Trust the Expertise of Washington's Best Teachers

WAVA's teachers are among the best in the state for distance learning. 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.

Partner with Teachers Who Share Your Passion for Education

Although parents play the leading role in day-to-day lesson delivery, assessments, and time management for the K-8 program (and less for high school), they are never alone in the education process. In fact, at WAVA, they interact with teachers on a regular basis, learning to navigate teaching techniques, pacing issues, comprehension challenges, positive reinforcement techniques, and other facets of the instruction experience.

Expect Your Teacher to Offer Consistent Support

You can be sure that support from your teacher is there, whenever you need it. In fact, you can expect to interact with your teacher on a regular basis during:

• Monthly progress meetings
• Parent/teacher workshops
• Teacher-guided outings

Contact a Teacher Any Time

The role of our teachers is primarily to make your children's education as successful as it can be. They are available each day to answer questions, address issues, and provide support. If they can't respond immediately, they usually respond with a call or e-mail within 24 hours.

Meet our Teachers and Advisors

LEAD TEACHERS

Becky Norris
Special Education Teacher—Omak
Becky Norris has been a teacher for many years and across several states. She received her master’s degree in general education and special education from Michigan State University. Becky has taught at WAVA for four years now and loves it.

Jennifer Marks
Special Education Teacher—Steilacoom
Jennifer Marks received her bachelor’s degree in education from Central Washington University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Lesley University. Certified to teach grades K–8 with a special education endorsement, Jennifer has taught for nine years, and has been with WAVA since 2007. 

Heather Brannan
Lead Teacher—Omak
Heather Brannan received a master's degree in elementary education from Saint Martin's University. She is certified to teach grades K–8, with special education and reading endorsements, and has taught with WAVA since early 2008. 

Sharon Rasmussen
Lead Teacher—Steilacoom
Sharon Rasmussen is highly qualified for elementary and middle school teaching and taught for more than 30 years in the Olympia area. Sharon, who joined WAVA in 2007, feels privileged to help families do what they know is best for their children.

Stephanie Ritchie
Lead Teacher—Steilacoom
Stephanie Ritchie received her master's degree in educational technology from City University. Highly qualified to teach in all subject for grades 4–12, Stephanie taught for 12 years in local schools in University Place, Sumner, and Kent. She has been with WAVA since 2009.

Stacey Reed
Lead Teacher—Steilacoom
Stacey Reed received her master's degree from Seattle Pacific University. She is certified to teach K–8 and 4–12 Health. Stacey taught for seven years in Northshore School District in Bothell, Washington—kindergarten and sixth grade—before settling in as a second grade teacher, which she taught for four years. Stacey has taught at WAVA since 2008, acting as a lead teacher since 2009.

Karen Knowles
Lead Teacher (Grades 6-8)—Steilacoom
Karen Knowles is National Board Certified Teacher, with an emphasis in English/language arts. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English at Western Washington University and a master's degree in teaching from Seattle University. She is certified to teach grades K–8, and English to grades 4–12. Prior to joining WAVA, Karen taught junior high and high school English in the Sumner School District for 16 years. Her first experience in online teaching began with her role at Washington Virtual Academies in 2008.  

Kathleen Coe
Special Education Lead Teacher—Omak
Kathleen Coe received two bachelor's degrees—one in psychology; one in communications—and her teaching certification from the University of Washington. She is certified to teach grades K–8 and has a special education endorsement in grades K–12. Kathleen has been an elementary school teacher since 1994. She has been at WAVA since 2008.

MASTER TEACHERS

Tammy Alonzo
Master Teacher
Tammy Alonzo received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Western Washington University, her master's degree in curriculum and instruction at City University, and her principal's credentials from Seattle Pacific University. She is certified to teach grades K–8 and has taught grades 5 and 6 for 13 years in a traditional public school classroom.

Dale Schwartz
Master Teacher—Steilacoom
Dale Schwartz received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Gonzaga University and is certified to teach grades K–8, with a reading endorsement. He has taught for 19 years locally and abroad, and he has been with K¹² since 2003. Dale enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family.

