Meet Our Team

Saycha Basken is excited to join WIVA as the assistant academic administrator for special programs! She is a perpetual student passionate about reducing barriers and supporting equitable outcomes for all learners. Ms. Basken earned her education specialist and master’s degrees 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 has worked at our schools for 16 years and has successfully served in the role of Assistant Principal at WIVA High School and Principal at WIVA Middle School. She has proven to be a strong leader connected to the mission, vision, and purpose of Wisconsin Virtual Academies.

Carrie earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Viterbo University.  She started her career with WIVA High School, teaching various math courses. From 2017 through 2021, Carrie served as the Assistant Academic Administrator for WIVA, DCAWI, and Insight School of Wisconsin (ISWI). She was named as the Middle School Academic Administrator (Principal) in January 2022 and is now looking forward to this new endeavor, serving as Principal for grades 6-12 at WIVA! Please join us in congratulating Carrie on her new role!

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 Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis through the Executive Ph.D. 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 for the Department of Education in New York State. In 2003, she returned to Wisconsin, serving as an elementary classroom teacher, curriculum/professional developer, and schoolwide facilitator, followed by the school principalship.

Dr. Cutler became an educator to 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 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. Before joining Wisconsin Virtual Academies, her professional experiences included being a special education teacher, K–12 principal, and director of special education. She 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 compliance. When Ms. Eberhardt isn’t working, she spends time with her husband and two sons, cheers on her son in high school sports, and enjoys camping and boating with family and friends.

Britta Hanson’s career spans over three decades in southern Wisconsin’s public school system. Her academic journey includes achieving a Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Whitewater, a Master’s Degree from UW-Madison, and Administration Degrees from Edgewood College. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Hanson has held diverse roles such as classroom teacher, reading teacher, reading specialist, district literacy specialist, instructional coach, and elementary principal. At the core of her dedication is a fervent passion for designing and enhancing systems that offer all students equitable opportunities, underpinned by high expectations. Ms. Hanson firmly advocates for integrating social, emotional, and behavioral learning with academic pursuits to cultivate a holistic and enriching school experience for every student.

Erin Haugom is the Manager of School Operations at Wisconsin Virtual Academies, where she oversees Enrollment, Assessment Coordination, Compliance, and Onboarding. With 13 years of school operations experience coupled with a history in project management in a corporate setting, she has been able to streamline tired practices and innovate change leading to process improvement. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Upper Iowa University. She believes that education is not one size fits all and will always fight for students needing an alternative path.

Casey Twanow has proven to be a strategic thinker and knows WIVA from an instructional standpoint as well as from a student intervention perspective. Ms. Twanow earned her bachelor’s degree at Illinois Wesleyan University and her master’s degree at Boston University. She began her teaching career as an outdoor educator, then shifted into the classroom to teach AP and IB Biology in Milwaukee for 14 years. Ms. Twanow joined WIVA High School in 2020, serving as a science teacher and dean of student services before taking on this new position. Her core values as an educational leader prioritize student focus, growth mindset, mutual respect, and equity. In her free time, Ms. Twanow enjoys running, reading, and spending time outdoors with her husband and two young daughters.

Matt VanEffen is a dedicated educational leader with a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies from Lake Superior State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of Notre Dame. With over 15 years of experience as both a teacher and principal, Mr. VanEffen has cultivated a deep passion for fostering strong relationships with students and families, helping them recognize and nurture their children’s potential. His recent years in the private sector have enriched his professional journey, providing him with fresh perspectives and skills that further enhance his educational expertise. A proud parent of two sets of twins, Mr. VanEffen cherishes time spent with his family, enjoys returning to his roots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, stays active as an avid runner, and remains committed to supporting youth baseball.

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