Team Up with Professional, State-certified Teachers

Teachers at the Idaho Virtual Academy are among the best in the state for virtual education. 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 many of the K-5, middle school, and high school teachers you'll get to know at the Idaho Virtual Academy.

K-5 Teachers

Danielle (Dani) Andrus, K–5 transition teacher, is in her twelfth year in education. Prior to joining IDVA, she taught in two Idaho school districts: Kuna and Boise. Dani has taught both general education and full-time gifted combination classes for grades three and six, and spent two years as a gifted and talented facilitator for the Boise School District. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Lewis-Clark State College and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Boise State University. Dani holds a state of Idaho gifted and talented endorsement.

Shelley Andrus, K–7 lead teacher, began teaching with IDVA in 2002 and today serves as a lead teacher for grades K–5. Shelley is a graduate of Brigham Young University and enjoys serving in the community as the president of the chapter of a non-profit society that promotes moral and ethical leadership. Shelley also celebrates the unique opportunities IDVA offers Idaho families and is thrilled to be a part of the continued cutting-edge advances IDVA makes as the first virtual charter school in Idaho.

Joan Baillie has been on staff with IDVA since 2002. She received her bachelor’s degree from Boston State College and is currently certified to teach in Idaho and Massachusetts. She taught a variety of grade levels in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico. Joan is continuing her education by participating in graduate workshops and classes.

Amy Brown has worked for IDVA since 2005 and is currently a lead teacher. Before joining IDVA, Amy worked as the Early Childhood Librarian at Marshall Public Library in Pocatello for six years. She is a graduate of Idaho State University with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education. Amy is enthusiastic about teaching and loves to share her excitement with parents and students.

Keri Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Boise State University and has an endorsement in K–8 Reading. She taught for eight years in the Nampa and Vallivue school districts and has teaching experience in first-, fourth-, and fifth-grade classrooms. She was also a reading specialist for intermediate Title 1 for two years, working with struggling readers. Keri has continued studying best educational practices through post-graduate courses.

Jennifer Dorris has been with IDVA for several years and works with families in Northern Idaho. Raised in Coeur d’Alene, Jennifer graduated with a degree in elementary education from the University of Idaho in 1997, with an emphasis in early literacy. She has taught first and second grades for five years in the Coeur d’Alene School District. She has also been involved in curriculum alignment for several years. She has taught IDVA’s summer reading program for the past three years and loves working with IDVA families because of their dedication to their children.

Erin Edwards, K–7 teacher, has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with endorsements in reading and special education from Lewis Clark State College. This is her fifth year with IDVA; she currently works as the K–7 start-up specialist working with families new to online learning. Prior to joining IDVA, Erin taught Title 1 and first grade with the Coeur d’Alene School district. 

Judy Eichelberger has been an IDVA elementary teacher for the last six years and is experienced with teaching in both public and private schools. In 2012, she moves to the middle school teaching ranks, where she’ll serve as a Pre-Algebra teacher. Judy received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho in elementary education, with minors in early childhood education and English. She has a master's degree in reading from the University of West Florida. She worked as a Title 1 teacher in the Coeur d' Alene school district for five years, and is a trained reading recovery teacher. As a native of this state and former fourth-grade teacher, and with an ongoing interest in the history of Idaho, Judy serves her local community as a member of the Hayden Historical Preservation Commission.

Jennie Gibson has worked with students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Her most recent teaching experience has been teaching third graders. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history and completed her teacher certification training at California State University – Fullerton. She has a master’s degree in technology in education, and is currently studying educational technology with Walden University.

Hollie Hauptly, K–5 transition teacher, joined the IDVA family in 2011. She has a master’s in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis in reading, from Grand Canyon University, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Prior to joining IDVA, Hollie taught third and fifth grade. She loves teaching all grades and working with IDVA families.

Sara Klure, transitional teacher (K–5 group), joinedIDVA in the 2010–2011 school year as a substitute teacher. Today, Sara teaches and works with K–5 families in her homeroom, and also teaches Tier 2 classes, which helps students who are reading one or more levels below their grade. As a graduate of Boise State University, with a bachelor’s degree in K–6 education/K–12 bilingual-multicultural education, Sara went on to teach in the Kuna School District and Cascade School District before joining the IDVA team. She taught kindergarten and Spanish in Kuna, and grades one, two, and three in Cascade. 

Heather McKenna graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She was an educator in the Nampa School District for three years, and practiced the Harbor School method. She has had several educational developmental classes, including a month-long study of Israel at Jerusalem University.

