Meet Our High School Team

Tarah Awai | 10th Grade English Teacher

Ms. Awai joined the K12 team this year. She has been teaching English, reading, and poetry for the past five years. Ms. Awai earned a BA in psychology from Eastern Michigan University and her teaching and ESL certificate here in Texas.

Ellen Barnhouse | World History Teacher

Mrs. Barnhouse joined the K12 team in 2012 and has 20 years of experience in education. She has a degree from Sam Houston State University and is certified to teach all social studies classes for grades 7–12. Mrs. Barnhouse also serves as the department chair for social studies and world languages.

Roiann Baskin | High School Spanish Teacher

Mrs. Baskin joined K12 in 2016. She brings more than 17 years of experience in education. Mrs. Baskin earned a BA in education from Saginaw Valley State University and a MA in Spanish from Texas A&M University.

LaTasha Beasley | High School English Language Arts Teacher and Department Chair

Ms. Beasley joined the K12 team in 2017. She has over 18 years of experience in human services, including education and counseling. Ms. Beasley earned her BA degree from DePaul University, and her MS and ED degrees from Walden University. She takes pride in providing engaging instruction that challenges critical thinking skills, fosters intelligent discussion, and develops logical writing skills for every student.

Alisha Brannan | High School Advisor

Ms. Brannan joined the K12 team in 2013. She brings more than 15 years of experience in education. Ms. Brannan earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Baylor University. She holds certificates in early childhood, reading, and middle school.

Robin Brown | High School Physical Education Teacher

Ms. Brown joined K12 in 2010. She brings 19 years of experience in physical education with experience in elementary, middle school, and high school. Ms. Brown earned a BS in kinesiology from Southeastern Oklahoma. She holds a certificate in physical education for all grade levels for the state of Texas.

Candice Brown | High School Spanish Teacher

Mrs. Brown joined the K12 team in 2014. She has been teaching Spanish for the past 14 years and loves teaching students. She is married and has four children. Mrs. Brown has traveled around the world with students and on mission trips.

Sheena Brubaker | World History Teacher

Ms. Brubaker just joined the K12 team this semester. She brings four years of teaching experience with her. Ms. Brubaker earned a BA in history from Sam Houston State University and holds a certificate in social studies.

Melanie Burney | High School Teacher

Melissa Butler | High School Advisor

Ms. Butler joined the K12 team in 2009. She earned her BA in liberal studies and English from California State University San Bernardino.

Heather Caronna | 12th Grade Economics Teacher

Ms. Caronna joined K12 in 2018. She has 17 years of experience in the classroom and school library. Ms. Caronna has a BS in political science (UT Tyler) and an MLIS in library science (UNT). She is certified to teach all areas of social studies and English, and as a school librarian.

Rachel Carroll-Brumbalow | High School Web Design Instructor

Ms. Carroll-Brumbalow earned a BS in criminal justice and sociology from Tarleton State University and a MA in education from Western Governors University. She is certified to teach secondary social studies classes and technology classes to all grade levels. This is her first year with TVAH, and she absolutely loves it.

Jamie Casarez | English IV Teacher

Ms. Casarez is in her 11th year teaching English. This is her first year with TVAH and K12. Ms. Casarez has taught all grades from 7–12 in her career and received her BA from Angelo State University. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in curriculum development from Angelo State. She holds Texas certifications in English language arts and reading grades 8–12.

Alicia Castile | High School Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher

Cassandra Chirhart | High School Counselor

Ms. Chirhart joined the K12 team in 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Italian languages and literature from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Education in counseling from Texas Christian University and has worked in education for 12 years as a teacher, academic advisor, and counselor. She holds all-level certificates in Spanish and school counseling.

Cari Cochran | High School Counselor

Ms. Cochran joined the K12 team in September 2018. She brings more 24 years of experience in education. Ms. Cochran earned a BS in Elementary Education from Texas Woman’s University, and a MS in School Counseling from Texas A&M University, Commerce. She has certifications in school counseling and elementary education. Ms. Cochran has five years of experience in elementary education and 19 years of experience in school counseling.

Lindsey Colvin | 9th Grade English Teacher

Ms. Colvin joined the K12 team this year. This is her second year teaching. She has earned her BA in English from the University of North Texas and holds a teaching certificate in English language arts.