Jacqueline Fuller
High School Biology Teacher—Monroe          
Jacqueline Fuller has a bachelor's degree with studies in environmental science from the University of Washington at Tacoma, a master’s degree in teaching from City University, and a grades 4–12 general science/biology emphasis endorsement from Pacific Lutheran University. Jacqueline has taught at WAVA since 2006. As a Tacoma resident most of her life, Jacqueline has volunteered countless hours for many Tacoma environmental organizations, as restoring and preserving the area’s natural resources is important to her.

David Marques
High School Business & Technology Teacher—Omak
David Marques  has been an online teacher for two and a half years. Prior to that, he taught marketing at a public high school for four years. As a dedicated fan and graduate of the University of Washington, some of his work experience includes interning for the Front Office at the Seattle SuperSonics, planning events at Woodland Park Zoo, and serving as a modulator for Seattle Radio Station 107.7 The End.

Kelly Harned
High School English Teacher—Monroe
Kelly Harned earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education and English from Western Michigan University, and her master's degree as a reading specialist from Central Washington University. She is certified to teach grades 4–12, with an English and speech endorsement. She taught for two years in her hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, then for ten years at a junior high school in Maple Valley, Washington. Kelly has been with WAVA since 2008. 

Nan Colburn
High School German Teacher—Monroe
Nan Colburn received a bachelor’s degree in education, with a major in English literature and a minor in German. In 1986, she received a master’s degree in German from the University of Northern Iowa's campus in Klagenfurt, Austria. Certified to teach K–12, she has taught for more than forty years in Washington, Germany, South Korea, and Colorado. 

Lindsey Hatch
High School History Teacher—Monroe
Lindsey Hatch has a bachelor’s degree in education (for grades 6–12) and a bachelor’s degree in history from Central Washington University. She also has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Washington. Lindsey has taught for 11 years and is National Board Certified, which only one percent of all teachers nationally achieve. She has taught online at WAVA for three years. 

Margaret Duggan
High School History Teacher—Monroe
Margaret Duggan received her master's degree in educational leadership from City University and is certified to teach grades 4–12. She has endorsements in history, social studies, and English. She also has principal credentials. Prior to joining WAVA in 2008, Margaret taught for 14 years in the Puget Sound area. 

Kim Franett-Fergus
High School Math Teacher—Monroe
Kim Franett-Fergus has taught math for 10 years at the middle school, high school, and college levels. She earned her National Board Certification in math in 2008, and has been teaching with WAVA since 2009. 

Angela Osburn
High School Math Teacher—Omak
Angela Osburn doubled majored in secondary education and mathematics. She later earned her master’s degree in teaching from Northwest University. She has been teaching high school math for five years in Pierce County and has been with WAVA since 2010.

Carrie Brumbaugh
High School PE/Health/CTE Teacher—Monroe
Carrie Brumbaugh earned her master's degree in secondary education from the University of Phoenix and her bachelor's degree in exercise science/human performance from The University of Alabama. She is certified to teach K–12 in Washington and North Carolina for physical education, health, and CTE for Family and Consumer Sciences. A military wife, Carrie has been teaching high school courses at WAVA since its inception. Prior to teaching at WAVA, Carrie taught middle school in North Carolina for three years.

Andy Holmes
High School Science Teacher—Monroe
Andy Holmes received his master's degree in science education at Western Washington University. He is National Board certified and has experience teaching grades 6–12. His teaching experience includes teaching at the middle school level, and teaching for six years at the high school level. Andy has been with WAVA since 2009. 

Tara Rowland
High School Science Teacher—Monroe
Tara Rowland received her bachelor's degree in science from Washington State University. She is certified to teach grades 4–12, with teaching endorsements in biology, chemistry, and history. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in educational technology from Boise State University. Tara has taught in public schools for eight years, six of which included teaching online full time. She has been teaching high school courses at WAVA 2008. 

