Darby is the President of Fusion Global Academy. Darby brings more than 20 years of leadership and management experience in the education and technology-based learning industries to her role. She is a facilitator and builder of world-class programs that serve students. Darby is an education entrepreneur who has been inspired by the power of technology and how it can be utilized to bring a highly personalized educational experience to students that helps them to discover and achieve their goals.

Darby began her career in education as Chief Administrative Officer and School Principal for a charter school in Philadelphia. An outspoken advocate for high-quality education and choice, she was a founding Board Director for the Pennsylvania Coalition of Charter Schools. Darby then worked at K12, Inc. for ten years in various roles launching and operating online schools, implementing quality program standards and accreditation, and leading curriculum development for the high school product offering. As the business owner of the private school’s division at K12, Inc. Darby led the development and implementation of a multi-tiered online offering to meet the individual needs of students.

Darby has served on several boards, including Apple Montessori Schools, and is a coach and volunteer in her hometown of West Chester, Pennsylvania. She received a BA in Psychology from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. She and her husband Phil enjoy spending time with family and friends and watching their four children grow to new heights. Darby is their biggest fan and is always cheering from the bleachers at basketball and volleyball games. In her spare time, she is an avid reader, gardener, and is working on learning to knit. Darby is happiest when her toes are in the sand.

Lynna is a graduate of the National Hispana Leadership Institute. She earned a B.A. from The Ohio State University and earned her masters in Educational Policy and Administration at Carnegie Mellon University.

Lynna has passionately worked in a variety of capacities aiding the advancement of youth in the fields of educational policy, higher education, and k-12 public school systems. She played a pivotal role as Program Director in the implementation of Ohio’s largest education campaign aimed at closing the achievement gap for Latino students throughout the state, and also served as an Academic Retention Specialist at Carnegie Mellon University.

Audrey Wall is the Head of School at Fusion Global Academy. She received a bachelor’s degree from Strayer University in Human Resource Management and Marketing, and an MS in Management and Leadership. She is currently pursuing an Ed. D in Educational Leadership at Capella University.

Audrey is a passionate lifelong learner who truly believes in the transformational power of education. She brings a wide variety of experiences in education management and leadership to her role and joins the Fusion team from partner school, Futures Academy, where she was a Campus Director in southern California. Audrey is excited to be a part of the virtual learning team as she earned 2 degrees 100% online and uniquely understands the perils and delights of online learning. Audrey feels privileged to work with students as they chart new paths and reach their academic goals during their time at Fusion Global Academy.

Audrey and her husband, Andrew, are the parents of five children, ages 15-23 and most recently, the doting grandparents of one grandson, Ty. Given the opportunity, you will find Audrey working out in her home gym, dubbed the “Gainz Garage” with her boys, exploring the trails and parks with her dog, Ralph, or curled up on the couch with a good book. She is also an avid Lego builder and loves to discuss superheroes and the finer points of Olympic weightlifting. If you get the chance, be sure to ask Audrey about her newest passion, goat yoga!

Tiffany is the Director of Virtual Learning for Fusion Education Group. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Hope College in Holland, Michigan in Secondary Education and German and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University.

Tiffany has been a part of secondary education for over 25 years, with the last 13 years of her career in multiple virtual education areas such as teaching, course development, and leadership. She loves being an educator in the virtual world and is proud to be a part of launching Fusion’s newest revolutionary school, Fusion Global Academy. The heart of her work is driven by walking alongside kids who often face tough odds to rise and thrive through personalized support and perseverance. Fusion Global Academy is the perfect place to make that happen.

Tiffany and her husband, Peter, are the proud parents of Grace, a sophomore college student, and Marc, a senior in high school. In her free time, you can find her cheering on Marc at the soccer pitch, serving as Grace’s photography assistant, or walking the trails with her family and pup, Lucy. Tiffany and her family enjoy traveling and exploring our country’s glorious national parks.

Samantha Ballard is Director of Admissions and Outreach for Fusion Global Academy. In her role, Sam leads a team and focuses on connecting and collaborating with families and students as they explore their educational options to find the right fit! She has a diverse career background that includes leadership and coaching positions in college admissions, healthcare, education, and fashion. These skills, along with her experience advocating for her own children in school, ignited her passion for being a game-changer in education. Sam has seen firsthand that when a teacher and a student focus on strengths, absolute magic can happen!

In her non-work life, Sam’s spends time: with her husband, kiddos, black lab, chipin, and two guinea pigs, cheering on her boys in their respective pursuits, reading at least one great book a week, doing yoga, dreaming about riding horses, and owning a llama, watching movies, hanging at or thinking about the beach, paddle-boarding and supporting the NY Giants!