Karen Couey | 10th Grade World History Teacher

Ms. Couey joined K12 in 2016 as a substitute then went on to become a full-time teacher the following year. She earned her BA teaching degree from Sam Houston State University.

Julianne Curtis | High School Biology Teacher

Ms. Curtis joined K12 in 2016. She has been teaching for 14 years, and has taught biology, anatomy and physiology, and special education. She earned her BS in biology from Texas Woman’s University, and her MEd in secondary education from the University of North Texas. She holds certificates in life science and special education.

Katheryn Daniell | U.S. History Teacher and Content Lead

Mrs. Daniell joined K12 in April 2015. She has six years of experience in education, with much of her experience teaching virtually. Mrs. Daniell received her BS in secondary education social studies from Texas Christian University (GO FROGS!!). She holds certifications in 8–12 social studies, 4–8 social studies, 4–8 English language arts and reading and English as a second language.

Bethany DeLeon | 9–12 Teacher

Mrs. DeLeon has taught for K12 since 2012. She currently teaches family consumer science but has also taught English I, English II, reaching your academic potential, interpersonal studies, and parenting for teenage parents during her 17 years as a public school teacher. Mrs. DeLeon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health from Texas A&M University. She holds teaching certificates in secondary English, health, and family consumer science.

Jill Diaz | High School Advisor

Shawna Dixon | High School Math Teacher

Mrs. Dixon joined the K12 team in 2016. She brings more than nine years total teaching experience comprised of junior high to university level instruction. Mrs. Dixon earned a BS in mathematics from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a MS in mathematics from Tarleton State University, and is currently working on her EdD in Christian leadership from Liberty University. She holds certifications in mathematics (grades 4–8 and 8–12).

Ralinda Fenton | High School Algebra 2 Teacher

Mrs. Fenton joined the K12 team in 2014. She has more than 12 years of experience in secondary education. Mrs. Fenton earned her BS in math education at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. She has taught all levels of high school math.

Christine Floyd | Lead High School Advisor

Ms. Floyd has been working in education for eight years and has been with K12 since February 2016. She has a master’s in social work and is currently working on her Doctor of Education degree.

Terri Foxworth | High School Math Teacher

This is Ms. Foxworth’s third year with K12 and she has been a middle school and high school math teacher for 16 years. She has a Bachelor of Science degree and is currently working on her master’s degree. She is certified in math 4–8, math 8–12, generalists 4–8, and ESL 4–12.

Emily Gapinski | High School Music Teacher

Mrs. Gapinski earned her Bachelor of music education degree from Texas Lutheran University.

Ashlee Gardner | High School Biology Teacher

Ms. Gardner joined the K12 team in 2018. She brings more than nine years of educational experience working with students in middle school, high school, and college. Ms. Gardner earned a BA from the University of Texas at Tyler and a MS in biology from the University of Texas at Arlington. She holds a composite science (7–12) teaching certificate.

Jennifer Halderman | High School Math Teacher

Ms. Halderman comes from Arizona K12. This is her third year teaching online but her eighth year in education. She earned her BA in secondary education, mathematics from Arizona State University.

April Hanson | Geometry Teacher and Math Department Lead

Ms. Hanson joined the K12 team in 2014. She is in her 10th year in education, five of which has been in the virtual setting. Ms. Hanson earned her BA in mathematics with emphasis in math education.

Yarnale Hayner | High School Advisor

Ms. Hayner started with K12 in 2013. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies.

Stacy Head | 10th Grade ELA Teacher

Mrs. Head joined K12 in 2010 and has served in many roles while at K12. She holds a Texas teaching certificate for grades 6–12 English. Mrs. Head received her Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University with a major in English and minor in secondary education. She has also completed 18 hours of her master’s in school counseling from Lamar University. Mrs. Head is passionate about teaching and serving in her community. She helps to raise funds, awareness, and supplies for the Ronald McDonald House Dallas.

Lyndsay Heartsill | 12th Grade Counselor

Ms. Heartsill has been working with K12 students since 2010. She has been working in education for more than 16 years in roles as an English teacher, middle school counselor, and high school counselor. Ms. Heartsill earned her bachelor’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University with a major in math and a minor in English with a focus on secondary education. She then earned her master’s in school counseling from Dallas Baptist University.

Morgan Henry | High School World Geography Teacher

Mrs. Henry is new to K12 but not new to teaching. She has taught middle and high school social studies for the last five years. Mrs. Henry also has six years of experience teaching ESL in China. She graduated from Oklahoma Christian University with a BS in social studies education and is certified to teach middle and high school social studies, with an additional ESL certification.

