Ignite! Online Academy -

Marsha Harrell is the Kindergarten teacher at Ignite Online Academy and has been teaching for 26 years! She has been with Ignite since its first year and has been with Durham Public Schools since 2008. Marsha has a background in Montessori Education and has always taught students in Kindergarten or younger. 

She has two Bachelor’s Degrees (Psychology and Education), as well as American Montessori Society 3-6 year old certification and a Master’s in Montessori Education.

Marsha is married and has three grown children. When she is not teaching, she can be found enjoying her little farm in Rougemont with her husband, her cats and chickens. She also enjoys trips to Disney and cruises to warm destinations.

Ebony Brim-Kinte (Ms. Ebony) is the 2nd grade teacher at Ignite! Online Academy. She has been teaching for 12 years. Ms. Ebony earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University. She is finishing her last few classes to earn her Masters in Elementary Education from UNC Pembroke. Ms. Ebony was the Ignite! Teacher of the year 2021-2022 and has also received Teacher of the Month recognition multiple times over the years. Ms. Ebony has participated in Professional Development via NC Ties and led PD for the elementary team. She is a Certified Brainpop and Nearpod Educator, and a recognized Seesaw Pioneer and Level 4 Clever Champion Certified Teacher. Ms. Ebony knows that emotions really affect student confidence and works hard to create a nurturing yet challenging environment for all students to be successful. She believes learning should be fun and you will probably catch her singing, dancing, or just being silly if you ever come to her zoom class. Ms. Ebony’s favorite colors are red and pink and she loves relaxing at home while binge watching shows when she can. Ms. Ebony is so thankful for her Ignite! Community and the unique experience of helping to pioneer a virtual school.

Madison Ambrose is the grades 6-12 Advanced Academics/AIG Specialist and Magnet Coordinator at Ignite! Online Academy. In addition to her academic roles, she is the co-coach of the Middle School Battle of the Books team and helps facilitate the Crochet Club and Secondary Rainbow Club, with the goal of expanding club opportunities for Ignite students in the future. She holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature from UNC-Chapel Hill and a bachelor's in Middle Grades Education from NCCU, where she earned the highest GPA award in the middle grades program. She also completed her AIG Licensure at Duke University, receiving the Duke University Teacher Leadership in Gifted Education Award. With over 10 years of teaching experience in Durham Public Schools, she was recognized as DPS's Beginner Teacher of the Year for the 2018-2019 school year. Madison loves being a part of the Ignite community and is passionate about the virtual model of education, believing strongly in the opportunities it provides for students across Durham Public Schools.

Ms. Barnett teaches 4th grade at Ignite! She went to Meredith College and completed her degree in Spanish as well as her K-6 Licensure. This is her fifth year teaching and her fourth year teaching in Durham Public Schools. Ms. Barnett grew up in Durham and loves living in the Bull City! She lives with her husband, Greg, their kiddo, Wren, and their dog, Oliver. She enjoys spending her free time reading and hiking.

Sarah Campbell is the 2nd-5th grade Interventionist at Ignite Online Academy!  In addition to her academic roles, she is the PBIS lead for the elementary team, a part of the School Improvement Team, and the team lead for the Equity Committee. Ms. Campbell has taught elementary and middle school students in several surrounding counties and abroad, and has been with Durham Public Schools since 2021.  She obtained her Masters in Education from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2016 and has continued to seek out opportunities to learn and grow including completing the Modern Classroom Project. She was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2020 and became a semifinalist for the district.  She is a passionate advocate for students and

My name is Ms. Whitfield, and I am proud to be in my 21st year as an educator. I am deeply passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of our students. I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from NCCU and my master's in Curriculum & Instruction. Additionally, I completed my Academically & Intellectually Gifted licensure at Duke University. Beyond teaching, I am a dedicated mother and suburban homesteader.