Melissa Akau
High School Science Teacher—Monroe and Insight WA
Melissa Akau received her master's degree in educational technology from Lesley College, and has firsthand experience as an online student herself. She earned her bachelor's degree from Western Washington University, with certifications in secondary science. Melissa has been an online teacher for five years, and she enjoys the special rewards and challenges of providing an online education to her students.

Deidre Pleasant
High School Social Studies Teacher—MonroeDeidre Pleasant received her bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State University in California and her master’s degree in teaching from The Evergreen State College, where she met her husband. She taught high school courses in Los Angeles for five years and began teaching at WAVA in 2007. Deidre loves to travel and looks forward to the adventures WAVA brings.

Shelley Winder-Yost
High School Spanish Teacher—Monroe
received her bachelor's degree in Spanish from Western Washington University and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction/Spanish from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has taught for 19 years, and began her teaching career in Thailand with the U.S. Peace Corps.

Ronda Sol
High School Teacher —Monroe
Ronda Sol has had the privilege of working with WAVA families since 2006, both as a K–8 and high school teacher. She received degrees in communication art and education from St. Mary’s College in California. For the last fifteen years, she has taught students of all grade levels in California, North Carolina, and Washington. In her spare time, Ronda enjoys taking nature walks with her two boys, exploring new places, creating educational tools, plus web design and photography.

Tim Langley
High School English Teacher—Monroe
Tim Langley has been teaching English for 18 years. In addition to teaching at the high school level, he has also been a part-time instructor for Everett Community College for the past ten years and is passionate about improving students' thinking and writing. Experienced in teaching writing, public speaking, and literature, Tim has a master’s degree in learning and technology from Western Governor’s University, a degree he earned going to school online just like his online students. He also received a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington and a second bachelor’s degree in biblical literature from Northwest College.

Joy Roth
K–5 Teacher—Steilacoom
Joy Roth received her teaching certificate from Western Washington University, and she later earned a master’s degree in education with a technology endorsement. Her most recent accomplishment is achieving National Board Certification. She has 20 years of classroom teaching experience and this will be her fourth year with WAVA. She lives in Olympia with her husband, Steve. In Joy's spare time, she enjoys sailing, skiing, hiking, biking, and reading good books. 

John Winslow
K–5 Teacher—Steilacoom
John Winslow received a master's degree in teaching from The Evergreen State College, with endorsements in elementary education (K–8) and history. He taught for six years in the Yelm School District before being hired as one of the original teachers to open WAVA's doors. John is a former Army Ranger, and he has a passion for the great outdoors, traveling, backpacking, and snowboarding. He claims to be the world's best body-surfer, but he's unwilling to provide evidence for such a claim.

Jodie Davis
K–5 Teacher—Omak
Jodie Davis received her bachelor’s degree in child, consumer, and family studies, with a minor in elementary education and early childhood education from Washington State University. She is certified to teach grades K–8, and worked for 16 years in Seattle Public Schools teaching grades K–3, most recently as a reading specialist. Jodie joined WAVA in 2010 and enjoys working with the diverse group of families and colleagues.

Natalie Dobson
K–5 Teacher—Steilacoom
Natalie Dobson received her master’s degree in initial teaching from Gonzaga University and is certified to teach psychology to grades K–8 and 4–12. She taught for eight years in Seattle Public Schools and has been with WAVA since 2007. 

Jessica Waggoner
K–8 Teacher—Omak
Jessica Waggoner studied at Central Washington University and completed her teacher certification there with the following endorsements: bilingual education K–12, Spanish K–12, teaching English as a second language K–12, and anthropology 4–12. For 14 years, she taught preschool and school-aged children, as well as adults, with a focus on language and literature. Jessica joined WAVA in March 2008.

Leinora Stuart
K–8 Special Education Teacher—Omak
Leinora Stuart received her bachelor's degree in speech communications, a master's degree in teaching K–8, and a special education endorsement from the University of Washington. She has eight years of teaching experience in Washington, four of which have been at WAVA, which she joined in 2007. 