Ashley Hughes | High School Speech Teacher

Mrs. Hughes joined the K12 team in 2018. She has five years of teaching experience. Mrs. Hughes earned her BS from Texas A&M University, and a MS from Tarleton State University. She is a certified Texas teacher in speech, agriculture, English 4–8, and art.

Elizabeth Jones | English II Teacher

Ms. Jones joined the K12 team this year. She began her career in 1989 in New Orleans and is certified in both Louisiana and Texas in Secondary English Education. Her career has focused on instruction mainly encompassing writing styles and techniques, structural grammar exploration, literature studies, and drama.

Shanelle Jones | High School Advisor

Mrs. Jones joined K12 in December of 2017. She brings more than 10 years in the education field and community service. She is a leader in her community. Mrs. Jones earned an associates’ in teaching from Collin College and a Bachelor of Education from Texas Woman’s University.

Lauren Kellogg | High School Art Teacher

Ms. Kellogg joined the K12 Team this year. She brings eight years of experience in art education and creative development. Ms. Kellogg earned a BA in fine arts from New England College and her teacher certification from Texas A&M Commerce.

Jenifer Kim | Advisor

Ms. Kim joined the K12 team in 2015. She has been in the education field for 20 plus years. She earned a BA in education from Mississippi State University.

Mara Leebert | High School Spanish Teacher

Ms. Leebert joined the K12 team in 2018. She brings more than four years of experience in education. Ms. Leebert is from Argentina. She has been a volunteer for the Red Cross and blood source as a translator. She earned her BA in psychology and her MA in psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent’s development from Southern New Hampshire University.

Kelly Loeffler | High School Advisor

Ms. Loeffler joined the K12 team in 2012. She was an elementary school teacher for eight years before joining K12. Ms. Loeffler earned a BA in education from Texas State University, San Marcos and a MA in educational administration from Lamar University. She holds certificates in early childhood education, EC–4, 4–8, and ESL.

Cynthia Marley | High School Graduation Coach

Ms. Marley has been with K12 for five years as an English teacher, counselor, and graduation coach. She has 35 years of education experience as a teacher, counselor, and mentor. Ms. Marley earned her BBA in business education/English from Sam Houston State University and MS in counseling and psychology from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. She holds certifications in business, reading/language arts, and all level counseling.

Marisa Marquardt | High School Science Teacher

Mrs. Marquardt has taught science for a total of 17 years and has taught all levels of high school science. This is her fourth year with K12. Mrs. Marquardt lives in the DFW area with her husband, four children, and her dog Nash. She is a Texas girl and an Aggie by the grace of God. She received her bachelor’s degree in biology/chemistry. She is science composite certified and has a Master of Education. Her favorite sciences are astronomy and meteorology.

Joseline Martinez | High School English 1 Teacher

Ms. Martinez joined the K12 team in 2012. Coming from a background in teaching brick-and-mortar middle and high school English and reading courses, she has a wide range of teaching experience. Ms. Martinez earned a BA in English language arts and reading from Texas A&M International University. Her certificates include English language arts and reading for grades 4–8 and 8–12.

Shad McChesney | Chemistry Teacher

Janet Moore | High School Science Teacher

Mrs. Moore joined K12 in October 2014. She brings 15 years of science teaching experience. Mrs. Moore has a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in chemistry and a Master of Science in secondary education. She holds six different certifications covering all grade levels.

Marl Murphy | High School Music Instructor

Mr. Murphy originally joined K12 at the Tennessee Virtual Academy in 2012 and then came to Texas in 2014. He has been in education for eight years and has taught in elementary, middle, and high school. Mr. Murphy earned a BA in music from Maryville College and a MEd in curriculum, instruction, and assessment from Lincoln Memorial University. In addition to these degrees, Mr. Murphy has also completed post-graduate work in both music history and public relations. He currently holds certifications in general education and music.

Sarah Neal | Math High School Teacher

Ms. Neal joined the K12 team in 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies with a specialization in mathematics from the University of North Texas, and a Master of Science with a major in mathematics teaching from Texas Woman’s University.

