Director

Email: mbarry@ignite-pathways.com

Michelle Barry, a native of Woodbine, Iowa, pursued her passion for education at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, where she earned her degree. After graduation, she began her teaching career in the Kansas City area with the Gardner-Edgerton School District, gaining valuable experience in the classroom. In 2008, Michelle and her family returned to Kearney, Nebraska, where she spent eight years teaching at Horizon Middle School, further honing her skills and fostering a love for middle-level education.

In 2018, Michelle moved back to Woodbine to raise her family and continue her journey in education. She is now part of the IGNITE Pathways team, where she collaborates with educators nationwide to transform the education landscape. Michelle enjoys working alongside passionate professionals to bring innovative educational models to life, helping shape the future for students and teachers alike.

Instructor

Email: dborg@ignite-pathways.com

Meet Dave Borg, Automotive Instructor for IGNITE. Dave was I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He and his wife purchased an acreage outside of Missouri Valley several years ago. They both love their rural Iowa home and the communities that make up Harrison County. Dave fell in love with muscle cars as a teenager, and with help from his parents, purchased a 1970 Z28 Camaro when he turned 16. My father told Dave he needed to know how to take care of the car, and that started him on my journey to become an automotive technician a/k/a car mechanic. Dave attended Southeast Community College, automotive classes, at the Milford, Nebraska, campus and graduated with honors. He has over 30 years of experience, starting as an automotive technician. Later, Dave was promoted to the service manager position, and then to fixed operations director. Dave is a Certified Master Automobile Technician, Certified Service Consultant, and Certified Advanced Level Specialist through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). To be ASE Certified a person must test/retest every five years. I’m proud to say that I have been certified for over 30 years. Auto repair is more complicated than ever, and maintaining current certifications ensures that Dave is staying up to date with the latest technology, diagnostic tools, and automotive changes. Dave is a retired Fixed Operations Director of an automotive repair facility that was part of a car dealership. He was responsible for the Service Department, Body Shop, and Parts Department. He knows many high school students are interested in learning to take care of their car, and perhaps explore making a career of it. There is a high demand for skilled trades, and automotive technicians are definitely part of that demand.

Instructor 

Email: cbutrick@ignite-pathways.com

Meet Chelle Butrick, Graphic Art and Animation Instructor at IGNITE Pathways. Chelle was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa.  Chelle and her family moved to Woodbine in 2006, since 2000 she has owned and operated her own photography business, called Chelle’s Photography. She has a Bachelor of Fine Art Degree with emphasis in Graphic Design and Photography from Northwest Missouri State University. Out of college, Chelle was an apprentice for 3 years with Gwen Moss Photography in Benton Kentucky. Chelle came to IGNITE because she saw it as an opportunity to work with students who are interested in an art in which she holds a passion for.  

Chelle stated, “As this is my first time as a IGNITE instructor, I hope to create positive relationships with my students while providing a unique learning experience.”

Learner Experience Developer

Email: beckydickinson@ignite-pathways.com

Born and raised in Dunlap, Iowa, Becky moved to Woodbine and has been a resident for over 12 years with her husband and 3 kids. Becky graduated from Clarkson College in 2009 with a Bachelor’s in Science and Medical Imaging. She has worked as a Radiology Technologist and CT/MRI tech in the field for many years, while continuing her education and  obtaining a Health and Life Coach Certification in 2020. As a Learner Experience Developer, she will be assisting 11th and 12th grade students with individual development plans, being their accountability/succession partner. Becky will also be assisting with the adult learner courses as well as teaching the Health SPARK courses.

“I never thought my Health and Life Coach certification could be utilized here in my hometown, let alone coordinate so well with IGNITE’s vision of creating future ready leaders.  I am so excited to be a part of this transformational center! I’m most excited to teach the SPARK class because I would have LOVED to have my eyes opened to all of the possible pathways when I was a child. The possibilities are ever changing and I am thrilled to be that bridge for students.”

Instructor & Career Success Coach

Email: beckles@ignite-pathways.com

Meet Brandi Eckles, Career Success Coach and Business Instructor at IGNITE Pathways.  Brandi has lived in Southwest Iowa most of her life. She grew up in Cass County, but now resides in rural Shelby County with her family. Brandi was previously a teacher for six years at Logan Magnolia and Harlan Schools. Prior to that, Brandi was in the business industry and owned a boutique. At a young age, she helped run the family Ford dealership before moving on to run her own business.  I come from a family full of entrepreneurs., so it is only natural for me to do the same. As a Career Success Coach at IGNITE, she will be working with juniors and seniors and find work based learning placement opportunities. 

