East Pasco Adventist Academy
Meet Our Faculty
Jesse Benton
Principal
I am originally from Maryland, where I went to school for all of my education. I started at Mt. Aetna Elementary school and moved on to Highland View Academy for high school. Later, I attended Columbia Union College that was just a little over an hour from where I grew up. After college I returned to teach History at my alma mater, Highland View Academy. I taught there for 9 years. Later, I moved to Florida to continue my teaching career. First in Gainesville at Z.L Sung Adventist Academy and then to EPAA a year later. I met the love of my life, Tarah (Solie) Benton in 2002. We got married in 2005 and had ourdaughter, Odessa, in 2011. Tarah is an EPAA alumnus and grew up in the Zephyrhills area. I enjoy riding my bike, fishing, reading and (most of all) spending time with my family. We like to travel and are looking forward to doing some travelling, and making lasting memories, in the coming months and years.
In addition to my job as Principal at EPAA, I teach High School History and PE for the upper grades students.
Tarah Benton
VPK
Mrs. Tarah Benton is starting her 12th year at EPAA. After working as an aide in the 1st and 2nd grade classroom for two years, she had the opportunity to become a certified VPK instructor and begin teaching in a classroom of her own. She now also holds her Florida VPK Director credential. Tarah is a proud alumna of EPAA, having attended as a student from 2nd through 10th grade. A graduate of Southern Adventist University, Tarah holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and worked several years in the book publishing industry as a book editor and page designer. She feels blessed to now have the opportunity to work at EPAA, where she can be with her family all together in the same place every day. Tarah is married to Jesse Benton, EPAA’s principal, and together they have a daughter, Odessa, who is in the 10th grade at EPAA. In her free time, Tarah enjoys reading, puzzles, traveling, and all things Disney.
Perla Botomo
Kindergarten
Five years ago, God brought me here from the State of Texas where I worked as an elementary bilingual teacher for six years, but I am from Venezuela where I completed my university studies. One of the roles that I enjoy the most is being the mother of my three children, my princess Esmeralda 20, and my two princes José 15 and Miguel 7. I love the beach, I enjoy exploring and being in contact with nature with my family. I also like many sports, but I don't practice any.
Christine Cathian
Grades 1-2
We are excited that Mrs. Cathian has joined our East Pasco team this year!
Elben Bais
Grades 3-4
We are pleased to have Mr. Bais at EPAA for the second year.
Emily Martinez
Grades 5&6 Homeroom
Grades 5-9 Language Arts
Ms. Martinez is a wonderful part of our team here at EPAA.
Nirva Joseph
Grades 7&8 Homeroom
Grades 5-9 Math & Science
Nirva Joseph is in her 21st year as a teacher within the Seventh-day Adventist school system, and her 12th year at EPAA. This is her 7th year as vice-principal at EPAA. She teaches Math grades 5-10, and High School Science. Mrs. Joseph strives to create a Christ-centered classroom that nurtures growth in a positive, fun environment. She received her B.A. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Social Studies from Andrews University, in 2005. In 2010, she went on to receive her M.A. degree in Educational Administration from the University of Phoenix. Mrs. Joseph is married to Elysee Joseph and has two wonderful children, Ethan and Ella, who are students at EPAA. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, meeting new people, and spending time with her family, as well as serving our church community helping in Pathfinders.
Abbey Reyna
9th Grade Homeroom
Grades 5-9 Social Studies & Health
Mr. Reyna's positive energy is a great asset to our school.
Elizabeth Heinrich
Pre-K-9th Grade Art
Pre-K-4th P.E.
Elizabeth Heinrich has a BS degree in Elementary Education from Union College with emphasises in Art, History, Religion, Science, and Language Arts. Her teaching career is a wide range from 6 grades in a room teacher, co-principal, group and private tutor to substitute teacher. She is thrilled to be teaching extra curricular classes at East Pasco after many years of volunteering at the school.