Our Colossal Academy Team
Ms. Shiren
Founder, Owner-Fort Lauderdale
Shiren Rattigan is the pioneering founder of Colossal Academy and networking microschools emphasizing contemporary entrepreneurial education. As owner and principal Educational Curator of Colossal Academy and a UC Berkeley Extensions Educator, her work has been recognized in Forbes, Sun Sentinel, LiberatED, and ReimaginED. A VELA Education Fund and YASS Stop Award Quarterfinalist, her 12 years in adolescent education have solidified her role not only as a teacher but also as a passionate advocate for young voices. Beyond education, Shiren is a dedicated wife and mother to three exceptional daughters.
Mr. Kevin
Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Reading Specialist
Mr. Kevin Is from Huntington, NY and moved to Florida in July 2022. He has extensive experience in the field of education, working in a variety of roles over his career. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from
Franklin Pierce University in American Studies and Elementary Education. His master’s degree is also in
Elementary Education and Special Education. He enjoys working with students and seeing them have
success. He specializes in resources that help make learning more accessible to struggling students and
students who the public school system is not the right fit for.
Dr. Rattigan
Curriculum Consultant
Dr. Rattigan has been a revolutionary educator for 36 years from K-12 and Higher Ed. She provides assistance with an adaptive curriculum to meet individual learning needs. She advices on Differentiated Instruction, ADHD in the classroom, and Reading Interventions.
Ms. Alicia
Home Economics Educator
Ms. Alicia, founder of Project Flourish, is a private chef, urban gardener, home economics educator, and mother of 4. Alicia is certified for nature-based education, plant-based nutrition; and holds degrees in both Culinary Arts & Fashion Design.
Through Project Flourish, she offers classes, community gatherings, and a thoughtfully curated collection of provisions with an emphasis on nature, wellness, & sustainability.
Uli and Toni
Surf Skate Science
Toni and Uli are the directors of Surf Skate Science. They offer hands-on learning through action sports. Students approach physics, math, science, drafting, Marine Science, beach cleanups through surfing and skateboarding.
Ms. Courtney
Global Classroom Coordinator
Courtney has had the opportunity to work in large-scale international education projects in both the public and private sectors from preschool to graduate studies.
First and foremost, she is a teacher and she has had the opportunity to work as a school principal, university administrator, and curriculum, evaluation, and materials designer. She now is so blessed to be able to contribute to education at Colossal Academy as the Global Classroom Project teacher.
Ms. Motinola
Microschool Director-Fort Lauderdale
Motinola is an experienced educator with an enthusiasm for English Language Arts. She has dedicated the past 10 years to teaching students from diverse backgrounds in middle school and high school, both domestically and internationally. Motinola strongly believes in the power of connecting schools to the community and fostering meaningful relationships. She finds working with adolescents to be incredibly rewarding, recognizing their potential as remarkable individuals with the power to shape the present and future.
Ms. Darleen
Communication and
Design Specialist
Ms. Darleen is a transmedia artist and educator whose practice engages the power of digital technology as a space for resistance and exploration. Darleen is particularly interested in creating visual communication that intersects with social justice as a way to craft new nodes of knowledge exchange.
Ms. Mackenzie
Agriculture Expert
Ms. Mackenzie is our resident elder Agriculture Expert. She teaches students how to utilize the land, how to time out crops, and follow the planting schedule. Ms. Mackenzie has been a farmer since she was 6 years old in Jamaica and brings a unique and important gift of elder wisdom to our students.