Meet our 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.

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.

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

Amy Brown has worked for IDVA since 2005. Amy is a Lead Teacher for IDVA. Before joining the Idaho Virtual Academy, 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 degrees 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. Keri 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 was raised in Coeur d’Alene and graduated from the University of Idaho in 1997 with a degree in elementary education 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 been with the Idaho Virtual Academy for several years and works with families in Northern Idaho. She has taught the Idaho Virtual Academy’s summer reading program for the past three years. She loves working with Idaho Virtual Academy families because of their dedication to their children.

Anne Farrell is a Lead K-5 Educator, back with the Idaho Virtual Academy after a two-year overseas adventure. Anne is one of the instructional coordinators for High School. Previously, she was a K-8 lead teacher in North Idaho. Anne loves what the Idaho Virtual Academy has brought to education. She had the opportunity to teach her two girls with the Idaho Virtual Academy while living in Russia. Anne has her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and has taught in the local Coeur d'Alene schools. She also had the opportunity to coach volleyball at Coeur d'Alene High School for several years. Anne enjoys being in education and loves to see children succeed in whatever they set out to do.

Carrie Freeman has been in the field of education for nine years. She spent two years teaching sixth grade and seven years teaching third grade in San Diego, California. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Fresno State University. She then continued her education by obtaining her California Multiple Subject Credential from National University. She has been with the Idaho Virtual Academy since 2007.

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.

Samie Hartney

Ruth Leib graduated from Whitworth College in Spokane, WA with a BA in Music Performance, Music Education, and Elementary Education. She earned her master’s degree in literacy and technology from the University of Idaho. She came to IDVA with 23 years of elementary teaching experience. Idaho Virtual Academy has provided an exciting, “cutting edge” teaching opportunity, and Ruth is excited to be a part of it by teaching kindergarten through fifth grade students. She enjoys working closely with families who seek the best in curriculum and educational opportunity for their children. Ruth appreciates the program’s platform to allow students to work at their own pace, and considers Idaho Virtual Academy to be an excellent educational choice.

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.

Susan Richardson has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She has taught grades four through six for five years in Alaska and Idaho. Although she enjoys teaching all subjects, her specialty is in history. Susan is currently working on her master's degree from Lesley University. She genuinely enjoys helping families be successful and effective in schooling their children.

Kelly Roush has been with the Idaho Virtual Academy since its start in 2002. She is currently a master teacher for the Idaho Virtual Academy. Kelly came to the Idaho Virtual Academy with a background in public school teaching and technical training. Kelly 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.

Margaret Skimmyhorn graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She moved to Washington, DC, and worked for the Woodward & Lothrop department store as a trainer, at Gallaudet College in the Business Office, and at the Gillette Research Company as a textile technologist. After returning to Idaho, she landed a job at the Behavioral Health Center as a school teacher for the pediatric unit, a position she held for the next six and a half years. At that point, she went back to school to add an elementary certification to her secondary certification. Margaret worked for eight years at the Idaho Falls Public Library as Supervisor of the Pages and of the Stacks before coming to IDVA in 2003.

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 over 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.

Wendy Stoodley, a native Idahoan, has taught elementary education since 1981 and has been with IDVA since 2003. She has taught pre-kindergarten through second grade, with a focus on individualized instruction in the multi-age classroom. Mrs. Stoodley co-developed a multi-age, individualized, multiple intelligence pre-kindergarten/kindergarten curriculum that is used in classrooms across the United States. She has enjoyed the experience of training teachers to use her curriculum. Mrs. Stoodley is a state-certified librarian and has written grants to improve the quality of the reading program, the library, and the technology department of the school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Walla Walla College.

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 is in her seventh year of teaching. 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. She is also working on receiving an endorsement in Gifted Education.

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 has taught middle school for the past five years in a small public school. While in public school, 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 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 the IDVA team. She was a leader in the Response To Intervention (RTI) process, which targets intervention strategies for struggling learners. She began teaching for IDVA in 2007. She previously taught K-5 students and is currently teaching math in the middle school for the Idaho Virtual Academy. She loves the opportunity to work hand in hand with both students and parents to help students reach their fullest academic potential.