When asked what she likes about IGNITE, Brandi responded, “IGNITE is a place that gives me an immense amount of hope for the future of education. We can not continue to educate students using the same model we’ve always used. This generation is asking for something different. We  can not remain stagnant in our old beliefs about education, but instead we have to get out of our comfort zones and give the students a more hands-on, project based education. Additionally, I have a unique career background in both education and business. I am able to leverage knowledge and experience from both my careers at IGNITE”.

iiJAG Education Specialist & Instructor

Email: jesser@ignite-pathways.com

Justin Esser is from Portsmouth, Iowa and graduated from Harlan in 2017. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Iowa State University in Child, Adult, and Family Services.

After college, Justin returned home to be closer to family. He began his career working with children through counseling and therapy. Justin's expertise falls under helping kids overcome the difficult obstacles they face in life and teaching them how to use obstacles to learn and grow.

Justin got involved with IGNITE because he wanted to make a difference in kid's lives. In his role as iJAG specialist, Justin looks forward to working with so many amazing students in such a new and innovative learning environment.

Core Validator

Email: tfrederick@woodbine.k12.ia.us

Taylor validates Math credit for IGNITE students wishing to earn CBE credit within their career-technical courses.

Taylor is originally from Earling, Iowa, and has been living in Woodbine since 2021. Frederick accepted the position as math validator because she recognizes the opportunities IGNITE gives students, She is convinced that the hands-on experiences students receive at IGNITE prepare them for their futures in their desired pathways.

"I love seeing students involved in activities they truly love. The energy and excitement from students at IGNITE is unmatched."

Instructor

Email: ehammerand@ignite-pathways.com

Meet Ethan Hammerand. English Validator at IGNITE. Ethan is from Epworth, IA and graduated from Loras College.  He has completed English/Spanish secondary Ed Endorsement at Loras after student teaching at Dubuque Senior High School. He grew up on a farm and was involved in 4-H. He became involved with IGNITE after he found he liked the idea of students having alternative options! "Education is not a one size fits all and IGNITE allows kids to explore their interests, while continuing their education in core areas!" Ethan said."I'm excited to be able to continue using my English background as well as having the chance to learn as much from the students as they learn from me!"

Administrative Assistant

Email: sjohnsen@ignite-pathways.com

Meet Sophia Johnsen, Administrative Assistant at IGNITE Pathways.  Sophia is from Western Nebraska and now resides in Logan with her family.  Sophia previously owned and operated a photography business for 15 years.

Sophia will work closely with the staff and students as the administrative assistant. She approaches all aspects of this position with a positive, hard-working mindset, and is passionate about helping find solutions to any challenges. She brings with her an extensive background in customer service and office operations to help her grow in IGNITE.

When asked what she likes about IGNITE, Sophia responded, “I love meeting and interacting with so many different people that are so passionate about IGNITE. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable in their fields of work and the staff is amazing and cares so much about students. I really enjoy being part of IGNITE”.

Instructor

Email: gkelley@ignite-pathways.com

Greg Kelley grew up on a family farm and graduated from Woodbine High School.  He continued his education at Iowa State University and earned a degree in Ag Systems Technology.  

After college, Greg returned to Woodbine and took over the family farm.  He purchased broken down tractors and repaired them to use in his farming operation.  Kelley farms around 2000 acres and has built a machine shop for repairing and maintaining farm equipment.  

Using his shop as a classroom, Greg teaches Ag Mechanics for IGNITE.  He is extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity to create and teach a course that would give high school students a chance to learn some basic life skills. 

“I enjoy the couple of mornings each week teaching the students, in my shop, some of the basics of farm mechanics as it relates to an actual farm.  We get to go out and fix actual problems that occurred the day before and provide basic maintenance before a machine goes to the field.”

Instructor

Email: pkelley@ignite-pathways.com

Paul has lived in Woodbine Iowa his entire life. He grew up on a farm Southeast of town. and attended Iowa Western Community College for Automotive.

Kelley began his career at a Ford Dealership and served as a Mechanic & Service Advisor for several years. Paul retired from the City of Omaha as a Fleet Mechanic. He is currently enjoying his retirement while farming and restoring classic cars and motorcycles.

Paul serves as an Auto Mechanic & Small Engine Instructor at IGNITE Pathways. He wanted to share his automotive career experiences with students and allow them to get hands-on experience in a shop environment.

Core Validator

Email: gkolpin@woodbine.k12.ia.us

Meet Greg Kolpin, Social Studies Instructor. Greg is the Social Studies content validator for students seeking core curriculum credit through their IGNITE classes.

Kolpin is in his 9th year of teaching and coaching at Woodbine Community School District. He has been working with IGNITE for two years.

