Team Up with Experienced, Highly Qualified Teachers

Teachers at the Virginia Virtual Academy are among the best in the state for online education. They are 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 a few of the regular education and special education teachers you'll get to know at the Virginia Virtual Academy.

Erica Culbreath has been a teacher for nine years. She has instructed students in grades four to 12. Previously, Erica designed and executed science curricula for a mobile science laboratory in Philadelphia for students in grades four to six. She has taught in public, private, and public charter schools in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and District of Columbia before joining Virginia Virtual Academy. Erica taught three years as a middle school lead teacher at Georgia Virtual Academy. She has been recognized by University of Utah's Genetic Science Learning Center in material development for 21st century students. She has been awarded over $30,000 in grants for science education. Erica received a B.S. in Biology from Norfolk State University, a M.S. in Secondary Education from La Salle University and a second Master's from Full Sail University in Educational Media Design and Technology.

Whitney Elkins joined the VAVA team in August 2010 as a K-3 teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia Wise and has taught four and a half years in both Virginia and North Carolina. Whitney is most passionate about reading education, and, in 2007, earned a Master of Education from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in Reading and Language. While she values each of her experiences in education, she is particularly excited to be part of the virtual education world and the opportunities that it affords students.

Penni Harrison joined the VAVA team in September 2010. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Virginia and a Master of Education in Educational Technology from City University in Renton, Washington. Penni has had the opportunity to teach in several different states and in Department of Defense Schools in Germany. Penni comes to VAVA with over 18 years of classroom experience (PreK-4th) and 2 years of virtual teaching experience with the K¹² Educators Group. Currently, Penni is a K-8 Teacher and is working with 5th grade Math students. She is pleased to be a part of the VAVA family and looks forward to helping each child have a successful and enjoyable learning experience.

Jess Salvetti received a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in the spring of 2001 with a focus in Teaching Middle School Mathematics and Middle School History. In the summer of 2002 she received my Master of Arts in Education, majoring in Curriculum and Instruction, both from Virginia Tech…GO HOKIES! For the next five years Ms. Salvetti taught Algebra and Geometry at the middle and high school levels for Fairfax County Public Schools. In 2005, she began teaching at a private high school in Oakton, VA. During that time Ms. Salvetti taught all levels of Mathematics ranging from Algebra I to Calculus and was the Upper School Math Learning Specialist. Today, Ms. Salvetti is honored to call herself a VAVA Teacher and enjoys supporting and working closely with all her VAVA families. Ms. Salvetti is currently teaching Class Connect Sessions in Algebra 1 and US History Since 1865, and loving it!

Bridget Schleifer is a native Arizonan, wife and mother of two. She has been a virtual teacher/administrator for K¹² since 2003. Currently, Bridget is a lead teacher with the K¹² Educator Group, a group of teachers that serve existing K¹² schools and virtual programs in a variety of ways. Bridget received her bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University and received her Master's degree in reading instruction through Grand Canyon University. She believes whole-heartedly in the K¹² curriculum and the impact it makes on students. It is truly a joy for her to work in partnership with Virginia parents to offer children everywhere an exceptional education.

Sarah Stephens joined the VAVA team in August 2009. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Lee University with additional endorsement in General Education grades K-8. She also holds a Masters of Education in Reading and Curriculum Instruction from Grand Canyon University. Before coming to VAVA she worked in the Virtual School setting assisting special education needs in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. She has also has years of teaching experience in regular and special education in the lower school level.

Joyce Voelker joined the VAVA team this year after working with Bedford County's Virtual Academy for two years. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Francis University and a Master's Degree in Special Education as well as her State Certification in Administration and Supervision through the Educational Leadership program from George Mason University. Joyce has taught for twenty four years and was an elementary administrator in Prince William County Public Schools for fifteen years. She also served for seven years as an adjunct professor in the Military Career Transitions Program at Marine Base Quantico. She is excited about the challenging and engaging curriculum and is passionate about the value VAVA holds for its wonderful families.

Brandy Bales joined VAVA in the summer of 2010. She earned her BA in Government and International Politics from George Mason University and her Master's degree in Education from Averett University. Brandy has 6 years of teaching experience at both the middle school and high school settings. She is excited to be working with the wonderful students, families, and staff that are associated with VAVA.

Lindsay Woods joined the VAVA team in July 2010. Lindsay was previously a K-8 Teacher and State Test Intervention Coordinator for the Arizona Virtual Academy. Lindsay graduated from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Lindsay was nominated as the iNACOL National Online Teacher of the Year for 2011. She lives in Manassas with her husband and two kids. She has had the personal joy of being a Learning Coach for one of her own children with VAVA. Lindsay is excited to partner with parents at Virginia Virtual Academy to help each child have a successful and enjoyable learning experience.