My name is John Collins and I am a Biloxi native. I graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in Finance. In 2013 I decided to leave my career in Finance and Accounting to start the Alternate Route Program to obtain a teaching license. I also have a Masters in Gifted Education from WilliamCarey. I am a certified Coastal Day Trip Leader through the American Canoe and Kayak Association. I am also certified as a Whitewater Raft Guide through the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Donna Collins and I enjoy many different activities such as competing in kayak races and ballroom dancing. We also enjoy swimming at the Natatorium, camping, hiking, cycling and mountain biking. We like to take advantage of Coastal living by fishing and sailing.

I am very excited about helping the gifted students make exciting and fun achievements in our CREATE classes. In 2020 my SeaPerch team qualified to compete in the International SeaPerch competition. I head up the Gardening Club at BUE where we maintain the vegetable garden and the pollinator garden.