Our Staff

Dr. Kelly Van Sande is a lifelong educator with a passion for children. She married her high school sweetheart and they have two teenage children. She is a certified teacher, principal, and school superintendent, and has served in all of those roles, including teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She has more than 20 years of school leadership experience. She holds a bachelor's degree in education (B.S.), a master's in teaching and curriculum leadership (M.Ed.), a master's in business administration (MBA), and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration (Ed.D). She is also a trained Registered Behavioral Therapist and holds additional graduate certificates. Dr. Van Sande is also the founder of Ignite Learning Academy, a top-US private online school serving students of all abilities.

Dr. Van Sande has been recognized as a Top-50 Trailblazing Educator and has been invited to speak on topics related to educational choice, including at the Harvard Kennedy School Program on Educational Policy & Governance.

As a parent and educator, she observed the traditional school system often did not meet the needs of all students and she believed there had to be a way to make education come alive for students at all ability levels, from various backgrounds, and to allow students to learn in their own, meaningful way. She develops schools that remove barriers to learning, allow for individualized instruction, maintain very small class sizes, and focus primarily on teacher-student relationships in order to foster a school community and culture driven by student success.

She looks forward to working alongside parents, students, teachers, and staff every day so we can build a thriving school community of students prepared for today, tomorrow, and the future ahead!

Lesley received her bachelor's degree at Furman University and her master's degree in special education at Converse College. She served as a resource teacher for three years in the public schools in Spartanburg, South Carolina then began teaching our high school students at Ignite Achievement Academy in 2001. From 2005 to 2012, she served as our lead teacher, and from 2013-2024 she served as Head of School of the south campus, before being promoted to Head of Admissions.

Lesley enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking and socializing with family and friends. She is an avid animal lover and has an unusually strong need to complete tasks. If something is left undone at the end of the school day, she applies more Chapstick® and starts eating cheese.

Charlotte Beck is the Head of School at Ignite Achievement Academy's north campus, bringing over 21 years of dedicated experience in the field of education. With a strong foundation in special education, Mrs. Beck began her career supporting diverse learners before transitioning into educational leadership. Her deep commitment to inclusive education continues to inform her strategic approach to school leadership and student success. Mrs. Beck is licensed in the state of North Carolina in both special education and educational leadership. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to build collaborative school cultures, implement effective instructional practices, and lead with vision and integrity. At Ignite Achievement Academy, she is focused on fostering academic excellence, equity, and whole-child development. Charlotte is married with two children.

Alli received a bachelor's degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, a master's degree in applied educational psychology and a certificate of advanced graduate study in school psychology from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Alli worked as a school psychologist in an elementary and middle school in Fayetteville, New York before relocating to Charlotte in 2005. She also received her school administration certificate and license and completed a principal internship in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. Alli began working at Ignite Achievement Academy in 2011 as a teacher and served as Head of Instruction through the 2023/24 school year, after which she was promoted to Head of School.

Alli has a passion for working with students of all ages. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family, running, hiking, playing soccer and eating Mexican food.

Kayleigh Easton serves as the Assistant Head of Schools at Ignite Achievement Academy, south campus, bringing more than a decade of experience supporting students with disabilities and leading a variety of special programs across a network of charter schools. She began her career as a special education teacher, which shaped her belief that every child can grow and thrive with the right supports. Ms. Easton carried this belief into her roles as a compliance specialist and special programs coordinator, where she helped teachers and school leaders strengthen instruction, maintain compliance, and expand access to high-quality services for all students. Ms. Easton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master of Arts in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University. She is passionate about partnering with families and educators to ensure every learner feels supported, included, and capable of success. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Maggie, and her three cats—Luna, Theodore, and Finnegan.

Sarah graduated from Clemson University with a degree in psychology. She has worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative and stay-at-home mom. While raising her two children, Sarah, who enjoys helping the Charlotte community, volunteered her time and resources to her church. Activities included coordinating events and fundraisers for the church's preschool, working at the preschool and serving as a leader in the church. Fortunately for us, Sarah is now part of the team at Ignite Achievement Academy.

