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Kim Cook, Interim Principal | Welcome back to school. My name is Kim Cook, and I am excited to join Fayetteville Virtual Academy as your assistant principal. Most recently I served as an assistant principal at Fayetteville High School. I have also been a special education teacher and special education supervisor. I earned my Bachelors of Science in Education, a Masters of Education in School Administration and a Specialists Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Arkansas. My husband, Blake, and I have two daughters, Zoe and Alexis. I enjoy spending time with them, swimming and traveling. |
Jane Wakefield, Administrative Assistant | Hi! My name is Jane Wakefield and I have been hired as FVA's Administrative Assistant. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from John Brown University. I have worked in corporate and educational settings throughout my career. I'm looking forward to getting to know and welcoming all of our students and parents and helping to make sure the year runs smoothly. On a personal note, my husband and I moved to Fayetteville five years ago. Since our children are grown, we love spending time with our three grandchildren. We also enjoy traveling, riding bicycles, hiking, watching movies, and reading. |
Mariah Weber, Registrar | My name is Mariah Weber. My family and I moved to Fayetteville 2 years ago from North Carolina. We spent 12 years in NC but my husband and I both grew up in Springdale. After being away, it is so good to be back home in Northwest Arkansas, and there is no place we'd rather call home then right here in Fayetteville. We love living and working and going to school in this great city. My children attend Fayetteville High and the University of Arkansas. Our four legged family members include a gray cat named "Puff" and our new baby, a golden-doodle named "Finley". When I'm not working I love spending time with my family, going to concerts big and small, cooking, antique and "junk" shopping and love hosting family and friends in my home. You'll find us Friday nights this Fall cheering on the FHS Bulldogs and watching or attending Razorback games on Saturday. Go Purple Dogs and Hogs! WPS! This is my 3rd year to start working for FPS. Formerly I worked as a Nursing Assistant in North Carolina. I have also worked for other school systems as a teacher assistant and admin. assistant and worked several years with a wedding and event coordinator. I graduated from Springdale High School and attended the University of Arkansas. I am excited to join the FVA team as their first ever Registrar and look forward to helping the students and families of our great and innovative school. |
Jay Stoyanov, Field Experience Coordinator | After growing up in Hot Springs, I spent 14 years in Nashville TN. There, I attended Middle Tennessee State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Media Communication. I then spent many years in the music industry and as a graphic designer. Before moving to Fayetteville, I worked for the Grand Ole Opry and The Ryman Auditorium. During my free time, I love to ride my bike, write music, and work on many craft projects. |
Saundra Colvin, Counselor | My name is Sandi Colvin and I am the Counselor at FVA. This is my 11th year in education. I earned my Bachelors in Science in Information Systems and Masters of Education in School Counseling, both from the University of Arkansas. WPS! GO HOGS!! I have 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, read and paint with acrylics. |
Christin Riley, Special Education Teacher & Designee | My name is Christin Riley. I am the new FVA Special Education Designee and Special Education Teacher. I am starting my 9th year in education. I taught one year in Lincoln School District as a Reading Recovery teacher at the elementary, 3 Years in Elkins Schools District as a math and literacy Special Education teacher at the middle school and 4 years in Fayetteville School District as a literacy Special Education teacher at FHS. I have been a grant recipient from Fayetteville Education Foundation in the Fall of 2016. I was a teacher of the year in Elkins School District in 2013-2014. I am Google Level 1&2 certified. I have been trained in ESL type programs as well. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Harding University in 2008. I have received two Masters degrees in Reading Specialist in 2010 and in Special Education in 2013 from Harding University as well. My husband, Mark, and I moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2009. We have loved it here and have really loved the culture and the mountain views of Northwest Arkansas. In 2014 we welcome our son, Sawyer, to our family and in 2015 we welcomed our daughter, Briar. In my spare time, I enjoy reading young adult books, specifically fantasy, kayaking, swimming at the beach by our house, playing with my children, and cooking. |
 Melissa Green, 4th & 5th Grade Teacher melissa.green@g.fayar.net | For 17 years, I’ve enjoyed wonderful experiences teaching all subjects—both in the classroom and in an online environment. I’ve previously taught first through sixth grades in Texas, Louisiana and California. It is my great delight to work with FVA students, parents, and staff for a third year. In 2001, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. While in the traditional classroom, I became certified in teaching Gifted and Talented students, as well as English Language Learners. I designed and taught Digital Photography and Chemistry elective courses at the upper elementary level. In order to remain an innovative educator, I continued my professional growth and earned a Master of Education degree in Curriculum, Technology and Education Reform from University of Illinois in 2014. For the past four years, I have been an online educator, served as a mentor to new online educators, and presented strategies for the virtual classroom at a national conference. I have a passion for education! My amazing family includes my husband Dale, our two great sons who both attend Root Elementary, and our dog Maggie. You will often find us cheering on the Razorbacks, traveling, hiking, or at the little league park. We are beyond thrilled to be a part of such an outstanding community. |