Ashley Owen | High School P.E. Teacher

Ms. Owen joined the K12 team in 2018. She brings more than nine years of experience in education, community service, and development. Ms. Owen earned a BS in kinesiology from Texas A&M University–Kingsville. She holds certificates in all-level physical education, all-level health, and early childhood education (EC–6).

Ellen Paraskevas | High School Advisor

Ms. Paraskevas has been with K12 since the fall of 2009. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Texas Christian University in 1993 and has been in the field of education ever since.

Raymond Russell Parker Jr. | High School English Teacher

Mr. Parker has been a part of K12 schools since 2012 and has twice been voted Teacher of the Year by seniors in his English 4 classes. He graduated from Plano East Senior High school, the largest high school in the United States, before getting a degree in literary studies from the University of Texas at Dallas. He is certified to teach all levels of high school English.

Sarah Patterson | Personal Finance Teacher

Ms. Patterson joined the K12 team in 2016. She has taught for 10 years. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration from University of North Texas, specializing in finance. She earned her MBA from Texas A&M University in May 2019. She holds certificates in business education, 6–12 as well as composite science, 8–12.

Alejandra Paul | High School Spanish Teacher

Jessica Philips | Biology Teacher

Ms. Philips joined K12 in 2017. She brings eight years of teaching in science to K12 and has a master’s degree in education. She has a BS in Education from Tarleton State University.

Tina Poer | High School Math Teacher

Ms. Poer is currently teaching precalculus/trigonometry. This is her seventh year in online education with K12. She has served in education for 14 years as a teacher, math department chair, and testing coordinator. Ms. Poer earned a BBA in accounting from Tarleton State University and later returned to obtain her alternative certification in mathematics.

Gena Powell | High School Counselor

Ms. Powell joined the K12 in January 2016. She has more than 10 years of experience in education. Ms. Powell earned her BA in fashion merchandising from Texas State University. She decided she wanted to be a teacher, so she went back and received her teaching certificate soon after. She received her master’s in education for school counseling in 2005 and started her career as an elementary counselor in 2005. “I enjoy working with high school students helping them work towards their ultimate goal which is to graduate,” says Ms. Powell.

Jamie Priesmeyer | High School Advisor

Ms. Priesmeyer joined the K12 team in 2011. She earned both her BA in interdisciplinary studies and her MA in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Ms. Priesmeyer brings over 12 years of experience in education and works diligently to provide the highest level of support to her students and families.

Kaitlyn Purcell | High School Teacher

Ms. Purcell joined K12 in 2015. She has taught for eight years after earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Cedarville University followed by a post-baccalaureate degree in secondary education from West Texas A&M University. She is certified in social studies grades 8–12 as well as ESL.

Kristen Richardson | High School World Geography Teacher

Ms. Richardson joined the K12 team in January of 2015 and has seven years of experience teaching in a social studies classroom. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2008 and holds certificates in social studies for grades 8–12 and also early childhood education.

Crystal Richardson | Skills for Health Teacher

Ms. Richardson joined the K12 team in 2014. She brings more than 13 years of experience in education. She earned a BS in health from Texas A&M University, Gig ’em!

Jan Richburg | High School Counselor

Mrs. Richburg joined the K12 team in 2015. She has 24 years of experience as a counselor and 20 of those years have been at the high school level. Mrs. Richburg worked in Garland ISD and served as the lead counselor when opening Sachse High School in 2002. She earned a BS in elementary education from the University of North Texas and an MS in guidance and counseling from Texas A&M Commerce. Mrs. Richburg holds certifications for elementary education grades 1–8 and guidance and counseling K–12.

Laura Robason | High School Teacher

Mrs. Robason joined the K12 team in 2018. She brings more than 12 years of experience in education. Mrs. Robason earned her BA in English from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. She holds Texas certifications in English language arts (4–8), English language arts (8–12), special education, and ESL.

Alison Rodgers | High School Art Teacher

Mrs. Rodgers joined K12 in 2018. Mrs. Rodgers recently has been teaching art on the elementary school level. She has taught preschool, directed a preschool, and has been a substitute teacher for many years. Mrs. Rodgers has a BS in interior design with a minor in fine arts from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. She holds certificates in art and family consumer science. Mrs. Rodgers is married and the mother of two sons. She loves all kinds of art but most recently has been designing jewelry and working on mosaics.

Cynthia Ruvalcaba | High School Spanish Teacher

Ms. Ruvalcaba joined the K12 team this year. She has eight years of experience in teaching all levels of Spanish. She earned her BA in Spanish with a secondary education minor from Texas Tech University.