In her free time, Sarah loves to cook, play board games and watch the Clemson Tigers play football. On Fridays, you can expect to see her in orange in preparation of the Clemson Tigers' sure win the next day.

Nicole Kelly is a certified paralegal with over 15 years of experience in the education system with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District. Born and raised in New York, Nicole and her high school sweetheart—now her husband of 24 years— relocated to Charlotte so she could be a stay-at-home mom during the early years of their children's lives. Nicole and her husband have two children: their daughter is currently a sophomore at Chapel Hill, and their son is a junior in high school. Nicole worked for the CMS School Board as an administrator for many years and played an instrumental role in implementing new platforms designed to enhance the structure and effectiveness of board meetings. Before becoming a board administrator, Nicole worked in schools as a front office secretary and data manager. Nicole loves to cook Italian food for friends and family! Joining the Ignite team has been a blessing for Nicole and her family. She has always had a passion for volunteering and reading.

With over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology industry, Mike Van Sande is a seasoned executive and strategic leader known for driving technological innovation and operational excellence. Throughout his career, Mike has held various key positions, progressively advancing to the role of Chief Information Officer. He possesses a deep expertise in IT strategy, infrastructure management, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

Mike has roughly a decade of education experience in both brick and mortar and online schools, including large school districts and small private schools. He enjoys finding new ways to leverage and integrate technology into the learning experience.

Mike holds a bachelor's degree in network and communication management from DeVry University and has completed various advanced certifications in IT management, cybersecurity and networking.

Olivia received a bachelor's degree from Indiana State University and a master's at Baylor University in the field of speech-language pathology. She worked as a preschool teacher all through school, having a special interest in the Montessori Method and child-directed learning. Olivia is passionate about neurodiversity affirming practices and strives to make therapy (fun)ctional! In her free time, Olivia enjoys thrifting, rock climbing with her husband, caring for her plants, and loving on her orange cat Opie. There is a very good chance she will show you a picture of her cat whether you asked or not. Olivia looks forward to building relationships with the IAA-North students and families!

Dori received her bachelor's degree of science from Drexel University in 1992 and her master's degree in social work from Temple University in 1997. Dori has had extensive experience serving children and their families in the New York City foster care system and at Green Chimneys Therapeutic Day School in Brewster, New York. As a licensed clinical social worker, Dori provided social skills training, coping strategies and anger management tools to children and adolescents in both individual and group settings. Dori joined us in August of 2011 and is now fulfilling her dream of teaching.

In her free time, Dori enjoys activities with her family, traveling, creating pottery, practicing yoga and training for the triathlon. In Dori's athletic training group, she is referred to as the "billy goat" because she prefers cycling uphill. This meshes well with her life philosophy: the challenge of the uphill is more exciting than the ease of the downhill. (We're impressed; we'll toss you a water bottle on our way down.)

Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UNC Asheville and is currently working toward her Master’s in Social Work through UNC Charlotte. She has spent the past five years working with children and families in a variety of educational settings, from after-school programs to the classroom. Through these experiences, Sarah has developed a passion for supporting students both academically and emotionally while building meaningful connections with their families.

Outside of her work at Ignite, Sarah is an art teacher at Kidcreate Studio. She loves finding ways to incorporate creativity, art, and mindfulness into her work with students and enjoys helping children find new ways to express themselves.

Bio coming soon.

In 2015, Katie received a bachelor's degree in physical education at Winthrop University. Having a long-held passion for helping students achieve their goals, Katie has taught swimming and served as a camp counselor and long-term substitute in various grades and subjects.

Before joining us at Ignite Achievement Academy, Katie taught physical education in both North and South Carolina for four years.

In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her son, hiking, being outdoors and watching sports. When she's not watching her son play baseball, she's watching the Gamecocks playing football.

Mr. Bolln hails from Marblehead, Massachusetts, a small sailing town with deep roots in American culture. He enjoys calling Charlotte his home and has lived in the state of North Carolina for 20 years.

He lives with his partner Amanda and their two Golden Retrievers. Lizzy (8) is Millie's (4) Mom and they were excited to add Lizzy to the family, adopting her 2 years ago.

