Administrators
Debra Winkelmann
Interim Head Administrator
Debra Winkelmann serves as the Director of the Preschool and ELS/SOS (Childcare) Departments. Debra grew up attending school at First Baptist Academy and returned in 1996 to begin her teaching career. After dedicating 16 years to teaching Preschool, she transitioned into the Director role. Debra holds a Director’s Administrator Credential in Childcare Management from Texas Childcare Licensing and a bachelor degree in Christian Counseling from Texas University of Theology. She is also currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling, continuing her commitment to professional growth and ministry preparation. She has always felt a clear calling from God to serve in education and spent her childhood dreaming of one day teaching at FBA. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Kingdom Education, Debra considers it a blessing and an honor to serve the families of FBA. It is her heartfelt desire that every child who enters the doors of First Baptist Academy comes to know who Jesus is and how much He loves them. Life Verse: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22–23
Heather O’Donley
Upper School Principal
Heather O’Donley serves as the Principal of First Baptist Academy and has dedicated eleven years to the field of education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Sacramento, her Juris Doctor from the McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific, and her Master of Educational Administration from Lamar University.
Mrs. O’Donley believes that education is both a calling and a ministry. From an early age, she understood that God uses teachers and school leaders to shape hearts, inspire minds, and equip the next generation for His purpose. She entered the field of education with a desire to serve others, encourage students to reach their God-given potential, and create an environment where faith and learning work hand in hand.
Throughout her career, Mrs. O’Donley has served in a variety of educational roles. During her years in the classroom, she taught English I, English II, Business Law, Life, and Health. She also coached middle school volleyball, basketball, and track. As she answered God’s call into educational leadership, she served as an Assistant Principal before becoming a Principal. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to servant leadership and to helping students grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
As Principal of First Baptist Academy, Mrs. O’Donley is passionate about cultivating a Christ-centered school culture where biblical truth is integrated into every aspect of learning. She is committed to partnering with families and faculty to provide an education that develops academic excellence, strong character, and a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ. She believes every child is uniquely created in the image of God, with gifts and talents to be nurtured for His glory.
Mrs. O’Donley’s background as a proud Army daughter, Air Force wife, and Air Force mom has instilled in her the values of faith, perseverance, service, and community. These experiences have shaped her leadership philosophy and strengthened her desire to faithfully serve students, families, and faculty with humility, compassion, and integrity.
Outside of school, Mrs. O’Donley enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending church and Bible study, reading, traveling, swimming, shopping, trying new restaurants, and seeking new adventures. She considers it a blessing to serve at First Baptist Academy and is grateful for the opportunity to invest in students as they grow in wisdom, knowledge, and their relationship with Christ.
Dr. Tina San Roman
Interim Elementary Principal/ACSI Accreditation Lead
Tina San Roman EdD, CSC currently serves as the Interim Elementary Principal and ACSI Accreditation Lead of First Baptist Academy. Mrs. San Roman has a Master of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as a Master of Education in Counseling and Development from Lamar University. She earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. She has served in education and child welfare for 30 years and has been with FBA since 2008 as a parent, teacher, counselor and administrative team member. Her passion to serve the Lord led her to a career as a Christian educator in order to help children find their identity and worth through Christ Jesus. The life verse which has led her through many of life’s trials is our school verse: Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Janene Latka
Curriculum Coordinator
Janene Latka serves as the Curriculum Coordinator and Student Activities Coordinator at FBA. She earned her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Incarnate Word College and specializes in reading, advanced academics, and STEM. After an impressive 26-year career as a public school teacher, she joined the FBA faculty in 2021. However, her connection to FBA began in 2008 as a parent. Both of her sons graduated from FBA and are now pursuing engineering degrees. Janene’s passion for education stems from a desire to nurture young minds, inspire a love of learning, and see students grow academically and spiritually. She chose to be a part of FBA because of its commitment to both academic excellence and strong biblical values, which align with her personal faith and mission. Janene is also involved in ministry, serving as the Children’s Pastor at her church for 25 years. Her guiding scripture is John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Sandy Araya serves as the School Counselor at First Baptist Academy. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies from Nelson University and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling at Wayland Baptist University.
As the wife of a youth pastor and the mom of two proud FBA Eagles, she understands the importance of partnering with families to help students grow into who God has created them to be. She is passionate about helping students succeed not only academically, but emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. She believes every student is uniquely created by God with incredible value and purpose, and she is committed to creating a safe, encouraging environment where students feel seen, heard, and supported. She loves collaborating with parents, teachers, and administrators to help students navigate challenges, celebrate milestones, and flourish both in school and in life.
Outside of school, Mrs. Araya enjoys serving alongside her husband Costa in student ministry, spending time with her kids, discovering a love for running, and never turning down a good hot or iced latte at a cute coffee shop. Her favorite Scripture is Psalm 1:1–3 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”