Erika Baiereacher
K–8 Special Education Teacher— Steilacoom
Erika Baiereacher received her master's degree in elementary education from the University of Washington, and is certified to teach K–8 education and K–12 special education. She has 15 years experience teaching in local schools, and she has been with WAVA since 2008. 

Ari Olsen
K–8 Special Education Teacher— Steilacoom
Ari Olsen received her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Washington and also attended Western Washington University, where she received her teaching certificate and a master's degree in education. She taught for six years in the Mukilteo School District. This is her third year with WAVA. 

Beth Wilson
K–8 Teacher/Hybrid Teacher—Ft. Lewis
Beth Wilson received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Seattle Pacific University and is certified to teach grades K–12. She taught high school math and English for more than fifteen years, and she has been with WAVA since 2008. In her spare time, Beth enjoys painting “pop” portraits.

Mary Jensen
Math Teacher—Monroe
Mary Jensen has been teaching since 1972. She taught in Guam for three years at the end of the Vietnam War, taught for 22 years on San Juan Island, and taught for 7 years at Clover Park High School. Mary earned her master’s degree in education and integrated technology and learning from City University of Seattle. She has been an online teacher since 2006—starting with Insight of Washington—and says she “loves” being an online teacher.

April Ashworth
PE and Health Teacher—Omak
April Ashworth currently teaches physical education and health for the second year at WAVA Omak. She has taught PE, health, and middle school science throughout her 14 years as a teacher. April has a BA in education from CWU, an MA in education from Heritage College, and an MA in science education (biology) from Western Governor's University. April loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Stephanie McIalwain
Special Ed 6–8 Teacher—Omak
Stephanie McIalwain has a master’s degree from Walden University in reading and a bachelor’s degree in education from Gonzaga University. She is certified to teach K–8 elementary and K–12 special education, as well as psychology. She has taught for Tacoma School District for many years and is in her third year at WAVA.

Shelley Sears
Special Education Master Teacher—Steilacoom
Shelley has a master's degree in psychology and education. A special education teacher for 18 years, serving mostly Washington students, Shelly has been with WAVA since 2007.

Bobbie Miller
Special Education/General Education K–8 Teacher—Steilacoom
Bobbie Miller received her bachelor's degree in education, with a minor in special education, from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She is certified to teach grades K–8, with a special education endorsement in K–12. She worked as a para-educator at the Alaska State School for the Deaf in the Anchorage School District for eight years while earning a bachelor's degree in education. She then taught for three years in Seattle Public Schools and has been with WAVA since February 2008. 

Hillary Britt
Substitute Teacher—Steilacoom
Hillary Britt received her master's degree in teaching K–8 from City University in Bellevue, Washington, and completed her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. She received her National Board Certification in 2004. Hillary has been with Washington Virtual Academies since its doors opened. Prior to becoming an online teacher, she taught fifth grade in the city of Sea Tac for three years.

Ken Martin
Teacher—Monroe
Ken Martin received a master's degree in technology from Grand Canyon University. He is certified to teach grades 5–12, and he is highly qualified in mathematics and physics. In his fourth year teaching at  WAVA, Ken at one time worked as a rocket scientist.

CJ Russo
Teacher—Monroe
CJ Russo graduated from Temple University with a degree in math education. He is endorsed in mathematics and special education and has been with WAVA Monroe for five years.

Tom Hancock
Teacher—Monroe
Tom Hancock has been an educator for 33 years: 12 years teaching high school, 7 years teaching elementary students, and 14 years as a university professor. He has founded and administrated award-winning private schools, and has 12 publications in peer-reviewed research journals and 44 research presentations at national conventions. He has a PhD in learning and instruction, and an MEd in literacy education. He is rated "Highly Qualified" in English, French, math, general science, and psychology.