His brother's family lives close by and he enjoys spending time with his two nephews playing sports, completing art projects, biking, and out at the Whitewater Center.

When not at school, Mr. Bolln enjoys spending time outside and can be found working in the garden or making adjustments to landscape projects. He likes to grow and cook with food he produced, loves to make pesto with basil, and is usually listening to music when doing so. He's a huge Patriots fan and looks forward to their return to greatness.

Talking about science and plants are a passion, submit a question in his box and he will have information to share with you shortly!

Mrs. Durbiano is in her third year at Ignite Achievement Academy and currently teaches 6th–8th grade. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland and M.A. degrees in both Elementary and Special Education from Touro College in New York.

With over eight years of teaching experience in a variety of classroom settings, she is passionate about helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. D enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, their son, and their dog, Max. She also loves swimming, hiking, traveling, and singing opera — a talent that once earned her a college scholarship.

Originally from Laurinburg NC, Lacey received her bachelors degree in Integrated Health Sciences with a management concentration from Western Carolina University. After graduating, Lacey entered the field of behavorial health as a registered behavior technician, working in ABA therapy. Prior to her role at Ignite Achievement Academy, Lacey gained experience working with students of various age ranges. In her free time, Lacey enjoys traveling, sewing, and golfing. Lacey has a dog named Ziggy who she enjoys hiking and exploring with. Lacey's favorite food is tacos.

India Green attended High Point University and completed her Bachelor of Art's degree with high distinction at Ashford University in Sociology in January of 2011. She also completed a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Family & Community in June of 2013 from Ashford University school of Education.

Ms. Green moved from Winston-Salem, NC after 20 years and relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2019. She began working for Cabarrus County Schools as a Teacher Assistant and an Adaptive Curriculum EC Teacher.

She is extremely passionate about special education and has over 20 years of experience of advocating for children, youth and families with disability related concerns, education, and community advocacy. She has experience working for community organizations including Easter Seals, Abound Health, and Horizen's Residential Facilities for Special needs Children. She has held positions as a K-5 special education Teacher, Teacher Assistant, Volunteer Faculty Advisor and Title 1 Parental Involvement Coordinator.

Her goal as an Ignite teacher is to foster positive relationships and communication with families and encourage success and growth of the students. As a teacher, she will provide a warm, accepting environment that promotes learning through all instructional developmental areas.

In her spare time, she loves to travel to the mountains and the beach. She loves to read, spend time with her grandchildren, and quality time with her family hosting dinners.

Ms. Jenkins is originally from Flushing, Queens New York, also known as the "Big Apple", and has resided in Charlotte, NC., for 24 years. She graduated from Belmont Abbey College with a bachelor's degree in educational studies in 2016. She is also an Alumni and graduate of the Teachers Program from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, also known as UNCC. She is also a proud Military Veteran that has served in the United States Army National Guard.

In her spare time, she loves to strum on her guitar, spend time with her family, and have fun. She has a dog named Tyler, "Doodles", and a big cat that looks like a loaf, named "Mittens Garfunkel". Bubbles, Mitten's sister, is our other family pet and looks like a loaf as well. Bubbles did move in December of 2023; however, our family still enjoys seeing Bubbles on FaceTime during our family chats.

Ms. Judge joined the Ignite Achievement Academy family in 2022. She received her bachelor's degree in biology from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is a Charlotte native, but she moved all around the southeastern United States once she married an active-duty Air Force pilot. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her three children, reading and occasionally playing Pokemon Go. Her sons both chose to attend UNC-Chapel Hill for college, so they enjoy cheering on the Tar Heels together.

Ms. Kelly joined the Ignite Family in 2025. She is originally from Buffalo, New York and received a B.A. in Sociology from Canisius College. She moved to Charlotte in 1996 and went back to school at UNC Charlotte to receive her BED teaching certification for students with Behavioral and Emotional Disabilities. She has been teaching ever since! Before joining our team, she worked at a variety of schools including a residential school, a 2nd grade inclusion classroom, and most recently at a private school for students with anxiety, dyslexia, and other learning difficulties. Ms. Kelly is an animal advocate for all animals and lives a vegan lifestyle. She has fostered many dogs but now adopts the old ones that need a place to lay their head. She also loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and their 3 geriatric doggies Anika, Stevie, and Prince. Ms. Kelly loves to watch sports (fantasy football too) and enjoys sitting in her recliner, reading a good book or playing Candy Crush.

