Meet the CCA Staff
The educators and administrators who make Champions Christian Academy a place where every student is known, supported, and given the opportunity to discover their God-given potential.
Joseph Torregrasso, Ed.D
Co-Founder & Executive Director
[email protected]Originally from Buffalo, New York, Dr. Torregrasso relocated to Southwest Florida in 2010. He earned his Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University in 2011 and has spent much of his career working with students who needed a different path to educational success. More than a decade ago, he was given the opportunity to help open a public charter high school in Lee County, where he saw firsthand that students who struggle in traditional settings need more than another program — they need a real second chance. That vision led to the creation of Champions Christian Academy: a school culture where students are known, supported, challenged, and given the opportunity to move forward regardless of past obstacles. His work in education has never been about a career or a paycheck — it is about impact. When we help one student earn a diploma, we help open the door to college, career training, military service, employment, and greater opportunities for the future.
Lorena Peters, M.S. Ed.
Co-Founder & Principal
[email protected]For Mrs. Peters, education has never simply been a career — it has been a calling that began in a Christian school classroom in Miami, where she taught high school science at Redland Christian Academy and fell in love with education. She holds a Master's Degree in School Counseling and a Bachelor of Science with studies in psychology and education, and has continued her education through doctoral studies. Across her career she has served students as a science teacher, Spanish teacher, school counselor, educational administrator, and principal — roles that taught her to look beyond a grade, a test score, or a mistake and see the young person behind it. After moving to Southwest Florida, much of her career became dedicated to alternative education: students who came to school carrying burdens far heavier than any backpack. Those students changed her as an educator and became part of the foundation of Champions Christian Academy — a school where students are known by name, where academic expectations remain high but grace is present, and where faith is part of the foundation upon which young people build their lives. Her message to every student: Your mistakes do not define you. Your struggles do not disqualify you. Your story is not finished.
Heidy Thomas
Office Manager & Registrar
[email protected]Hello, Panthers! Mrs. Thomas serves as the Office Manager and Registrar at Champions Christian Academy. After many years as a stay-at-home mom — an experience that taught her the importance of patience, compassion, family, and being present for the people who depend on you — she began working in education after moving from Miami to Southwest Florida. For approximately ten years she has worked closely with students and families, building relationships that continue long after students leave. She has watched students arrive discouraged, behind in credits, or questioning whether graduation was even possible — and has had the privilege of watching many of those same students overcome obstacles and earn the diploma they worked so hard for. Her goal is to be a source of comfort, strength, and encouragement for every student and parent who crosses our path: to every student, you never have to walk this journey alone.
Abraham Aristizabal
Information Specialist & Office Secretary
[email protected]Abraham serves as the Information Specialist and Office Secretary at Champions Christian Academy. Christian education has been part of his life from an early age — he attended Redland Christian Academy in Miami for both middle and high school, where he experienced firsthand the value of learning in an environment where education, relationships, and faith come together. He is continuing his education at Florida SouthWestern State College, pursuing an associate degree in Human Services with a long-term goal of becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. At CCA, his responsibilities include supporting the day-to-day operations of the school, assisting students and families, maintaining information and records, and helping the administrative team keep things running smoothly. He believes every student deserves to feel welcomed, respected, and supported — especially during times when they may be struggling or trying to find their direction.
Kevin Fealy
Teacher
[email protected]Kevin Fealy is a dedicated teacher, church elder, youth leader, and community-minded professional whose life and work reflect a strong commitment to faith, family, mentorship, and service. A resident of Lehigh Acres, he has been married to his wife, JoAnne, for 34 years and is the proud father of two sons and grandfather to Jaxson and Kieran. Kevin serves as an Elder at Rise Christian Church in Lehigh Acres and is certified in Christian Counseling. With nearly 40 years of experience in sales management — spanning home furnishings in both domestic and international markets — he brings deep skills in communication, training, and relationship building, along with the perspective of a licensed Realtor. As a youth leader, Kevin is passionate about mentoring the next generation: creating safe, encouraging spaces where young people can build character, strengthen their faith, and grow in confidence.
Tyler Gould
Science Teacher
[email protected]Mr. G, as his students call him, is the science teacher at Champions Christian Academy. Over the past five years he has taught students across a wide range of age groups — from early childhood learners taking their first steps into science to older students preparing for college-level coursework — developing a versatile teaching style that adapts to each student's learning needs. He is passionate about hands-on, experiential learning: students gain deeper, more lasting understanding when they actively engage with carefully designed experiments, projects, and interactive lessons that make science relatable to everyday life. His goal is to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a genuine passion for discovery. Teaching at a Christian academy is especially meaningful to him — he values helping students see the connections between their scientific studies and their faith, appreciating the wonder and order in God's creation, while nurturing the whole child academically, spiritually, and morally.
Johnni Meadows
English & Art Teacher
[email protected]Johnni Meadows is a dedicated educator specializing in middle and high school English and Art, with a passion for helping students discover the power of their own voice. For Johnni, literature and art are more closely connected than they may first appear — whether a student is analyzing a story, writing an essay, developing a character, or creating something on canvas, each experience is an opportunity to think deeply, communicate authentically, and see the world from a different perspective. Johnni believes one of the most meaningful things an educator can do is create a classroom where students feel safe enough to ask questions, take creative risks, make mistakes, and try again. Not every student expresses themselves the same way: some find their voice through writing, others through discussion, and others through color, design, or visual expression. What matters is helping each student recognize that their ideas, experiences, and perspectives have value — and that growth does not require perfection. When not in the classroom, Johnni enjoys exploring local galleries and getting lost in a good book.