Kimber Nelson earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Idaho State University. She taught first grade for three years and kindergarten for one. She also substituted all grade levels for two years prior to teaching, and enjoys working with students of all ages. Over the last six years, she has continued her education by taking courses primarily centered on developmental reading, writing, and behavioral intervention courses. She has also completed her teaching with technology course I & II.

Kelly Roush, title one coordinator, has been with Idaho Virtual Academy since its start in 2002. She is currently a master teacher. Kelly came to IDVA with a background in public school teaching and technical training. She brings to our school a love of school choice and an enthusiasm for partnering with parents to facilitate enjoyable, effective schooling for children in Idaho.

Dee Ann Smith was raised in Minnesota and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in literacy curriculum and instruction from Lesley College. She has been an advocate for early literacy, place-based education and the arts, and has kindergarten through middle school teaching experience. After more than 20 years teaching in brick and mortar schools in Eastern Washington and Central Idaho, she felt fortunate to join the IDVA staff as a teacher in 2002. The school was in its infancy then, and the online “school at home” option seemed cutting edge. Dee Ann still feels an excitement about this new and ever changing educational model. Dee Ann strives to get to know each dedicated learning coach and student so that as a team they can work together to meet educational needs and achieve personal goals.

Paige Smith is a full-time K–5 teacher. She has been with IDVA since 2005. Paige has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Boise State University and is certified in technology for the state of Idaho. Previously, she taught for six years in the Caldwell School District. Her teaching experience in brick-and-mortar schools includes teaching kindergarten, and second and fourth grades. The virtual setting has allowed her to expand her experience from kindergarten through eighth grade. Paige continues to attend workshops and courses to further her education.

Kellie Stroozas has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Her specialties are math education and working with middle school students. She has six years of teaching experience with the Meridian and Nampa school districts. Kellie has been with IDVA since 2004.

Karli Thompson has been with IDVA since 2004. Her experience ranges from preschool to eighth grade, in multiple areas of subject matter. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Idaho State University. Karli is certified in technology for the state of Idaho, and received the Teaching with Technology Certificate from the Albertson Center for Educational Excellence. She is currently the Southeast Advanced Learner Specialist for IDVA. She is also working on receiving an endorsement in Gifted Education.

Jenny Whelan, K–7 master teacher, taught first grade for six years in Red Lake, Minnesota and middle school at Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA), as well as served as a high school advisor at AZVA. She was a 2004 graduate of Bemidji State University, graduating with a degree in elementary education, and received a master’s of science in education in 2007. In 2009, Jenny completed the educational leadership program at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Middle School Teachers

Casey Byington, middle school lead teacher, joined IDVA in 2008 as a middle school mathematics teacher. She graduated from Idaho State University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Prior to joining IDVA, Casey taught at a private preschool in Boise and taught for four years as a second-grade teacher in the Meridian school districts. Casey’s passion for education is reflected strongly in everything she does.

Carrie Chizum has been with IDVA since 2009. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Boise State University and holds Idaho Technology and Reading Comprehension certificates. Carrie taught middle school for the past five years in a small public school, specifically she taught English, math, science, and history. Carrie was also a Reading Specialist in the Twin Falls School District. She also coaches a variety of sports in her community and loves the challenges that her teaching/coaching combination brings to her days.

Erin Edwards previously taught K–5 students and is currently teaching middle school math. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with endorsements in Reading and Special Education from Lewis Clark State College. She taught Title 1 and first grade with the Coeur d’Alene School district for seven years prior to joining IDVA in 2007. She was a leader in the Response to Intervention (RTI) process, which targets intervention strategies for struggling learners. She loves the opportunity of working with students and parents, helping students reach their fullest academic potential.

Amber Hatrock, middle school lead teacher, joined IDVA in 2008. She graduated from Lewis-Clark State College with a bachelor’s of science degree in elementary and special education. Amber brings 10 years of experience to the IDVA Middle School Lead Team. 

Samantha Johnson, middle school teacher, joined IDVA in 2007. Prior to joining IDVA, Sam taught sixth grade and coached track at a brick-and-mortar middle school. She also tutored students in kindergarten up to college-aged, in math and reading. Samantha holds a degree in math education from Eastern Washington University. 

Esther Scott, middle school teacher, joined IDVA in 2010. She has her multidisciplinary studies educational degree from Eastern Oregon University, with minors in elementary education and math studies. Before joining IDVA, Esther spent a year as a long-term substitute in Oregon, and moved home to Idaho the following summer.

Sandie Strickland, eighth-grade transition teacher.