Ms. Love is a passionate special education teacher with over a decade of experience supporting students in grades K–12. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with minors in Human Development & Family Studies and English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her career began as a behavioral teaching assistant, later transitioning into specialized academic instruction with a focus on students with written language needs.

Before joining Ignite Achievement Academy, Ms. Love taught special education for students in grades K–12 across Greensboro, High Point, and Charlotte, North Carolina. She holds a teaching license in Exceptional Children: General Curriculum (K–12) with an emphasis on mild to moderate disabilities.

In her free time, Ms. Love enjoys tackling DIY projects, rehabbing furniture, and tending to her garden. She also loves cooking, reading, and spending quality time with her family.

Joseph joined Ignite Achievement Academy in December 2014. He received his bachelor's degree in economics from Villanova University and his master's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University in 2012. He has been teaching students of all ages for many years, mainly in his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, Washington, DC, Japan and Charlotte.

A Boston native, Joseph is a dues-paying member of the Boston Red Sox, or, as he says, the Red Sox Nation. He is an avid traveler and has fond memories of hitchhiking to Mount Everest. Joseph is rather laid back, but when he gets his mind to it, he does things like cycle across the country, or walk 750 miles on an island in Japan.

Ms. Andrea McGhee has over 15 years of experience working with children and supporting families across educational and non-educational settings. In 2012, she earned a BA in Psychology from UNCW, focusing on child development and behavior modification. After moving to Charlotte in 2013, she transitioned to the public-school setting, working with CMS at Metro School. She then attended UNCC, where she earned at Graduate Certificate in Special Education and continued teaching students with disabilities at various public, public charter, and private schools. While serving in different roles, she had opportunities to complete training hours for Orton Gillingham Classroom Teachers (reading) Instruction and Orton Gillingham Mutlisensory Math Instruction. In addition to knowledge and experience, Ms. McGhee brings the passion of teaching, and the care students need to reach their full potential. Personal interests include spending time with her daughters, advocating for the teaching profession, making or enjoying art, and visiting the beach.

Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Ms. Pelzer developed a love for learning, community, and helping others from a young age. After graduating from East Tennessee State University with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a minor in Early Childhood, Ms. Pelzer moved to Charlotte to continue growing both personally and professionally.

A proud mother of three beautiful girls, her passion for children extends far beyond her own family. She is deeply committed to supporting youth in the community, creating opportunities for them to thrive, and being a positive influence in their lives. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, or simply lending a listening ear, Ms. Pelzer believes in investing in the next generation.

In her free time, she enjoys working out, staying active outdoors, and making lasting memories with her family. For her, every day is a chance to inspire, empower, and help children discover their full potential.

Kaitlyn Rivera has been educating elementary-aged students including those with learning disabilities and special needs since 2011. As a graduate of Mitchell College or Connecticut with a Bachelors in Education, and Southern CT State University with a Masters in Library & Information Science, she brings the love of learning and reading to her classroom. She is a dual-certified teacher as well as a trained Orton Gillingham instructor. Her philosophy of teaching rests on the pillars of learning through play, respecting each child as an individual, and building a foundation for confident, enthusiastic learners. Kaitlyn's passion for teaching is centered around her love of reading and storytelling. She strives to instill this love in her students with the hope of creating lifelong learners. She works to curate a special environment in her classroom where students can create, play, and learn with joy. When she is not in the classroom, you can find her reading, snuggling up to her dog, Lambchop, going for a walk on the Greenway, and enjoying a tea in her hammock.