 Sue Carpenter, 4th - 8th Grade Physical Education Teacher sue.carpenter@g.fayar.net | Hi! I am Sue Carpenter, and I am the head softball coach for the Fayetteville High School Softball Team. I am the former coach of the Impact Gold Softball Organization for 18U in Dallas-Fort Worth. I was also the assistant coach for the University of Arkansas softball team from 2009-2015. During my tenure with the Razorbacks, teams played in four NCAA Regional tournaments and were two-time NCAA regional finalists. I have coached nine All-SEC players, eight SEC players of the week, and one NFCA All-American. Prior to my time at the U of A, I was assistant coach at Wright State University, head coach at Cedarville University and Cedarville High School, as well as head coach at Colville High School. I played four years of collegiate softball at Cedarville University where I set school records for steals, career walks and on base percentage. I was also a two time All-NAIA shortstop, has played competitively overseas and in the Women’s Majors, competing in five National Tournaments. I earned a bachelor of arts in organizational communication from Cedarville University. |
 Juli Johnson, 6th - 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher juli.johnson@g.fayar.net | Hi, I am Juli Johnson. It has been a wonderful experience being a part of the FVA community for our very first year, and I am so excited for the journey that year two has to bring. This is my tenth year in education, and I have been very fortunate to have many varied experiences in the field. In 2008, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Central Arkansas. While teaching first grade at Oaklawn Visual and Performing Arts in Hot Springs, I completed a Master of Science in Reading at Henderson State University and became a certified Reading Specialist, K-12. My additional field of study broadened my experience and motivated me to make the transition to Lakeside Middle School where I taught sixth grade Literacy and Social Studies. In Fayetteville Public Schools, I worked as the Instructional Facilitator as well as the teacher for English Language Learners at Washington Elementary and now, a middle school teacher at FVA. My educational philosophy most aligns with Jerome Bruner in his statement, “The mind doesn’t work apart from feeling and commitment. The learner makes meaning when he or she exhibits an “inherent passion” for what is to be learned.” I firmly believe that reading and writing can be the avenue for discovering one's passions. I feel that I am an asset when it comes to inspiring interest and curiosity in learning, and I truly look forward to helping each FVA student be successful. Alongside academics, dance has always been a big part of my life, and I have trained and competed for years in many styles. In addition to this interest, I enjoy reading, gardening, running, cooking, organizing, and painting. My husband and I also love exploring the outdoors- hiking the trails, kayaking the rivers, you name it! We recently became parents and are having a blast with our baby boy, Reece. |
 Matthew Wilson, 6th - 9th Grade Math Teacher matthew.wilson@g.fayar.net | My name is Dr. Matthew Wilson and I have been married for 16 years to my best friend, Rachel, and we have three beautiful children. Madeleine who is 13 years old and will be in 8th grade this year. Harrison who is 10 years old will be in 5th grade this year, and Charlotte who is 7 years old and will be in 2nd grade this year. This will begin my 16th year of teaching, my 10th year with Fayetteville Public Schools, and my 2nd year with the amazing Fayetteville Virtual Academy. I have taught math my entire career, and I have worked with students in grades 4 – 12. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning from Harding University, and a Ph.D in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Arkansas. I love to read, work puzzles, watch sci-fi movies, watch all kinds of sporting events on TV, attend live Arkansas Razorback events, and play all types of sports and board games with my kids. I also serve as a Bible class teacher and Deacon at the Center Street church of Christ in downtown Fayetteville. It will be my great honor to serve your family and provide the best instruction in the realm of mathematics for your child during the 2017 – 2018 school year. |
 Corey Harris, 6th - 8th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher corey.harris@g.fayar.net | Corey Harris is a Fayetteville native. He graduated from Fayetteville High School and then attended the University of Arkansas where he graduated with his degree in Kinesiology. Corey was a coach and teacher at Chaffin Junior High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for the past couple of years. His emphasis at FVA will be middle school science and social studies. Corey's hobbies include being active, golfing, and being involved in his local church. |
 Nathan Henry, High School English Teacher nathan.henry@g.fayar.net | I have been in education for 10 years. Nine of those years were spent in the El Dorado School District where I taught multiple levels of Language Arts and held facilitator positions outside of the classroom. During my time in El Dorado, I developed my skills in implementing Project-based Learning and supporting it with online curriculum, while in the New Tech program. I graduated with a degree in Writing and English from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR, where I was born and raised. I received a Masters from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR. My wife, Lisa, and three children, Madeline, Will, and Mallory moved to Northwest Arkansas in the summer of 2016. We just loved the area and wanted to be a part of the amazing atmosphere up here. Upon moving here, I taught high school English in Pea Ridge, where I currently live. Aside from academics and spending time with my family (some of which includes chauffeuring my three children from activity to activity), I also enjoy technology, video editing/film, cooking and running (when I'm not hating it). |