Theresa Scanlan
Teacher—Monroe
Theresa Scanlan is certified as a physical education, health, and adapted PE specialist. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sonoma State University and Dominican College of San Rafael, California. She has also managed a high school contract-based educational center, was a Washington State testing coordinator, as well as a smaller-communities Federal Grant coordinator at the secondary level. This is her twenty-seventh year in education.  

Angela May
Teacher—Monroe
Angela May has a bachelor’s degree in child and family psychology and computer science from Evergreen State College, as well as a master’s degree and a teaching certification. Angela received a career and technical education certificate from Bates College. She has taught for 18 years: 12 of which were spent in brick-and-mortar schools, and six years online. Angela taught nine years in the Peninsula School District, three years in the South Kitsap School District, one year at Insight (Quillayute), and five years teaching high school courses at WAVA Monroe.

Sandy Pylant
Teacher—Omak
Sandy Pylant received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Eastern Washington University and is certified to teach pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. She has special education endorsements in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Sandy has taught for 20 years—the last 8 were in virtual education—and she is certified to teach in Washington and Idaho.

Aaron Wilhelm
Teacher—Omak
Aaron Wilhelm is an Eastern Washington University graduate, with a major in reading and a minor in math. He is K–8 certified, with 20 years teaching experience at all grade levels. A Wavateer since 2010, Aaron enjoys spending time in the mountains and kayaking with family and friends.

Amy McMahon
Teacher—Omak
Amy McMahon  received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Washington State University and is certified to teach grades K–8, with endorsements in ESL and Spanish. She has taught for 14 years, primarily in Southern California, and has been with WAVA since 2010. 

Bentley Rumar
Teacher—Omak
Bentley Rumar received her master's degree in elementary education from Antioch University. She is certified to teach grades K–8, and has a history endorsement for grades 4–12. She taught for 10 years in Seattle and has taught at WAVA since 2009.

Stephanie Sellman
Teacher—Omak
Stephanie Sellman received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Pacific Lutheran University. She is certified to teach grades K–8, with a special education endorsement in literacy. Her teaching experience includes seven years in Washington, four in Oregon, and three years in Virginia. This is her second year teaching at WAVA.

Rachel Paysse
Teacher—Omak
Rachel Paysse  received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Western Washington University. She taught for six years at a local school in Shelton, and she has been a teacher at WAVA since 2010.

Justin McClellan
Teacher—Omak
Justin McClellan received his master’s degree in education from Antioch New England Graduate School and has a bachelor's degree in forest biology from The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He has taught in Vermont and Washington for 13 years, and joined WAVA in fall 2010.

Lori Gimmer
Teacher—Omak
Lori Gimmer received her master's degree in education from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. She has been teaching for 15 years—predominantly as a certified reading specialist. This is her second year with WAVA.

Laurence Vernhes
Teacher—Omak
Laurence Vernhes received her bachelor's degree in education from Central Connecticut State University, and a master's degree in French literature from New York University. She is certified to teach grades K–12, with endorsements in French and Spanish, and has taught for 18 years in public and private schools on both the East and West coasts. She has been at WAVA Omak since 2010. A French native, Laurence enjoys raising her two children to speak both English and French.

Patrick O'Neil
Teacher—Steilacoom
Patrick O'Neil graduated from UCLA with a double major in political science and geography. He was certified to teach at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and received his master's degree in computer education and an administrator’s certification from Saint Martin's University. Patrick has served in education in Washington for more than 30 years as a teacher, school principal, and association president. With WAVA from the beginning, Patrick is also an avid football fan. He played football in college and had the opportunity to play with a Heisman Award winner, as well as attend classes with the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

Lynn Whitener
Teacher—Steilacoom
Lynn Whitener received her master’s degree in writing across the curriculum at University of Washington and is certified to teach elementary grades K–8. She taught for 12 years at Peninsula School District and was one of the first teachers hired at WAVA. Lynn began her teaching career in Glasgow, Scotland. 

Michelle Lind
Teacher—Steilacoom
Michelle Lind received her bachelor’s degree from California State University of Fullerton, and is certified to teach K–8, with a math endorsement. Having taught for 12 years, Michelle has been with WAVA since 2006. 

