Meet Our Board of Directors
Samsula Academy is more than just a place for learning; it’s a community dedicated to shaping young minds. Our Board of Directors are fervent advocates for excellence, guiding our school with a clear vision for the future. Together, we strive to cultivate a safe and inspiring atmosphere where every child can explore their potential. Our dedication to ongoing improvement reaffirms our commitment to education and success. Discover how we can make a difference together!
jselton@samsulaacademy.com
John is a dedicated parent of two current Samsula Academy students with a third child set to enroll in the coming years. He brings over a decade of leadership and management experience as the owner and operator of his own company. His strong ties to the local community, coupled with his hands-on volunteerism and active involvement at the school, make him a deeply invested stakeholder in Samsula Academy’s success. Appointed as Board of Directors Chair within six months of joining, John was recognized for his exceptional engagement and leadership potential. He has completed formal governance training, participated in ongoing professional development through webinars and workshops, and maintains close communication with Building Hope, the school’s charter support unit, to ensure compliance with best practices. As Chair, he has guided the Board through complex challenges, including personnel transitions, resolution of formal grievances, and securing critical resources during periods of leadership change. In addition to his governance role, he serves as a parent liaison and frequently supports campus operations, including facilities management. His business acumen, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to Samsula Academy’s mission make him a highly effective and respected leader.
baldwind@samsulaacademy.com
David has been a valued member of the local community for over 12 years. He joined the Samsula Academy Board of Directors in early 2025 after being invited by a friend to lend his expertise during a time when the school was facing significant challenges. What began as a call to help quickly evolved into a deep commitment to supporting the success and sustainability of this historic school. David brings a unique combination of experience in facilities management, commercial real estate, and clinical psychology. After retiring from a successful career as a commercial real estate broker, he earned advanced degrees in developmental and clinical psychology, including a doctorate. He has worked extensively with children, families, educators, and school systems in his role as a clinical psychologist, making him especially attuned to the social and emotional dynamics of a school community. In addition to his role at Samsula Academy, David also serves on two other boards managing real estate holdings. His professional insight, steady leadership, and community-minded approach make in an invaluable member of the board.
awilliams@samsulaacademy.com
Amanda is a licensed Florida CPA (License #AC38661) with nearly two decades of experience in corporate accounting and financial management. She currently serves as a Senior Director of Corporate Accounting at NASCAR, where she oversees a large team and leads initiatives related to accounts receivable, revenue recognition, system integrations, and financial compliance. Her expertise includes leading workday implementations, coordinating with legal teams on contractual revenue planning, and managing multimillion-dollar revenue streams. Amanda holds a master’s in business administration and has been a licensed CPA since 2006. Her strong financial acumen and leadership in high-stakes environments make her an invaluable asset to the Samsula Academy Board of Directors, particularly in her role as Treasurer. In addition to her professional qualifications, Amanda is an actively engaged parent with a student currently enrolled at Samsula Academy. She has been involved in the school community for several years, bringing a thoughtful, balanced perspective to board decisions. Her blend of professional expertise and personal investment in the school’s success ensures responsible stewardship of Samsula’s finances and long-term sustainability.
amichaelis@samsulaacademy.com
Amy is an educational leader, nonprofit founder, and passionate advocate for student success. A long-time supporter of Samsula Academy, Amy is the proud parent of three Samsula alumni, with her youngest recently graduating from Samsula. Her connection to the school spans many years and is rooted in both personal investments, professionally as the former ESE Director, and is deep commitment to its mission. Professionally, Amy holds a doctorate in educational leadership and curriculum and instruction. She brings to the board extensive experience in school governance, curriculum development, teacher training, and organizational growth. She has written policies, developed innovative student support systems, and led multi-agency collaborations in the education and behavioral health sectors. Amy brings a powerful voice to the Board of Directors. One that honors tradition, champions students, and builds toward a sustainable and impactful future for Samsula Academy.
