MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
Learn From People Who Have Spent Their Careers Doing This Work.
At Torch Ignited Academy, you are learning from a team that genuinely loves what they do and has spent decades forging real solutions for real organizations.
Together they bring combined experience in software development, systems architecture, cybersecurity, and business technology. They built this Academy because they wanted to share what actually works.
Practical. Honest. Grounded in real experience.
KEVIN FARNSWORTH
Solutions Architect | Founder, Torch Ignited
Kevin brings 28 years of experience forging software and business systems for organizations of every size, from small businesses to large government institutions. Over the course of his career he has held senior leadership roles in solutions architecture and IT, led large-scale automation projects that processed tens of millions of documents, delivered public-facing technology platforms used at a statewide level, and integrated decades of legacy systems into unified, modern infrastructure. The systems he has built are still running quietly behind the scenes for the organizations that depend on them every day.
He founded Torch Ignited with a simple belief: that small and medium businesses deserve the same quality of technology strategy and support. That same belief is what drove him to build Torch Ignited Academy.
Kevin built the Academy because he saw firsthand how much confusion surrounded AI and how few trustworthy, practical resources existed for businesses, organizations, and individuals who simply wanted to move forward with confidence. His goal has always been the same: help people master AI responsibly and effectively, with the right systems in place to support them long term.
SARAH FARNSWORTH
Creative Director | Founder
Sarah brings more than 27 years of experience in graphic design and creative direction. She earned her bachelor's degree in graphic design in 2001 and had already begun building her career before then. Over the years, she has worked with multiple international companies to create and refine brand identities and messaging, producing thousands of creative assets seen everywhere from as far away as Japan to local hardware stores in the USA.
As Creative Director at Torch Designs, Sarah has spent her career helping businesses communicate clearly and connect with their customers. She helped bring Torch Ignited Academy to life with the belief that practical AI education can help people and businesses move forward with confidence. Her goal is to make AI easier to understand and put to work, while keeping human creativity and judgment at the center.
The combination of design expertise and desire to help people gain real world AI skills makes her a great addition to our education platform.
COLBY EDELL
Software Engineer, Torch Ignited
Colby brings a strong academic foundation paired with real-world technical experience that sets him apart. He graduated from Florida Polytechnic University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and has co-authored two published AI research studies, including work on intrusion detection in vehicle networks and a benchmark study evaluating how large language models perform in competitive environments.
Beyond research, Colby led backend development on a custom AI application for the Polk County Sheriff's Office, work that earned him a Sheriff's Commendation from Sheriff Grady Judd.
Inside the Academy, Colby translates that technical depth into content that is genuinely approachable, helping members master how AI works without needing a computer science degree to follow along.
ANDREW FERAN
Associate AI Solutions Engineer, Torch Ignited
Andrew is currently studying computer science at Florida Polytechnic University, where he has been involved in two research projects focused on wireless network security and has taught supplemental lectures in C programming. He is also certified in cybersecurity through ISC2.
Andrew brings a perspective that is both technically grounded and people-focused. His background in customer service leadership, where he coordinated and optimized service operations across teams, gives him a clear understanding of how technology changes affect the people working through them every day.
That combination of technical knowledge and people experience makes him a strong guide for anyone beginning their journey with AI, or anyone responsible for helping a team do the same.
ROBERT BAUMGARTEN
Associate AI Solutions Engineer, Torch Ignited
Robert is pursuing his master's degree in computer science at Florida Polytechnic University, where he has taken part in research projects centered around artificial intelligence, machine learning, and human-computer interaction. He also serves as simulation lead for the university's autonomous boat team (RoboBoat).
Robert brings valuable teaching experience from his internship at iD Tech Camps, where he taught students ages 7-17 courses in machine learning, game development, Python and Java programming, and other STEM subjects.
He combines his technical know-how with his teaching skills to deliver easy-to-follow AI lessons with practical tips and tricks users can apply to make their everyday work easier and more effective.
Forged From Real
Experience. Built To
Guide Yours.
The instructors inside Torch Ignited Academy have built systems, led implementations, published research, and supported real organizations through technology change. They are sharing what they have mastered so you can move forward with confidence.