Melanie Egan
Teacher—Steilacoom
Melanie Egan received her master's degree in reading and literature at Walden University. She is certified to teach grades K–8, with a special education endorsement to teach K–12. Melanie has taught for 17 years in schools throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and she has been with WAVA since 2010.

John Valentine
Teacher—Steilacoom
John Valentine received a PhD in molecular biology from University of Michigan Medical School, a master’s degree in biochemistry/cell biology from University of Michigan Graduate School, and a bachelor’s degree in genetics/philosophy from Lawrence University. He is certified/endorsed for biology, general science and completed a Teacher Academy Internship at Exploratorium Museum in San Francisco. His 22 years of teaching experience has spanned San Francisco, Gig Harbor, and Tacoma. Six years of that experience has been online. “This is the best staff I have ever worked with—they’re an exceptional group," he says about his experience at WAVA.

Todd Overby
Teacher—Steilacoom
Todd Overby earned his master’s degree in educational technology from Walden University and is certified to teach science from grades four through high school. His has taught for 21 years—the majority of which has been spent in alternative learning environments. Todd has been at WAVA since 2006. He spends summers running a salmon fishing boat in Bristol Bay, Alaska.

Cathy Kim
Teacher—Steilacoom
Cathy Kim is an Elluminate Certified as well as a National Board Certified Teacher. "Highly Qualified" to teach all subjects, she received her master’s degree from the University of Puget Sound and has taught grades K–9 for 16 years. She has been with WAVA since its inception.

Darcie Lampert
Teacher—Steilacoom
Darcie Lampert  received her teaching degree from Central Washington University in Ellensburg and has taught for 19  years—the last five years of which have been online. She has experience working with all grade levels, kindergarten through grade 12 and believes in the uniqueness of each age group. “I enjoy the online setting, especially forming the relationships with the families and supporting individual student learning in a much different way than is currently possible in a brick-and-mortar classroom,” she says.

Laura Corkern
Teacher—Steilacoom
Laura Corkern has a master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Washington as well as a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature from the University of Washington. She has a teaching certification from Central Washington University and 11 years teaching experience in Federal Way School District. This is Laura’s fifth year as a WAVA teacher.

Kristen McLewin
Teacher (6–12) LAP Reading Specialist—Omak
Kristen McLewin received a master's degree in literacy across all content areas from Walden University. She is certified to teach grades K–12 with elementary, secondary English, and ESL endorsements. She taught for 13 years in both public and private schools before joining WAVA in 2007.

Briana Randall
Teacher 6–8—Omak
Briana Randall graduated from Washington State University with a degree in elementary education and an endorsement in special education. She has been an online school teacher for three years, and she previously taught in brick-and mortar-schools for three years. She spends her spare time coaching track and field, and competing as a barrel racer.

Marci Schneider
Teacher 6–8—Omak
Marci Schneider has a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Maryland in College Park and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. She has taught for 14 years, and is in her third year teaching online.

Kjerstin Satter
Teacher 6–8—Omak
Kjerstin Satter received her teaching certificate from the University of Denver and taught for several years in Colorado before taking a break to raise three girls. She returned to teaching in Washington State at a tiny island school with 55 kids in kindergarten through sixth grade before making a new career move and joining WAVA in 2011.

Kelli Sparks
Teacher 6–8—Steilacoom
Kelli Sparks graduated from Central Washington University with a K–12 certificate. She is currently working toward receiving her master's degree in curriculum and instruction from California Coast University. Her work experience includes teaching for 26 years, mostly elementary grade levels, until she joined WAVA, where she teaches grades 6–8 to students of all learning paces. In her fourth year with WAVA, Kelli enjoys hand-making stamped cards and loves to read in her free time.

Bob Georgeff
Teacher 6–8—Steilacoom
Bob Georgeff received his master's degree in learning disabilities from The Ohio State University, and he is certified to teach grades K–8, with a special education endorsement. He is “Highly Qualified” in elementary education, English, math, science, and social studies. He has taught for 18 years and has been with WAVA since 2006.

