Christy Perez
Founder & Principal
Christy studied Bible and Missions at William Tyndale College before moving to Florida to pursue her dream to work in missions. When she first began homeschooling, she opened a Montessori style co-op in her home. She also helped start a homeschool co-op while simultaneously church planting in Utah.
Christy has been home educating her three children and teaching from her gifting and passion for about 10 years, focusing on middle school and high school level courses. These include English Grammar and Writing, Logic, Apologetics, Spanish, Art and champion teams in Competitive Mock Trial. She also developed her own curriculum for teaching calligraphy in groups and has taught individual piano lessons for several years. She paints large scale murals and guest leads worship at churches in her free time.
She is passionate about seeing the light bulb moments when a student has a new realization or finally understands something they've been struggling to learn. Christy’s emphasis is on challenging young people to stand up for Christ in today's ever changing spiritual climate.
Shelley Benn
Founder, Board of Directors
Shelley Benn has been homeschooling her two boys for the past 13 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science, MCL in Communications and Marketing. She obtained her Master's in Communications Management in Sydney, Australia, while serving as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar. Before being called to school her children at home, she worked as a Broadcast Manager and Television Producer in International Broadcast Marketing at Walt Disney World Resort. Both of her sons graduated from Lamplighter Academy.
As a founding Board Member for Lamplighter Academy, she is passionate about playing a role in raising a generation of young Christian leaders and life long learners who love the Lord and are equipped to make a Kingdom impact.
Like Charlotte Mason, she believes that "education is about helping a child grow through all areas of life and that a child is a person and we must educate the whole person not just his mind."
Mike Benn
Founder, Board of Directors
Mike was the Vice President of Business Development at The Walt Disney Company. He has his Executive MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. He has been an elder at Mosaic Church, where he and his family have attended for many years. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Lamplighter Academy family, along with his passion for Christ and home education.