Meet our team
High School Staff
Our high school teachers are passionate about the subjects they teach and dedicated to helping students discover possibilities and fulfill their potential.
English Teachers
Christine Carlson | High School English Teacher
Ms. Carlson has a passion for literature, writing, and working with kids. She joined our English department in the 2019–2020 school year and is excited to start her new adventure with Stride K12-powered high schools in Wisconsin! She was born and raised in Minnesota, but now tells people she lives in Minnesconsin because it feels like home to her here. When she was little, Ms. Carlson knew she wanted to be either a rock star or a teacher, and you can guess which career prevailed. On weekends, you might find her hiking, kayaking, or cross-country skiing—unless it's a Sunday during the NFL season!
Dan Dondlinger | High School English Teacher
Teacher bio coming soon!
Maxwell "Max" Folkman | High School English Teacher
Mr. Folkman has taught English at Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA) since the 2019–2020 school year. This is his fifth year teaching, and, after taking a semester off to finish his master's degree in applied linguistics, he is excited to be back in the classroom. Mr. Folkman is passionate about making sure his students are successful, develop a love for learning, and are prepared for their future. In his classroom, he likes to facilitate a collaborative environment where students have choices in their learning and can work together toward a common goal. In his free time, you can find him reading or playing the piano or guitar.
Dr. Eve Kaczmarek, "Dr. K." | High School English Teacher
Dr. Kaczmarek earned her undergraduate degree in middle school education from the University of Missouri – St. Louis; her master's in curriculum and staff development from Cardinal Stritch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and her doctorate in curriculum and education leadership from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Dr. K. has taught 6–12 English for honors, general, special education, and at-risk students for many years. She has been an online college instructor for the past 15 years. She is excited to join the WIVA team and return to high school teaching.
Desirae Nault | High School English Teacher
Ms. Nault graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in English education and went on to teach 8th grade language arts in a brick-and-mortar environment. Wanting to experience a new frontier in education, she joined the Stride K12 team at Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) in January 2008 as the 7th grade English B teacher. In May 2008, she joined the AZVA high school team and loved the accountability and rigor of the program. After moving back to Wisconsin in the fall of 2009, Ms. Nault worked both as a high school and middle school teacher for WIVA. She then returned to the traditional classroom, but she is excited to now be back in the virtual environment at WIVA!
Cassie O'Rourke | High School English Teacher
Teacher bio coming soon!
Ginger Riehle | High School English Teacher
Ms. Riehle earned a master's degree in English literature from Northern Illinois University (NIU) – DeKalb in 2001 and has been teaching in brick-and-mortar schools for the past 14+ years. Prior to teaching, she was a reporter/editor for a local newspaper and a small trade magazine for about 10 years, having received a BA from NIU in journalism. Working with young people as a reporter, Ms. Riehle realized she wanted to become a teacher. She took a class in online teaching about three years ago with the hope that one day she would be out of the traditional classroom and into a more exciting and challenging online environment. Her favorite part of teaching is making connections with students and seeing them grow to their full potential as readers and writers.
Amelia Roehle | High School English Teacher
Mrs. Roehl holds a bachelor's degree in education with an emphasis on English from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, and a bachelor's degree in advertising and marketing. She taught in a brick-and-mortar school for five years before entering the virtual arena. She lives in the Janesville area with her husband and three daughters. Mrs. Roehl loves connecting with students and is excited to teach at WIVA.
Amber Van Hale | High School Language Arts Teacher
Ms. Van Hale graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in speech communication. She earned a second bachelor's degree in 2004 in English from The College of St. Scholastica. She is certified to teach English in grades 6 through 12. Prior to moving to Wisconsin, Ms. Van Hale taught high school English for five years in brick-and-mortar schools in Minnesota. Her favorite part of teaching English is watching students explore literature and make connections with their own lives—and the world around them.
Math Teachers
Diane Blackmon | High School Math Teacher
Teacher bio coming soon!
Jenny Bock | High School Math Teacher
Mrs. Bock joined the high school team at the beginning of the 2019–2020 school year. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in teaching from Winona State University and a master's in education psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is married and has a daughter, two Janesville Jet billet sons, and two dogs. Mrs. Bock has taught high school for 11 years, and one year of 8th grade math. She also did homebound instruction and real estate part-time for five years.
Carrie Cherney | High School Math Teacher
Ms. Cherney obtained her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay in mathematics, with a minor in education. She has been a part of the WIVA math team since 2009. She looks forward to helping her students develop their math skills and become self-advocates in their careers as students.
Jay Hopfensperger | High School Math Teacher
Mr. Hopfensperger is a graduate of Central Michigan University (CMU). He completed his undergraduate career with a secondary teaching certificate, having majored in mathematics. He returned to CMU and completed his master's degree in school administration. He taught high school math in Michigan and Illinois for nearly a decade. He then spent time in Kwang-ju, South Korea, teaching conversational English to Korean college students. Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Hopfensperger moved to Wisconsin to begin a 20-year career working with at-risk students in alternative education settings. He is excited to begin working with WIVA in this exhilarating, ever-expanding educational environment.