Sarah Crume is the 6th grade ELA teacher for Ignite Online Academy. She has been a teacher for 11 years and loves working with middle grades. She has been with Ignite since the school was founded.  Sarah is passionate about ELA and instilling a love of reading and curiosity in her students. She has her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Florida. She loves teaching for Ignite Online Academy and making connections with her students and their families. When not teaching, Sarah is passionate about being outside, playing with

I have been a teacher for 26 years!  I love helping students learn and grow to be their best selves. I have taught with Durham Public Schools' Ignite Online Academy for four years teaching 5th and 6th grades ELA and Social Studies.  I am currently the high school English 1-4 teacher for traditional and honors sections. Over the years, I have been a classroom teacher, AIG teacher, and school librarian at a face-to-face elementary school and with NC Virtual.

Elizabeth is a National Board Certified Teacher who’s all about helping students grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. With a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Relations and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education, she blends creativity and expertise to build an engaging, inclusive classroom. Named a "Teacher to Watch" by the North Carolina Association for Middle Level Education and honored with the WakeEd Partnership Stars of Education award, Elizabeth is committed to fostering a love of learning in every student. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her traveling, diving into a good book, or on the hunt for the next exciting dish to try. Elizabeth is proud to call Bull City home and brings her diverse experiences into the classroom every day.

Devon McNally teaches 8th grade math and middle school NC Math 1 at Ignite! Online Academy. In addition to her teaching roles, she is the middle grades lead teacher, co-chairs the Caregiver Engagement Committee, helps facilitate the Secondary Rainbow Club, and serves on the School Improvement Team. Mrs. McNally earned her bachelor’s of science degree, with honors, in Elementary Education from Campbell University in 2011 and was a finalist for Wake County Beginning Teacher of the Year in the 2011-2012 school year. Prior to joining Durham Public Schools, she taught 3rd grade in Wake County and at a charter school. She added middle grades and high school math certifications to her teaching license in 2016 and was the sole math teacher for all 6th-12th grade students at a state psychiatric residential treatment facility. She began teaching in DPS in 2019 and was a district finalist for DPS Teacher of the Year for the 2020-2021 school year. She completed the AIG Licensure Program at Duke University in 2021 and has been a part of Ignite Online Academy since the school began. She is a Distinguished Modern Classrooms Educator and Expert Mentor which allows her to share her passion for self-paced learning, blended instruction, and mastery-based grading, particularly in the virtual setting.

Deborah Millien teaches 3rd grade at Ignite Online Academy. She started her teaching career in Palm Beach County, Florida in 1994. She taught in elementary, middle, and high school. She moved to North Carolina and started teaching for Durham Public Schools in 2019. She is enthusiastic about teaching and making a difference in the lives of young learners.

Mr. Potter brings a distinctive blend of expertise to his middle school teaching, beginning his career in 2015. With a foundation in technical writing from the University of Pittsburgh and a transition to education through North Carolina's lateral entry program, Mr. Potter offers a unique perspective. His experience with online education through the University of Phoenix further enriches his understanding of diverse learning environments. Having taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, he demonstrates versatility and a commitment to student growth. Mr. Potter's leadership is evident through his roles as Team Lead, and membership on the Instructional Leadership Team and School Improvement Team, showcasing his dedication to school-wide excellence.

    Rita Rakestraw is a product of Nashville, TN public schools and she graduated with a bachelors of special education from University of TN, Knoxville. Recently, Ms. Rita earned her masters degree in Social Work at East Carolina University (ECU) and has since worked to create supportive, inclusive environments for students and families.  Her role includes facilitating small group sessions, providing counseling, mediating conflicts, and connecting families with vital community resources. Ms. Rita also incorporates horticulture therapy and co-chairs the We Are Kings We Are Queens club, empowering students to thrive. Through advocacy and hands-on support, Ms. Rita strives to build a more restorative and equitable school community. In addition to working as a social worker, Ms. Rita enjoys spending time with her husband, Erich, and their two sons, Jack and Paul. Ms. Rita loves attending bluegrass concerts (and Snoop Dog)  with her dad and unwinding with a good book.

