Head principal

Damon Gilliam brings over 15 years of experience to North Tampa Christian Academy.  With a Bachelor’s in Science for Elementary Education and a Master’s of Education in Administration, Mr. G has served on multiple educational committees and has a background in teaching 1st grade through 12th grade. In addition to his work in the States, he served as the principal of an international academy in Cairo, Egypt. In 2007, he was awarded Teacher of the Year for Grand Prairie Independent School District and became a finalist for the State of Texas. Additionally, he was awarded Excellence in Teaching for the Southwestern Union Conference in 2014.  

Calling the Bible his favorite book, Mr. G always knew God wanted him to do something in the realm of working with young people. In hopes that each student chooses Jesus as their Lord and Savior, Mr. G is guiding them to make a difference in the world. On his agenda for the 2020-21 school year is the implementation of a bullying prevention program that focuses on acceptance, inclusion, and understanding another’s point of view or feelings in order to empathize and relate to one another.

Chief Financial Officer

JC has a background in non-profit accounting ranging from local ministries to large organizations. He most recently served as an Assistant Treasurer for the Potomac Conference Corporation and the Financial Manager of LivingWell Adventist Book Center. JC holds a B.B.A. in Accounting degree from Southern Adventist University. Working in the Lord's vineyard requires a strong sense of stewardship, and he is focused on developing new skills to better lead and serve within the community and in the church.

JC enjoys working with young people and sees their care and education as a responsibility from heaven. For many years he has volunteered with Pathfinders at the local and Conference level and spent many summers working at Vacation Bible Schools. He also has a history as a guest speaker for churches in Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, and Maryland.

Ministries Director

I studied at Southwestern Adventist University for my undergraduate degree where I obtained a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology. I later received a Master’s in Divinity from Andrews University Theological Seminary.

I am excited to be a part of North Tampa Christian Academy because I enjoy working with kids and teens and helping them grow closer to Jesus. I would say that one of my major goals is to help students realize their value in the eyes of God and provide a positive influence for them and the NTCA school family.

My prior work experience included pastoring several churches in Texas and most recently working as the youth ministries director for the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference before moving to Tampa. 

Upper School Principal

Joe Lee has been working in education for 17 years.  His previous work experience included positions at Mt. Vernon Academy in Ohio, San Gabriel Academy in California (Vice Principal), and Hawaiian Mission Academy (Principal) prior to coming to NTCA.

He received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ohio University. Mr. Lee has a great passion for Christian education.  He obtained a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Andrews University providing him with the tools to take an even more active role in leading schools.  Mr. Lee believes that the best educational model provides a holistic educational blend of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual learning which is rooted in Jesus Christ. 

Mr. Lee has an enthusiasm for working with young people and desires the best for each student under his care.  He believes that schools should be a safe place where students can be comfortable being themselves without external pressures or demands. A place where they will become confident in themselves and who God has called them to be.

Joe Lee and his wife, Cynthia have two children and are excited to make the Tampa area their new home.

Rob brings seasoned experience and a firm commitment to his role at North Tampa Christian Academy (NTCA). With 13 years of teaching and leadership experience, he has a diverse background encompassing Bible, Physical Education, and English instruction across Arizona and Texas. His roles have extended beyond teaching to include leadership in campus ministries, community outreach, and vice-principal duties, demonstrating his dedication to holistic educational development.

Rob is not only a seasoned educator but also a skilled culture and team builder, as well as a coach. His passion lies in encouraging collaboration among parents, teachers, and students to nurture successful learners with strong Christ-centered identities. Recognizing the critical nature of middle school years for students and parents alike, Rob and NTCA are committed to walking alongside families, empowering student growth in spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical dimensions.

Lower School Principal

My name is Smyrna Jackson, and I am thrilled to be the lower school principal at North Tampa Christian Academy. I grew up in several different places. I spent some time in Fajardo, PR, Norfolk, VA, Takoma Park, MD and Tranquility, NJ. At each of those locations I attend the local Christian school. I value Christian education.

In 2010, I began my career at Lourie Center School in Rockville, MD as a special education aide. During those years, I went back to school and earned my teaching certification through the state of Maryland. Between 2012 – 2017, I taught Kindergarten through 3rd grade there. I then moved to Howard County Public Schools in Maryland where I was the Behavior Interventionist and the Special Education Team Leader. In 2019, my family and I moved to New Port Richey, FL where I taught K-2nd in a multi grade classroom. The following year I began my journey at North Tampa Christian Academy teaching 1st grade.

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology from Washington Adventist University. Elementary Teaching certification through the North American Division. Currently, attending Southern Adventist University working on my Master of Education in Instructional Leadership.

One of my goals for NTCA is to lead a community of lower school educators working together to achieve academic, social and emotional growth for our students. However, my number one goal is for students to know that God loves them no matter what. I look forward to working together to positively and successfully navigate our students’ journeys.

Personally, I am a mom of 3 amazing girls. My oldest is a freshman in college, my middle daughter is a junior in high school and my youngest is in 3rd grade. My husband and I have been married for over 20 years. I can’t forget our 5-year-old dog Rocky. Together, as a family, we enjoy road trips, cooking, watching movies, and playing board games.

Academic Principal 

Sherrie Warren’s path to becoming a principal at NTCA began in 1988, when she started teaching for the Seventh-Day Adventist education system. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Oklahoma State University, then a master’s in Administration and Leadership from Capella University. Since then, she has worked at boarding academies, junior academies and K-12 schools. In the early 2000s, Principal Warren had her first foray into administration as an interim principal. Later on, at Thunderbird Academy, she worked as the vice principal of academics, registrar, student recruiter, and alumni relations coordinator.

Working in education has brought Principal Warren a welcome variety that she would not have otherwise experienced, as well as a solid background for her current role. In recognition of her achievements in education, she earned a Tom and Violet Zapara Excellence in Teaching Award. Education has allowed Principal Warren to make a positive impact on the lives of students and their families. She loves to watch students learn about Jesus and choose to become dedicated followers. Throughout her prolific career, she has learned that listening to students is the most important way to support their success.