Carrie Stuart, middle school teacher, has been with IDVA since 2010. As a 2002 graduate of Boise State University, Carrie earned her bachelor’s degree in education (K–8) and a full endorsement in special education (K–12). Carrie taught special education in the Meridian and Boise School Districts before joining the IDVA team. She loves working with middle school students and is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the IDVA community. 

Andrea Wells, middle school teacher.

Middle School Advisors

Anne Farrell, middle school advisor, has been with IDVA since 2002 and is one of the instructional coordinators for the high school. Previously, she was a K–8 lead teacher in North Idaho and taught in local Coeur d'Alene schools and also coached volleyball at Coeur d'Alene High School for several years. Anne loves what IDVA does for education; she was able to ensure continuity in her two daughters’ education with IDVA, while they lived in Russia. Anne has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and enjoys being in education and seeing children succeed in whatever they set out to accomplish.

High School Teachers, Advisor, and Counselors

Becky Bermensolo taught middle-school Spanish for nearly six years before coming to work for IDVA in 2005. She holds an education degree from the University of Idaho with an English major and Spanish minor. She loves the intricacies of all language and is grateful to have the opportunity to teach both languages for IDVA.

Ryan Brown joined IDVA in 2008. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Ryan moved to Idaho in 1995 to attend college at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa. Ryan received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics-education. He taught for six years at Vallivue High School in Caldwell before leaving the state for three years to attend training in the United States Air Force. Ryan has a master’s of science in mathematics-education from Boise State University. 

Jesse Buchholz, virtual high school transition teacher.

Sean Dorris graduated from the University of Montana with honors in 1994. He completed his master’s in education with an Administrator and Principal certificate. He has taught social studies and physical education for IDVA since 2008. Prior to joining IDVA, Sean taught history and government at Sandpoint High School and Coeur d’Alene High School in northern Idaho.

Angela Farnes, virtual high school transition teacher, joined IDVA as a part-time transition teacher. She assisted the Language Analysis and Composition teachers with grading and additional grammar instruction. Angela also spent the summer with IDVA as the Summer School Aventa Credit Recovery course teacher. She currently works as a full-time transition teacher with the Language Analysis and Composition courses and as one of the homeroom teachers for eighth graders. Angela received a bachelor’s of arts in English secondary education and instruction from Lewis-Clark State College. She later studied curriculum and instruction at the University of Idaho and is studying toward a master’s in curriculum and instruction. The past ten years, Angela worked as a substitute teacher in several of the Kootenai County public schools, as well as at private schools.   

Sarah Greentree has taught English at the middle- and high-school levels for more than eight years. She graduated from Northwest Nazarene University with a bachelor’s degree in English education and in 2006 completed a master’s degree in education, curriculum, and instruction. Sarah began teaching with IDVA at the start of the 2006 school year and enjoys helping students learn virtually.

Teresa Henry, virtual school transition teacher, graduated from Northwest Nazarene University with a degree in biology education in 1988. She taught oceanography and geology at Lawrence High School in Lawrence, Kansas for one year, and for three years at a private school in Lawrence. In addition to her duties at IDVA, Teresa has spent the last eight years as a long-term substitute teacher in the Nampa School District. 

Becky Ipsen earned a wildlife/fisheries management degree from Utah State University. She then worked for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for six years before deciding to go back to school to become a high school science teacher. Idaho State University is where she earned her teaching credential in the natural sciences: earth science, biology, botany, and physical science. Becky taught in Idaho Falls School District 91 for four years before accepting a job in 2005 with Idaho Virtual Academy.

Pam Kantack, virtual high school transition teacher, joined IDVA in 2011. She graduated from Idaho State University with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, with a major in business education, and a focus on economics. Pam also teaches computers and journalism at Shelley High School. She has been teaching for two years and has more than ten years experience in the technology realm. 

Chandra Martz, virtual high school teacher.

Michelle Mattson graduated from Idaho State University in 1998. She has been a physical education and health teacher since 1999. She began in Pocatello at the Teen Parent Center. In 2001, she and her husband moved to Paris, Idaho, where she taught elementary physical education and health for several years before getting a job with Idaho Virtual Academy. This is her second year with IDVA; she currently teaches physical education, health, and art. Michelle loves interacting with the students and learning about each one of them.

Jason Mirava, virtual high school transitional teacher, started as a transition teacher in the fall of 2010. As a proud member of Boise State alumni, Jason received his degree in history secondary education. This is Jason’s sixth year in education and as social studies teacher at Mountain View High School. His additional teaching experience includes: teaching summer school for four summers and teaching traditional night school classes. Jason is thrilled to begin his second year part time with IDVA. 