Taylor Schaffhauser | High School World History Teacher

Ms. Schaffhauser first joined the K12 team 2016. She has taught in Mississippi and Texas, and now resides in Maine due to her husband’s job. She earned her BA at Mississippi State University. She has two sweet dogs, Coco and Carl, and loves the outdoors, cooking, and baking.

Heather Skeen | High School English Language Arts Teacher

Ms. Skeen joined the K12 team in 2011. She holds a BA in interdisciplinary studies from Lamar University and is certified in secondary English language arts, elementary English and reading, and elementary self-contained.

Rena Sovde | High School English Language Arts Teacher

Emily Spivey | High School Algebra Teacher

Christie Stephens | High School Science Teacher

Ms. Stephens is in her thirteenth full year as a high school science teacher and her sixth year with K12! She has had the pleasure of teaching various science courses, including biology, anatomy and physiology, AP® Biology, and physical science. Ms. Stephens went to college at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. She currently holds a composite science certification for 6–12 science.

Lisa Strong | High School Algebra 2 Teacher

Ms. Strong has been teaching and tutoring math in public, private, and virtual schools since 1989. She’s taught middle and high school math online since 2011. Ms. Strong earned her Bachelor of Science in education from UT Austin and holds a lifetime certificate to teach mathematics in grades 6–12. Teaching is her passion. Math is her love.

Penney Thorne | Marketing and Business Teacher and High School Lead for the Science Department

Mrs. Thorne joined the K12 family in 2014, making this her sixth year with the company. Prior to coming to K12, Mrs. Thorne taught marketing and business at Estacado High School in Lubbock for two years and taught marketing and business at Reese Education Center, the alternative high school for Friendship ISD in Wolfforth, Texas. Mrs. Thorne holds an Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies from South Plains College, as well as a Bachelor of Science in organizational management, a Master of Science in leadership, and a Master of Education in administrative leadership, each from Lubbock Christian University. She is certified to teach business 6–12, marketing 8–12, and holds a principal certification for K–12 in the state of Texas. Mrs. Thorne is also currently the advisor for the TVAH chapter of NHS.

Mayra Velez | High School Spanish Teacher

Ms. Velez has been with K12 for three years. She has a BA in Spanish and an MA in student leadership and development from Angelo State University. She is also certified in ESL. She has taught Spanish at multiple levels and programs such as AP® and International Baccalaureate Program in South Carolina and Texas.

Megan Ware | High School Geometry Teacher

Misty Watt | Lead Counselor

Karin Webb | High School Public Speaking Teacher

Candice West | High School Personal Finance Teacher

Ms. West joined K12 in 2015. She has five years of experience in CTE education. She earned her BS in hospitality management from University of North Texas in 2006. Ms. West worked in the hospitality industry for four years before entering the field of education. She holds certifications in both family and consumer science and business and finance.

Anna Westbrook | English III Teacher

Ms. Westbrook joined K12 in the fall of 2017. This is her sixth year working in public education. She earned a BA in fine arts from California State University Fresno and an MS in sports administration and recreation from Western Kentucky University. She holds certificates in general education for grades 4–8, English for 7–12, and in ESL.

Cynthia Wimberley | Elective Teacher

Ms. Wimberley teaches Reaching Your Academic Potential (RYAP). She joined K12 in August of 2016, bringing more than 30 years of teaching/coaching experience. Ms. Wimberley earned both a master’s and bachelor’s degrees in physical education and English from Angelo State University.

Jennifer Wolford | High School Mythology Teacher

Mrs. Wolford joined the K12 team in 2012. She brings 12 years of experience in the classroom, six of those being in a virtual setting. She earned her BS in English from Sam Houston State University. She holds certifications in ELA EC–12, EC–4 generalist, 4–8 social studies, and ESL. She has taught several years as an alternative schoolteacher and has taught almost every grade level. Mrs. Wolford lives in Brazoria, TX with her husband, children, and 4 legged babies! She loves books and movies. Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Twilight, and Percy Jackson are some of her favorites. The magical, mystical, etc., in literature fascinates her.

Pamela Woods | 9th Grade English Teacher

Ms. Woods joined the K12 team in 2017. She brings more than 20 years of experience in education. Ms. Woods earned a BA in English with 8–12 certification from Tarleton State University.