Why did Greg join the staff at IGNITE? "I enjoyed the alternative way of thinking that curriculum-based education provided, and it gave me an opportunity to try new things both in my own classroom and with non-traditional students."

Kolpin enjoys trying new ideas to innovate a subject area that isn't always the most exciting. He also enjoys making real-life connections with skills learned in social studies courses that can be applied in any area of work and or life.

Instructor

Email: clee@ignite-pathways.com

Curtis Lee has lived in Woodbine most of his life. After graduating from Woodbine High School (a few years ago), Curtis attended college and settled in Missouri for 13 years before moving back home to Woodbine.  

Curtis worked in construction for a year before starting his career in production control for a manufacturing company. He was promoted and transferred within the company to the Information Technology department for the plant. When he moved back to Woodbine, Curtis took his skills to a computer consulting company in Omaha. His career in the Information Technology field has spanned for over 35 years, both in technical and management roles.

Curtis is passionate about aviation.  He has been a part time flight instructor for the past 35 years.  All the while, Curtis has farmed just outside of Woodbine.  When Curtis retired from his IT career in Omaha, he picked up a new role in Woodbine.  Curtis is currently farming full time along with flight instructing and teaching at IGNITE.  As a Navigator, Curtis is teaching Information Technology and Aviation classes.  

“I enjoy working with students and keeping up with the industry’s changes.  I want to help students to become more familiar with the opportunities that they have in their future careers.”

iJAG Education Specialist, Instructor & Marketing Manager

Email: dmcmahon@ignite-pathways.com

Danielle McMahon is an Early Childhood adjunct instructor at IGNITE Pathways. Dani grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and currently reside in Manning, Iowa. She graduated from Iowa State University  in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and a minor in Public Relations.

In college, Dani served as a leader for the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success, studied abroad, held a marketing internship at a non-profit, and recruited for Cobblestone Inn & Suites. In adjacent to those roles, she worked as a Teacher for a child care center to serve children and families of Carroll County. In 2018, Dani was recruited in a career to hold the role of a Business Development Specialist/Communications Specialist to help empower families and individuals to thrive in life and offer resources to get them there.

Instructor

Email: jmills@ignite-pathways.com

Justin grew up on the family farm north of Walnut and went to high school in Harlan.  After graduating, he earned his Ag Education degree at Iowa State University.  He moved to Harrison County six years ago.

Justin taught high school ag in Missouri Valley for four years.  When his daughter was born, Justin chose to take an early exit from traditional education and started his own business, Mills Mobile Detailing. 

A few years later, Justin received a call from Mr. Wagner (who had been Justin’s superintendent when he was in high school).  When presented with an opportunity to get involved with a NEW hands-on instructional program, Justin could not say no!

Currently, Justin leads classes in animal science and crop science at IGNITE Pathways.

“The best part about being a Navigator is that I get to learn alongside the champions. Our classes get out and about in our community as often as possible.” 

Instructor

Email: emoores@ignite-pathways.com

Eric Moores graduated from Woodbine High school in 1996.  After graduating with a Construction Management degree from University of Nebraska at Kearney, Eric moved to Omaha and worked as a Construction Superintendent for Benchmark Homes. In 2006, Eric started his own custom homebuilding business in Omaha, and he moved his family back to Woodbine a year later. In 2009, Eric added a spray foam insulation business focusing on re-insulating existing homes locally and in the Omaha area.

Five years ago, Eric accepted the role of Construction Trades instructor for Woodbine Community School. When he isn’t teaching, Eric continues to work as a private building contractor, working on remodels and custom homes in Woodbine.  When IGNITE Pathways was formed in 2020, the Construction Trades program became IGNITE’s first career pathway.  IGNITE’s philosophy of providing hands on opportunities aligns perfectly with Eric’s personal learning experience.   

“The relationship that I am able to build with students is the best part of my job.  I love seeing what some of my former students are doing in the construction industry now.  I have students checking in with me to share their successes.  It’s also pretty cool to have former students working as contractors on our IGNITE projects with us.” 

Instructor

Email: toestmann@ignite-pathways.com

Terry was raised on a dairy farm in northeast Oklahoma where he spent most of my life. He moved to rural Woodbine 20 years ago.

Terry has been in a production manufacturing facility of some kind or another for 34 years, mostly welding. He has a lot of fabrication experience as well.

Currently, Terry is a supervisor over a department at Tommy Gate here in Woodbine and has been for several years now.  He would never toot his own horn, but Terry is a top welder for Tommy Gate.  IGNITE asked for the best, and we got it. 

