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

High School Academic Advisors—Monroe

Tracy Kramer taught K–8 during the 2006–2007 school year and has transitioned to an academic advisor position for the WAVA high school team. She helps students and families understand the online system, monitors student classroom progress by contacting students each month, trains teachers, and helps support online classrooms. In June 2007, Tracy graduated with an MBA degree with an emphasis in human resource management. Before teaching and working with WAVA, she taught at South Puget Sound Community College as professor of adult basic education and GED. At SPSCC, she also wrote and managed several grants that enhanced student achievement and performance. Tracy graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1994. She is enjoying her WAVA experience and is proud to be part of a movement that empowers families and students toward achievement and excellence in education.

Gerry Grubbs joined WAVA’s high school in 2005, and enjoys his role as Academic Advisor. He has 20 years experience working in education at the middle, elementary, and high school levels. Gerry has a master’s degree in special education from Western Oregon University and an administrative endorsement from Heritage College.

Deirdre Crebs received her bachelor's degree in English and secondary education from Pacific Lutheran University (magna cum laude) and a history endorsement from The Evergreen State College. She has a master's degree in integrated curriculum and design from the University of Washington (summa cum laude). She taught high school and middle school English and history for 10 years and has been an Academic Advisor for WAVA high school since spring 2009.

High School Academic Advisor—Omak

Mark Conley received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Puget Sound, and a master’s degree in reading. Mark taught at the elementary and junior-high school levels for 17 years and was also a vice-principal and principal for 15 years at the secondary level. Currently, he is an academic advisor for WAVA Omak High School.

High School Counselors—Monroe

Leslee Gongaware earned her master's in education from Clemson University. She has more than 23 years of experience in education and is certified as a counselor and teacher in Washington, Texas, and South Carolina. She has worked with students from pre-kindergarten to adult military personnel. Leslee began working for Monroe School District in 2000 and has worked for WAVA since 2008. She is an avid reader, and enjoys photography.

Pam Loughlin received her bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Washington State University (via their distance learning program), and a master's degree in school counseling from Seattle Pacific University. She has been a school counselor since 2004 and is a pioneer pod staff member with WAVA High School-Monroe. 

High School Counselor—Omak

Vaudery Brown received her master’s degree in social service administration and Type 73 School Social Work endorsement from University of Chicago in Illinois. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Northwestern University in Illinois, and an ESA Certification from City University in Bellevue. She has worked as a Guidance Counselor and Social Worker in Illinois, Oregon, and Washington, for 15 years in local schools, and has been with WAVA Omak High School since its opening in 2009. Vaudery loves her job, the staff, and the quality education WAVA offers.