Meet our leadership team

Mr. Chris Marker brings over 30 years of experience in student success to The Freedom Institute. Notably, he is also a proud parent, having successfully homeschooled his son from K-12, who is now a thriving engineer in our local community.

His journey from farm country to becoming a respected figure in education is a testament to his strong work ethic and determination. Starting with a Bachelor’s degree at Miami University, he embarked on a career in social service and education. His diverse roles, from behavior therapist to principal, have enriched his understanding of student needs. His educational achievements, including a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Doctoral work in Educational Administration, further validate his expertise. His certifications are as a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) and National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) certified, as well as a Florida-certified school principal and school leader.

Mr. Marker empowers students, helping them achieve their educational goals, build a fulfilling career, and achieve economic freedom through learning.

Dr. Nathan Poteet brings over 14 years of experience as a teacher and administrator with K-12 students in Collier County. As an administrator, he has helped two schools increase student achievement. As a result, both schools went from a school grade of a “C” to an “A” (Highlands Elementary and Lake Trafford Elementary).

For the past two years, Dr. Poteet has served as the founding principal of The Freedom Institute of Collier County and now looks forward to his new role as the Executive Director of Programs and AI.

Dr. Poteet earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. He is also certified in Educational Leadership K-12, Exceptional Student Education K-12, Elementary Education K-6, and Physical Education K-12.

Dr. Poteet’s educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student deserves a tailored education that aligns with their unique needs and interests. He firmly advocates for this approach, seeing it as a crucial step towards equipping students with the tools they need for lifelong success and financial independence.

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.

Lauren Grady, a versatile artist, mentor, and mom, stands out in various roles. Lauren’s ability to weave historical narratives into her photography is paralleled by her skill in storytelling for The Freedom Institute’s brand, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.

Her dedication to mentorship has dramatically impacted the lives of many students, inspiring them to harness their inner creativity. Lauren’s ability to connect with people is well-recognized, enhancing her role as Director of Digital Strategies. She is a proud mom to a gifted 13-year-old. Lauren’s passion for her roles, from art to mentorship, resonates with people from all walks of life.

Eva Aspegren is the Director of Growth, Fundraising, and Special Events at The Freedom Institute. With a career rooted in transforming educational systems and empowering individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset, Eva is deeply committed to personalized education and the principles of education freedom. Over the past 20 years, she has led initiatives in entrepreneurship education, strategic planning, nonprofit development, community-building, and fundraising campaigns while fostering innovative programs across K-12 and higher education.

Eva’s journey reflects her passion for education that honors individuality and equips students with real-world skills. She has developed programs spanning K-12 to higher education, including entrepreneurship training and health education, while championing parental choice and alternative learning approaches. Growing up in socialist Hungary instilled in her a profound appreciation for freedom and the transformative power of education to create lasting change.

A mother, entrepreneur, and health enthusiast, Eva also advocates for balanced living and personal empowerment. She holds an MBA from Ohio University, a Master’s in Economics from the University of Pécs, Hungary, and certifications in leadership development and integrative health coaching. Eva is dedicated to advancing educational solutions that uphold freedoms and promote personal choice in learning.