A little over a year ago, Terry was asked if he would be interested in teaching at IGNITE and here he is!   He goes into work early each day to carve out time to teach the welding program for IGNITE.

"I really enjoy teaching a skill that I  know will have a big impact on certain young men and women. I don't think there will be anything other than raising my children that has been more rewarding to me!"

Special Projects Manager

Email: sperdue@ignite-pathways.com

Meet Starlyn Perdue, Special Projects Manager for IGNITE Pathways. Starlyn and her husband live on a farm between Carson and Griswold, Iowa with their two sons. Starlyn grew up visiting family in Woodbine and has always had an affinity for the small town and the amazing opportunities they foster throughout the community. After graduating from Iowa Western Community College and Bellevue University, Starlyn spent 17+ years in Economic Development with Iowa Western Community College. As the Special Project Manager for IGNITE Pathways and the WCSD, she will be working on grant acquisition, business advisory committees and partnerships, and legislative connections. Starlyn became involved with IGNITE when she heard from a friend about the innovative and exciting things IGNITE Pathways is doing to transform education.  

“I enjoy being part of IGNITE because of the transformational changes we are making for education, be it in junior high, high school, or even adult learning. Working to help improve our opportunities for workforce learning and opportunities, partnering with businesses and helping learners with opportunities to set their own course to success is what motivates me to be part of the IGNITE team!”

Instructor

Email: pridder@ignite-pathways.com

Paul Ridder is originally from Battle Creek, Nebraska, a town very similar in size to Woodbine.  He worked in the manufacturing industry in Omaha with roles as a design engineer, project manager, engineering manager and director of engineering for a manufacturing company that designed and built equipment for large grain handling and processing facilities around the world.

Paul has always loved to tinker, build and break stuff, and work with his hands. He likes to discover how things work and how to build things. Paul’s broad interest in the trades sparked his interest with IGNITE. 

Educational Specialist

Email: tspangenberg@ignite-pathways.com

Meet Tricia Spangenberg, Educational Specialist at IGNITE Pathways. Tricia and her family moved to Harlan in 2012 where she was a classroom teacher at Harlan Community School District. Tricia has many years and experience as an instructional coach and math consultant for the AEA. She is passionate about making learning relevant to students. As an Educational Specialist at IGNITE, she will be working with instructors and CORE validators to tie relevant curriculum to real world experiences. 

When asked what she likes about IGNITE, Tricia responded, “Giving students opportunities outside the traditional education model.  I am excited to collaborate with instructors to ensure students are getting a transformational educational experience.”

Instructor

Email: ttaylor@ignite-pathways.com

Tim grew up on the south side of Chicago and went to college in St. Cloud, Minnesota before moving to the Woodbine area in 2001. He earned a degree in Computer Information Systems from DeVry University, and became a data manager for Gallup in Omaha.

Currently, Tim is the IT manager at Grato Holdings in Woodbine. Grato Holdings is an employee owned company that operates multiple brands and several GMP facilities, and has been rooted in the heartland of Iowa for over 30 years.  Grato's mission is to teach about whole health and natural remedies. To produce the highest quality herbal extracts, homeopathic remedies, and nutritional supplements. In his role as IT Manager, Tim maintains Grato’s computer systems and looks for ways to grow the company through technology. 

Tim teaches Information Technology classes, PC Support and Network Security. He is excited by the concept of reaching kids and giving them an avenue to explore their interests and learn real world skills while still learning the core curriculum for high school.

"I love interacting with the kids in a real tangible way.  Connecting in their interests and exciting their imaginations by helping them to think about their education in a new way.”

Instructor

Email: rvandemark@ignite-pathways.com

Randy Vandemark was born and raised in Woodbine, graduating in 1981.  Other than a short time away, he has spent his life and career in Woodbine.

With over 35 years experience in the HVAC industry, Randy owned and operated his own heating and cooling business in Woodbine for the past 31 years. You may have seen his work truck around town: Vandemark Heating and Cooling.  AND you may have seen students inside!

Randy teaches HVAC for IGNITE Pathways.  He also participates in the apprenticeship program through the Iowa Department of Labor.  Currently, Randy employs a Woodbine senior as an apprentice in the program.

Vandemark got involved in IGNITE and became a Navigator because he found that fewer students were joining the technical trades.  Most were being directed to 4-year colleges.  He realized that many students do not have a clear direction on next steps they could take.  

“I wanted to show kids that there was an alternative and they could have a successful career in the technical trades.  By giving them hands-on experience in the trades in high school, they see that there are other opportunities out there and can find a place where they fit.”

When asked about the best part of his role with IGNITE, Vandemark commented,

“The best is seeing the smile on the kids’ faces when they learn something new or accomplish a skill.”