Hi 👋 We're The Bonifacio Family

Mike Bonifacio is the co-founder and CEO of Acton Academy Estero. Alongside his wife, Gina, he founded the academy with a simple mission: to create a place where young people can discover their unique gifts, grow in character, strengthen their faith, and prepare for lives of purpose.

A lifelong learner himself, Mike believes education should inspire curiosity, responsibility, and entrepreneurship rather than simply prepare students for the next test. That vision led him to the learner-driven model of Acton Academy, which aligned perfectly with his passion for meaningful work, leadership, and Christian discipleship.

Mike brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial, educational, and creative experience to the academy. After more than 30 years as a landscape designer and business owner, he returned to college as an adult, earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in English from Governors State University. He later served as a graduate writing tutor and adjunct professor of writing and composition, helping students develop critical thinking and effective communication skills. He also completed a Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning.

Today, Mike continues his own Hero's Journey as a student of Scripture, art, and lifelong learning. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies while also studying fine art. He enjoys reading, drawing, woodworking, and spending time outdoors with his family.

Mike and Gina live on the farm that is home to Acton Academy Estero, where they are raising their children, Margo and Vincent, alongside the school community. Their hope is that every learner who walks through the gates experiences the joy of discovering God's creation, embracing meaningful challenges, and growing into the person they were created to become.

Gina Bonifacio is the co-founder of Acton Academy Estero and a passionate advocate for children, families, and Christ-centered education. Together with her husband, Mike, she helped establish the academy to create a place where young people can develop strong character, discover their unique gifts, and grow into the people God created them to be.

A registered nurse with a heart for serving others, Gina has spent her career caring for people during some of life's most meaningful moments. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University and a nursing degree from Joliet Junior College, she served in critical care, women's health, and aesthetic medicine before finding her true calling in pregnancy advocacy.

Today, Gina serves as a Nurse Manager and Advocate at the Immokalee Pregnancy Center, where she provides compassionate care, performs limited obstetric ultrasounds, and walks alongside women and families facing unexpected pregnancies. Through her faith, encouragement, and practical support, she has helped countless mothers choose life and find hope for the future.

At Acton Academy Estero, Gina brings that same spirit of compassion, encouragement, and servant leadership. She believes children flourish when they are known, challenged, and loved, and she is passionate about creating a school community where every learner is encouraged to pursue excellence, build meaningful relationships, and grow in faith.

Gina and Mike live on the farm that is home to Acton Academy Estero with their children, Margo and Vincent. She enjoys reading, traveling, discovering new restaurants, and investing in the lives of women and families throughout Southwest Florida. Above all, Gina desires for every learner who joins the academy to know they are deeply loved by God and uniquely created with purpose.

Alisha Samuels serves as the Spark Studio Guide at Acton Academy Estero, where she is passionate about helping young learners begin their own Hero's Journey in an environment filled with wonder, discovery, and encouragement. She believes guiding children is not simply a profession, but a calling God has placed on her heart.

As a wife and mother of three, Alisha understands the importance of creating a safe, joyful, and nurturing environment where children can build confidence, develop responsibility, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. She delights in watching each learner discover their unique gifts while growing in character, independence, and faith.

Outside the studio, Alisha enjoys preparing wholesome meals from scratch, embracing a lifestyle of self-reliance, and spending time outdoors with her family. She is inspired by God's creation and believes some of life's greatest lessons are learned through meaningful work, curiosity, and everyday adventures.

Alisha is honored to walk alongside each young hero as they explore the world around them, build strong relationships, and grow into the person God uniquely created them to be.

Dr. Geoff Trager serves as Acton Academy Estero's Natural Sciences Guide, inspiring learners to discover the wonder of God's creation through hands-on exploration, scientific inquiry, and real-world adventure. He believes science is not simply about collecting facts, it's about cultivating curiosity, stewardship, and a deeper appreciation for the Creator.

A lifelong explorer and educator, Geoff brings more than 35 years of experience in marine biology, ecological research, invention, and science education. His adventures have taken him from deep-diving along the California coast and exploring the deserts of Mexico to kayaking through Florida's mangroves and conducting submarine dives in the Red Sea. Today, he continues to develop environmentally responsible technologies that protect our oceans and reflect his passion for caring for God's creation.

Dr. Trager earned a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Boston University, a Master of Science in Marine Biology from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Creative Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

At Acton Academy Estero, Geoff transforms the natural world into a living classroom. Whether learners are studying pond ecosystems, observing life under a microscope, exploring local habitats, or asking big questions about science and faith, he encourages them to investigate with curiosity, think critically, and see the fingerprints of God throughout creation.

Known for his engaging storytelling and infectious enthusiasm, Geoff has a gift for making every lesson an adventure. From discovering the remarkable design of insects and marine life to uncovering the hidden stories found in nature all around us, he inspires learners to see God's world with fresh eyes and leave every experience eager to explore more.