Director of Instructional Technology & Innovation / Director of eSports
meggert@ocsrams.org
Apple Distinguished Educator - Class of 2015 & Apple Teacher 

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
2019

EDUCATION
MS EDMT, Full Sail University

BS Chemistry Education, Florida Institute of Technology

FUN FACT
He has a passion for chemistry and enjoys activities related to Mr. Wizard and Steve Spangler

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
Senior Ski Trip

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
1 Corinthians 12:31

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream. Coke Zero. Waterloo Grape

Matt has served in education for over 23 years and is passionate about creating new and engaging educational opportunities for students through the use of innovative technology. Mr. Eggert believes that K-12 education should equip students, as digital natives, through the use of technology in the classroom. As a former classroom teacher, he also strives to create an ecosystem for teachers that is intuitive, boundless, and always available to shift the focus from technology to student-centered and personalized learning.

Serving Orangewood since 2019, he has led the Apple Distinguished School (ADS) initiative through the innovative "iLearn at OCS" program. iLearn ensures Orangewood’s technology is consistent for everyone, reliable, and most importantly SAFE.  The ADS program allows Orangewood to participate in global initiatives and research projects.

His contributions to the advancement of education through the use of technology have earned him the honored title of Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE). As a member of the ADE community, he will continue to be an ambassador and advocate of new technologies for education. He has publications on the ADE forum where he shares his uniqueness as a Christian educator in a very secular arena.  Additionally, he has brought access and opportunities to collaborate with colleagues worldwide to turn fresh, new ideas into educational realities here at Orangewood.

Matt and his wife Angel are proud parents of Ava Grace 15, and Dax Matthew 5, who love being a Ram4Life. Ava Grace will be in the OCS graduating class of 2027 and she has enjoyed all of the unique learning opportunities she has had since starting her journey at Orangewood in 2019. Dax will be in the graduating class of 2037.  As a leader and parent, Matt is excited to be a part of the future and direction that OCS is headed in as a pioneer in Christian education.

Application Support Specialist and Trainer
bmercer@ocsrams.org
Apple Certified

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
2024

EDUCATION
MA Curriculum and Instruction, American College of Education

FUN FACT
She is passionate about adoption. God allowed her to adopt her daughter Brianna Joy after fostering her for several years.

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
She looks forward to participating in all of the RAMS traditions.

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
James 1:27

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
Mocha Latte

Miss Becca Mercer was born and raised overseas to missionary parents, living in the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Kenya, and Indonesia. She has three siblings—one biological and two adopted. Adoption has always been a passion for her, and in 2019, the Lord called her into foster care. In 2022, she adopted her daughter Brianna as a single mom. Together they love going to Aquatica, swimming in pools, and going to playgrounds. Both are beginning their journeys at Orangewood in the fall of 2024, with Brianna in PreK.  Before coming to Orangewood, Miss Mercer worked as a teacher for eight years, a freelance curriculum writer for one year, and an Instructional Technologist for one year.

Technology Implementation Specialist / Upper School Mathematics Faculty
nlawrence@ocsrams.org
Apple Teacher Certified

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
2018

EDUCATION
MS Chemistry and Mathematics Education, Purdue University

FUN FACT
He started skiing at a young age and has maintained his passion for the sport, to this day.

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
One-day class retreats at Lake Nona Adventure Park

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
1 Peter 3:15

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
Dunkin Donuts Iced Caramel Macchiato

Mr. Nathan Lawrence grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, as the eldest of five siblings. He attended Purdue University, earning a degree in Chemistry and Mathematics Education. He has been married to his wonderful wife since 2007, and they have two children, Josiah and Jessie, who both attend Orangewood. His family loves traveling and playing Mario Kart Racing, which can get pretty competitive. Since 2018, he has been proud to be part of the Orangewood family and is excited for another fantastic school year.

IT Assistant Director
ctorrez@ocsrams.org
Apple Teacher Certified

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
1996

EDUCATION
High School, Winter Park

FUN FACT
She loves history, specifically WWII, European theater, and Winston Churchill. She loves to travel, especially to family in England, and would try to convince her husband to live in the Normandy area of France if it didn't mean being away from their daughters and two grandchildren.

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
Having alumni return to Orangewood to work, or enrolling their children at Orangewood

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Matthew 6:34

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
Diet Coke

Mrs. Cindy Torrez was born in California and raised in Winter Park, and attended Winter Park High School and Flagler College. She met her husband while at a youth group at Winter Park Presbyterian Church and they married at the church where they grew up. She began working at Orangewood when their daughters were in K4, 1st, and 2nd grades, helping with the playground and teaching computer classes for the Lower School. She transitioned into the Tech department over 20 years ago. All three girls graduated from Orangewood.

Technology Director
ucardona@ocsrams.org
Apple Teacher Certified

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
2002

EDUCATION
Minister of Love, Love University

FUN FACT
He enjoys playing guitar and is the lead singer for the Pink Floyd tribute band..

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
6^th-grade moving up parade

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
1 Corinthians 15:43

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
Water

Mr. Ulyses Cardona was a professional photographer for 10 years working for a studio that covered all of Florida. He was also a Microsoft Certified trainer for a computer learning center and worked for an international software company. He traveled the world training bank employees on how to use the software. He and his wife have been members of Orangewood Church since 1986. They have two children and five grandchildren. He has been a follower of Jesus for 49 years.