Matty Squires is a special education teacher hailing from Aiken, SC. Before moving to Charlotte, Matty completed their Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. During their senior year, they became friends with several students participating in the Winthrop Think College program. Because of these connections that they made, they began working as a peer mentor for the program, which made them realize they wanted to pursue a career in special education. Upon graduation, Matty began working as a job coach with the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, working with transition-age adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to find employment opportunities and assist with job skills training. During this time, they completed their Master of Education in Special Education through Grand Canyon University. Following, they began working in public schools in North and South Carolina as a special education teacher across high school, middle school, and elementary-aged environments in both self-contained and resource settings. While not in the classroom, Matty spends their free time working on their next printmaking or ceramics project, avidly starting way too many TV shows before finishing even one, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Alicia Stanfield brought with her 12 years of experience teaching special education in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools before joining Ignite Achievement Academy. She has a passion for progress and helping children reach their true potential. Before working at CMS, she spent 7 years as a stay-at-home mom with her two amazing daughters. She spent four and a half years teaching in SC prior to motherhood. In her free time, she enjoyes traveling the world with her husband and girls.

Meghan Tully has had over twenty years of experience in the education field. She began her career as a special education teacher upon graduating with a masters degree from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2011. She has had the opportunity to work with students across various ages, abilities, and verbal repertoires, in both public school and private school settings. Before moving to Charlotte, Meghan worked as a head teacher at Academy for Young Minds in New York City for three years. Upon moving to Charlotte, she worked as an elementary school resource teacher in Rock Hill, South Carolina. In addition to being a special educator, Meghan is a mom, musician, and artist. She enjoys being in bands, playing sports, painting, and drawing. Meghan is passionate about ensuring that all students learn, meet their goals, and explore their interests in a safe, collaborative, and caring environment.

Jakia Webber is a dedicated Special Education teacher with eight years of experience supporting diverse learners in inclusive and self-contained classroom settings. She received her B.S. degree from UNC Greensboro. With a deep love for education and a natural ability to connect with students, Jakia specializes in creating fun, accessible learning experiences tailored to each child's unique needs. Jakia is a huge book lover who believes in the power of books to inspire, teach, and transport us to new worlds. She often brings her love of reading into her teaching, using stories to spark curiosity and build literacy skills and hopes to become a children's author in the near future! Outside the classroom she also enjoys scrapbooking/journaling, shopping and spending time with her two daughters and husband and their cat "Napkin" and dog "Siri".

In 1996, Jess received her bachelor's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Pennsylvania State University. While in college, she worked for the United States Department of Agriculture and later for Pennsylvania State University’s wetland restoration program supporting military bases.

Originally from upstate New York, Jess and her family moved to Charlotte in 2001. For more than thirty years, she has served in a variety of roles with the YMCA in both New York and North Carolina. Her experience includes serving as an aquatics and risk management director, teaching children and adults water safety and swimming skills, helping individuals achieve their fitness goals, and overseeing family services, front-desk operations, and fitness programs.

Jess joined Ignite Achievement Academy in 2020 and has become a valued member of our team. Her diverse professional background, commitment to student success, and passion for helping others make her a wonderful asset to our school community.

In her free time, Jess enjoys cycling, running, weightlifting, and swimming. She and her family share their home with three large dogs, a rabbit, and a fish. Along with her love of animals and staying active, Jess has a well-known appreciation for safety, preparedness, and making sure everyone has the support they need to succeed.

Ms. Lyerly is a dedicated special education teacher with six years of experience supporting and empowering students with diverse learning needs.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Lyerly's greatest joy is her family. She has been happily married for 25 years and is the proud mother of two children, Leah and Luke. Her family also includes their beloved dog, Pudge. In her free time, she enjoys playing the violin, painting, and spending time in nature—whether exploring the mountains or relaxing at the beach. Her passion for education, music, creativity, and family continues to shape who she is both personally and professionally.

Ayanna Foust is a proud mother of two with more than 13 years of experience in mental health and education. She has served in Charlotte Mecklenburg School and Gaston county schools as an Exceptional Children (EC) teacher, Orton-Gillingham and SPIRE certified, and a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Ayanna is currently pursuing a master's degree in behavior analysis. She is passionate about helping children strengthen their academic, communication, social, and daily living skills. When she is not working, Ms. Foust enjoys traveling and serving in her church and community.

