Mike Puskar - Pastor of Worship & Arts - Academy Director -  Mike moved from the West Coast in 1993 and began his education @ Florida Baptist Theological College where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Church Music. He then continued on to Southern Seminary and graduated with a Masters in Worship.  Mike comes from an extensive background in music education.  His family owned and operated a music store in Marin County, West Coast California where he grew up and received his “hands on education.”  Apart from studying many instruments his applied instrument is Guitar.  He uses his gifts at the Church @ the Beach, Gulf Beach Baptist where he serves as Pastor or Worship & Arts.

Kim Strickland - Kim has been the pianist at Gulf Beach Baptist since 2005.  Her high skill of music interpretation and stylistic abilities compliments any style of music.  Kim is a native of Florida and began playing the piano at age 4.  She has served as a church accompanist for over 25 years and has a heart for mentorship so that others may experience the joy of making music.  Kim received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of West Florida and has been a social worker specializing in elder care for 15 years.  Kim is now semi-retired spending time with her family and teaching piano. 

Jason Bennett - Jason is the Music Director at Arnold High School.  Here is a man talented above his time.  His musical skills provide him with the credentials in the instruction of all instruments.  He is a member of the orchestra at Gulf Beach Baptist is has a high demand in our community.  Jason has joined us in 2008

Kristy Pickrell - Kristy’s main focus with the academy is on Vocal training.  She also offers a wide area of training in the arts which she is offering instruction in: theater, drama, music appreciation, and music theory.  She will also be offering piano, guitar at beginning levels.  Kristy serves with the Worship & Arts ministry @ Gulf Beach Baptist as well as with the Student Ministry.

Lisa Adessi - Art

Antonio Adessi - Bass

Misti Roberts - Dance

John Pipkin - Drums/Percussion - John is 23 years old and currently works at Leitz music as Drum sales/Drum Tech/General sales.  He is also an instructor there at Leitz offering voice, guitar, and drums.  John has been playing drums for 18 years; 7 years of those years professionally.  He serves in a local church ministry as Minister of Music, and plays local and distant venues.  John Studies at FSU Tallahassee and Gulf Coast Community College.  He looks to graduate next year in music production technology.

Tatjana Christensen - Accordion/Piano - Tatjana Christensen is an accomplished accordionist from Tallinn, Estonia.  She is a product of two cultures as her mother was Estonian and her father Russian.  Her father bought her first accordion when she was eight years old and they loved to sing while she played.  Tatjana graduated from Tallinn Specialized School of Music after G. Ots., and taught the accordion for twenty-three years before coming to the USA in 1999.  In 2002, She played for visiting Russian Judges at the St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church, churches, local vnues and is a member of the Florida Accordion Association who also performs at their annual meetings in Orlando, FL..  Married to John Christensen, Tatjana is a resident in Panama City.