Trust Our Expert Staff to Keep Things Running Smoothly

MNVA's staff is composed of professionals and specialists dedicated to making a virtual academy a very real learning experience. Here are a few of the people who work behind the scenes to keep MNVA responsive to your needs.

Tina Darling, counselor, earned her psychology degree from Wartburg College and went on to earn her master's degree in counselor education: K–12 school counseling from Winona State University in May 2006. Tina holds K–12 School Counseling licensures in Minnesota and Iowa and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. She joined MNVA in August 2007. Tina is passionate about supporting students in finding success within their academic, career, and personal/social lives. Tina is also the testing coordinator and 504 Plan Coordinator for MNVA.

Shelley Duffy, MNVA administrative assistant, graduated from Winona State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing. Shelley has been planning and coordinating events for over 20 years, and has worked for over 30 years in office management. She has accumulated 25 years of learning computer skills through the classroom and hands on experience. She has 14 years experience working on a monthly newspaper, and 18 years experience in creating brochures, posters, and newsletters.

Amy Halverson, psychologist, earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois, in 1991. She went on to earn her specialist degree in school psychology, also from Western Illinois University in 1994. Amy is employed by the Hiawatha Valley Education District in Winona, Minnesota, and has served Houston Public Schools since 2000. She has been with MNVA since 2005. Before working for the Hiawatha Valley Education District, Amy worked as a school psychologist for the Root River Education District for six years.

Diana Lundt, support staff, has worked with MNVA since January 2008. Diana attended Western Wisconsin Technical College for the Office Assistant program. Diana's past work experience includes office support, sales, and supervisory roles. As the Student Support Assistant/Advisor for MNVA, Diana enjoys working with the families and students, helping them reach their goals and succeed with MNVA.

Cody Mathers, operations manager, holds a bachelor's degree in history and pre-law from Winona State University and a master's degree in instruction from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. He is honored to be working with a dedicated team of teachers, administrators, and support staff towards the common goal of providing Minnesota families with a quality online education option.

Angela Denstad Stigeler, MNVA's office administrator, earned her bachelor's degree in extension studies through Harvard University. She has worked in several aspects of the publishing industry and holds a substitute teaching license, as well as being a certified yoga instructor.  She joined the MNVA staff in 2010, working as a high school advisor and transitioned into her present role at the start of the 2011–2012 school year.

Samantha Wagner, high school counselor, earned her bachelor’s degree in theater and German from Winona State University in 2002. She served two years as an AmeriCorps member in southern Minnesota before earning her master’s degree in school counseling from Winona State University in 2008. She joined Houston Public Schools immediately after as school counselor at the Minnesota Center of Online Learning, and moved over to MNVA the fall of 2010. Samantha believes all students should be given the opportunities and resources to succeed academically and socially, and is excited to be a part of the MNVA team.