Leverage the Experience of Seasoned Administrators

COVA’s administrators have extensive experience in serving public and private enterprise. Together they provide a strong backbone for the day-to-day operations of the Colorado Virtual Academy.

Heidi Magri, Head of School
Heidi Magri has more than seventeen years of experience in education, working with students of all ages and ability levels. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and teaching credentials from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. In addition, she holds a master’s degree in education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, focusing on curriculum and assessment, and received her principal credentials from the University of Denver. Since joining COVA in its second year Ms. Heineke has served as a teacher, assessment coordinator, gifted and talented coordinator, and director of assessment and accountability, and director of high school. She is proud to be part of the COVA team, paving the way for students to receive a quality education and overall school experience.

Dr. Kathryn Knox, Director of School Improvement
Kathryn Knox is delighted to be part of this vibrant community of students, parents, and teachers dedicated to learning. She has twenty-six years of experience in diverse areas of education, including university, online, and public charter. She is in her eighth year with COVA. In addition to being COVA's K-12 Director of School Improvement, Dr. Knox has been Assistant Head of School, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and K-8 Principal. She is working with teams on many academic improvements including unified focus with the School Accountability Report and improved writing and thinking. She has also overseen school accreditation and special services. Dr. Knox has been an English and French teacher, an ESL instructor, and a writing instructor in Japan. She also worked at Colorado State University in three different departments, including Project Promise. Her master’s degree is in linguistics and ESL; her doctorate from CSU is in teacher education and staff development. She has also been a school and principal professional developer, a Core Knowledge trainer, and a national Quantum Learning professional developer.

Teri Cady, Director/Principal of High School
Teri Cady is entering her first year as high school director at COVA. Teri has been in education for over a decade—teaching high school science in several different schools. She taught at Fairview High School in Boulder (Chemistry and IB Biology) and at Branson School Online, and now is entering her fourth year at Colorado Virtual Academy. For the past three years, Teri has been teaching science at COVA and serving as department head of the science team. Teri is excited and proud to now lead COVA high school as principal, leading a strong staff to deliver an exceptional education to high school students across the state. Teri has a science degree in Biology from CU Boulder and a master’s degree in Education, with a focus on Instruction and Curriculum, also from CU Boulder.

Nicole Hofmann, K-8 Principal
Nikki Hofmann has been working with K¹² virtual academies since 2004, serving in numerous capacities for K¹² and Arizona Virtual Academy. Nikki has served as a K-8 teacher, was part of the executive leadership team for the last three years, and worked directly with new staff and returning teachers when additional training was required. She directed and actively participated in retention, orientation and enrollment efforts for grades K-12, served as special projects coordinator; and has worked with several other virtual academies and programs to help determine best practices, procedures, and policies. She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education with an endorsement in middle school education from the University of Northern Iowa, a well-known teacher-training university. Nikki is currently an M.Ed. candidate at Grand Canyon University in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. Nikki loves working within the virtual academies and is excited to work at Colorado Virtual Academy. She is dedicated to providing families with the best public education available.

Stacy Altman, Director of Special Services
Stacy Altman is entering her third year as special education manager for COVA; previously, she was a special education teacher for COVA for three years. She graduated from Metropolitan State College with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in special education. Stacy worked for Denver Public Schools for five years. Her experience in education includes working as a paraprofessional, running a truancy project for middle school students, and teaching in a classroom for students with emotional disabilities. She graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with a master's degree in special education with an emphasis in severe affective needs. She also holds a Generalist Endorsement. Stacy is proud to be part of a school that is dedicated to the successful education of every student and preparing students for the future.

Abe Barela, Finance and Operations Manager
Abe is entering his fourth year as finance and operations manager. He graduated from National American University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Abe has worked as a financial auditor and with school districts and other local municipalities. He has more than 10 years of experience in public and not-for-profit accounting and financial reporting.

Jessica McAllister, K-8 Assistant Director
Jessica McAllister attended Colorado State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in Spanish. Soon after graduation, she pursued a career in education, and received an M.A. in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in educational technology. She was able to apply her learning in class to a group of third graders. Jessica taught third grade for three years in a Core Knowledge setting and found that the curriculum aligned extremely well with her educational philosophy. With the similarities of Core Knowledge and K¹², coupled with her experience with educational technology, it is with great enthusiasm that she embarks upon this, her fourth year as a virtual teacher with COVA.

Weston Kieschnick, K-8 Assistant Director
Weston graduated with Distinction from Iowa State University with a B.S. in History. He holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated in the top 5% of his class. Weston became a full-time high school history teacher at the age of 21, and has since had the opportunity to work with teachers and students from every state in the United States and more than 20 countries. Weston continues to work with high school and middle school students at college campuses across North America, including Stanford University, Cornell University, and Colorado College. In addition to his work in North America, Weston worked as an educator for 7 years internationally. Weston currently resides in LIttleton, Colorado.

Mary Lou McNatt, School Operations Manager
Mary Lou McNatt has been with COVA for 5 years serving as an adviser, high school registrar, and enrollment coordinator. With a degree in Organizational Development and a master’s degree in Non-Profit Management from Regis University, Mary Lou has been working for non-profit educational organizations for the past 20 years. She enjoys the part she plays with the administrative team by serving those who are making a difference in the lives of COVA students.

Lisa Weaver, Special Services Coordinator
Lisa Weaver is passionate about equipping families to successfully educate their children at home. Her new position as special services coordinator will allow her to utilize the skills and experiences she has obtained throughout the years. She has a degree in supervision and a master's level teaching license. She has taught in public, private, and the home environment for over 20 years. She is trained in dyslexia, AD/HD, and RTI. Lisa is thankful to have the opportunity to serve the COVA families who participate in the special services we offer at COVA: Barton Reading and Spelling Program, GATE, ELL, RTI, and 504 support. 

Mickey Jensen, Director of Family Support
Mickey Jensen began working with COVA in 2005 as a K-5 teacher and community builder, and is currently serving as COVA's Director of Family Support. Her background includes elementary instruction, remediation, tutoring, and counseling experience in private clinical settings, as well as leadership instruction at the collegiate level. She holds bachelor's degrees in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and a master's degree in Counseling. Mickey is pursuing a doctorate in Family Studies and has a passion for helping to develop healthy families. She is very excited to be working with COVA in assisting families to provide effective learning experiences for their students.

Jen Ingalls, Local Development Manager
Jen Ingalls has been working with K¹² virtual academies since 2002. Jen served as a K-6 teacher for the Minnesota Virtual Academy before relocating to Colorado. She then served as a K-5 teacher for the Colorado Virtual Academy before moving into her role as Local Development Manager in the spring of 2010. For the past 8 years, Jen has been actively involved in a variety of areas including student retention, school community, new student orientation, marketing, school growth, and teacher recruitment. Jen received her bachelor's degree in elementary education supported by a minor in special education from Augustana College. Jen loves being a part of COVA and K¹² and is very passionate about sharing this education choice with prospective parents and students.