 Cara Rathbone, High School Math Teacher cara.rathbone@g.fayar.net | My name is Cara Rathbone. I am the high school math teacher for FVA. I grew up and attended college in Oklahoma. I served as traditional classroom teacher for 2 years in Springfield, Missouri and 8 years in Jenks, Oklahoma. In the summer of 2016, we moved to NWA, and I was a math coach for Fayetteville Public schools. This is my 2nd year to serve as the high school teacher for FVA. My greatest role is wife to Chris and mom to Claire and Paige. Claire will be in 1st grade this year, and Paige turned 1 over the summer. We love going to the lake, cooking together, serving at our church and spending time with our extended family. It is my pleasure to work with you during this school year. I love math, but my passion is more about helping students achieve more than they dreamed they were capable of! I love that at FVA we have the ability to work one on one with students and families as they work towards their individual goals. |
 William Chesser, High School Science Teacher william.chesser@g.fayar.net | My name is William Chesser, and I have been teaching science, EAST, engineering, and robotics for eight years. Four years ago, I became one of the founding members of the teaching staff at the Don Tyson School of Innovation. I am dedicated to the idea that school practices should be changing to meet the advancing technological and social background of society; to this end, I decided to move to the Fayetteville Virtual Academy in order to again push the envelope of educational advancement toward making the best teaching practice possible available to all students. I am very excited to begin this new opportunity. In my life before becoming a teacher, I owned part of a land planning business, served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Fayetteville, worked as a construction manager, as a communications director for a Federal DOT research center, and taught computer applications at a Gateway Country store. In my spare time, I work on two start-up businesses: one in furniture production and one making toy castles. I have filed for patents related to both businesses. When not engaged in that work, I mill lumber with a five foot chainsaw, read science fiction, plays strategy games, think about philosophical issues, and do carpentry (most of these on a rotating basis). I should probably try and be a bit less busy, but there's only so much time in the day. |
 Andrea Newell, High School Social Studies Teacher andrea.newell@g.fayar.net | Hi, I am Andrea Newell. This is my sixth year as a Social Studies teacher, but it is my first year at FPS Virtual Academy. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in History from the University of Arkansas in 2012 and then continued my education to receive my Masters of Arts in Teaching in 2013. My teaching career began at Bentonville High School, where I have enjoyed teaching Advanced Placement United States History, U.S. History, and Economics for the last five years. I have been married for four years, and my husband and I have two amazing and rambunctious children. My son, Drake, is 3 years old, and my daughter, Delta, just recently turned 1. Aside from teaching and spending time with my family, I also enjoy cooking, gardening, all things Razorback, football, baseball, and watching my kids explore the world around them. I am excited for this new adventure at Fayetteville Virtual Academy, and I look forward to getting to know all of my students and their families. |
 Cameron Bennett, High School Economics, Health, and Physical Education Teacher cameron.bennett@g.fayar.net | I am excited to be a teacher here at FVA! I come to you all from Mesa, Arizona, where I started my teaching career last year. I have been in corporate America for the last 12 years working for companies like, CBS, ABC, NBC, Hearst Communications and USA Today. I graduated from Arizona State University, where I received my BA from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. I was also on the Track & Field team as a Pole Vaulter for the Sun Devils. I will also be an assistant Track & Field coach for FHS. My wife brought me out to this beautiful area! She is former 6 time All American for the Razorbacks, Olympic Pole Vaulter in the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing, Fear Factor champion and an American Ninja Warrior! We love to explore, especially around this beautiful area. We have two dogs that go pretty much everywhere with us. We love comping, hiking, swimming, hanging out with good friends, playing recreational sports, coaching and mentoring. In Arizona, I taught at the high school level, the Professional Sales and Marketing classes as well as the International Baccalaureate Business Management classes which required that I was highly proficient in teaching Economics. I pride my self on bringing real-word insight to my students and sharing my experiences in the corporate world with them. I believe this adds a unique and rare perspective to the learning process and provides better understanding for students while they are making connections from the classroom to real life application. |
 Bree Waymack, High School Oral Communications & ELA Teacher bree.waymack@g.fayar.net | Teaching is the greatest profession. It fulfills my need for passion and expression. This is my first year at Fayetteville Virtual Academy, and I’m so excited to be here. Previously, I taught ninth grade ELA in Springdale. My family and I live in Fayetteville, and teaching in this wonderful town has always been my ideal. This will be my ninth year of teaching. I studied English literature at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. Then I earned a Master of Arts in Teaching at the University of Central Arkansas. After starting my teaching career, I earned certification for teaching advanced placement English and English as a Second Language. I’m currently working toward National Board Certification in ELA. In 2014, I was named ARKTESOL Teacher of the Year. My husband, Matt, and I have three children, Hendrix (7), Keats (4), and Huxley (2), who keep me on my toes. When I’m not teaching, I like to hang out with my family, travel, swim, and be outside. I also love styling and designing, reading thrillers, writing fiction, and watching movies. Teaching is a process that always needs to be refined and requires attention. I am dedicated to the process and to my students. I will assist you in every way I can to help you achieve your goals. |
