LEADERSHIP
Pastor Tom Odom
Founder & President
Pastor Tom Odom grew up in a pastor’s home and trusted Christ as his Savior at an early age. Having attended Christian school from kindergarten through high school graduation, he has personally experienced the lasting influence that a Christ-centered education can have on a young person’s life.
Pastor Odom earned a Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree and a Master of Ministry degree from The Crown College in Powell, Tennessee. He also serves as a Regional Vice President for The Crown College.
Since entering pastoral ministry in 1999, Pastor Odom has devoted his life to serving the Lord and helping others follow Christ. He has served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Southwest Broward since March 2008. In 2011, he and his wife, Carolyn, founded First Baptist Academy with just twenty-three students. By God’s grace, the Academy has grown into a thriving ministry that partners with Christian families to provide a Bible-centered, academically excellent education while preparing the next generation to know Christ and serve Him with their lives. The mission of developing the mind of Christ in the leaders of tomorrow is reflected in every aspect of First Baptist Academy.
Pastor Tom and Carolyn were married in 1999 and are blessed with four children: David (married to Madi), Tori, Maddie, and Nathan. As a family, they enjoy the South Florida sunshine, swimming, traveling, and discovering great coffee along the way.
Carolyn Odom
Co-Founder & Registrar
Carolyn Odom serves as the Co-Founder and Registrar of First Baptist Academy alongside her husband, Pastor Thomas Odom. She has faithfully served in ministry for over 27 years and as a pastor’s wife for 18 years, with a heart for Christian education, families, and discipleship.
Raised in Michigan, Mrs. Odom attended Christian school and later earned a degree in Business. In addition to her role at the academy, she leads ladies ministry and enjoys encouraging women in their walk with Christ.
Mrs. Odom and Pastor Odom have four children who have been actively involved in the ministry and school, with two currently serving on staff. One daughter is graduating this year, while their youngest attends the elementary program at FBA. Through her leadership and service, Mrs. Odom is passionate about helping students grow academically, spiritually, and personally as they develop the mind of Christ.
Daniel Platt
Head of Schools
Daniel Platt has served as the Head of Schools since 2025, providing Christ-centered leadership with a heart for students, families, and Christian education. He has faithfully taught at the academy and served as the High School Dean since 2013. He earned a Bachelor of Biblical Studies, a Master of Ministry, a Master of Biblical Studies, and a Master of Divinity from Crown College. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree at Luther Rice University.
In addition to his role at the school, Daniel serves as the Youth Pastor of First Baptist Church, where he is passionate about discipling and encouraging the next generation to follow Christ. His desire is to cultivate an environment where students are challenged academically while growing spiritually in their walk with the Lord. He is thankful for the faithful support of his beautiful wife and their two sons as they serve the Lord together.
Lydia Platt
High School Principal
Lydia Marie Platt is a daughter of the King, a wife to an amazing husband, a mom to two wonderful boys, and a youth leader at her church. If it were not for her Christian school education, she does not believe she would be where she is today. The Lord used Lydia’s Christian school experience to help guide her in following His will for her life.
Lydia Platt chose to attend Crown College because she believed the Lord was leading her into ministry. While there, Lydia met her husband, Daniel, who was studying Pastoral Ministries. He now serves as the Head of Schools at FBA and as the Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church. She later earned her Master’s degree in Christian School Administration through Crown College as well.
Lydia has been teaching at FBA for 13 years. During that time, she has taught math for grades 4 through 12, along with Girls Bible, Girls Health, and Speech and Drama classes. In addition to teaching, Lydia manage tuition and fee schedules, Step Up Scholarships, dual enrollment, and serve as the school’s SIS Administrator.
David Odom
Middle School Principal
Mr . Odom joined FBA as a faculty 2023. Before this he was a student at FBA during our first year in operation and graduated from FBA in 2019. He served as a teacher for his first two years on faculty and in 2025 he became our Middle School Principal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry and a master’s degree in Education from Crown College.
Growing up in a Christian school developed Mr . Odom’s passion for Christian education. This passion has led him to continue to develop a Christ-centered environment at FBA where students can grow spiritually, academically, and skillfully.
Jeannie Taggart
Elementary Principal
Jeannie Taggart joined First Baptist Academy in 2017. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and Church Leadership, along with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. As Elementary Principal, she feels blessed to combine her passion for Christian education, her love for children, and her desire to serve the Lord each day. It is a special joy for her to serve in the same community where she grew up and to invest back into the area that helped shape her life and faith.
One of Mrs. Taggart’s greatest blessings is seeing the lasting impact of investing in students’ lives and watching former students grow into young men and women who love the Lord and pursue His purpose for their lives. She is honored to partner with families in helping students grow academically, spiritually, and personally in a Christ-centered environment.
Jorge Tabora
Elementary Dean
Sylvia Tabora
Elementary Dean
Michelle Rabe
Fine Arts Director
First Baptist Academy’s Fine Arts Director, Chelle Rabe, has faithfully served at the academy since 2016 and began leading the Fine Arts Department in 2025. Over the years, she has invested deeply in the students and music ministry of the school, using her experience and passion for Christian education to encourage excellence both spiritually and artistically. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Religious Education with an emphasis in Music from West Coast Baptist College, where she further developed her heart for ministry and music.
In addition to her role at the academy, Chelle faithfully serves as the primary pianist at First Baptist Church. Through her ministry, she accompanies the church choir, vocal ensembles, special music groups, and congregational singing each week. Her desire is to honor and serve the Lord through music and to use her abilities to point others to Christ in every area of ministry.
Chelle is passionate about helping students grow in both character and talent, encouraging them to use their God-given gifts for His glory. She counts it a privilege to serve alongside her wonderful husband, Mark, and together they are blessed with two daughters.
Matthew Sibert
Chief Financial Officer
Matthew Sibert serves as the Chief Financial Officer, overseeing key nonacademic departments including finance, payroll, operations, and facilities. In addition to his administrative leadership responsibilities, he also serves as the Administrative Pastor of First Baptist Church. Matthew joined the staff in 2013 shortly after graduating from The Crown College of the Bible with a degree in Pastoral Ministries.
Since that time, he has worked to support both the ministry and operational growth of the church and school through faithful leadership and service. He has also overseen the development of the new Family Life Center, helping guide the planning and operational coordination of the project as part of the continued growth and vision of the ministry.
Originally from Cincinnati, Matthew has a passion for Bible study, travel, finance, entrepreneurship, and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Sarah Sibert, are blessed with three children: their daughters Abigail and Autumn, and their son Seth.
Sarah Sibert
Preschool Director
Sarah Sibert serves as the Preschool Director, Nursery Director, Hospitality Director, pastor’s wife, and mother of three. She is passionate about serving children, families, and her church community with love and dedication.
At First Baptist Academy and First Baptist Church, Sarah oversees the preschool and nursery ministries, working to maintain a safe, nurturing environment while communicating closely with parents and volunteers. As Hospitality Director, she helps organize meals and support for new mothers and families with additional needs.
Serving alongside her husband in ministry, Sarah strives to encourage others and support the mission of the church with a Christ-centered heart. As a mother of three, she understands the importance of faith, family, and creating environments where children and families can grow and thrive.