The Team

Katie Elliott is the Operations Development Director at the National Microschooling Center, where she works closely with the executive team, providing the foundation for seamless alignment across projects, people, and systems. 

With over six years of experience in the nonprofit sector and a background that spans both for-profit and nonprofit spaces, Katie brings a unique blend of strategic insight and people-first service to her role. She is known for her detail-oriented, proactive approach to operations, communications, and cross-team coordination.

Katie began her career teaching Developmental English at the community college level, an experience that deepened her commitment to accessible, high-quality education options. She has since supported and led operations and development efforts in various organizations, including a successful global startup investment campaign. In her recent role as Operations Manager at Embark New Schools for Mississippi, she developed a deep respect for the microschooling movement and the founders, families, and supporters throughout the ecosystem.

A native of Mississippi, Katie holds a BA in English from Mississippi College with minors in Business Administration and French. She fell in love with creative writing in junior high, and she continues to craft short stories, micro-essays, and poetry, often with pen and paper. Katie and her husband Daniel are proud parents of two adult children whom they visit often. They also enjoy traveling to new places together and spending time at home with their dog. 

Darla's 25-year educational journey began as a classroom teacher and evolved into coaching as a master teacher, serving n leadership roles as an Assistant Principal, and Principal of PK-8 schools in Phoenix, AZ. Currently, Darla serves as the Director of Education Services for Spark Community Schools. Fluent in Spanish with specialized endorsements in bilingual/multicultural education and early childhood literacy, her lifelong dedication to education began when, on her first day of kindergarten, she declared her ambition to become a teacher—a dream she relentlessly pursued. Holding a Master’s in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University, her expertise is a fusion of passion and formal training in specialized fields.

Darla’s educational career is marked by remarkable achievements. Notably, Darla received the 2021 WestEd Outstanding Principal of the Year award for her transformative leadership. As principal, Darla worked hard to increase student enrollment and achievement. Under her guidance, the school’s letter grade increased from a "D" to a "B", a testament to her commitment to academic excellence and student development. Her innovative approach introduced a Dual Language (English/Spanish) Academy and specialized programs for diverse student needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Darla has championed social-emotional interventions for at-risk students and provided
professional development in various pedagogical areas, underlining her commitment to nurturing both educators and learners.

In her pivotal role at Spark, Darla shapes both short and long-term educational strategies, collaborating extensively with the executive teams at Goodwill of Northern and Central Arizona and one-n-ten Phoenix to shape the short and long-term strategic vision of Spark Community Schools. Her role involves defining education policies, forging strategic alliances and partnerships, and amplifying Spark's education capabilities locally and nationally. Darla also oversees the day to day operations of the Spark classroom at one-n-ten.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Darla finds joy as a licensed Zumba instructor, residing in Phoenix with her husband, and celebrating her adult children's successes. Darla eagerly anticipates forging connections within the education community. Her unwavering passion continues to drive her mission of nurturing student success and fostering enriching learning environments.

Tiffany Blassingame is the founder of The Ferguson School, a progressive Christian microschool in metro Atlanta, GA. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and school administrator in both public and private education, Tiffany specializes in gifted education and helping students strengthen their executive function skills.

As a 4th-generation educator, she’s passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences for students and supporting teachers, which led her to launch the Microschool Teacher Academy. There, she shares effective instructional strategies with fellow microschool educators.

Jill’s journey in education spans over more than two decades, starting as a dedicated 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher. Her passion for literacy led her into roles as a literacy coach and educational consultant, where she honed her skills in implementing Science of Reading practices. For nine years, Jill served in school administration, as both a building principal and assistant superintendent.

Throughout her career, Jill has collaborated closely with schools to implement structured literacy programs and develop robust systems for Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). She co-authored the book, Matching Reading Data to Interventions: a simple tool for elementary educators. 

Driven by a deep commitment to student success, Jill co-founded Columbia Academy for Learning and Enrichment (The CALE School) in 2021, followed by the launch of CALE Education and Company in 2023.

The CALE School serves students from Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade, offering a non-traditional, microschool model designed to meet each student’s individual needs. Our personalized, dynamic approach embraces a multi-age learning environment, allowing us to support students exactly where they are on their unique educational journey.

Building on this mission, CALE Education and Company was established to deliver exceptional support for microschools, private schools, and hybrid school founders across the U.S. and beyond.