Judy Eichelberger has taught in public and private schools from Maine to Florida and back to Idaho. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with minors in early childhood education and English from the University of Idaho. Her master's degree in reading was earned from the University of West Florida. Mrs. Eichelberger worked as a Title 1 teacher in the Coeur d' Alene school district for five years and is a trained Reading Recovery teacher. Judy has been an IDVA Elementary teacher for the last six years. This year she is moving to the middles school teaching ranks and will serve as a Pre Algebra teacher. As a native of this state and former fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Eichelberger has always been interested in the history of Idaho. She serves her local community as a member of the Hayden Historical Preservation Commission.

Kari Granier has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an endorsement in Reading from the University of Idaho. She has taught Title 1, K–5, with the Coeur d’Alene and Lake Pend Orielle school districts for the past six years. She has been a leader in the Response To Intervention (RTI) process, which targets intervention strategies for struggling learners. She has also served as the vice president for the Panhandle Reading Association. This is her first year with the Idaho Virtual Academy.

Norma Jordan graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelors of Science. She has been a teacher for 10 years and has had the opportunity to work with every grade level from first to eighth, but her passion lies with teaching middle school students. She is Highly Qualified to teach middle school Language and Math and is working on obtaining her Reading Specialist Certificate. She currently teaches Language for IDVA Middle School. Norma loves working for the Idaho Virtual Academy because she loves being part of an innovative school where she can help create the future of education.

Becky Mitchell received her bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University. She holds an Idaho Teaching Certificate K-8 and is technology certified. She has taught eight years in public education ranging from large to very small schools, with one semester in a homeschool facility. Although she enjoys teaching every subject, her specialties are in the areas of science and mathematics. Most of Becky's teaching experience has been teaching science in middle grades (6-8). She has also taught kindergarten, been a high school math tutor, and served as district technology director. She has coached a variety of athletics programs for both middle school and high school. She has taught the children's reading program for the College of Southern Idaho's ESL evening and summer sessions.

Mary Ramsey joined the faculty at IDVA this November as a Title I Math Consultant. She holds an Idaho K-8 teacher's certification. She received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a math emphasis and a California K-12 Teaching credential from Humboldt State University. Mary previously taught middle school English, Social Studies, Math, Art, and PE. She has taught in after-school programs and coached golf and volleyball. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Education program at Boise State.

Charlotte Reid earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Idaho State University with studies in English, biology, and ESL/ELL. She is technology certified. In the Blackfoot area, Mrs. Reid spent two years coaching a variety of sports and teaching English, speech, and debate at the high-school level. A two-year stint in a sixth-grade science classroom led to an elementary certification through the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence. She plans on continuing her education by pursuing a master's degree in the near future.

Darcy Williams was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and has done a great deal of relocating throughout the years. From New York to California, she has blown through the states, creating a stir with her enthusiasm for life. 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 the 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. Her next great adventure—the Idaho Virtual Academy.

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 a Spanish minor. She loves the intricacies of all language and is grateful to have the opportunity to teach both languages for IDVA.

Ryan Brown (Math)

Sean Dorris graduated from the University of Montana with honors in 1994. He completed his MA in education with an Administrator and Principal certificate. He has taught Social Studies and PE for the Idaho Virtual Academy since 2008. Prior to joining IDVA he taught History and Government at Sandpoint High School and Coeur d’Alene High School in northern Idaho.

Sarah Greentree has taught English at the middle- and high-school levels for more than six 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.

Karen Hall earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education, with a teaching major in biology and a teaching minor in chemistry, from Idaho State University, graduating with high honors. She is also endorsed in Physical Science and Natural Science. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education, instructional technology, from Idaho State University in 2002. Karen has taught all levels of secondary science education, from sixth-grade science to senior-level advanced chemistry. She taught in brick-and-mortar schools in the Twin Falls area for 13 years before coming to the Idaho Virtual Academy in 2006.

Erica Haynes was a world traveler and political activist before becoming a teacher in 2003. Her travels have taken her to more than 30 countries and 189 major cities. Over the past four years, Erica has spent her time teaching World History, U.S. History, Geography and Cultures, Life Science, P.E., Modern World Studies, Government, and Psychology. After attending Idaho State University and the University of Helsinki, Finland, Erica received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Idaho.

