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Cynthia Fuller is the current Head of School (HOS) at Holy Nativity Episcopal School (HNES), located in Panama City, Florida. HNES serves the educational needs of approximately 300 students from preschool to eighth grade. The school building, which was constructed in 1937, holds a significant place in the community's heart. HNES was founded in 1959 by members of the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church and has maintained the prestigious accreditation by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) since 1993. Cynthia is one of the many esteemed HOS who have served at the school over the years. 

Cynthia's journey began in Dothan, Alabama, where she was born. When she was three years old, her family moved to Bay County, where she grew up on the west end of Panama City Beach. After graduating from high school, Cynthia attended the University of North Florida in Jacksonville to pursue her Bachelor's Degree. In 2004, Cynthia graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Criminal Justice, intending to continue her education in law school. However, she and her husband, Michael, returned to Panama City to start their family. It was after the birth of her first child, Brody, that Cynthia discovered her passion for education and helping children achieve their fullest potential. Her second child, Sydney, only reinforced her desire to pursue a career in education. In 2011, Cynthia began the process of obtaining her teaching certificate, and two years later, she was hired as a teacher at HNES, where she has worked happily ever since. During her tenure at HNES, Cynthia earned her Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from the American College of Education in 2020, graduating with honors, and received certification from Harvard Business School in Leading School Strategy and Innovation.

Cynthia has also demonstrated her leadership abilities outside the classroom. She graduated from the Bay County Chamber's Leadership Bay Program in 2017. She was appointed by the Bay County Commission to serve on the county's Park and Recreation Advisory Board, where she currently serves as Vice Chairwoman. She is also an active member of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, serving on its Board of Directors. She also serves the Florida Council of Independent Schools as a Commissioner of Accreditation. In 2020, she was a featured speaker at the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) conference for a session titled "Navigating Trauma as a New Head of School." In 2022 and 2025, she was a featured speaker at the Florida Council of Independent Schools Annual Convention (FCIS) for a session titled “Hurricane Preparedness: Lessons Learned and Weathering the Unexpected: Essential Leadership for Before, During, and After a Disaster.” 

Cynthia's dedication to education and leadership has been recognized by Nationwide Registries Women of Distinction twice, naming her the top representative for the State of Florida in Educational Leadership in 2022 and 2024. She has also served as Chair on several FCIS accreditation teams. Under her leadership, HNES was named the Best Private School in the State of Florida by Guide to Florida for three consecutive years. Cynthia's journey has been marked by her commitment to educational excellence and her passion for helping others. She is a true inspiration to her students, colleagues, and community alike.

Cynthia's journey at HNES began as a classroom teacher. Her dedication and love for the school and its students were evident, and she was promoted to Dean of Students in 2016. Her passion and drive led to her being named Head of School in February 2020, a position she has since embraced with enthusiasm. However, not long after, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, creating an unprecedented challenge for schools across the country. Cynthia worked tirelessly throughout the closure and beyond, preparing for her tenure as Head of School while navigating the challenges presented by the pandemic. Also at that time, HNES had already faced a major crisis just a year and a half prior when Hurricane Michael, a category five hurricane, hit Bay County and severely damaged the school and the entire community. As one of the administrators on campus, Cynthia worked closely with the prior Head of School, Mrs. Judy Hughes, to lead the rebuild and recovery process. 

Cynthia's first year as Head of School was marked by resilience and dedication. The school successfully completed its five-year re-accreditation process, a testament to the hard work of the entire school and community. HNES is more than just a school; it's a community that genuinely cares for its students and is dedicated to delivering the best possible educational experience. Cynthia's leadership has been instrumental in helping HNES navigate multiple crises, and the school has emerged stronger than ever. Under her leadership, the school is successfully navigating a multi-million-dollar campaign —the first of its kind —to build a state-of-the-art STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Math) facility. The building is scheduled for completion by May 2026.

To gain a genuine appreciation of Cynthia's character, it is vital to recognize her unwavering commitment to serving the well-being of all students. She prioritizes the education, safety, and needs of each of her students, as well as those of their families, with utmost care and attention. Her devotion to these priorities is unparalleled, and she works tirelessly to ensure the continued success of every individual who walks through the halls of HNES. Cynthia's remarkable dedication and unwavering focus are an inspiration to all who know her.
 

Mrs. Creel is our Dean of Lower School, supporting our teachers, students, and families with an emphasis on Jr. Pre-K through 3rd Grade.  

Mrs. Creel earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University and her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of West Florida. In addition to being certified in Grades K-6, Mrs. Creel also holds endorsements in Early Childhood Education, Reading, Special Education, and ESOL.

Mrs. Dykes is our Dean of Upper School, supporting our teachers, students and families with an emphasis on 4th through 8th Grades.

Mrs. Dykes earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and her Master's Degree in Science Education from Florida State University. In addition to being certified in Middle Grades Science, Mrs. Dykes also holds the Gifted Education, Reading and ESOL endorsements.

Mrs. Dykes is also the coach of our Robo-Bolts Robotics Team. Go Bolts! 

In addition to serving as or Director of Development, Mrs. Moody teaches Middle School Math, serves as the Math Counts Coach, is the Holy Herald Editor,  and is the HNES and Cove School Facebook Administrator.

In addition to serving as or Director of Development, Mrs. Moody teaches Middle School Math, serves as the Math Counts Coach, is the Holy Herald Editor,  and is the HNES and Cove School Facebook Administrator.