More Than a High School^®
Where Naples Students Soar.

Mrs. Christy Vaill began her career in education in 2007 and has had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles within Collier County, including classroom teacher, resource teacher, media specialist, math and science instructional coach, and assistant principal. Today, she is honored to serve as the principal of The Freedom Institute of Collier County, where she is passionate about creating a supportive and inspiring environment where every child can thrive. Mrs. Vaill holds a Master's in Education from the University of Florida and a second Master's in Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is certified in Educational Leadership K-12, Exceptional Student Education K-12, Educational Media Specialist PK-12, and Elementary Education K-6, and holds endorsements in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Reading. As a proud founding staff member, Mrs. Vaill has been part of Freedom since it opened its doors in 2023. She began as a Senior Success Coach and after two years transitioned to Principal. She deeply believes that building genuine, positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community is at the heart of helping children succeed. Her dedication to nurturing both academic and personal growth has helped make Freedom not just a school, but a place where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. She prides herself on a positive school culture for all.

Ms. Michelle Garafola is a Collier native and has worked for Collier County public schools for the last 11 years in various roles, including classroom teacher, resource teacher, math coach, and administrator. Ms. Garafola is committed to building relationships with staff and students to grow their capacity. Through these relationships, she supported the movement of failing schools to an A grade from the state. Ms. Garafola has her master's in Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is certified in Educational Leadership K-12, Exceptional Student Education K-12, and Elementary Education K-6 and holds her ESOL endorsement. Ms. Garafola's passion is igniting students' potential. She's eager to build strong family connections at Freedom and foster a community where everyone thrives.

Mr. Kukushkin (Mr. K) brings over 22 years of experience as a high school math teacher and college professor. Mr. Kukushkin started teaching mathematics with Collier County Public Schools in 2003, having taught a variety of subjects from Algebra 1 to AP Calculus AB and BC. He has been teaching at FSW as an adjunct since 2012, where he taught various mathematics courses, including dual enrollment classes. Mr. Kukushkin was born in Moscow, Russia. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics from Russian Academy of Economics in Moscow in 1995. In 2006 he earned a Master's degree in Curriculum and instruction from FGCU, and in 2008 he earned a Specialist in Education degree in mathematics instruction from Nova Southeastern University.

Mrs. Briana Chieco has been a dedicated educator with Collier County Public Schools for the past 11 years. Mrs. Chieco holds a bachelor's degree in Multidisciplinary Studies alongside a master's degree in Education, equipping her with the knowledge and tools to tailor personalized instruction in both intellect and integrity. Before entering the classroom, Mrs. Chieco worked as a Certified Child Life Specialist, supporting children and families through hospitalization by using education and emotional support to reduce anxiety and promote resilience. This experience laid the foundation for Mrs. Chieco's approach to teaching, which is to create a safe, inclusive classroom where students feel understood, supported, and empowered. In 2022, Mrs. Chieco was named Teacher of Distinction, earning praise for her creative mix of innovative science instruction with inquiry-based, hands-on learning. Mrs. Chieco encourages students to pose meaningful questions through real-world investigation while blending academic rigor with joy and curiosity. Mrs. Chieco sees herself not just as a teacher but as a mentor and advisor. She is dedicated to building authentic relationships with students and families while guiding each learner to build confidence, ownership, and preparedness for future success.

Ms. Paige Chardon is a Florida native. She has been a teacher in several districts across Florida spanning over nine years. She is committed to inspiring students and guiding them to success. Ms. Chardon graduated from Florida Atlantic University with her Bachelor's Degree in Education. She holds a teaching certificate with both a Reading and ESOL endorsement. She is currently working towards getting her master's in educational leadership from Lynn University. Ms. Chardon is excited to join Freedom and work with students, families, and the community.

Mrs. Kim Furar brings over ten years of experience in education, holding different positions in Pittsburgh, PA and here in Collier County. She also has several years of experience in office administration, having lived in Pittsburgh, PA. Kim and her family relocated from Pittsburgh, PA, in 2019 to fulfill their lifelong dream of living in Florida. She is enjoying her role as Office Manager at The Freedom Institute. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.