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 | Manager of Special Programs
Mrs. Eberhardt is happy to be a part of the WIVA team. She obtained her master's degree from Cardinal Stritch University in May of 2003. She has been a special education director for approximately 11 years, spending four of those years in a dual role as both director and pre-K–12 principal in a small, rural district. She is married with four sons ranging in age from 7 to 19, and she also has three dogs and two cats that complete her family. In her spare time, Mrs. Eberhardt enjoys camping with her family and spending time with friends.
TBA | Academic Administrator (Principal) K–5 Elementary School
The WIVA K–5 Academic Administrator (Principal) has been hired and more information will be shared shortly.
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) 9–12High 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) 9–12High 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.
