About Our Driving School

John Bolen was born in Rittman, Ohio, where he received his B/S in Education from Kent State University in 1988. John also played college and semi-pro football in Northeastern Ohio for the Akron Bulldogs for many years and was a team captain who won 35 games in a row over three years.

John retired from Martin County Schools in 2018, where he was a PE teacher since 1988, so you can do the math for how many years. John was the past President of the Florida Professional Driving School Association and is still an active member. He was also the Executive Vice President of the Driving School Association of the Americas and is still an active member of the Board. He has also written and teaches courses used by the State of Florida to train prospective Drivers Ed Instructors who wish to become instructors for any driving school wishing to operate in our state. John taught physical education at Crystal Lake Elementary and at MCHS from 1988 to 2004. John then taught physical education at Port Salerno Elementary School from 2005 to 2018.

John has also coached MCHS baseball from 1987 to 1994, MCHS football from 1988 to 1997, and 1999 to 2004. John has many interests, including spending time with his family, playing drums, and woodworking. When asked, "Why do you enjoy teaching driver education?" John responded, "I like teaching students valuable skills that they can use the rest of their lives and seeing them become more confident in their ability to drive both physically and mentally." John Bolen is certified to teach all classes that ATCDSI offers.

Nancy was born in Fort Pierce, Florida, and graduated from Florida Southern College in 1986 with a degree in Education. She is married and has three kids, of whom she is very proud. She currently lives in Sarasota, Florida, where she owns a small hobby farm. 

Nancy has been a school counselor for 25 plus years. She has loved her time working in the school system and helping students navigate their high school years. Nancy has also dedicated her time outside of the school day to coaching and training volleyball players. She has a long history of coaching high school and club volleyball.

Nancy has been a driving instructor with a previous company and enjoys watching young drivers become confident and independent behind the wheel. She takes being an instructor very seriously and is diligent about making sure young drivers understand the importance of being a safe driver.

Mia was born in Atlanta, GA. After moving to Alabama to attend high school, she graduated from Auburn University in 1998 with a degree in education. She has been a high school teacher, coach, and school counselor in three states. Mia has been in education for 26 years and at Venice High School as a school counselor since 2010. She loves to travel and spend time with her three kids. She has also been a driving instructor with a previous company and enjoyed the time with teens, teaching them all about driving safety. Whether as a teacher or counselor, Mia loves helping students grow and become better people.

Brook was born in Sarasota, Florida, and I attended Campbell University and received my Bachelor of Science Degree there and then went to Valdosta State University and received my master's in education. She has been married for 16 years, and has 2 children, Beckett (15) and Britton (13) and a four-legged child, Sox, who is a Boxer.

Brook has been teaching for over 20 years. She has taught Earth/Environmental Science, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Sports Medicine. She just relocated back to Venice, from Fort. Mill, SC. While she was in Fort Mill, she coached volleyball at Marvin Ridge High School, where she won 2 State Championships, most recently in 2025. She also started her own Volleyball Club, Union Select Academy. She is currently the Travel Director for Carolina Juniors Volleyball, where she has spent the past 2 years as a coach and Training Director.

In her spare time, when she is watching her daughter play competitive volleyball or son play football and baseball, she does enjoys traveling and reading. She is a FSU fan and a Red Sox fan by marriage.

Mike Magnusson was born in Illinois and has also lived in Michigan, the Netherlands, New Mexico and Ohio before moving to Florida.

Mike served on active duty in the United States Air Force and most recently as a Department of the Army Civilian.

Mike has a bachelor's in health education and a master's in public health. Mike's career has included inpatient and outpatient counseling, patient, family and community advocate and educator. He has served as a school district intervention specialist and prevention educator. Most recently, he served as a benefit advisor and educator for service members and their families. Mike has experience in community education and engagement at the local, state and federal level.

Mike enjoys working with people of all ages, especially teens and young adults. He has served as a Boy Scout Leader and Baseball and Track and Field Coach. Mike became a FWCDS Instructor to ensure drivers understand and respect the great responsibility that comes with driving defensively and safely in the interest of everyone on our roadways.

Mike and his wife Julie along with Hank their dog and Belle their cat live in Port Charlotte.

Robert retired from tenured and active duty with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies. Robert also taught many different safety courses and classes while employed by these different law enforcement agencies. Robert loves being able to help students reach their full potential as a safe and confident driver by using our trademarked and copyrighted driver progression program. He has worked for other driving schools (over 5 years) in this area and feels like he has finally found where he belongs with Florida West Coast Driving School. Robert has five children and several grandchildren, and he enjoys participating in and teaching martial arts in his spare time.

David was born and raised in southwest Florida. He earned a bachelor’s degree in science and his first master’s in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University Teachers' College in Illinois. He earned his second master’s degree in administration from the University of South Florida. He started his career in education in 2000 and has been teaching high school science since 2004. He was an assistant wrestling coach for 17 years and a head soccer coach for over 10 years at various organizations. When he had the opportunity to become a driving instructor and examiner, he jumped at the idea because of his passion for helping others learn and grow! He is married with a blended family of 7 children (6 boys and one girl) and has two granddaughters.

Wayne was born in Chicago, IL. He lived in several states and countries during his childhood/adolescence, and graduated from high school in Santiago, Chile. He graduated from Liberty University in 1994 with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Mathematics. Wayne taught and coached for two years at a private school in Miami, FL, and he has been teaching and coaching in Sarasota County since 1996. He has taught Math at Venice High and Pine View, and currently works as the Testing Coordinator at Venice High. Throughout the years, Wayne has coached various youth and high school sports, including football, soccer, and basketball. He has been the head coach of the Venice High boys’ and girls’ tennis teams for many years. Wayne and his wife have four kids and three grandchildren. He loves to spend time with family, enjoys outdoor activities, and travels as much as possible. Wayne is also fluent in Spanish, so Wayne will be your instructor if Spanish is required.