Trust the Dedication of Nevada's Foremost Education Support Team

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

School Growth Manager

Sonja Howerton holds a bachelor's degree from Boise State University in business management with an emphasis in marketing and communications. After graduating from college, Sonja worked for several years as a program and special events coordinator for a non-profit organization, as well as an assistant administrator for a private non-profit school. She now works with the Nevada Virtual Academy leading parent information sessions, school-wide activities, and much more.

School Counselors

Jacquee Houtz, High School Counselor, holds a master's degree in School Counseling from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as well as a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. While enrolled at UNLV, Jacquee worked as a Teaching Assistant for the Counselor Education department, teaching two undergraduate courses both in person and online. In addition, she instructed Hatha Yoga for the Sports Education Leadership Department. While working alongside the College and Career Counselor at Las Vegas High School, Jacquee developed a strong passion for helping students discover their potential for a rewarding career and future.

Marissa Nichols, School Counselor, earned her M.Ed. in Professional School Counseling at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Counseling, and a minor in Family Studies. Marissa recently completed her collegiate softball career at UNLV, experiencing success on the field with the Rebels. She took a leadership role in UNLV's Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society and worked as an executive member for the Student Organization of Addiction Professionals, a student group on campus. Ms. Nichols has a special interest in sports psychology and enjoys empowering students and individuals to reach their full capability.

School Registrar

Melissa Ozaki joins Nevada Virtual Academy with thirteen years of experience in the Clark County School District, as an Elementary and Middle School Office Manager assisting with school openings. She is a native Southern Nevadan and spent many years involved with the Moapa Valley Youth Sports Association. She continues working with youth in her church activities.

Office Manager

Sara Overstreet

Human Resource Manager/Lead Academic Advisor

Karen Richardson holds a bachelor's degree in Leadership and Management and is currently working towards her PHR. Before joining NVVA she spent nine years working for a non-profit Head Start organization. Her duties included assisting the Executive Director and Financial Director, working closely with the Board of Trustees and Personnel Committee, creating policy, conducting trainings, managing the human resources department, and overseeing the volunteer division. Karen brings a passion for assisting others to move beyond obstacles and road blocks to excel at what they are doing.

Juan Samperio, High School Student Advisor, was born in Mexico City, and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada when he was 16. He received his Bachelors of Liberal Arts in Political Science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Juan has two years teaching experience in the United States, and nearly two years experience teaching English as a second language in Japan. He enjoys working in the field of education and is very enthusiastic about working with NVVA students as one of their academic advisors.