Alafia Driving Academy
Alafia Driving Academy
Opening hours
Lessons
Instructors
- Instructor, Languages Spoken: English and Creole
Hubert Desselle
Originally from Cajun country, Hubert Desselle has been a Driving Instructor for many years, clocking almost 4,000 hours of professional driver instruction in upstate New York and Palm Beach County, Florida. Hubert also has many years of training in public speaking and has given public talks before audiences of over 1500 people in French.
He also happens to speak fluent Haitian Creole. He uses natural teaching techniques and has a Certification in Teaching Techniques and Methodologies from Bronx Community College. He has a deep interest in psychology as it relates to various learning styles, and so, makes extensive use of Neurolinguistics. Mr. Desselle is also available for booking Driving Lessons on any holiday. - Florida DHSMV Instructor Number: 124830
Alex Suberbi
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Alex is originally from West Palm Beach, and graduated from Lennard High School in Ruskin.
His father is a retired correctional officer, and Alex inherited his work ethic of being a workaholic. He’s a huge animal lover (cats & dogs). He has over 10 years’ experience in customer service and food preparation services.
After living in New York City, he returned to Florida and has been a driving instructor for several years. He really loves the satisfaction of teaching individuals from all diverse backgrounds the rules of the road and how to stay safe! - Florida DHSMV Instructor Number: 124829
Ed Renneckar
California DMV Instructor Number: I4425017
Languages Spoken: English
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. After graduating high school, I enlisted in the United States Air Force, after 28 years as an aircraft mechanic and aircraft loadmaster, I retired in 2011. During the last six years of my Air Force career, I was involved in driver safety as a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certified RiderCoach teaching classes for the military.
Upon my retirement I continued to teach motorcycle safety classes to civilians and military on the East Coast and then California where I was also a Certified Driving Instructor. So, I have been directly involved in driver safety since 2006. In July, 2022, I moved to Florida, and now live in Apollo Beach. I look forward to meeting people who are interested in improving their driving skills or just learning how to drive for the first time. - Florida DHSMV Instructor Number: 124727
Amy Rodriguez
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Amy was born in Bronx NYC, and moved to Florida as a teenager, she's had a passion for driving since she was a little girl as her father was a trucker and a mechanic. She grew up learning the ways of the road from a class A professional driver and is super excited to teach others the ways of the road.
Amy grew up going to car shows and loves teaching students about the basics. How to check your oil, tire pressure, things of that nature. Amy also worked in the medical field for 9 years as a Medical Receptionist, Medical Assistant, and Medical Records Coordinator.
Amy enjoys singing, dancing and spending time with her two boys and her husband. Her favorite place to be is the beach, the closer to the water the happier she is. Amy looks forward to teaching her students in a calm relaxed environment, as being a mom of two boys patience is a virtue. - I was raised in Illinois and grew up enjoying all the benefits of being close to Chicago. My wife and I have been married for over 26 years and have 3 wonderful adult children and 1 grandchild. After graduating from high school, I started college and eventually obtained my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I soon found a career in law enforcement where I enjoyed 24 years of exemplary service to my childhood community after which I retired in 2015 as Police Commander.
Jason Williams
I continued my zeal to serve and joined my colleagues at University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois as Director of Safety and Security during which time I became an instructor teaching college level courses. In 2022, my wife and I decided to move to Apollo Beach, Florida to enjoy the warmer winters.
I enjoy meeting new people and teaching the proper driving techniques from a law enforcement perspective. No matter if you are a new or seasoned driver, I can help you improve your skills safely.
In my spare time I enjoy time with family and friends, fishing, reading, and international travel. - Florida DoE Instructor Number 725586
Jackie Haan
Languages Spoken: English
Jackie is originally from upstate New York, and was raised and has lived in Valrico for 40 years. She was the Drivers Ed Instructor, as well as the Boys and Girls golf coach at Brandon High School (her Alma Mater) for 10 years before becoming a Drug Prevention Specialist and starting her own business.
When not working, she enjoys playing golf, spending time with her husband, and trying out new (non-chain) restaurants.
If you'd like to schedule with me personally, call me at 813-263-4898!
In the beginning, I was really nervous when I got into a car with a new driver and understood the concerns parents have, especially when they don’t have a brake on their side of the car. But I quickly learned what to expect, how to stay calm, and believe that my attitude makes the new driver feel more comfortable. The less ‘nervous’ new drivers we have on the road, the better! - Instructor, Languages Spoken: English
Cole Dolmseth
Originally, I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and have moved around the country/world until settling down in Florida back in 2000.
I left the Air Force back in 1991 and since then have been a Locksmith, Help Desk Support, Adjunct Instructor and Network Engineer. Many careers, but all having to do with helping people!
A few years ago my son turned 15, and as I worked my way through labyrinth of rules and regulations of how to get him his learner’s license, I discovered that there was no local driver's education or "Behind-the-Wheel" Instruction in our area. While doing a bit of research, I found that the closest school was in Tampa, and the best/highest recommended school was 80 miles away.
To make a long story short, I decided to enter the field of driving instruction and offer this service to my community. Rather than just becoming another driving instructor, I decided to open my own school and provide the best "On-the-Road" training that is possible to people in the Brandon/Valrico/Lithia/Riverview area; basically the entire Hillsborough section of the Alafia River Basin. - Manual Transmission Classes are taught in the evening hours, or on weekends.
Manual (Stick) Lessons
About
Alafia Driving Academy opened due to the need to provide a better understanding of driving requirements and techniques that were unavailable in the area.
We decided to provide One-on-One, Behind-the-Wheel instruction for the teenagers and adults of eastern Hillsborough County to educate them on how to be a safe driver.
Reviews
- Yve·
Amy is an amazing instructor. She's patient and super kind, also hilarious. If I had questions about my driving she'd give feedback and also praise me immediately if I did well, also correct/suggest if I did something wrong immediately as well. She knows her stuff!
- Nisha·
Amy is awesome! She has been patient, extremely encouraging and helped me overcome my dread of driving. She was very patient and understanding. She made learning to drive seem like a breeze for this anxious learner! Thank you, Amy!
- Angel McKim·
Easy to schedule and pay. Great first experience for my son.
- Re W·
Ed has taught both of my teens how to drive. My daughter was very apprehensive about driving however Ed was calm, clear and detailed which allowed her to have confidence. She passed her road test with a perfect score. Thanks Ed! Job well done.
- Ian B·
Hi Roy,
Thank you for the tips for driving test information which was very helpful. Your driving test practice lesson prepared me very well for the actual test.
I passed my DL driving test on Thursday !! Thanks for getting me ready
I dropped only one point as forgot to signal when I started 3 point turn. I admit my stop maneuver was more like an emergency stop but the examiner was very nice and was looking to ensure I stopped under control and was ok with this.
Thanks again !! I would not hesitate to recommend you guys! - Alvin Ramos·
First than anything thanks to Cole and Ed for going the extra mile helping Don’Michael on a limited time frame. I’ll be more than happy to keep referring your academy to everyone because the level of professionalism, safety, and commitment of the staff to get the ultimate goal accomplished. I’m very grateful that my cousin referred me your academy. Keep up the great work.
