Meet Ministries Director Cesar Grassiotto

Pastor Cesar Grassiotto, Ministries Director at NTCA, has discovered over the past 15 years that serving children and students is his life’s passion.

“There is indeed nothing that brings more joy to my heart than connecting young people to Jesus,” Pastor Cesar said.

Before finding his way to NTCA, Pastor Cesar had the privilege of being a youth pastor at five churches and the senior pastor of the Highland View Academy Church. As senior pastor, he helped organize the school campus ministry, which gave him the opportunity to assist the school Chaplain, staff and students. These experiences helped prepare him for his work at NTCA, which he believes God has called him to do.

Pastor Cesar sees education as a form of transformation. Being part of a school with so many talented and gifted students and teachers, he expects nothing less than to see extraordinary outcomes. This school has allowed him to become part of each student’s spiritual journey, which he finds to be the most rewarding part of his job. 

In the short time Pastor Cesar has been at NTCA, he has already formed amazing and warm friendships. His wife Laura will soon be joining him at the school as a music teacher, expanding his network even more. When the two aren’t working together at school, they’re at home with their wonderful one-year-old daughter Olivia. 

Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, Pastor Cesar already knew he wanted to be a pastor. He went on to major in Pastoral Theology at UNASP in São Paulo, an Adventist university, and he earned his master’s in Divinity Studies from Andrews University. He’s finishing his doctorate in ministry with an emphasis on millennials and Gen Z from Andrews University. Pastor Cesar knew all along what he wanted to do, but his family wasn’t as sure.

“I had never thought about anything else besides being a pastor,” Pastor Cesar said. “My dad wanted me to be an engineer!”

Aside from his educational achievements, Pastor Cesar is an accomplished pastor. During his years as a youth pastor at the Dallas Brazillian Church, they were recognized as the fastest growing church in the North America division. While growing in his career, Pastor Cesar has traveled around the world. Out of all the places he’s visited, Jerusalem was his favorite. Someday, he would like to visit Iceland.

When Pastor Cesar has time to himself, he enjoys reading a good book while drinking his favorite Starbucks drink. His favorite book is The Prodigal God by Tim Keller, a pastor who wanted to use the story of the prodigal son to spread the message of Jesus’s love and the hope and salvation he provides. In his years of ministry, Pastor Cesar has discovered that faith and prayer can change lives.

“My past experience has only proven one very important thing: that prayer is the only certain method that can improve, enhance, heal, and completely change everything,” Pastor Cesar said.

If students take away one thing from attending NTCA, Pastor Cesar hopes that it is that they are loved and wanted by God, and that nothing can separate them from His love. 

Get to Know Cesar Grassiotto

What’s your favorite movie? Jerry Meguire

What’s your favorite TV show? The Office

Which Bible verse is your favorite? Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Rice and beans with eggplant

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? The power to read minds!

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.

Teacher Spotlight: Michelle Tillman

In her 11 years as an educator, 2nd grade teacher Michelle Tillman’s main goal has always been to inspire children to become excited about learning.

“I was an active participant in the learning process, and I try daily to transfer that approach to my students,” Ms. Tillman said.

Learning has been a passion of Ms. Tillman’s for most of her life. When she was growing up on the island of Trinidad and Tribago, Ms. Tillman first dreamed of being a linguist. In her high school years, she shifted gears, deciding she wanted to become a teacher. She graduated from the University of the South Caribbean and Nova Southeastern University specializing in business management and reading education. 

Education has proven to be a natural fit for Ms. Tillman, who often thinks of others before herself. Of all the superpowers Ms. Tillman could have, she would only want one — to help people see their value. She incorporates this philosophy into her teaching, always making sure her students know she values them.

Thinking of others is so ingrained in Ms. Tillman’s nature that if she won the lottery, her first thought would be to help those in need. Here’s what she said she’d do if she was a lucky lottery winner:

“Nothing. Stop and think,” Ms. Tillman said. “Then drill wells for people who desperately need clean water.”

When she has some time away from the classroom, Ms. Tillman enjoys traveling and going to the beach. Paris is her favorite place she’s been. While taking trips helps Ms. Tillman relax and find inspiration, her true passion lies in her work. 

Teaching at NTCA, Ms. Tillman finds that helping students understand concepts and get excited about learning is the most rewarding part of what she does. By engaging students with hands-on activities and collaboration, she helps students become their best selves. She enjoys teaching in a Christian environment, which allows her to encourage students to excel on an academic and spiritual level.

