Driver Intelligence™ is a very interactive approach to teaching driver education. Our Driver Education Instructors lead dynamic exercises and discussions about key topics instead of lecturing from a textbook. As a result, students are engaged and learn more effectively.
Our Instructors:
- Are passionate about teaching teens; have prior experience in teaching or coaching teens
- Are energetic, vibrant professionals who bring lessons to life
- Are fully licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State
- Have passed background checks spanning 300 million records and 50 states
- Have passed an intensive drug screen and driving record check
- Have mastered our proprietary interactive curriculum and passed our rigorous training program
- Participate in continuing education via instructor workshops
- Learn and improve via ongoing customer surveys and managerial observations
Meet Our Instructors
Dan Affleck
Background
Social Studies, English & Speech/Debate teacher
Fun Fact About Me:
I’ve been to Japan 17 times and I used to be a DJ on the radio.
Advice to new drivers:
Focus on the road ahead of you, don’t become a negative statistic. Do the right thing and get where you’re going safely.
George Blough
Background
I have been an instructor of Top Driver for five years. This is on top of over a decade and a half of management experience through multiple different businesses.
Fun Fact About Me:
I am a huge fan of all things nerdy: sci-fi, fantasy, D&D, etc. I also ran a side business of making chainmail jewelry and armor.
Advice to new drivers:
It’s okay to be nervous! I am always more than happy to help my students through those nerves!
Reed Castele
Background
Professor of psychology at Trinity International University (current). Worked in various mental health settings prior to that.
Fun Fact About Me:
I worked in a psychiatric hospital for many years.
Advice to new drivers:
A student once told me his father’s advice: “be the best driver you can be and assume everyone else is drunk.” That’s actually not terrible advice. Work to be the very best driver you can be and assume that all the other people on the road are, potentially at least, distracted, angry, or impaired in some way.
Jan Coules
Background
I taught for a total of 35 years. I started teaching Driver Ed as a part time job in 2009 at Orland Driving School.
Fun Fact About Me:
Always buckle up! My son and three of his friends are alive today because they were buckled when involved in a rollover crash.
Advice to new drivers:
Knowing where to look is the key to proper control.
Jeff Davis
Background
I spent many years as a substitute high school teacher as well as a Sports Editor for the Pioneer Press newspapers and CSLinsider.com
Fun Fact About Me:
I have interviewed Michael Jordan, Walter Payton and Hockey Hall-of-Famer Guy LeFleur.
Advice to new drivers:
Assume other drivers are going to mess up, so that you are able to react quickly
Gerry Drees
Background
Business management/coaching
Fun Fact About Me:
I have 2 awesome grandsons Santi, and Jio
Advice to new drivers:
Take the driving experience as serious as possible and practice whenever you can
Stefanie French
Background
Classroom facilitator and designated trainer for The Cheesecake Factory
Fun Fact About Me:
I have two pet chickens, and like to refer to myself as a “chicken tender” LOL. Our girls, Betty White & Ginger, lay blue eggs (which I mostly give away!). I’d love to have at least 20 more someday!
Advice to new drivers:
Explore and have a good time while doing it…safe and responsibly! Drive as if your parents were in the back seat, always! There is only ONE of you, and you’re priceless 🙂
Garry Graham
Background
USAF Veteran, Technology Business Career in Sales Engineering, Retired Middle School Math Teacher
Fun Fact About Me:
Currently performing as lead vocalist in local rock cover band – RealTime Noise
Advice to new drivers:
Have a back up plan and be ready to execute. As you drive, evaluate risks and plan what you would do in event of X happening. Be ready to do it!
Kevin Humiston
Background
Law enforcement
Fun Fact About Me:
I also have a photography business.
Advice to new drivers:
Don’t trust other drivers to do what they should.
George Ilic
Background
Teacher
Fun Fact About Me:
I have a degree in foreign language education.
Advice to new drivers:
Follow the rules of the road, there’s a reason we have them!
Bob Kman
Background
Former broker
Fun Fact About Me:
Have seen every episode of Survivor and the Simpsons the day they came out, including watching in 9 different countries.
Advice to new drivers:
It all starts with the fundamentals. Without the basics everything else is a challenge.
David Kocjancich
Background
Educator of Music and Brass Pedagogy, Guest Teacher, Driver Ed Instructor
Fun Fact About Me:
I enjoy golfing with friends and family
Advice to new drivers:
Pay full attention at all times.. Always practice, practice and more practice!
Jeff Koelsch
Background
Funeral Service & Business Management
Fun Fact About Me:
Cruise crazy – 16 and counting.
Advice to new drivers:
Make wise choices!
Andrew LaHaye
Background
I have an extensive food service management background with a degree in Culinary Arts
Fun Fact About Me:
If not at home I’m at the gym
Advice to new drivers:
Be the best driver you can be and assume other drivers aren’t paying attention!
Amy Markowski
Background
Building Substitute Teacher, Delivery Driver, Artist
Fun Fact About Me:
I love gardening, decorating, painting basically making the world a more colorful happy place for everyone.
Advice to new drivers:
Just try it, its not as scary as you think it’s going to be.
Darin Meyer
Background
Retired teacher – 28 years
Fun Fact About Me:
I have been to the Indianapolis 500 39 times.
Advice to new drivers:
Drive every chance you get!
Lauren Myers
Background
English and Business Administration
Fun Fact About Me:
I love going to the beach with my kids. It’s our happy place!
Advice to new drivers:
Be patient and practice as much as you can.
David Parker
Background
Honorary Doctorate in Divinity Studies.
Fun Fact About Me:
World Traveler – Engaged in International Mission Trips. Most Recent: Nigeria, West Africa.
Advice to new drivers:
Don’t ever rush the process to becoming a Top Driver!
Nichole Semprit
Background
Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. Masters Degree in Education Administration. Top Driver Driving Instructor for 6 years.
Fun Fact About Me:
Some probably know this, but I have 2 dogs, 2 turtles, and a hedgehog
Advice to new drivers:
Practice! Whether it’s a scheduled time you plan with mom/dad, or short drives to the store!
Sabrina Sims
Background
School Bus Driver
Fun Fact About Me:
Completed 6 marathons: 2 Chicago 26.2 , 1 Chicago Rock & Roll 13.1, 2 Fox Valley 13.1, 1 Naperville 13.1; and counting
Advice to new drivers:
Be Patient with yourselves, everyone starts somewhere, finish strong.
Brad Walse
Background
Prior to Top Driver I was involved in Account Management and Technical support for internet-based education companies.
Fun Fact About Me:
I have helped plan and build butterfly gardens in my community. I raise Monarch butterflies in the summer and have students release them.
Advice to new drivers:
A bit for parents and students. Top Driver Instructors have a brake. Parents do not. The only thing your parents have is their voice to tell you what to do or not do..
David White
Background
I have a Bachelor Degree in Education and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration. I have been a driving instructor with Top Driver since 2016.
Fun Fact About Me:
I enjoy training for triathlons by swimming, biking, running and strength training.
Advice to new drivers:
Be patient and constantly scan to avoid any potential hazards to keep you and others safe.