Our team

  Hello! I'm Heather Badger-Brown. I live in lovely Upstate New York where I like to cook, geocache, sing and play video games in my spare time. 

I've been teaching for more than 25 years and it's my passion.  

I am a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner and have New York State teaching certifications in Reading, Special Education and Elementary Education. I  believe all children deserve a chance to learn in an engaging and encouraging environment which is why I love teaching for The Academy Virtual.

Hello! My name is Mahogany Murphy, and I live in the picturesque countryside of Georgia. 

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Loyola Marymount University and later became certified to teach elementary education and TESOL. 

After working at The Academy Virtual for a few years, I became a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner and certified in the Orton-Gillingham Method. Seeing students show progress makes my heart happy.

In my spare time, I enjoy hiking and spending time with my family.

    Hi! My name is Marnie Witters and I have a BA in English from the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs! I also hold an MS degree in Technical and Professional Communications from Southern Polytechnic State University.

My background includes about 20 years of experience as a technical writer and editor in software corporations around Atlanta. In addition, I've been teaching the last 10 years in both public and private school environments. I also taught within our homeschool community classes.

Helping students see their potential is my passion! As their teacher, I love to see them grow by connecting with their learning style, understanding who they are, and encouraging their strengths!

I’m thrilled to be part of such an amazing team at The Academy Virtual! I can’t wait to help make a difference in the students’ lives.

   Hi! I am Katherine (Katie) Vetere born and raised in Brooklyn, New York turned Jersey
girl. I live with my husband, and 2 children. I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt,
friend, and educator. Both of my parents were educators and it has been my passion,
since childhood, to be a next generation leader. 

I graduated from Monmouth University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and Anthropology. I continued my education and completed my
Masters Degree in Teaching Students with Disabilities at Pace University. I then went on to achieve an advanced certificate in Teaching Gifted and Talented Students at Hunter College. I didn't stop there. While teaching at my last district, I completed my
Wilson Reading Program Level 1 Certification.

   Hi I am Jessica! I have been teaching literacy (grammar, composition, literature, and phonics) and drama for 10 years. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Communications/English (Reinhardt University) and a Master of Arts in Professional Writing (Kennesaw State University). 

I have taught students from 4 years old to seniors in high school in both public schools, online schools, and Christian homeschool hybrid programs. I am a certified Dyslexia Therapist (Wilson Reading System) and has been tutoring students with dyslexia since 2020 both virtually and in person. 

Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a writer/editor for newspapers, magazines, and an engineering firm. I have had two published books and has written numerous articles for magazines.

My husband and I have been married since 2010. We live in northwest Arkansas with their two children and one Yorkie. I have always loved reading and writing and sharing her love of both with students. I enjoy getting outside and exploring with her family– hiking, kayaking, and camping. 

  Hello my name is Jaleesa Martin. I am a special educator from New York, NY. I studied education and received my master's degree from Syracuse University and my bachelor's degree from SUNY Cortland University. 

I have been teaching for 12 years now and love every bit of it. I enjoy creating innovative and multi-level lesson plans to keep students engaged while learning. While teaching at The AV, I hope to become better at using technology to become more inventive while connecting with students. 

In my spare time, I love hanging out with my one year old daughter Maggie. Looking forward to meeting you soon! 

 Hi, I’m Kristy Spinuzzi and I’ve been teaching for 22 years! I enjoy visiting amusement parks and the zoo, spending time with my family, reading, watching soccer, and running. 

I have a maltipoo named Halo, but we call her Foofy! I absolutely adore her, and I would probably have 10 dogs if my husband wouldn’t divorce me!  

I am passionate about teaching and empowering our youth to become the best they can be. Let's make it a great year! 

 Hello! My name is Holly Medlong. I live in northeast Ohio with my husband, son, and far too many pets (my husband likes to joke that we have a petting zoo at our home. We have 2 dogs and 3 cats). In Ohio, we get to enjoy all four seasons. Our family also enjoys outdoor activities and sports, such as skiing, baseball, swimming, and going on hikes. 

I went to college in South Carolina and graduated with a degree in special education. When back in Ohio, I began working in a local public school district and continued my education. I then received a master’s of education degree in reading. I furthered my education by becoming certified in the Wilson reading system and becoming a phonological intervention specialist. I am certified in the state of Ohio for reading as well as special education.

I love phonics and reading and am so excited to work with students to further their literacy skills while developing a love of reading. 

  Mrs. Quintero has been a dedicated educator for over 10 years. She holds her Masters of Arts in Teaching and her Educational Specialist degree in Special Education with a focus in literacy and reading disabilities.

Outside of the classroom, she enjoys hiking, cooking, being with her family, and reading about new developments in the field of writing. Mrs. Quintero is deeply committed to the academic and personal growth of her students and strives to create a supportive learning environment where each student can thrive. 

   With over 20 years of experience as a math, reading, and writing teacher and tutor, I have had the privilege of helping over 350 students improve their academic skills, grades, and self-confidence. 

My background also includes work as a Family Counselor, Youth Counselor, Crisis Stabilizer and Overnight Teacher Counselor at a residential youth treatment facility for several years. Additionally, I homeschooled my own children for 10 years, giving me a deep understanding of individualized learning. 

My diverse experience has equipped me with the ability to support students in overcoming challenges and achieving their personal and academic goals. 

   Marisa has a masters degree in literacy and TESOL. She is licensed in NY in the areas of early childhood education, childhood  education, special education, literacy, and TESOL. 

Marisa has ten years of classroom experience, working with a wide variety of learners and has always ensured that her instruction has met the individual needs of each learner that has walked through her classroom door. 

Marisa’s dedication, passion, and love of learning have helped students gain confidence as well as meet their goals. This has been the driving force that has driven her to be a teacher. 

    Greetings, my name is Mrs.Pope and I am a Licensed K-12th Grade All Subjects Instructor, Certified Instructional Coach, Certified Wilson Dyslexia Therapist, Licensed Psychological Associate, and Part-Time Online Psychology Instructor for UNC. 

I have taught various subjects for over 14 years. I am passionate about teaching and helping my students achieve their full potential by providing them with personalized instruction and guidance. I enjoy using technology to make learning more interactive and enjoyable. 

I’m a patient and dedicated Teacher and, I always strive to create a learning environment where students are comfortable and confident and, I look forward to helping your students achieve academic excellence.