“They can learn anything, and they are created in the image of God,” Ms. Tillman said.

Get to Know Michelle Tillman

What’s your favorite book? In Harm’s Way by Doug Stanton

What's your favorite movie? The Ultimate Gift and Seabiscuit

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would you choose? Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, Indra Nooyi

What is your favorite Bible verse? Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Fruit: Blueberries/pineapple/bananas/mango/black mission figs.

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.

Teacher Spotlight: Monique Rothe

Monique Rothe on a field trip with her class.

Monique Rothe, NTCA’s upper school humanities teacher, discovered her love of educating others when she started teaching horseback riding lessons at the age of 11.

Growing up in Gray, TN, Ms. Rothe spent every possible minute of her childhood on farms with horses. Her family always had pets, a tradition she carries on with her two cats — Dirty Dan and Pinhead Larry — and two goats — Huckleberry and Jedidiah. Along with the love of animals, her love of teaching started early on. 

A former English teacher of Ms. Rothe’s named Mrs. Greer inspired a love of literature that helped Ms. Rothe decide she wanted to become an English teacher herself. She learned that “literature and writing are LIFE,” a message she passes on to her classes. Ms. Rothe tells new students that they will learn two things: what they think and how to say it well. Over time, she has learned that this simple explanation helps students understand and apply their lessons.

“The biggest influencer is years,” Ms. Rothe said. “When one has taught for a while, it gets easier to see what really matters.”

Monique Rothe in the classroom

Ms. Rothe’s teaching career started in 1992 after she graduated from Southern College of Seventh-Day Adventists (now SAU) as an English and secondary education major. At NTCA, she enjoys working in an atmosphere that respects traditions but always looks for new ways to innovate. Her favorite part of teaching at the academy is the moment when a concept clicks for a student. 

“The best part of my job is seeing students ‘get’ something— anything,” Ms. Rothe said. “When a student suddenly understands or sees the significance or makes a connection, I am high for days.”

Aside from caring for animals and helping students, Ms. Rothe enjoys reading and watching movies. Some of her many favorite movies are The Princess Bride, Pretty Woman, Ever After, Die Hard and all 10 Avengers movies. She enjoys watching TV shows like Parks and Recreation and Firefly. As far as books go, she loves several of them but finds that one book in particular is worth a special mention.

“I love many, many books and keep going back to them for comfort and inspiration,” Ms. Rothe said. “I do think To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the greatest books ever written.”

Monique Rothe with students on spirit week.

Inspiration comes from many places for Ms. Rothe. If she could have dinner with any three people, she would choose author Sir Terry Pratchett, Jonah and Sojourner Truth. She also has a solid plan for winning the lottery. First, she would pay tithe, then she would give chunks of money to family, friends and strangers. She only needs enough to pay off her house, get the boys through college and have a nest egg for retirement. 

“I really mean this,” Ms. Rothe said. “I pray my sinful, selfish nature would not conquer me on this. And I pray God will let me find out soon.”  

Ms. Rothe’s faith also informs her teaching philosophy. If her students take away anything from her classes, she hopes they know that God is real and loves them; she loves them; there is no substitute for taking time to think deeply, and, of course, “Literature and writing are LIFE!”

Monique Rothe, Upper School Humanities Teacher

Get to Know Monique Rathe

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? I know everyone who knows me thinks I will say chocolate. But actually, it would be potatoes because they are very versatile, and I would not get bored.

What’s your favorite place that you have traveled to, or a place you would like to visit? It’s a tie so far. I love Paris— walking along the Seine, eating a crepe, looking at the Eiffel Tower... I love the whole schmaltzy touristy thing. I also love Edinburgh, Scotland, which felt like home the minute I arrived.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Flying. No question. I have had recurring dreams of flying all my life. I love to be in the air.

What did you want to be when you were little? An astronaut, always an astronaut. 

What’s your favorite Bible verse? The two I go by every day are 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Ecclesiastes Chapter 3.

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.

Teacher Spotlight: Seth Fogg

As an athletic director, Seth Fogg aims to engage all of his students while teaching about the importance of taking care of the mind and body.

“I have an advantage of only graduating high school seven years ago, so I remember what it was like and what I was interested in at that age,” Fogg said. “Because of that, I am able to make the learning experience relatable and interactive.“

When he was in school, Fogg always asked if he could go outside during long lectures. This helped shape him into the educator he is today. After his freshman year at Southern Adventist University, he discovered that being a teacher was his calling, and he later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Health and Wellness. 

