Our Team
Beth Ann Valavanis
Founder
Beth Ann is a builder at heart—an operator, leader, and entrepreneur driven to create meaningful, lasting impact.
She grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta and attended the University of Georgia’s J.M. Tull School of Accounting, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting. Her career has been defined by leading and scaling organizations, most recently serving as COO of GA Foods, a healthcare company focused on improving lives through nutrition. Earlier in her career, she worked with a college study abroad program centered on leadership and service- an experience that helped shape her belief in the power of real-world learning.
Beth Ann is known for going “all-in” when she believes in something. She’s drawn to building from the ground up—creating systems, cultures, and communities that challenge the status quo and open new possibilities.
That mindset ultimately led her to start Apollo Academy.
She saw firsthand that traditional education wasn’t designed to develop the kind of independence, resilience, and real-world capability she wanted for her daughter- or for other children growing up in her community. Rather than settle, she chose to build something different.
Today, Beth Ann leads Apollo Academy with a clear vision: to create a learner-driven environment that empowers children to take ownership of their learning and grow into confident, capable individuals. She is especially passionate about building a strong, connected community of families who are choosing a different path together.
Her ultimate “why” is her daughter, Emilia. Beth Ann believes that an education rooted in ownership, challenge, and real-life experience will shape Emilia—and every Apollo learner—into a curious, resilient problem-solver prepared for whatever the future holds.
Nicholle Walton-Durban
Head of School
As both a Partner and Head of School at Apollo Academy, Nicholle brings over a decade of experience in learner-driven education and leadership development. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to empowering young people through agency, accountability, and purpose-driven learning.
As co-founder of ESTEAM Academy (an Acton Academy affiliate) in Texas and founder of the EmpowerU Method, Nicholle combines strategic insight with hands-on experience in leading and scaling learner-led environments. At Apollo, she guides the day-to-day operations, supports Guide growth, and cultivates a studio culture where learners are trusted to lead their own educational journeys.
Her leadership is marked by both heart and structure—balancing vision and systems while always championing the Hero’s Journey at the center of the Apollo experience.
Marshawna Bryant
Pathfinders Guide
Marshawna Bryant holds a Bachelor's degree in Family and Child Sciences with an emphasis in Child Development from Florida State University, and brings more than 20 years of experience working with children.
Her four years at Apollo trace a steady climb: she started as an After-School Guide and has since served as Assistant Guide, Spark Guide, and Discovery Guide before stepping into her current role as Pathfinders Lead Guide. Each move has sharpened her instincts as a mentor and given her the chance to grow alongside the learners she serves.
Marshawna believes great leadership means empowering others and creating room for people to find their own strengths. Outside Apollo, she volunteers with Meals on Wheels. She is passionate about helping learners recognize what they're capable of and become the best version of themselves.
Yordanos Teklu
Spark Guide
Yordanos Teklu has over ten years of experience in early childhood education, with a passion for creating learner-driven, play-based environments where children feel supported, curious, and excited to learn. She holds a National Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a Director Credential, and a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification.
Originally from Asmara, Eritrea, she has traveled widely and still loves discovering new places with her two sons. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cooking, painting, and getting lost in a good book.
For Yordanos, working with young children is more than a job. She loves watching them discover new things, build confidence, and grow in their own unique ways — which is exactly what Apollo Academy is built for.
Ciara O’ Beirne
Discovery Guide
Ciara brings a thoughtful, learner-driven approach shaped by her background in both education and creative studies. Ciara graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in History and has prior education in Photography from Griffith College Dublin in Ireland.
With two years of professional private nontraditional education experience, she has developed a compassionate, dynamic, and highly individualized approach to supporting children’s growth and learning. Outside of the studio, she enjoys traveling with her family and spending time cleaning up local beaches with friends.
