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
Lead Discovery Guide
Marshawna Bryant graduated from FSU with a Bachelor’s in Family and Child Sciences, with an emphasis in Child Development. She is a dedicated professional with over 15 years experience working with children. She believes in our mission of enhancing your curiosity and the love of learning.
Marshawna is passionate about helping learners be the best version of themselves- both at Apollo and as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels.
Yordanos Teklu
Lead Spark Guide
Yordanos Teklu has over ten years of experience in early childhood education programs with a focus on learner-driven and play-based environments. She holds a National Child Development Associates and Director credential certificate.
Born in Asmara, Eritrea, she has had the opportunity to travel all over the world and still enjoys visiting new places with her two sons. Her other interests include cooking, painting, and reading. Apollo Academy aligns with her personal passion of workings with young children and watching them learn new things.
Ciara O’ Beirne
Discovery Apprentice 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.
Michael Daniels
Spark Apprentice Guide
With over nine years of experience working with children, Michael brings a deep commitment to supporting young learners in environments that value growth, connection, and purpose. Michael holds a National Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a Director credential, and is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
His background reflects both strong professional training and hands-on experience guiding children academically, socially, and emotionally. Outside of the studio, Michael is a dedicated father, and enjoys playing basketball.
