Meet our team
Administrators
The administrators at Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA) are ready to share their innovation, expertise, and enthusiasm with your family. The leadership is dedicated to empowering our school community.
Dr. Sara R. Cutler | Head of School
Dr. Sara R. Cutler has been a leader in public education for more than 20 years. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin, and has two teenage sons, who have had divergent experiences in our public education system. Dr. Cutler has a PhD in educational leadership and policy analysis through the Executive PhD cohort program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a master's degree in educational philosophy. Her doctoral research was an interracial examination: White Teacher, Black Students: Racializing Successful Mathematical Pedagogy.
Dr. Cutler began her career in California as a bilingual teacher, advocating for the rights of Spanish speakers in the public school system. Later, she became an instructional coach and content specialist, working for the Department of Education in New York state. In 2003, she returned to Wisconsin where she served as an elementary classroom teacher, curriculum/professional developer, and a schoolwide facilitator, followed by the school principalship.
Dr. Cutler became an educator so she could help shift the paradigms that traditionally control our public school systems. She is committed to developing a school culture that is relentlessly focused on equitable outcomes where all children believe in their gifts, identifying as scholars headed toward college and careers.
Becky Eberhardt | Academic Administrator, Special Programs
Ms. Eberhardt has been the Academic Administrator for Special Programs since 2014. She earned her Master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University and her Bachelor’s degree from Silver Lake College. Prior to joining WIVA, her professional experiences include special education teacher, K-12 principal and director of special education. Ms. Eberhardt has a passion for building strong programs that serve the unique needs of students, collaborating with team members to ensure continued growth, working to close achievement gaps for learners, and professionally developing staff in the area of compliance. When Ms. Eberhardt isn’t working she spends time with her husband and two sons, cheers her son on in high school sports, and enjoys camping and boating with family and friends.
Saycha Basken | Assistant Academic Administrator, Special Programs
Ms. Basken is excited to join WIVA as the Assistant Academic Administrator for Special Programs! She is a perpetual student who is passionate about reducing barriers and supporting equitable outcomes for all learners. Ms. Basken earned her Education Specialist degree and Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2012 and 2014, respectively. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006. Ms. Basken began her career as a school psychologist, quickly discovering an inherent interest in systems-level problem-solving, legal aspects of education, and program development. During her free time, you might find her in her art studio, paddling, hiking, camping, or traveling with her family.
Carrie Cherney | Academic Administrator (Principal) 6–8 Middle School
Ms. Cherney earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics at University of Wisconsin – Green Bay and her master's in educational leadership from Viterbo University. She has been a part of WIVA high school since 2009, teaching various math courses. Since 2017, she has been the assistant academic administrator at WIVA, DCAWI, and Insight School of Wisconsin (ISWI). Whe was welcomed as the middle school academic administrator (principal) in January 2022.
Cindy Worden | Academic Administrator (Principal) 9–12 High School
Ms. Worden is a graduate from University of Wisconsin – Madison with a bachelor's degree in behavioral science and law and sociology. She earned her MSE in school counseling PK–12 from University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. In December 2013, Ms. Worden completed her MAE from Marian University with an emphasis in educational leadership. Her professional experiences include high school counseling, dean of students, juvenile criminal justice, social work, and technology training. She has worked in virtual education since 2007.
Charles Stone | Assistant Academic Administrator (Assistant Principal) 9–12 High School
Charles Stone earned a bachelor's degree in history from UW-Madison, a master's of science in education from Northwestern University, and a master's of science in educational leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. Before joining WIVA, he worked as a history teacher in Sheboygan for seven years where he also held leadership positions that developed professional learning communities (PLCs) and educational tech integration. In 2021, he also worked on a human rights-focused curriculum development team. Mr. Stone has a passion for supporting student-run organizations, researching and implementing professional development, and using technology to support authentic learning and student growth.
Erin Haugom | Operations Manager
Ms. Haugom joined the WIVA team as the operations manager in 2012. She has a bachelor's degree in human services and more than 10 years of office experience in program coordination, data tracking and reporting, IT support services, and customer service. She loves using her expertise to support the WIVA virtual learning community.
Jodell Gagnow | Assessment & Attendance Administrator
Ms. Gagnow is passionate about transforming academic growth through motivation, encouragement, and supporting others in finding their inner spark. She has been affiliated with Stride K12 since 2015. Ms. Gagnow's education consists of master's and bachelor's degrees in social work and a technical degree in dental assisting. She also participates in continuing education opportunities.
Her personal mission statement is "fear not, every dawn opens hope and opportunity." Ms. Gagnow is an imaginative leader who focuses on an individual's uniqueness as a strength. She can often be found outdoors on a walk with her dog or sitting in the sun reading a book during her down time.