Julie Vindivich
Teacher 6–8—Steilacoom
Julie Vindivich graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1991 with a degree in secondary education. In 1995, she earned her master's degree in curriculum and instruction. Her endorsements are in social studies, health, language arts, and literature. After many years teaching middle and high school students in University Place, Julie joined WAVA staff in 2008. She is energized daily by her students' creativity, humor, and passion for learning.

Greg Janzen
Teacher 6–8—Steilacoom
Greg Janzen grew up in Africa (Congo, Nigeria, and Kenya), and graduated high school from International School of Kenya in Nairobi. He has a bachelor's degree in education from Central Washington University, and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction (with a specialization in computers in education) from Lesley College. He served in the Peace Corps in Sri Lanka from 1986–1988, and taught math, science, and technology at Mason Middle School in Tacoma for 17 years before joining WAVA in 2007.

Jim Turner
Teacher 6–8—Steilacoom
Jim Turner received his continuing elementary/secondary certification from Biola University and taught for 22 years in public, private, and overseas schools. He has been with WAVA since 2006. His other work experience includes teaching at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines.

John Norberg
Teacher 6–8—Omak
John Norberg received his undergraduate degree from Washington State University and, shortly after, he earned his master's degree in education. An avid history lover, he taught in the South Sound since 2004, and he began working with WAVA in 2010.

Kimberlie Savisky
Teacher 6–8—Omak
Kimberlie Savisky received her teaching degree in K–8 education from Central Washington University and a master’s degree in instructional technology integration from Lesley University. Her professional experience includes: teaching general education in grades 4–6, teaching math to grades 7–8, and teaching technology to students in all grades. She also coaches and mentors teachers in technology integration.

Drew Namminga
Teacher 6–8—Omak
Drew Namminga received a degree in biology health professions from Northwestern College and his education degree from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. This is his tenth year teaching and his second year working at WAVA.

Jaime Beckland
Teacher 6–8—Omak
Jaime Beckland received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Western Washington University and a master’s degree in middle level education from Walden University. She has taught for 12 years at all grade levels in both public and private schools.

Sharon  Schafer
Math Specialist 6–8—Steilacoom
Sharon  Schafer, who grew up in Kenya, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Walla Walla University. She has K–8 math and reading endorsements. Prior to joining WAVA in 2007, she had taught for nine years. Sharon is also a registered nurse and teaches childbirth classes at a local hospital. 

Dena Voth
Teacher K–5—Omak
Dena Voth received her master’s degree from Seattle University in curriculum and instruction. She is certified, with an elementary and early childhood endorsement, to teach grades K–8. She has taught for more than twenty years in both the Auburn and Seattle School Districts and has been with WAVA since 2010.

Stephanie Sevigny
Teacher K–5—Omak
Stephanie Sevigny received her master's degree in reading from Central Washington University, and she is certified to teach grades K–8 and K–12 in special education. She has taught for seven years and was a secondary literacy coach for two years in local Yakima Valley Schools.

Marlys Holmes
Teacher K–5—Omak
Marlys Holmes received her bachelor's degree in childhood development and a teacher certification from Western Washington University. She is certified to teach pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, and reading to kindergarten through grade 12. Marlys has taught for 11 years in both California and Washington, and she has been with WAVA since 2009.

Jana Keane
Teacher K–5—Omak
Jana Keane received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Eastern Washington University and is certified to teach grades K–8, with a reading endorsement. She taught for seven years in the Issaquah School District, and she has been with WAVA since 2010.

Marla Eckhart
Teacher K–5—Omak
Marla Eckhart received her master's degree in elementary education at City University and is certified to teach grades K–8. This is her tenth year of teaching, ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade. 

LaNiece Fenton
Teacher K–5—Omak
LaNiece Fenton received her master's degree in teaching from Seattle University; she is certified to teach grades K–8. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Portland, where she majored in biology and minored in Spanish. This is her fifth year teaching, and she has been with WAVA since 2010. 