Elizabeth Martin is entering her fifth year as a Special Education teacher and brings over 14 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education with a concentration in Adapted Curriculum from Appalachian State University and previously taught in a K–5 self-contained classroom supporting students with autism and other developmental disabilities. Elizabeth is passionate about creating an inclusive, engaging, and supportive classroom where every student feels valued, capable, and empowered to succeed. She believes every student learns differently and is passionate about creating individualized, hands-on learning experiences that build confidence, encourage independence, and celebrate each student's unique strengths.

Helping students become as independent as possible is at the heart of her teaching philosophy, as she believes those skills extend far beyond the classroom and prepare students for lifelong success. One philosophy that guides Elizabeth's teaching is, "It's the little moments that last a lifetime." Whether it's a student independently communicating a need, mastering a new skill, or celebrating a personal victory, she believes these seemingly small milestones often become the moments that have the greatest impact on a student's life—and on her own. Being part of those moments is what makes teaching so meaningful to her.

Outside of the classroom, Elizabeth enjoys painting, photography, crafting, and all things Disney. She loves making memories with her family on trips to Disney and spending time with her dog, Iris. She is excited to be a part of the Ignite community and looks forward to a wonderful school year.

Syronda McCorkle Mills is a dedicated educator with experience in both elementary and special education. She has taught kindergarten and worked with students with diverse learning needs, creating supportive, engaging classrooms where every child can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Syronda is passionate about building strong relationships with students and families while providing meaningful, differentiated instruction that helps each learner reach their full potential. She is committed to fostering a positive learning environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Tiffany Ellett is a military army veteran who attended Texas State University where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Sports Science with a Minor in Special Education. She later received a Master's Degree in Adapted Physical Education. Tiffany is originaly from Texas, before joining the Ignite team she taught elementary special education and adapted physical education for five years. Tiffany enjoys reading, working out, and being outdoors in her free time.

Angel Drage is an experienced art educator with more than 15 years of teaching experience, inspiring creativity and confidence in students of all ages. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Studio Arts with a concentration in Photography and minors both in Art History and Art Education. When not teaching art she enjoys kayaking, reading, spending time with her family, and is a proud dog mom who loves to bake.

Chris Johnsen received his formal education from Cornell University and continues to expand his hands-on training in the carpentry trade through the exceptional programs offered at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). A lifelong learner, he views his role at Ignite Achievement Academy as an extension of his own education — believing he will learn from his students just as he hopes they will learn from him.

With a background that includes woodworking, coaching, mentoring, and leadership experience from both the U.S. Navy and the private sector, Mr. Johnsen brings patience, structure, and a calm, supportive presence to the carpentry lab. He is committed to creating a safe, engaging environment where students can build confidence through practical, skills-based projects tailored to their individual needs. Mr. Johnsen is excited to support Ignite's mission and to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally through meaningful hands-on learning.

Ms. Angelica Tryon is a dedicated classroom teacher she joins Ignite Achievement Academy with over 15 years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Oswego and a Master's degree in Literacy and Special Education from Sage Graduate School. Ms. Tryon is passionate about creating a classroom environment that is fun, meaningful, and inclusive for all learners. Her teaching approach focuses on meeting students where they are and supporting their growth in both academics and life skills. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and riding motorcycles. Ms. Tryon is proud to be a part of the Ignite community and looks forward to helping her students thrive.

Madison is a Concord native. In 2021, she graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.A. in Communications. Before joining the Ignite family, Madison worked as a Children and Youth Case Manager and a Learning Connections Teacher. In her free time, Madison enjoys taking her dog, Captain, for walks and spending time with her friends and family!

Shannon received a bachelor's degree at San Jose State University in California then a master's degree in multi-cultural education at the same university. After college, Shannon taught third then first graders in San Jose before working as a physical education teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In 2013, she joined our staff at Ignite Achievement Academy as a physical education teacher and is now our teacher assistant.

Shannon loves running, hiking, animals and being with her husband and two children. She also loves to garden but won't garden in Charlotte because she is afraid of snakes. (She saw a copperhead once.)