Robert Martin | High School Math Teacher
Mr. Martin joined WIVA during the 2018–2019 school year. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's degree in education. Mr. Martin has more than 10 years of experience in education, including middle school, high school, and college. He recently worked at Carroll University and Madison Area Technical College as a math instructor. He also spent several years as a high school basketball and track and field coach. Mr. Martin is excited to be part of the WIVA team with the goal of helping students grow and develop into successful, independent learners.
Alex Riddle | High School Math Teacher
Teacher bio coming soon!
Jennifer Vandeleest | High School Math Teacher
Teacher bio coming soon!
Nicole Williamson | High School Math Teacher
Mrs. Williamson obtained her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin – Steven's Point in mathematics education. She taught at Edgewood High School for three years, followed by two and a half years as a 4K aide. Most recently, Mrs. Williamson tutored at Gateway Technical College in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and currently teaches one math section as an adjunct instructor there as well. She is married with two daughters. She enjoys traveling with her family. Mrs. Williamson is excited to begin her career at WIVA and looks forward to helping a new group of students.
David Zimmer | High School Math/Physics Teacher
Mr. Zimmer graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with a degree in physics and math. He has 20 years of experience as a programmer/analyst and civil engineering/surveying technician. In addition, he was a network administrator and physics instructor for Mount Senario College and has experience tutoring high school and college students and adults in physics and math. Mr. Zimmer obtained certification to teach physics, math, and earth/space science and taught physics and math for several years in public schools in northern Wisconsin. He and his wife are passionate about non-traditional education. They homeschooled their two children, successfully launching them into college and career paths. Mr. Zimmer joined WIVA in the fall of 2010.
Science Teachers
Holly Gertz | High School Science Teacher
Teacher bio coming soon!
Doug Iverson | High School Science Teacher
Mr. Iverson is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Parkside with a BS in chemistry. After working as a chemist/engineer in the printing industry for 25 years, he earned his teaching certification in high school physics, chemistry, biology, and broad field science. He taught in a brick-and-mortar high school for two years and then taught chemistry at NWTC in Green Bay. Mr. Iverson enjoys helping students see the usefulness of the sciences in understanding daily events and problems. He is excited to be part of the transition from the old text-based instruction model to online learning and all the new possibilities that creates.
Sam Lee | High School Science Teacher
Mr. Lee joined WIVA in the 2019–2020 school year. He earned a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. He earned his teaching certification in biology, chemistry, and broad field natural science. Mr. Lee has taught middle school science, physical science, biology, chemistry, and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) computer science and engineering courses. He lives in the Milwaukee area with his wife and four kids and is excited to teach and support students with online learning.
Devon Passno | High School Science Teacher
Mr. Passno earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Massachusetts (UMass), Boston. After graduating from UMass, he returned to his native California and obtained his teaching degree. His traditional teaching experience includes teaching primarily chemistry and physics at the high school level, though he has also taught earth/physical science, math, and health. Mr. Passno also spent several years coaching high school track and football, before moving with his wife and three boys from California to the Madison area in 2011. He enjoys being part of the WIVA team and having the opportunity to share his love of science with his students.
Terry Schwantes | High School Science Teacher
Ms. Schwantes earned a BS in biology, chemistry, and occupational safety and health from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. She also earned a master's degree in physiology and is ABD for a PhD from Marquette University in physiology. Her dissertation research was in molecular endocrinology. Prior to teaching at WIVA, Ms. Schwantes taught at Marquette University. Her interest was in teaching high school students, so she earned her teaching license and spent 14 years in a brick-and-mortar school teaching chemistry, earth science, physical science, biology and anatomy, and physiology. She has been teaching online for more than seven years. Ms. Schwantes has also served as a National Advisory Board Member for the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development in Washington, D.C., and has testified in congress and the senate about the special needs of children in medical research.
Farah Stevens | High School Science Teacher
Mrs. Stephens is a Wisconsin native whose passion for the environment was inspired by her high school teachers. She earned a BS in environmental education/interpretation and a minor in conservation biology from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Upon graduation, she worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a naturalist guide for the Chugach National Forest in Alaska, interpreting the natural and cultural history of the area. She pursued her formal teaching license and master's in curriculum and instruction at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. In total, she has more than seven years of teaching experience in the traditional classroom, both here in Wisconsin and in Alaska. Mrs. Stephens has taught physical science, oceanography, marine biology, earth science, honors biology, and biology. In 2019, with her husband and two sons, she moved to the driftless region of Wisconsin to build a small farm and restore the land. She is excited to be a part of the WIVA team to round out her teaching practice in an online capacity tailored to the needs of diverse learners.