Jill holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and advanced degrees, including an Education Specialist (EdS) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. 

Mary Jo Fairhead is the founder of Onward Learning, a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Martin, South Dakota near the Pine Ridge Reservation. Mary Jo is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and grew up on the reservation near where her school is located. She began her career in education as a public school teacher and then became a principal.

After 10 years in the public school system, she decided it was time to start a school in her community. 10 months later, Onward Learning opened its doors and they are now in their third school year. Mary Jo has always believed in the power of great teachers and a loving learning environment. She has seen firsthand how a safe and healthy learning environment can positively change the trajectory of children in a monumental way. Her vision is to inspire positive educational change in not only her community, but across the state of South Dakota.

Dr. Erin Flynn founded the Hedge School Cooperative in Austin, Texas in January of 2021. Having served as teacher, department head, and principal for 10 years at a Texas public charter school and previously taught at university in Ireland for 6 years, Doc Flynn decided to forge a new path in education for herself and her students.

Doc Flynn was born in Cornwall, England to an USN father and an Irish mother. From there, she moved around quite a bit as is the path of a military kid. She has lived in 4 different countries and 4 different US states, and her travels have given her the gift to see life from different perspectives.

Doc Flynn’s Hedge School Coop strives to embrace those differing perspectives for each of their students. The Hedge School Coop serves 8th through 12th graders. Students need to be the driving force behind their education and adults need to serve as guides, mentors, cheerleaders, and models. The Hedge School Coop focuses on Compassion, Creativity, and Critical Thinking in order to provide that experience for every learner.

Tonya Kipe is an educator-turned-edupreneur dedicated to transforming education through innovative learning models. After 11 years in the public school system, she founded Kipe Academy in Winter Haven, Florida in February 2022 to create a more personalized and student-centered approach to learning.

Tonya is passionate about fostering a love for learning in her students and equipping fellow edupreneurs with the resources, support, and network needed to launch and grow successful microschools.

Michael Parsons is the founder of Vandalia Community School in Charleston, West Virginia. Vandalia Community School is a learner-led microschool focused on hands-on and autonomous learning. Vandalia currently serves students from grades one through eight and plans to serve students through grade twelve. 

Michael holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Chemistry and Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from Marshall University. He has taught in higher education and at local Montessori schools. In his free time, Michael likes to travel and camp with his wife, Bri, and their children, Aden, Jade, and Andi.

Alex was born and raised in Northern Virginia, before attending the University of Virginia for a dual Bachelor's and Master's degree. She studied French Language and Literature for her undergrad and Elementary Teaching (PK-6) and a specialization in Integrating Technology for her masters. She then went overseas to work first at The American School in Switzerland (TASIS) where she was one of 4 teachers hired to help open their first ever elementary day school program. She then went to the International School of Tanganyika (IST) in Tanzania, and taught upper Elementary before switching to becoming the ICT coordinator. After this, Alex moved to Washington DC, as the Learning and Technology Coordinator at the Washington International School, before becoming their Assistant Principal, and earning another masters degree in International School Leadership.

She then left in 2016 to pursue the opening of her own school. With fellowship support from 4.0 Schools, Alex launched Capitol Learning Academy in 2019. When the school had to close in 2023, Alex decided to use all she had learned and follow her strengths to continue coaching others who are passionate about opening their own microschools, and then in running them once they are open. Alex loves to read, bake, sew, play tennis and pickleball, and travel. She usually does a few of these activities with her husband, step kids, and dog. 

Daniel R. Suhr is a senior legal fellow for the National Microschools Center, where he provides legal advice and insights to parents, pod leaders, and policy-makers bringing innovation to education. As part of his broader legal practice, he frequently represents parents, schools, and allies of education reform in administrative proceedings and courts nationwide. Whether dealing with a local government bureaucrat or the United States Supreme Court, Suhr combines legal excellence with a comprehensive strategy integrating media outreach, coalition partners, and grassroots engagement. 

Before pursuing public-interest litigation, Suhr was policy director for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. He's also worked as a law clerk for a federal judge and on the national headquarters staff of the Federalist Society. He holds a B.A. and J.D. from Marquette University, an LL.M. from Georgetown University, and an M.P.A. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He and his wife Anna and their two boys live in the Milwaukee area, where they're active in their church and their Cub Scout pack.