Christie Rochefort is the Kindergarten-8th grade School Counselor at Ignite Online Academy. She is dually licensed as a School Counselor and School Social Worker. In addition to her School Counselor duties, she serves as the Kindergarten-8th grade 504 Coordinator, co-chairs the Caregiver Engagement Team, and facilitates the Co-Located Mental Health Team Meetings with community partner Carolina Outreach. Christie earned her Bachelor's degree from East Carolina University where she majored in Social Work. She worked for many years as a social worker in multiple settings including: School Social Work, Home Health & Hospice social work, & HIV Case Management. She left the social work profession to become a Victim Witness Coordinator for the District Attorney’s Office in District 9A. She returned to school and completed the Paralegal Certification Program at Meredith College. After 10 years at the DA’s Office, she decided to return to college again and obtained her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from North Carolina Central University. 

Christie is married to Steve and they have three children, Brandon, Zoey & Baylor.  She enjoys spending time with family and friends at the beach, lake and mountains. The family has two pet dogs, Pancake, a golden retriever and Snoopy, a cocka-cavapoo.

Miss Hinton earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1988 from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, PA. After a short stint working as a bronze sculpture technician, she returned to school to earn an Art Education degree from Kutztown University in rural Pennsylvania, where she grew up. 

She started teaching high school visual art in 1993 at George School, a Quaker boarding school outside of Philadelphia, PA. Before and during her college years (which she stretched out for as long as possible), Alyssa lived a total of 3 years in China and 3 years in France, mostly studying painting. 

Around the time she sent her daughter off to college she sent herself to NC State, earning a master's degree in fiber art and digital media in 2012. She then worked as a design professor for two years before joining DPS, where she has worked for the past 10 years. She joined Ignite Online Academy the year of its inception.

As a practicing mixed media artist, Miss Hinton considers teaching to be an art form in itself and a natural extension of her life. She believes in hands-on contextual learning as her “modus operandi.” 

Outside of her obsession with making, selling and teaching visual art, Miss Hinton enjoys music, animals, yoga, Native American cultural stuff, laughing with family and friends, and total immersion in the great outdoors!

Shara Settle is the Lead Professional School Counselor primarily serving grades 9-12.  She began her career as a school counselor after working 11 years in multiple roles with the N.C. Department of Public Safety.  In her work with confined individuals of all ages and genders/gender identities she realized that the one thing they all lacked was academic, social, emotional, and career support. Mrs. Settle transitioned to Durham Public Schools as school counselor in 2017.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from N. C. State University, a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Professional School Counseling from UNC Charlotte.

Shannon Watson is the MTSS Facilitator and Virtual Testing Coordinator for Ignite Online Academy.  She has been with Ignite since inception but has 9 years of experience in that role for DPS.  Before that she was a Math Teacher in DPS and WCPSS for 11 years.  Shannon earned her Masters Degree in 6-9 Mathematics Education from NC State and her Bachelor’s in Computer Mathematics with a minor in Political Science from Keene State College.  In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, running and traveling.

Mr. Ramirez has been a teacher at Ignite! ever since it started in 2021.  This is 9th year teaching overall and all have been in Math. He has taught both 6th and 7th grade Math here at Ignite. He has 5 children and is married to Mrs. Ramirez who also teaches at Ignite. He graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with his Bachelor’s in Middle Grades Education. He is Math certified for grades 4-8 and is also Ignite’s Co-tech champion!

Zach grew up in Williamsport Pennsylvania. He graduated from Arcadia University in 2007 with a degree in elementary education. Zach has taught in Durham Public Schools since 2008. He spent 10 years teaching grades 3 and 4. He has been a technology facilitator since 2018. Zach earned his M.Ed. from North Carolina State University in 2021. He is married with two wonderful children. Zach spends his free time with his family, watching his kids play sports, listening to music, and spinning records around the triangle.

