns here.

Mrs. Hayford joined Pineapple Cove Classical Academy at Palm Bay in the 2022 school year and is excited to continue serving as the 7–12 Student Services Coordinator. A proud Brevard County native, she graduated from Satellite High School before earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Valdosta State University and her Master’s Degree from the University of Central Florida.

Mrs. Hayford brings over 18 years of experience in secondary education. Her background includes teaching Drama, Musical Theatre, and course recovery, as well as serving as a Testing Coordinator. She holds certifications in Drama K–12, Elementary Education (Grades 1–6), and Exceptional Student Education (K–12). Mrs. Hayford is proud to be part of the Pineapple family and is passionate about supporting students, staff, and families while advancing the school’s mission of developing graduates in both mind and character.

E-mail Mrs. Hayford here.

Mrs. Jenny Welte joined Pineapple Cove Classical Academy in 2020 as a 6th grade teacher and transitioned to the high school the following year, where she taught Moral Philosophy and Senior Thesis. In addition, Mrs. Welte taught American and British Literature courses, and served as ELA Department Lead. Mrs. Welte obtained a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Central Florida, with concentrations in education, behavioral and social sciences, and criminal justice. She holds Florida teacher certifications in Classical Education, English Language Arts (6-12), Social Science (6-12), and Elementary Education (K-6). With eight years of teaching experience and a special focus on working with high school seniors, Mrs. Welte is dedicated to the mission of PCCA and excited to help scholars achieve academic success, and plan for college, careers, and opportunities beyond high school.

E-mail Mrs. Welte here.