Mandy Corea wears many hats at North Tampa Christian Academy. She’s involved with Campus Ministries, teaches 6th grade Bible and Social Studies, and teaches academic lessons at the SVB Center!
Corea’s education background is as diverse as her roles at the school. For her bachelor’s degree, she double majored in Sociology: International & Community Development and Spanish Studies with a minor in Religion at Andrews University. She also has a master’s in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University and one in Christian Studies: Children at Risk from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Including her time as a student missionary, Corea has spent nearly 11 years working in the education field. Education inspires her because she finds that, through education, she can help students become the best version of themselves. Growing up, she had teachers who trusted her and listened to her, empowering her to become a leader. She hopes to do the same with her students.
“When a student feels that they are being listened to and that they are in a safe environment and trusted by their mentors and leaders, thriving and growth begins!” Corea said.
Originally from Southern California, Corea grew up in Delaware and Maryland. As a child, Corea aspired to be a pilot for the Air Force or a mathematician for the NSA. She decided to pursue education as a way of giving back to the next generation. Through storytelling and sharing personal experiences, she encourages students to become involved in their own education in and outside of the classroom.
“Storytelling converts something that was once just a fact into something personal and real,” Corea said. “Personal experience is vital for students to truly believe in something, and in turn, practice what they learn.”
Corea loves a good story. When asked about her favorite book, she said that there are too many to choose from. Her current favorite is The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. In terms of movies, she enjoys franchises like Marvel Cinematic Universe, DC and Star Wars. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Office and Parks & Recreation are a few of her favorite TV shows.
Outside of being entertained by stories, Corea likes to have her own adventures. When visiting family abroad, making music, going on missions trips and participating in outreach events, Corea thrives when enriching her life and the lives of others. This is especially true for her students. Whether she meets them on the tennis court at SVB or at Campus Ministries events, this is how she wants her students to feel:
“Feeling loved, loving Jesus, and loving others; fighting for the dignity of human beings around them,” Corea said, “all the while, never doubting that they are each UNCOMMON: they exist for a reason and purpose, they are important, they are wanted, and they are loved, all because they are children of Jesus Christ — and in turn should live life understanding the same about others.”
Get to Know Mandy Corea
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would you choose? Rosa Parks, Malala, Dietrich Bonhoeffer
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Indian and Central American food
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? To fly
What is your favorite place that you have traveled to, or a place you would like to visit? Favorite place: the islands of Greece. Would like to visit: Israel and more of the Middle East
If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do? Use it to support and expand my ministry in Honduras
What are your favorite Bible verses? Jeremiah 1: 5-9 and Psalm 30: 7a.
At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.