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 and become a high school science teacher. Idaho State University is where she earned her teaching credential in the natural sciences. This includes earth science, biology, botany, and physical science. Becky taught in Idaho Falls School District 91 for four years before accepting a job with the Idaho Virtual Academy in 2005.

Chandra Martz

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 PE and health for several years before getting a job with the Idaho Virtual Academy. This is her second year with IDVA. She currently teaches Physical Education, Health, and Art. She loves interacting with the students and learning about each one of them.

Megan Millican received her bachelor’s degree in secondary education for physical education with a minor in biology and bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Boise State University in 1998. She taught, was a coach, and an athletic trainer for Jerome High School for two years. Megan continued her teaching and coaching career at Filer High School for five more years. Since graduation, she has become Natural Science and Health certified by the State of Idaho. This is Megan’s first year with the Idaho Virtual Academy.

Megan Orias earned a BA in Math Education from Northwest Nazarene University in 2003. She taught high school in Seattle, WA for 1 year and then returned to Nampa, ID to teach middle school and high school math for next 4 years. Megan stepped away from the classroom for 1 year to help colleagues as a Math Coach with East Valley Middle School. Megan has been with IDVA since 2003.

Adrienne Shilling

Noel Tew attended Ricks College, where she also studied abroad for a summer semester in Europe. After graduating from Ricks with her associate degree, Mrs. Tew 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

Chris Wood

High School 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 the Idaho Virtual Academy in 2003, moving into the instructional coordinator role for the high school in 2006.

Special Education Department
Tara Ball has been a special education teacher with the Idaho Virtual Academy since October 2002. She has more than 10 years' experience as a professional educator. Her teaching experience is in multiple areas and learning environments. Mrs. Ball has combined experience as a special education teacher and a classroom teacher. She has homeschooled her children and has taught in a homeschool cooperative, and has been a volunteer with Ada County Juvenile Courts working with juvenile offenders. Mrs. Ball graduated with honors from Boise State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and an endorsement in Special Education.

Tim Benedick has enjoyed teaching special education with IDVA since beginning in 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 holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from The University of Texas, and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Special Education from NMSU. 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 the 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.

Julie Edwards is our K-5 Special Education Teachers in Eastern Idaho. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Idaho State University. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Special Education with Distinction from National University in San Diego, California. Julie began teaching for IDVA in 2006. One of Julie’s major passions in her life is working with students with special needs. .

Lori Ellesmere-Jones is a special education teacher in her fifth year with IDVA. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, as well as 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 the regular class setting and into 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 the Idaho Virtual Academy since 2004.

Gayle Hansen earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Idaho State University in 1999. She taught in the Pocatello School District for three years before joining the Idaho Virtual Academy team in 2003. She taught K-8 Special Education and then when the high school was formed, Gayle moved up and has been teaching high school Special Education for the past four years.

Brittany Holloway is a special education teacher who joined the staff at IDVA in 2008. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and an endorsement in special education, both from Boise State University. In her 5 years of teaching in the Meridian School district she taught student with moderate to severe disabilities; within the extended resource room

Kelly Hughes is a high school English and electives teacher with the Idaho Virtual Academy. Before coming to 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 our students have expressed—it’s a unique, challenging, and rewarding experience.

Amanda Judd is a special education teacher that started with 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.

Gail M. Kisling is a speech-language pathologist who started with IDVA in 2009. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in speech-language and audiology and a master’s degree in speech/language pathology from Idaho State University. Gail has provided services to all ages of people. She has twenty years experience in various settings, throughout southeastern Idaho. She is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association and is a member of the Idaho Speech and Hearing Association.

Jennifer Pletcher is a middle school special education teacher who joined the IDVA staff in 2008. Jennifer graduated from Western Michigan University in 2002 with a degree in special education and general education. Jennifer is currently attending Boise State University for a master’s degree in educational technology. She gained her first 5 years of teaching in South Carolina at the high school and elementary levels.

Joan Teal is a special education teacher. She has been with IDVA since 2006. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a bachelor’s degree in English. She received her teaching credential from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. She received her credential in Special Education from California Lutheran College, in Thousand Oaks, California. She then taught special education in California for three years before moving to Idaho.

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 & Instruction with 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 ninth 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.

Lisa Frost

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.