Anita received her bachelor's degree in psychology with minors in organizational sociology and German from UC Davis in California. She also holds a master's degree in applied psychology, which she obtained from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California. Anita has over thirteen years of early childhood development experience, most recently as a teaching assistant for the Ballantyne Preschool of the Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In her free time Anita enjoys reading, traveling, meditating…, which often turns into napping, and daily attempts to master the mindless yet habit-forming game "Candy Crush." She hopes to reach the last level within this century. (We wish you luck with that.)

Carl Galloway is a Teacher Assistant at Ignite Achievement Academy, where he applies 5 years of expereience in behavioral health to support student development and academic success. HIs compassionate approach and strong sense of leadership make him a valuable presence in the classroom, especially for students facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Before entering education and behavioral health, Carl enjoyed a distinguished 15-year career as a professional basketball player, competing internationally in countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Dubai. His global experiences have shaped his perspective on teamwork, discipline, and resilience - qualities he now brings to the school environment. Carl studied at Tulane University and Georgia State University, combining a strong academic foundation with high-level athletic performance. Today, he is passionate about mentoring youth, fostering growth, and creating a positive, inclusive environment for learning.

Originally from Houston, TX, Kaitlyn earned her bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in American Sign Language from Baylor University. She went on to complete her master's degree in Educational Psychology, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, also at Baylor University. Kaitlyn brings teaching experience from both Houston, TX, and Atlanta, GA, and is now thrilled to call Charlotte her home. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their many pets. Kaitlyn is excited to join the Ignite Achievement Academy team and looks forward to supporting every student on their path to success.

Mrs. Hursey is originally from Rock Hill, SC, and relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2023. She holds an associates degree in Early Childhood Education and has started work on a bachelor's degree in special education. Before joining the Ignite Family, Mrs. Hursey taught in both North and South Carolina for over 5 years. She believes her job as a teacher is to inspire children to have a love for learning. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her little family and making memories.

Coretta Lewis is a native of Elizabethtown, North Carolina, where she was born and raised. She moved to Charlotte in 2010 to pursue her education in early childhood. With over 14 years of experience in the field, Ms. Lewis has worked with children of all ages. She has a deep passion for education and believes that every moment is a teachable moment, often reminding children that “the sky is the limit.” In her free time, Ms. Lewis enjoys spending quality time with her family.

Mrs. Whitt joined our Ignite Family in 2022. She holds a B.S. in Communication Disorders from the University of Rhode Island. She holds an M.A. in Education specializing in Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Prior to joining our team, Mrs. Whitt worked for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. She held many titles within CMS, such as a resource teacher and Title I tutor. She has also worked as a special education teacher in private school settings and online as an English as a Second Language (ESOL) teacher.

In her free time, Mrs. Whitt likes to work out, shop, read and watch movies. She is a big animal lover and is also starting to have a serious houseplant addiction.

Priscilla Spence is a caring and dedicated educational professional with experience supporting children, including students with special needs. She is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and feel supported in a positive environment.

Tracee is an enthusiastic educator who is passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive, and engaging classroom where every student feels valued. She is a 20 year veteran who believes in meeting students where they are, celebrating their strengths, and helping them grow with confidence. She is excited to partner with families and make this a wonderful year of learning, growth, and success.

Nylah Yarquah is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in Child and Family Development. As a teacher assistant, Mrs. Yarquah enjoys working with children and creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring different cultures, and experiencing new places.

Maya joined Ignite Achievement Academy in 2013 and is delighted to be on staff as a teaching assistant. Though originally from New York, she earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Iowa, where she majored in music education and psychology. She taught orchestra in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Kindermusik classes in her own studio. She then focused on homeschooling her daughters.

As a life-long learner, Maya is always motivated by her family, her students and even her rambunctious trio of "American Hybrid" rescue dogs: Scout Atticus & BRadley. She enjoys reading literature, solving puzzles, knitting, preparing unique (mostly) vegetarian recipes and traveling whenever possible.

Ms. Burgess is an after-care aide at IAA with a passion for empowering young people. An entrepreneur, author, fashion designer, and community activist, she uses her experience and creativity to encourage youth to embrace their individuality, express themselves, and make a positive difference in their communities.