Social Studies
Brandon Heidt | High School Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Heidt joined WIVA during the 2019–2020 school year. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with degrees in history and economics. Additionally, he earned his teaching certification in economics, history, and broad-field social studies from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Between both stints in college, Mr. Heidt spent time as a tour guide at the Capitol building in Madison. There he showed school groups around the building, filling them in on the history and daily goings on that occurred within the building. He most recently worked at a boarding school up north that catered to international students. Students at the school came from many different countries including Vietnam, South Korea, Russia, Albania, Egypt, and Turkey, among several others. This will be Mr. Heidt's first year in the online school setting, and he is looking forward to the exciting new challenges this experience will bring.
Lea Kowalewski | High School Social Studies
Ms. Kowalewski graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a BSE in history education. She is certified in political science and broad field social studies as well as history. She spent time after graduation working as an autism therapist and substitute teaching in several districts in Southeastern Wisconsin. The 2015–2016 school year was her first year teaching, and she is excited to continue her teaching career with WIVA.
Colleen Loveless | High School Social Studies Teacher
Mrs. Loveless joined WIVA in the 2019–2020 school year. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Parkside with a degree in history in 2008. While there, she earned a Recognition of Excellence on the Praxis II Broad Field Social Studies exam. She has resided in Trevor, Wisconsin, for 20 years with her husband, two children, three cats and two dogs. After several years of serving as a substitute teacher and educational assistant in several Southeastern Wisconsin schools and working with students from K–12, she completed a licensure program to become certified to teach secondary English, history, and cross-categorical special education. In June 2019, Mrs. Loveless returned to school at the University of Wisconsin – Stout to work toward a reading teacher certificate and a Master of Science in education. Last year, she worked as a learning strategist in a brick-and-mortar school. This is her first year teaching English and her first year teaching in a virtual setting.
Brandon Radford | High School Social Studies Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Stuart Vandervort | High School Social Studies Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Matt Watson | High School Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Watson spent the past two years prior to WIVA teaching U.S. history and current events writing at Milwaukee Collegiate Academy. Prior to this, he had experience teaching at South Milwaukee High School, substitute teaching working with the special education department at Waukesha Central Middle School, and coaching JV tennis at Waukesha South High School. He is a graduate of Marquette University, completing his post-baccalaureate teaching degree in secondary social studies in June 2010 and completing his student teaching at Wauwatosa East High School in the Spring of 2009. Mr. Watson graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in political science and history in 1991 and received his master's degree in international relations from Northern Illinois University in 1994. He is certified in broad field social studies, history, and political science. He also received the ETS Recognition of Excellence on the Praxis II exam.
Electives Teachers
David "Pat" Acker | High School Business Education Teacher
Mr. Acker has degrees in history (BA) and business (MBA), both from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Additionally, he has a certificate in geographic information systems from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and an insurance license in health and life from the State of Wisconsin. He earned his teaching certification from Project Teaching/Norda, and is certified to teach history, broad field social studies, political science, economics, geography, and business education. Mr. Acker has experience in the Sun Prairie, Monona, and Madison School districts working in the areas of social studies, business, and special education. He also spent several years working with elementary school children at the YMCA and MSCR in Madison. Before becoming involved in education, he worked in business in the private and government sectors. Mr. Acker is a strong believer in character development and feels virtual education is a tremendous way to achieve that. He enjoys building relationships with students and parents while being able to teach subjects he loves.
Allyson Betker | High School Technology Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Jeanne Boettcher | High School Spanish Teacher
Ms. Boettcher is a graduate of University of Wisconsin – Madison and has her bachelor's degree in Spanish and education, and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. She is currently completing her certifications in bilingual education and social studies from Edgewood College and the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. She has taught K–12 Spanish for 20 years and spent 15 years teaching postsecondary college transfer courses at Madison College.
Darrell Cronkright | High School Technology Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Maureen Madden | High School French Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Karen Ogier | High School Family and Consumer Economics Teacher
Ms. Ogier graduated from Cardinal Stritch College in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in home economics education. In 1995, she received her master's degree in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University. Ms. Ogier taught family and consumer education in the Mequon Thiensville School District for 32 years. She is excited to be part of the ever changing and challenging world of education.
Jenny Rodman | High School Physical Education, Health, and AVID Teacher
Teacher bio coming soon!
Bennett West | High School German Teacher
Mr. West has his BA in International Studies and German from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He spent his junior year as a student at the Albert Ludwig's Universitat in Freiburg, Germany. After five years working for an international trading company located in New York, he moved to Wisconsin to become a teacher. Mr. West received his BS from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1993 and is certified in German, history, broad field social studies, political science, and economics. In 2001, he completed his master's in technology in education from Lesley University. He has 15 years of experience teaching high school-level German and has extensive travel experience in German-speaking countries.
