Trust the Dedication of Washington's Foremost Educational Leaders

WAVA's administrators are committed to ensuring the finest education possible for your children. From providing expert tools and strategies to teaching materials and parent support, our management is dedicated to making sure that you have what you need to deliver a well-rounded, enriching education to your children. Here are some of the people who maintain WAVA's high standards of education:

Head of School
WAVA’s Chief Administrative Officer is Susan Stewart. Susan contributes more than 23 years of experience in the vocational education and technology industries. Before joining WAVA, she served as the regional director and vice president for an adult vocational school specializing in training students for new careers in the computer industry. She then became vice president and chief operations officer in the petroleum and radio frequency identification industry. She has been active in the community, sitting on the board of directors for a non-profit organization and as a volunteer for local and national associations. Susan graduated from the State University of New York – Potsdam, New York.

High School Academic Administrator
WAVA’s Academic Administrator is DeAnna Kilga. DeAnna has worked with children since 1994 as a recreation specialist, teacher, dean of students and now principal.  She was born in Seattle, WA.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University in Therapeutic Recreation and master’s degree from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. DeAnna comes to WAVA after five years as a German teacher in the Auburn School District teacher.  She also taught a career exploration course, coordinated advisory, and managed a credit recovery program for juniors and seniors getting back on track for graduation.  Her passion for student success through high expectations coupled with strong support is a great fit for the opportunities offered at Washington Virtual Academy.  DeAnna most recently completed her administrative credentials and a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Pacific Lutheran University.

K-8 Academic Administrator
Susan Stewart, HOS as acting interim.

Director of Operations
Prior to joining the WAVA team, Aubrey Steedman was a teacher and an assistant principal. She has a bachelor's degree and a Teaching Certificate from Saint Martin’s University. She has also taught at the middle school level in Clover Park School District, as well as the elementary school level for North Thurston Public Schools, where she completed a principal internship. After earning her master’s degree in education from the University of Washington Tacoma, as well as a Professional Teaching Certificate and Administrator Credentials, Aubrey went on to serve the McCleary School District as assistant principal. Over the years, she has either facilitated or served as a member of several committees, including the School Improvement Planning Committee, Site Council, PTA, Community Committee, and Safety Committee.

Office Administrator
WAVA’s Office Administrator is Tammie Pruitt. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University in Elementary/Special Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood. She also has extensive experience in customer service, including 12 years in the banking industry and one year with Big Brothers Big Sisters as their Partnership Development Director. Prior to joining WAVA in May 2008, Tammie worked as a Home Visitor for North Thurston Public Schools.

Enrollment Administrator
WAVA’s Enrollment Administrator is Eileen Armstrong. Eileen received her bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Her work experience includes serving as a substitute teacher in a K-12 school for seven years before making a successful bid for public office, winning a seat on the School Board––a position she held for seven years––where her roles were Secretary, Vice Chairperson, and Chairperson of the board. She was also the legislative liaison/educational lobbyist for five years. She has been the Executive Director of a transitional home for homeless women and children whose lives were devastated by substance abuse, where the focus was changing lives through education, and served as the Chair of the Coalition to End Homelessness for Pierce County and currently serves on the Local FEMA board. Eileen has been a recipient of the Alaska Association of School Board’s Excellence in Education award.

Special Education Manager
Kris Hirschmann joins WAVA as the Special Education Manager after nearly 30 years in the Tacoma School District. Her background includes working with students with special needs both in a classroom setting and in their local communities. Kris received her bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University; then, after working several years at Rainier School in Buckley, Washington, she earned her teaching degree from Central Washington University with a major in special education and, finally, her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from City University. In addition to her work with WAVA, she teaches at the University of Washington, Tacoma, in the Education Department.