Dr. Mercy Nyman –Headmaster & Founder
Mercy Nyman began her education career in 1985. She has held positions both inside the classroom, teaching every age group from infants to adults, for 20 years, and outside the classroom as an education administrator since 2005. She conceptualized and founded The Key to Learning, a student-centric, holistic and non-traditional educational experience for students of all abilities, in 2017.
Nyman received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Saint Thomas University in 1989. She received her first Master of Arts in Early Education in 1991 from Nova Southeastern University, her second and third Masters of Arts in Supervision and Administration and in Curriculum and Instruction in 2007 from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Leadership in 2013. Nyman’s post-doctoral work is focused on behavioral analysis, specifically the nexus of non-heteronormative behavioral qualities and learning.
She is the author of Dynamics in Early Education, How High Can You Fly curriculum guide, Early Literacy One Letter at a Time, and Oral Language Development and High-Stakes Testing.
Nyman lives in Clermont, FL with her loving husband, Keith Winn, their terrier mix, Bailey, and their tabby cat, Jamie. Her daughter, Kristen Nyman, lives in Las Vegas, Nevada and works at a big technology firm.
Cathy Hernandez — Administrator
Mrs. Cathy joins The Key to Learning this year to fill the role of Administrator, working both on campus and remotely. Although she is new to TK2L, she is not new to Christian school leadership. She has over 14 years experience in bookkeeping & office management at First United Methodist Church & Christian School in Homestead, FL. Cathy brings to The Key her organizational skills, attention to detail, budgeting, and experience working with people in many different ministries. She has 3 grown daughters and has always been actively involved in their lives from co-leading their Girl Scouts troops and volunteering with school & group activities to planning quinceañera parties and weddings. Upon becoming an “empty nester” in 2020, she & her husband retired, sold their house, and bought an RV to travel around the U.S. full time! They’ve seen 21 states so far and enjoy RV life, but have decided to put down roots in Sebring, FL and save the RV for occasional trips. In addition to traveling in the RV, her hobbies include spending time with her two grandchildren, visiting Disney, and cruising.
In her spare time, she also works as an independent Travel Agent where her attention to detail allows her to plan the perfect vacation or cruise for her clients. She is looking forward to utilizing her God-given gifts and talents working with the staff and families of TK2L.
Keith Winn — IT Director
Keith Winn did not start out in the computer field. A long time aviation buff, he attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he obtained a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering 1989. After using computers to design aircraft components for the US Navy and several aerospace companies, he decided in 1996 to leave the aerospace industry and work with computers full time. His first computer job was working for a small computer company as a technician running cables and troubleshooting computers and networks. This soon led to a jobs at Ryder Systems, Willow CSN and RightForce before helping found Wurlwind Solutions. He then left Wurlwind Solutions to begin teaching Math and Science in 2015. In 2017, when The Key started, he was the first Teacher. As The Key grew, he designed and built the IT infrastructure needed to support the students, Teachers and Staff. He continues to fully support the infrastructure along with every aspect of the school that supports the mission and vision of The Key.
Winn lives in Clermont, FL and is the husband of the Founder & Headmaster, Dr. Mercy Nyman.
Brittney Bell — Assistant Principal Elementary
Brittney Bell graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Art’s in Exceptional Student Education. She spent her spare time in high school volunteering with a local farm assisting with therapeutic horseback riding for riders with disabilities. She has always had the calling to help the special needs community.
She has worked at The Key to Learning since 2018. During the last six years, she has been the Kindergarten and First Grade lead teacher and the Accommodations Specialist. While in these positions, she effectively creates and implements individualized student learning plans while providing a fun and engaging learning environment. In the Accommodations Specialist role, she makes all 504 plans for our students and ensures all Accommodation needs are met. Now she will also assume the role of Assistant Principal of the Elementary. While serving in this role, she hopes to support and guide the staff and students in any situation that might arise.
When she is not at school, Brittney spends time with her family. She is raising two adventurous little boys with her husband in Howey in the Hills. They spend much of their spare time camping and exploring new places.
Tiffany Dyer — Assistant Principal Secondary
Tiffany Dyer serves as Assistant Principal of Secondary here at The Key to Learning with Dr. Nyman. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and is currently pursuing a Master of Education degree from American College of Education. During her time in college, she taught After-School Care, Musical Theatre, 2nd grade, 4th grade, Middle School Study Hall, and American Sign Language at First United Methodist Christian School in Homestead, FL.
Ms. Dyer began her career at The Key to Learning with Dr. Nyman in 2022 as the Teacher Assistant with Crew 4:7. She was later called to transition to be a Middle School Teacher of English, Social Studies, and ASL. Through her passion to reach every student, she has helped implement creative and collaborative lessons in the classroom with a focus on differentiation. Last year, she took on the additional responsibilities of planning events for Secondary and provided meaningful memories for secondary students like the school yearbook, prom, class parties, and graduation. This year, she has been chosen to join the Leadership Team in an effort to help the school thrive. As Assistant Principal of Secondary, Ms. Dyer will now be able to effectively reach wider, supporting staff with the tools and ideas that reach every student’s needs.
Before working at The Key to Learning with Dr. Nyman, Ms. Dyer served in various positions for multiple non-profit organizations (Founding Member of Alpha Chi Omega: Kappa Upsilon Chapter, Vice-President of Beale Spouses Club, and Executive Board Member for Beale Women of the Chapel, among other leadership roles), creating and implementing policies that allowed the non-profits to grow and flourish.