Kari Richards

I am a Florida native, born in Fort Myers, FL. I found Lake Wales through my church. We went to summer camp at Lake Aurora Christian Camp every summer. I eventually worked on summer staff for several years, loving the impact Christian ministry can have on young people. After graduating college and working as a branch manager for a national bank, my husband and I were asked to serve on Lake Aurora’s permanent staff. He was the Food Service Director and I was the Guest Relations Manager. Being able to be part of an organization that served God daily was uplifting. We have called HighPoint our church home for about 18 years. It was the best decision for a church family we could make! I enjoy reading, spending time with family, and doing anything outside.

 

After serving in that capacity for six years, God led me to teaching. He opened doors only He could since I did not have an education background. I began in Kindergarten for one year and taught First grade for nine years. Then I moved to teach middle school for the next nine. Every experience God has placed me in regarding education has shown me that your mission field is where God sends you - whether it is a church camp, a school, or a bank. I have a passion for educating students to their highest potential, using creative ways to reach them. Like Christ, we meet them where they are and guide them to where they need to be academically. I have seen the difference a smile can make to a student who came to school devastated from something that happened at home. I have seen the support it takes to get a student to finally learn a difficult concept. What it takes is genuine love. Love for your job, love for them, but most importantly, love for God.

 

My relationship with Jesus started when I gave my life to Christ at eight years old at First Christian Church of Ft. Myers. I vividly remember walking down the aisle at church and asking to be baptized at the end of a Sunday evening service in January. I grew up in church and was very involved. I also had positive role models in my family who led me to make good moral decisions based on the Bible. I believe that God is the creator of all things and that He is alive in me. He is my Protector, Director, Advocate, Healer, Miracle Maker, and so much more. The Bible is truth and what I live by each day.  

 

Becoming Director of Providence Academy was a step of faith. Many tireless hours were put into creating this school. It is ordained by God and will thrive because He developed the blueprints. We are following His vision. I am humbled and honored to be in this position and will daily strive to make it the best school for students to gain an excellent education academically and spiritually. My vision is that students will leave our doors with a toolbox that has a firm foundation in faith and a wealth of knowledge to lead their communities through a biblical worldview. 

 

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Milligan University (1995)

Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Grand Canyon University (2010)

Doctorate of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Liberty University (2022)

 

FAMILY:

Husband, Michael, 3 adult children (Emmalee & husband TJ, and Jared) 1 grandchild (Jaxson)