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Meet the Staff

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Ms. Darlene has a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin and a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies - Literature and the Arts from Hamline University in Minnesota. She has a Florida teaching license for K-6 and is certified in Mathematics, Science, and English Middle Grades 5-9 and Exceptional Student Education K-12. In addition, she is a member of the Mensa High IQ Society. Darlene's instruction is individualized, based on current brain research and differentiated learning styles. She implements a broad range of instructional and technological techniques to prepare students for 21st century learning. She promotes a sense of wonder about the world around us and the inherent pleasure that learning provides. Resume

Darlene Thiele, M.A.
Director & Instructor

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Mr. Nolan has a B.S. in Finance from Florida Gulf Coast University. He has a Social Studies teaching certificate for grades 5-9 with the state of Florida and a Spanish certification from Ecuador. In addition, he is a member of the Mensa High IQ Society. Nolan started his own tutoring business, NRD Educational Services LLC, in southwest Florida. He draws upon his extensive experiences in mathematics and with travel to teach the subject matter. Using practical applications from everyday life, he engages students in discovering the purpose behind learning a specific skill. Resume

Nolan Doffing
Business Manager & Instructor

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Ms. Sophia is a SPARK 8th grade graduate. She completed high school at age 16 and is now pursuing a B.A. in Mathematics from FGCU. She loves math and was able to test out of College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. Having been a student at SPARK, she understands its philosophy and teaching methods. Resume

Sophia Debs

Mathemathics Instructor

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Ms. Tonia has a B.A. in Environmental Science with a minor in Earth and Space Sciences from Florida Gulf Coast University. She conducted research with  FGCU about SPARK's hybrid education model for her Senior Capstone project. She utilizes her Photoshop certification for designing websites and doing landscape, wildlife, and portrait photography.

Tonia Doffing
Science Consultant

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