Tisha Putz
Teacher K–5—Omak
Tisha Putz received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Washington State University, and is certified to teach grades K–5, with an endorsement in early childhood. She has a master’s degree in educational technology from Leslie University, with a certificate in K–8. Tisha taught middle school mathematics for 12 years at a charter school in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, and she has been with WAVA since October 2010. 

Becka Thompson
Teacher K–5—Omak
Becka Thompson received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Pacific Lutheran University. After teaching kindergarten in a private school setting, she educated her own four children at home for five years. She has been with WAVA since 2010.

Kristi Sloan
Teacher K–5—Steilacoom
Kristi Sloan received her master's degree in elementary education as a reading specialist from Central Washington University. She is certified to teach K–12 in language arts and reading and K–8 in elementary education. She started teaching in 1989 in Lake Stevens and taught in the Ellensburg and Snoqualmie Valley School Districts as well. She has been with WAVA Steilacoom since 2009.

Sue Perry
Teacher K–5—Steilacoom
Sue Perry received her bachelor's degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and her K–8 certification through the University of Washington. She taught fourth grade for ten years in Edmonds and has been with WAVA since 2007. 

Rebecca Hoover
Teacher K–5—Steilacoom
Rebecca Hoover received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Central Washington University and her master's degree in curriculum development and design from City University in Vancouver. She is certified to teach kindergarten through twelfth grade. Rebecca taught elementary school in the Hockinson School District for 27 years and joined the WAVA staff in 2007. She has more than 30 years of teaching experience in elementary education.

Cindy Thorpe
Teacher K–5—Steilacoom
Cindy Thorpe earned her master's degree in curriculum development and is certified to teach grades K–8. She taught for 24 years in local schools in the Tacoma area and has been with WAVA since 2008.

Kristi Ascani
Teacher K–5—Steilacoom
Kristi Ascani received her master's degree in teaching in Technology from City University and her K–8 elementary degree from Seattle Pacific University. She is also endorsed in English through her bachelor's degree, which she received from the University of Washington. She taught for ten years in a brick-and-mortar school setting, and she was one of the first WAVA Steilacoom teachers.

Gerald Davis
Teacher K–5—Steilacoom
Gerald Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Portland State University, a master’s degree in teaching from Washington State University, and is certified to teach grades K–8 with endorsements in psychology and elementary education. He taught for 13 years in local schools near Vancouver and has been with WAVA since 2007.  

Linda Tyo
Teacher K–5—Steilacoom
Linda Tyo graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo and received her master’s degree from the University of Washington. She has 30 years of teaching experience ranging from pre-school to middle school, as well as experience teaching at education centers on military installations.

Cinda Norton
Teacher K–5—Steilacoom
Cinda Norton received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and her MIT from City University. She is certified to teach grades K–8. Cinda taught for 10 years in the Mercer Island, Puyallup, and Federal Way School Districts before joining WAVA in 2010. “I love every minute of it,” she says.

Stacy Nicol
K–5 Reading Teacher—Omak
Stacy Nicol graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in K–8 elementary education and early childhood development and received her master's degree from Lesley University in literacy: curriculum and instruction. She taught six years for the Cheney School District before joining WAVA in 2010. 

Jennifer Sherman
K–5 Special Education—Steilacoom
Jennifer Sherman received her master's degree in curriculum instruction from City University and her bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University. She is certified to teach grades K–8 general education and special education K–12. Jennifer has been with WAVA since January 2008. 

Patti Taylor
Teacher Special Education/FYP IV—Omak Finding Your Path for Senior Year   
Patti Taylor attended Vanguard University and received two bachelor degrees—one in social studies/psychology in 1983, and one in education/history in 1984. In 1998, she earned her RISE certification in special education from the University of Hawaii, and earned a master’s degree online from Walden University in the use of technology in the classroom. She says, “I am more excited than ever about this year and what is ahead.”