Cassandra is the Director of Virtual Instruction at Fusion Global Academy. She graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and History, Eastern Michigan University with a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, and the University of Pennsylvania with a graduate certificate in virtual online teaching.

As a teacher, Cassandra taught English courses at middle and high schools throughout Metro Detroit, Michigan. She piloted a blending learning program for at-risk students in the alternative setting before starting her career in fully-online education at a public online charter school serving students across the state of Michigan. There, Cassandra served many roles, including English teacher, English Content Coach, and High School Assistant Principal.

When she’s not at work, Cassandra enjoys volunteering at schools, churches, and with civic organizations in her community. She can often be found participating in various events and documenting them in photos.

Justin Talkington is the Director of Global Community of Fusion Global Academy and Fusion Education Group. He is a New York City-based Education Administrator, Artist, Teacher, and Mentor committed to relationship-centered learning, joy generating community building, social/emotional wellness, and energetic academic improvement.

A proud member of Actor’s Equity Association, Justin has toured nationally with five-time Grammy-nominated singer, pianist, and music revivalist Michael Feinstein. Justin is also a voice and acting Mentor at Spot-On Arts Academy, resident vocal artist for Spot-On Entertainment, and performs with symphonies across the country.

Justin began his Fusion Academy journey on the Park Avenue campus in 2015. Originally joining the Park Avenue admin team as a part-time Scheduling Assistant, Justin has since served as a teacher/mentor in Physical Education and Performing Arts, Community Minds Lead, Wellness Lead, East Coast Learning and Development training coach, Interim Director of Student Development, Interim Assistant Director, and Electives Department Head. Justin is currently joyously serving as the Director of Global Community for Fusion Education Group and Fusion Global Academy and maintaining his National title in both Physical Education and Performing Arts for Fusions across the country.

When he is not teaching or spreading some Fusion sunshine, Justin can be found writing or sketching in a nearby coffee shop, training for a fitness competition, escaping the craziness of the city and exploring in nature, spending time with friends and family, or most likely singing and dancing down the sidewalk.

Lauren Lock is the Director of Student Life for Fusion Global Academy. In her role, Lauren oversees the Global Homework Cafe and the vast opportunities for students within the virtual school building. Lauren’s goal is to ensure that students feel seen, heard, and valued each day.   

She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University.  Lauren has been with FGA since July of 2021 and has held roles as both teacher/mentor, and Assistant Director of Student Life. Prior to joining FGA, Lauren taught Physical Education, Health, and Spanish, and was a 6-12 Athletic Director. 

Lauren lives in Colorado with her husband and two Yellow Labs, Sailor and Buoy. Outside of FGA’s virtual hallways, you can almost always find Lauren outside. She loves hiking, mountain biking, camping, and snowboarding.  Lauren also loves to cook, bake, and brew her own kombucha.  

Katie Hamady is the Assistant Director of Student Life for Fusion Global Academy.  As Assistant Director of Student Life, she works closely with the Director of Student Life to ensure that each student has a personalized and meaningful experience every time that they log in. Katie collaborates with the academic team to support student growth strategies and planning, in partnership with the Finish Line Friday initiative. Katie is also heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of the Global Homework Café.

She received a bachelor’s degree in both elementary education and psychology, and holds a graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling.  Katie has worked as both an educator and as a therapist and has seen first-hand how relationships and validating emotions can positively impact students in school and beyond.  Katie’s passion for both academics and mental health inspire her to spread awareness about the importance of social and emotional wellbeing and her daily goal is that every person she interacts with feels safe, heard, and accepted.

Katie resides in Illinois with her husband and their fur baby, Stanley.  In her free time, Katie can be found crafting, spending quality time with family and friends, or traveling to the beach in Naples, Florida.

Erin Farrell is the Director of Student Development for Fusion Global Academy. She began at the Fusion campus in Princeton, first as the Director of First Impressions and then as the Director of Student Development. Most recently, she worked as the DSD at the Cherry Hill Fusion campus. Erin earned her B.A. in French and Art History from La Salle University in Philadelphia. At La Salle, Erin discovered a passion for art history and went on to earn her M.A. in Art History from the University of Toronto. She then returned to Philadelphia and taught art history at La Salle University and Chestnut Hill College.

Erin is passionate about art museums and writes about museum exhibits for peer-review journals and the online art community. She also believes in the importance of creativity in education and is thrilled to be a part of the Fusion mission for one-to-one education. Outside of school, Erin spends a lot of time with her husband, daughter, and puppies, slowly renovating their home. She also designs greeting cards and invitations in her spare time.