Megan Orias earned a bachelor’s math education from Northwest Nazarene University in 2003. She taught high school in Seattle, WA for one year and then returned to Nampa, ID to teach middle school and high school math for the next four years. Megan stepped away from the classroom for one year to help colleagues as a math coach with East Valley Middle School. Megan has been with IDVA since 2003.

Josh Parsons, virtual high school teacher, teaches history and social studies. He received a bachelor’s in social studies education from BYU-Idaho and is working on a certification to teach Mandarin Chinese. Jason is excited to join IDVA and looks forward to a successful school year.

Adrienne Shilling, virtual high school teacher.

Dennis Smith, virtual high school teacher.

Noel Tew attended Ricks College, where she also studied abroad for a summer semester in Europe. After graduating from Ricks with her associate degree, Noel completed a bachelor’s degree at Idaho State University in secondary education. She majored in history and minored in mathematics and is certified to teach both at the high-school level.

Bob Vialpando, virtual high school transitional teacher, joined IDVA in 2009 as a transition math teacher. He received his bachelor’s in mathematics from Idaho State University in 1998 and will soon receive a master’s in math education. Bob also works as a full-time teacher for Meridian School District. 

Chris Wood joined IDVA in 2007. Chris has been a public school teacher for 11 years. He taught journalism and photography at Idaho Falls High School and was the yearbook and newspaper adviser. As a graduate of Idaho State University with degrees in journalism and secondary education, Chris worked at various newspapers in Idaho for more than a decade prior to becoming a teacher. 

Virtual High School Instructional Advisor

Susan Carns earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and Library Media Endorsement from the University of Montana. She also earned a master’s degree in education, curriculum, and technology from the University of Phoenix, Online. She taught grade school for eight years while in Montana—everything from third grade to eighth grade. Susan started working for Idaho Virtual Academy in 2003, moving into the instructional coordinator role for the high school in 2006.

M. Quinn Lindsay, virtual high school transition teacher/high school instructional advisor.

High School Counselors

Meghan Kristensen, IDVA high school counselor (grades 9–12), joined IDVA in 2011 and serves as high school counselor for students whose last names begin with A–L. Prior to joining IDVA, she worked as the College and Career Counselor for Mountain View High School in the Meridian School District. Meghan received her bachelor’s in environmental studies and anthropology from the College of Idaho (Caldwell, ID) and a master’s in education counseling and PPS (Pupil Personnel Services) Credential from the University of Redlands (Redlands, CA).   

Jessica Rowland’s career at IDVA began at the 2010–2011 school year. Prior to IDVA, she worked at various schools in the elementary, middle school, high school, and alternative fields. She has also worked in psychosocial rehabilitation. Jessica is a certified school counselor and licensed therapist in the state of Idaho. She received her Pupil Personnel Certification from the State of Idaho. She has a bachelor’s in psychology, an associate’s degree in criminal justice administration, and a master’s from Boise State University. Jessica’s passion is working with youth. Her philosophical approach to counseling includes utilizing solution-focused and Adlerian techniques. Jessica thoroughly enjoys working at IDVA, and looks forward to many more to come.

Special Education and Advanced Learning

Special Education Department

Gwendalyn (Gwen) Buthman joined IDVA in 2011. She graduated in 2001 with a degree in elementary education (K–8) and special education (K–12). Since graduating, Gwen served as an education coordinator, fourth grade teacher, and special education teacher, with a focus on behaviors. Gwen is studying toward a master’s degree in instructional design at Western Governors University.

Tim Benedick has enjoyed teaching special education with IDVA since 2006. After graduating from Northwest Nazarene University with a degree in elementary education, he spent the next five years teaching first grade. He has also had previous experience working with preschool through middle-school-aged students.

Susan Calvert has more than 28 years of teaching experience with 13 of those years teaching overseas with the Department of Defense, Dependent Schools. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Texas, and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in special education from New Mexico State University. She spent two summers training in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with the TEACCH program for students with autism spectrum disorder. Susan began teaching special education with IDVA in 2004 and joined the high school team in 2008.

Lorrie DeNinno is a special education teacher serving middle school students in Treasure Valley. She came to IDVA from the Nampa School District where she ran a transition program for cognitively impaired 18–21 year-old students. Lorrie has been teaching special education for fourteen years with an emphasis in maladaptive behaviors and students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Lorrie holds K–12 special education certificates in Washington and Idaho.

