Dr. Randy & Dottie Smith
FOUNDER
Randall D. Smith, Ph.D has pastored three local churches over the last thirty-five years, while directing international educational programs for Christian Travel Study Programs, Inc., an organization offering study trips to Europe and Bible lands for more than three decades. This is the organization through which our students travel to Israel each spring. Dr. Smith and his wife Dottie have three talented children who are all grown, and three handsome grandsons. He thoroughly enjoys archaeology, traveling, and learning. In his “spare time” he studies art, literature, and designs travel itineraries. Besides the time we get with him, he teaches more than half of the year in the places where Biblical events unfolded. When he is in Florida, he is teaching at GCBI as an incredibly gifted presenter, teaching the Hebrew and Aramaic Scriptures (Old Testament). GCBI students benefit from his extensive education and insight while learning from him in their academic year.
Leroy & Lacey Miller
Directors
Hi everyone, we’re Lee and Lacey Miller, the directors of the program. We both attended GCBI in the 2016/2017 school year, where we met, fell in love, and eventually got married. After serving as Ra’s following our graduation we served as youth directors in a local church for four years before coming back to GCBI as the discipleship directors. Here, we have grown to love walking with students and staff through the joys and challenges of life. Currently, we oversee the day-to-day operations, help with vision and direction, and participate in most other activities and events that happen. Lee is also an arborist with his own tree business and Lacey stays busy as a full-time mom and event planner for GCBI.
Robert and Ruth Miller
Maintenance and Grounds
We are Robert and Ruth Miller from Fredericksburg, Ohio; we moved onto the property 2 years ago, and are so excited to welcome GCBI! We will serve as the maintenance and grounds personnel, as well as overseers for all gardening and flower farming. Most of all we hope to establish meaningful friendships with students and staff.
Shannon O’Brien
STAFF
Hi everyone! I’m Shannon, the Academic Director for GCBI, and a class of 2019 alumna. I am a Pennsylvania native, but have lived in Florida since I moved here as a student 5 years ago. I love reading, adventuring, cats, and ice cream. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Classical Liberal Arts, a Master's of Education, and am responsible for all things academic (syllabus, rubrics, grading, etc.) other than teaching class itself. I look forward to encouraging students’ growth and walk with the Lord through our academics
2024-2025 Resident Assistants
RILEY MCCHESSNEY | ELIJAH HUNTER | CALEB BUEHRER | JANESSA HOCHSTETLER |
Hey there! We are the RA’s for the class of 2024-25! We are so excited to meet you and walk alongside you as you enter into this next chapter of your life. We are so excited to see what God will do in your life not only during your GCBI year but also throughout your whole life. Looking forward to meeting and doing life with you!
Dominic LaRovere
STAFF
Hi, my name is Dominic LaRovere. I moved to Florida in 2021 to attend GCBI and haven’t left since because the Lord has captured my heart with His word and His Son. I have a passion for pastoral ministry and mission work. I currently operate as a resident director, helping oversee RA’s, and as a video marketer for the school! I love capturing and sharing what God is doing through film and have also been blessed, increasingly, with the opportunity to teach.
Gracie Sitek
STAFF
Hi everyone! I’m Gracie from Frostproof, FL and a GCBI class of 2023 alumni. I love reading, coffee, watching movies, and thrifting. I’m the campus administrative assistant here at GCBI and responsible for host family communications and everyday campus life. I’m thankful to be a part of GCBI in equipping the next generation of disciple makers.