Meet our Teachers

AZVA's teachers are among the best in the state for distance learning. And they're a big part of why we're the top-scoring virtual school in Arizona. They consider themselves your partners in your children's education and are available every school day to help you and your children through any challenges you may face. Here are some of the many highly qualified regular education, special education, Title I and high school teachers you'll get to know at Arizona Virtual Academy.

Sarah Alexander joined the AZVA team as an Arizona Highly Qualified teacher in March 2006. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Arizona State University. After working with students with special needs in preschool and kindergarten, she completed a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program at Northern Arizona University. Sarah has five years of experience teaching kindergarten and first grade in public schools, as well as an endorsement in ELL and extensive training in reading instruction. She is excited about being part of the unique educational environment provided to AZVA families.

Sarah Berger joined AZVA in fall 2008. She is an Arizona native and graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Social Sciences with a double major in English and Philosophy. Prior to teaching at AZVA she taught high school in Tucson, Arizona for four years. A Who’s Who Among America’s Best Teacher award winner, Mrs. Berger came to AZVA with experience in creating and teaching AP English curriculum and is a certified AVID (Advancement Via Independent Determination) teacher. AVID is a program designed to help students acquire the skills necessary to succeed in high school and go on to college.

Kimberly Jaramillo joined the AZVA team in October, 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Washburn University. Kimberly completed a post-baccalaureate Elementary Education teacher certification program through Arizona State University. Kimberly has five years experience teaching 3rd and 4th grades in the Peoria school district. She is thrilled to be a part of the AZVA family and looks forward to helping her students be successful.

Brenda Kreitinger has been an educator for 15 years. She graduated from the University of Florida. In Florida, she worked with multi-handicapped, medically fragile students. Later she moved to Alaska and taught multi-handicapped students and learning disabled students in grades K-12. She also had the opportunity to teach junior high language arts and social studies in Alaska. After moving to Arizona, she taught in Gilbert as a primary regular education classroom teacher, and as an LD resource room teacher for grades 1-6.

Nicole LaRochelle is originally from Royal Oak, Michigan, and her family moved to Arizona in 2005. Her experience as an educator includes one year with AZVA and two years as a third grade teacher. Three years prior to teaching in Arizona, Nicole taught as a substitute teacher in Birmingham, Michigan. In addition to her experience in the public schools, Nicole has worked as an office manager and as a child safety technician, installing car seats for a General Motors national auto show. Prior to that she was an off-road specialist for the Hummer H2 on General Motors' Auto Show in Motion National Tour.

Carrie O'Donnell has nine years of teaching experience. Carrie graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, along with an ESL Endorsement. She received her master's degree in bilingual/multi-cultural education from Northern Arizona University. Carrie has worked for Pendergast School District, Amphitheater School District, and Mesa Unified School District. She has taught grades 1-2 and 4-8, with a diverse population of students. Carrie is excited to be a teacher at Arizona Virtual Academy and looks forward to the opportunity to work with students and families to ensure a positive and successful educational experience.

Jeanna Pignatiello joined the AZVA team in October 2006. Originally from Chicago, she transferred to Arizona State University where she received a BS degree in justice studies. Her dream was to attend law school, but after graduating, Jeanna accepted a job teaching reading to elementary students. She quickly fell in love with teaching, and returned to ASU to get her post-baccalaureate certificate in elementary education. She joins AZVA with five years of teaching experience in both elementary and middle school settings for grades 1 and 3 and 5-8. Jeanna has a focus in ESL, literature, and language arts, and has her SEI and ESL Endorsements. She is pursuing a master's degree in educational leadership at Northern Arizona University. Her goal is to engage her students and their families in a learning environment that is safe and respectful, and that provides endless opportunities for growth. 

Amy Tregaskes is an Arizona highly qualified secondary math teacher. She graduated with a BS in mathematics education from Northern Arizona University. She has taught in both the high school and community college settings. Amy comes to AZVA with 14 years of teaching experience. As she puts it, it's not that she loves math as much as she loves to teach math. Amy believes that everyone can learn math; it is just a matter of finding the right tools.

Jeannie West has a lifelong passion for working with children. She earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Northern Arizona University and taught second grade in Flagstaff for four years. During this time, she continued her education and received an ESL Endorsement. Jeannie continued working with children even after becoming a stay-at-home mom. She has given piano lessons, tutored, and taught at various church functions, including a mission trip to the island of Roatan, Honduras, to assist with a vacation Bible school. Jeannie is very excited for the opportunity to work with and support AZVA families as they journey through the education process.

Sharla Wiatt taught second grade in the Chandler Unified School District for 11 years. She graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in education, and she has an Early Childhood Endorsement. Sharla then received a Master of Education degree from Northern Arizona University. She has been involved with tutoring students in reading and has guided students in the Read Natural Program to strengthen their reading fluency. While teaching, Sharla has learned how important it is to partner with parents to help each child succeed and get the most out of learning. She believes that when learning is fun and challenging, kids get excited about it and excel. She is excited to partner with parents at Arizona Virtual Academy to help each child have a successful and enjoyable learning experience.

Kimberly Young has a bachelor's degree in education from Arizona State University West and a master's degree from Northern Arizona University. She comes to AZVA as a highly experienced K-8 teacher, having spent a majority of her career teaching grades 4 and 5, and is thrilled to work with the K¹² curriculum.

Julia Zoutendyk has been with AZVA since January 2006 and is currently an "intake teacher," which means she works with brand-new families to help get them off to the best start possible. Julia loves working at AZVA, and loves helping families become independent and successful. Her favorite part of the job is when she hears students' enthusiasm when they finally "get" a difficult concept. Julia believes whole-heartedly in the K12 curriculum, and she loves to help students and learning coaches embrace all that K12 and AZVA have to offer.