Dawn Crumpler teaches 6th Grade and 7th grade Science at Ignite Online Academy. She holds a BA Biological Education from WGU. She has taught high school science and middle school science classes in private and public schools for the past 22 years. Before joining the Ignite Team and DPS, Mrs. Crumpler held various roles within the  Rockingham County Schools including School Leadership Team, Science Fair Lead, and Lead Mentor for Beginning Teachers in a middle school setting. She is passionate about Science and loves that her students enjoy hands-on labs activities as a part of their virtual education!

I am a North Carolina native and most recently graduated from Gardner Webb University with my Administration Certification. I currently hold an AS Computer Programming, BS Business Education (grades 6-12), Master's in Education Technology, Ed. S in Technology Leadership. I am certified to teach Middle Grades Math 6-9, Career Technical Education 6-12, Technology Facilitator, and Administration. I am currently working on a second Master’s Degree for Online Curriculum Development and finishing my Doctorate Program. I am a proud wife to Mr. Ramirez (who teach 6th grade here at Ignite and we have 5 wonderful children, Jordan, Logan, Millie, Gabe and Emmie.

Mr. Hasselberg has been teaching since 2016, with experience in middle and high school English Language Arts and Creative Writing. This is his second year teaching at Ignite Online Academy and his fifth year of remote teaching. He has certifications in AP Language and Literature, Google for Education, Modern Classroom Project, Z-Space Virtual Reality Lab, and Instructional Design. He has also sponsored clubs for music and creative writing, the rainbow club, and the National Honor Society. Mr. H, as many students call him, loves teaching at Ignite and all the opportunities it offers!

Rhyne Gulley is a Durham native and DPS graduate. He received a Masters in the Arts of Teaching from Duke in 2019. He has taught High School Earth Science, AP Environmental, Biology, Physical Science and 8th Grade Science. Currently, Rhyne loves being part of the Ignite Team after earning beginning teacher of the year during his time at Southern School of Energy and Sustainability. ‘We are all scientists’ is the mantra that Mr. G brings to his classes.

Kimberly Stone is the school treasurer for Ignite! Online Academy. She has served as a school treasurer in Durham Public Schools since 2016. Mrs. Stone handles many of the behind-the-scenes happenings at Ignite, from designing logos and merchandise, to securing and decorating for all of our in-person events. Kim knows how to get things done and has an incredible sense of humor!

My name is Sarah Peters formerly known as Ms. Ford. I have been working with IOA for 4 years and I work with K-2 as an instructional assistant. I have worked with children for over 20 years and I love to watch them grow and use what they have learned in the real world.

Paul Everitt teaches Spanish at Ignite! Online Academy and serves as the Credit Recovery Facilitator. In addition to his teaching roles, he is the school representative for the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council, and serves on the School Improvement and PBIS Teams. Mr. Everitt earned his Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and International Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned his Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from NC State University. Prior to joining Ignite!, Mr. Everitt taught for many years at Durham School of the Arts and began his teaching career at Githens Middle School. Mr. Everitt is a National Board Certified Teacher and a Distinguished Modern Classrooms Educator and Expert Mentor.

Dacia Guffey teaches 8th grade Social Studies, American History, and Civics Literacy at Ignite! Online Academy, where she is a member of the School Improvement Team and co-chairs the High School Team. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Appalachian State University in 1998 and has taught in public schools across several counties in North Carolina. Ms. Guffey began her teaching career in Durham at the Durham Performance Learning Center (DPLC) in 2013, where she was a district finalist for Teacher of the Year in 2015-2016. She became a Distinguished Modern Classrooms Educator and Expert Mentor, supporting teachers throughout the district. In 2020, she received the Outstanding American History Teacher award from the Daughters of the American Revolution and joined the Ignite! Learning Forward team to develop curricular support during COVID-19 school closures. She has taught at Ignite Online Academy since its inception in 2021.