Lori Ellesmere-Jones is a special education teacher in her fifth year with IDVA. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, and a master's degree in special education, both from California State University, Fresno. In her six years of teaching in California, she served students with a variety of disabilities in various settings, including mainstreaming more severely disabled students into regular class settings, and the community.

Michael Glanders has taught general and special education in large, small, and even isolated areas. He received his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Idaho State University in Pocatello and his K–12 Special Education Credential from Boise State University. Michael has been with IDVA since 2004.

Brittany Holloway is IDVA’s Special Programs Lead Teacher. She has five years special education teaching experience in the Meridian School District and is completing her third year with IDVA. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a full endorsement in special education. Currently, Brittany is completing her master’s degree in special education.

Kelly Hughes is a high school English and electives teacher. Before joining IDVA, Kelly was a music teacher and professional musician in Las Vegas, Nevada. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Idaho, and a master’s degree in woodwind performance from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Kelly enjoys teaching at IDVA, for many of the same reasons students have expressed—it’s a unique, challenging, and rewarding experience.

Laurie Jackson, special education, earned a bachelor’s of science degree in elementary and special education from Idaho State University in 2002. She is currently studying toward a master’s degree. Laurie taught in the Idaho Falls School District for four years before accepting a position as the special education director/teacher at Taylor’s Crossing Public Charter School, working with students in K–12. Laurie has endorsements in driver’s education and as a consulting teacher. 

Amanda Judd is a special education teacher who joined IDVA in 2009. She graduated from Lewis-Clark State College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and endorsements in reading and special education. She enjoys working with students with a variety of disabilities.

Brandi McChesney, special education, is a speech-language pathologist and starting her second year with IDVA. Brandi graduated from Idaho State University with a master’s of science degree in speech-language pathology in 2000. She worked with school-aged children in a local school district, and treated children aged birth to 18 in a clinical setting. 

Nachelle Janetti, special education, joined IDVA in 2009 and has worked for more than twelve years as a school-based speech/language pathologist. Nachelle earned her undergraduate degree from Northwest Nazarene University, and a graduate degree from Nova Southeastern University. Nachelle, who lives in Treasure Valley, sees children face-to-face both in Nampa and at the Meridian Center. She is impressed with how dedicated IDVA families are in their children’s learning. And because she gets face-to-face contact with parents on a weekly basis, the children she works with tend to make greater gains in their speech/language development than of their counterparts in brick-and-mortar schools.

Melissa Weber, special education IBI specialist, graduated from George Fox University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2004. Following graduation, she worked at a children’s inpatient psych ward in Portland, Oregon, before moving to Boise, where for three years, she worked at a DDA, providing Intensive Behavioral Intervention services in the community, home, and school settings for children with developmental disabilities. In the fall of 2008, Melissa joined IDVA as an IBI Specialist, and works with students who need behavioral support in the school setting.

Jennifer Zollman has been a special education teacher with IDVA since 2008. She graduated from BSU with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education. She earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix. Prior to teaching at IDVA, she taught in a self-contained classroom for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. She is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children.

Advanced Learning Specialists

Karli Thompson is in her tenth year of teaching and her experience ranges from preschool to eighth grade in multiple areas of subject matter. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Idaho State University. Karli is certified in technology for the state of Idaho, and she received the Teaching with Technology Certificate from the Albertson Center for Educational Excellence. She is currently the Southeast Advanced Learner Specialist for IDVA and is working on getting her Gifted and Talented endorsement for the state of Idaho. Karli loves getting to know each of her students and helping them reach academic excellence.

Brandi Maynard is a gifted-student specialist who has been teaching gifted-and-talented students since 1997. Her undergraduate degree from Eastern Washington University is in education, with a major in reading and a minor in applied psychology. Her master’s degree in teaching, with an emphasis in gifted-and-talented, from Whitworth College has served her well in her work with gifted learners. She is currently working on writing her dissertation to earn a doctoral degree from Gonzaga University.

Treasure Valley Hybrid Program Teaching Staff

Trevor McKenna, hybrid teacher, joined IDVA in August 2008 as a special education teacher and is currently the lead teacher for the Treasure Valley Hybrid Program. Trevor received his bachelor’s in special education from Boise State University. He is currently completing an internship in administration through Boise State University and will graduate with a master’s in educational leadership in May 2012. 

Darcy Williams, hybrid teacher, was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. After completing her master’s degree in education at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, her passion for changing the face of education led her to Idaho Virtual Academy. Darcy shares the vision of creating choice in education. She values parents as partners and the need to keep up with an ever-changing society. She brings with her a background in psychology, early childhood development, and an ever-present need for adventure.