Sandy Howard is the Founder and Executive Director of Operations at Independence Classical.  Mrs. Howard has spent 26 years in education in many capacities. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, and is still working on her Dual Master's Program to earn both a Masters in Public Education as well as a Licensed Law Masters in Education Law, a program that was derailed with the opening of ICA followed by the diagnoses in 2023 of their youngest daughter with Leukemia.  After narrowly losing a school board race in 2010, she set out to tour schools all over the country trying to establish a baseline for what was working in education as the intent to start her own school was spurred by several political allies. In addition to her travels, reading, and research, Mrs. Howard spent 7 years on the Governing Board at Indian River State College, after being appointed by then Governor Scott to the Regional Board of Trustees.  This is where she developed even more insight as to the learning loss happening in K-12 education, as the number of college-ready students was decreasing annually.  The many years of travel, research, and service culminated in the founding of ICA.

As an outdoor enthusiast, Mrs. Howard spends any free time she has in the woods and on the water, where she enjoys fishing and alligator hunting with her husband David, who is the proud owner of his family's garage door business he has been running for over 26 years.  Together they have 6 children, 5 daughters and 1 son between the ages of 8 and 33 years old: a sign language interpreter in education, a stay at home mom to our beautiful baby granddaughter, a US Marine currently stationed overseas in Japan, a young artist living on the west coast of Florida, a Teacher's Assistant and future Middle/High Art Teacher here at ICA (proud mom moment), and our youngest is still smiling through her battle and will be starting 3rd grade here at ICA! Mrs. Howard is looking forward to overseeing the expansion project this year, and getting more involved in athletics, and attending more of the events our Anglers participate in.

Mrs. McFarland is a devoted wife, mother, and lifelong resident of St. Lucie County. Driven by a deep passion for education, she began her career teaching adult learners for 10 years before transitioning to the K–12 system as a 5th grade math teacher. In 2022, she joined ICA as a science teacher and soon returned to her roots in math, where she inspired students with her engaging and thoughtful approach to teaching.

Mrs. McFarland holds a Master of Accounting degree and is certified to teach both Math and Science for grades 5–9 and Elementary K-6. Her strong academic background compliments her new leadership role as Assistant Principal. In this position, she is dedicated to supporting and fostering growth among teachers, helping to cultivate a collaborative and encouraging environment that empowers educators and strengthens the school community.

Outside of school, Rebekah is an active 4-H leader, mentoring youth as they develop life skills, responsibility, and confidence. Her commitment to lifelong learning and service makes her a valued leader both inside and outside the classroom.

Jessica Chancey has dedicated the past 15 years to the field of education, serving in a variety of non-instructional roles across private, public, and charter schools. As lifelong resident of St. Lucie County, she and her husband have raised their four children on a farm in west Fort Pierce, deeply rooting their family in the local community.

Mrs. Chancey has been an integral part of ICA since its opening in 2020. She began her journey as the School Secretary, working in the front office for the first 2.5 years before transitioning into her current role as Dean of Scholars. In this position, she brings a deep passion for supporting and mentoring students. Her approach centers on building strong relationships with both students and families, guiding scholars to grow into the best versions of themselves.

One of the core virtues at ICA is integrity, and Mrs. Chancey strongly emphasizes the importance of students modeling this essential character trait. Her leadership and commitment to student development continue to make a lasting impact within the school community.

With over 25 years of experience in education, Danny Mullins brings a wealth of knowledge and
passion to his role as Director of Student Services. His career began in Okeechobee,
Florida—where education was truly a family tradition. His father served as Superintendent of
Schools, and his mother was the Provost of Indian River Community College.
Mr. Mullins earned his undergraduate degree in education from the University of Central Florida
and later received a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University.
He joined ICA at its founding in 2020 and quickly found what he describes as his “forever
home.” Known for his dedication to students and commitment to fostering growth, Mr. Mullins
also helped launch ICA’s first golf club, combining his love for the sport with his passion for
student engagement.
Outside of school, Mr. Mullins enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, and two
grandchildren. He is an avid golfer and values time on the course as much as time in the
classroom.

My family and I have been involved with Independence Classical Academy since its inception. My husband served on the Board of Directors, and our son began attending in first grade. Prior to joining ICA in 2023, I spent ten years in the nonprofit sector in a leadership role, where I managed budgets, oversaw staff, and ensured compliance with grant requirements. My husband and I have been married for 24 years and have three children, as well as a soon-to-be daughter-in-law. Our oldest son, 24, is beginning his career in politics as a legislative aide to a Florida State Representative. Our daughter, 19, is a Pre-Veterinary/Animal Science major at Louisiana State University, and our youngest son is currently a fifth-grade student at ICA.

At ICA, I oversee the Business Office, which includes responsibilities such as registration and enrollment, marketing, student life, assessments, and more. I also serve as Board Liaison, acting as a communication bridge between ICA families and the Board of Directors to ensure concerns and feedback are clearly conveyed and appropriately addressed.