Mr. Chris Marker brings over 30 years of experience in student success to The Freedom Institute. Notably, he is also a proud parent, having successfully homeschooled his son from K-12, who is now a thriving engineer in our local community.
His journey from farm country to becoming a respected figure in education is a testament to his strong work ethic and determination. Starting with a Bachelor’s degree at Miami University, he embarked on a career in social service and education. His diverse roles, from behavior therapist to principal, have enriched his understanding of student needs. His educational achievements, including a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Doctoral work in Educational Administration, further validate his expertise. His certifications are as a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) and National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) certified, as well as as a Florida-certified school principal and school leader.
Mr. Marker empowers students, helping them achieve their educational goals, build a fulfilling career, and achieve economic freedom through learning.
Dr. Nathan Poteet brings over 14 years of experience as a teacher and administrator with K-12 students in Collier County. As an administrator, he has helped two schools increase student achievement. As a result, both schools went from a school grade of a “C” to an “A” (Highlands Elementary and Lake Trafford Elementary).
For the past two years, Dr. Poteet has served as the founding principal of The Freedom Institute of Collier County and now looks forward to his new role as the Executive Director of Programs and AI.
Dr. Poteet earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. He is also certified in Educational Leadership K-12, Exceptional Student Education K-12, Elementary Education K-6, and Physical Education K-12.
Dr. Poteet’s educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student deserves a tailored education that aligns with their unique needs and interests. He firmly advocates for this approach, seeing it as a crucial step towards equipping students with the tools they need for lifelong success and financial independence.
Mrs. Christy Vaill began her career in education in 2007 and has had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles within Collier County, including classroom teacher, resource teacher, media specialist, math and science instructional coach, and assistant principal. Today, she is honored to serve as the principal of The Freedom Institute of Collier County, where she is passionate about creating a supportive and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.
Mrs. Vaill holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Florida and a second Master’s in Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is certified in Educational Leadership K-12, Exceptional Student Education K-12, Educational Media Specialist PK-12, and Elementary Education K-6, and holds endorsements in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Reading.
As a proud founding staff member, Mrs. Vaill has been part of Freedom since it opened its doors in 2023. She began as a Senior Success Coach and after two years transitioned to Principal. She deeply believes that building genuine, positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community is at the heart of helping children succeed. Her dedication to nurturing both academic and personal growth has helped make Freedom not just a school, but a place where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. She prides herself on a positive school culture for all.
Ms. Michelle Garafola is a Collier native and has worked for Collier County public schools for the last 11 years in various roles, including classroom teacher, resource teacher, math coach, and administrator. Ms. Garafola is committed to building relationships with staff and students to grow their capacity. Through these relationships, she supported the movement of failing schools to an ‘A’ grade from the state.
Ms. Garafola has her master’s in Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is certified in Educational Leadership K-12, Exceptional Student Education K-12, and Elementary Education K-6 and holds her ESOL endorsement.
Ms. Garafola’s passion is igniting students’ potential. She’s eager to build strong family connections at Freedom and foster a community where everyone thrives.
Mr. Kukushkin (Mr. K) brings over 22 years of experience as a high school math teacher and college professor. Mr. Kukushkin started teaching mathematics with Collier County Public Schools in 2003, having taught a variety of subjects from Algebra 1 to AP Calculus AB and BC. He has been teaching at FSW as an adjunct since 2012, where he taught various mathematics courses, including dual enrollment classes.
Mr. Kukushkin was born in Moscow, Russia. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics from Russian Academy of Economics in Moscow in 1995. In 2006 he earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and instruction from FGCU, and in 2008 he earned a Specialist in Education degree in mathematics instruction from Nova Southeastern University.
Mrs. Briana Chieco has been a dedicated educator with Collier County Public Schools for the past 11 years. Mrs. Chieco holds a bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies alongside a master’s degree in Education, equipping her with the knowledge and tools to tailor personalized instruction in both intellect and integrity.
Before entering the classroom, Mrs. Chieco worked as a Certified Child Life Specialist, supporting children and families through hospitalization by using education and emotional support to reduce anxiety and promote resilience. This experience laid the foundation for Mrs. Chieco’s approach to teaching, which is to create a safe, inclusive classroom where students feel understood, supported, and empowered.
In 2022, Mrs. Chieco was named Teacher of Distinction, earning praise for her creative mix of innovative science instruction with inquiry-based, hands-on learning. Mrs. Chieco encourages students to pose meaningful questions through real-world investigation while blending academic rigor with joy and curiosity.
Mrs. Chieco sees herself not just as a teacher but as a mentor and advisor. She is dedicated to building authentic relationships with students and families while guiding each learner to build confidence, ownership, and preparedness for future success.
Ms. Paige Chardon is a Florida native. She has been a teacher in several districts across Florida spanning over nine years. She is committed to inspiring students and guiding them to success.
Ms. Chardon graduated from Florida Atlantic University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She holds a teaching certificate with both a Reading and ESOL endorsement. She is currently working towards getting her master’s in educational leadership from Lynn University.
Ms. Chardon is excited to join Freedom and work with students, families, and the community.
Lauren Grady, a versatile artist, mentor, and mom, stands out in various roles. Lauren’s ability to weave historical narratives into her photography is paralleled by her skill in storytelling for The Freedom Institute’s brand, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
Her dedication to mentorship has dramatically impacted the lives of many students, inspiring them to harness their inner creativity. Lauren’s ability to connect with people is well-recognized, enhancing her role as a Marketing Director. She is a proud mom to a gifted 13-year-old. Lauren’s passion for her roles, from art to mentorship, resonates with people from all walks of life.
Eva Aspegren is the Director of Growth, Fundraising, and Special Events at The Freedom Institute. With a career rooted in transforming educational systems and empowering individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset, Eva is deeply committed to personalized education and the principles of education freedom. Over the past 20 years, she has led initiatives in entrepreneurship education, strategic planning, nonprofit development, community-building, and fundraising campaigns while fostering innovative programs across K-12 and higher education.
Eva’s journey reflects her passion for education that honors individuality and equips students with real-world skills. She has developed programs spanning K-12 to higher education, including entrepreneurship training and health education, while championing parental choice and alternative learning approaches. Growing up in socialist Hungary instilled in her a profound appreciation for freedom and the transformative power of education to create lasting change.
A mother, entrepreneur, and health enthusiast, Eva also advocates for balanced living and personal empowerment. She holds an MBA from Ohio University, a Master’s in Economics from the University of Pécs, Hungary, and certifications in leadership development and integrative health coaching. Eva is dedicated to advancing educational solutions that uphold freedoms and promote personal choice in learning.
Mrs. Kim Furar brings over ten years of experience in education, holding different positions in Pittsburgh. Pa and here in Collier County. She also has several years of experience in office administration, having lived in Pittsburgh, PA.
Kim and her family relocated from Pittsburgh, PA, in 2019 to fulfill their lifelong dream of living in Florida. She is enjoying her role as Office Manager at The Freedom Institute. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.