Outside of school, Fogg lives an active life. Aside from getting workouts in at the gym, he enjoys cycling and playing sports. When he isn’t working out, he enjoys game nights and experiencing new things with his family, including his dog Hoosier, and friends. If he’s spending time at home, he may be watching his favorite TV show, The Office, or his favorite movie, Avengers Endgame. Fogg also enjoys traveling and going to the beach. Of all the places Fogg has traveled to, his favorite was Hawaii, and he would like to one day visit Australia. 

As a child growing up in Indianapolis, Fogg had a few career options in mind. Possible paths he considered, like being a rockstar, professional chef or a pilot, have been a little different from what he has pursued so far. Other options, like becoming a pro athlete or a physical therapist, could have led him directly to where he is today. If he could have dinner with any three people, he would choose pro athlete Payton Manning, talk show host Ellen Degeneres, or his father when he was his age.

Once students have taken his classes, Fogg hopes they understand the importance of taking care of their bodies. He wants students to see PE and health classes as more than just places to learn how to play sports and eat healthy. These classes are meant to teach students to love taking care of their minds and bodies. 

While developing young minds is a reward on its own, Fogg finds the most rewarding part of his job is forming lifelong relationships with students, parents and colleagues. The traditional classroom format did not hold Fogg’s attention when he was in school, so he strives to find the best way to relate to his students. One way he does this is by tailoring his lectures to their interests.

“I have learned to not make my lectures long and boring, filled with facts that my students aren’t interested in,” Fogg said. “Instead, I have learned how to make my lectures short, yet effective and engaging in order to capture the attention of both the daydreamers and the straight A students.”

In addition to embracing the class material, Fogg hopes students leave his class understanding how to treat others with love and respect. 

Get to Know Seth Fogg

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Mind control.

What’s your favorite Bible verse? “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pasta.

What’s your favorite book? Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do? Invest! But also, go on a month-long vacation traveling around Europe.

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.

Teacher Spotlight: Carianna Farfan

As a child growing up in Maine, our middle school humanities teacher Carianna Farfan had many possible career goals in mind: she would one day become a farmer, a doctor, a writer— or maybe even a teacher. 

By the time she started college, Ms. Farfan knew which path she wanted to pursue. She graduated from Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts with a double major in elementary education and psychology. While there wasn’t a single moment of inspiration she can pinpoint, it became clear early on that she wanted to teach others, which she has now been doing for 26 years.

“I don’t know if there was ever a definitive moment; perhaps it was more like a million little moments that just providentially brought me to my calling,” Ms. Farfan said.

The simpler aspects of life, such as the soothing waves of the ocean and warm sand on the beach, are what Ms. Farfan loves the most. She also enjoys going on nature walks with her family, but she sometimes prefers to take a canoe. Of all her travels, the most memorable was canoeing through Scandinavia, a place she considers to be absolutely beautiful. Someday, she would also like to visit Italy.

When Ms. Farfan has time to herself, she enjoys reading a good book with a hot cup of tea. Her favorite book is the Book of Psalms, with “The Secret Garden” as a very close second. If she was only able to eat one food for the rest of her life, she would go with another healthy option— salad. Not only would eating salad lead to a longer life; it can also be prepared in so many ways that she would never get bored of eating it. 

Teaching is Ms. Farfan’s passion, which shines through in her teaching philosophy. Within the last 10 years or so, she has worked to refine her process to create the best possible learning environment. Her classes consist of discussions where every student can share experiences and conversations. This allows for deeper and more meaningful learning. Outside of the classroom, she knows that these students often do not have enough opportunities to express themselves. At North Tampa Christian Academy, she finds it empowering to watch everyone work together to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, especially in this strange and isolated time. 

While watching students express themselves intellectually inspires Ms. Farfan, what she finds most rewarding about her position is having the opportunity to pray with her students. During those moments when their heads are bowed and it’s just God, the teacher, and the students, she finds there is a great deal of power in the classroom. At the end of the day, she hopes her students feel empowered to make a difference in the world. 

“Each student has a story to tell, experiences to relate, and lessons to teach that are valuable and that others need to hear. I hope, with God’s help, they have the courage to share!”

Get to know Carianna Farfan

What is your favorite movie?

The Sound of Music

What is your favorite Bible verse? 

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Do you have any pets?

I have 2 dogs, a jack russell named Scottie and a papidoodle named Luna.

If you could have dinner with any three people, who would you choose?

Eleanor Roosevelt; Mary, the mother of Jesus; and David

If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do?

I’d cry and pray for wisdom.

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.