Our team

Hello! I’m Heather Badger-Brown, the Director of The Academy Virtual. Based in beautiful Upstate New York, I enjoy spending my free time cooking, geocaching, and taking photos.. Education has been my lifelong passion, and I have dedicated nearly 30 years to the field.

I hold a Master’s degree in Literacy from the State University of New York College at Cortland and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. Additionally, I maintain New York State teaching certifications in Reading, Special Education, and Elementary Education, and I am a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. I am deeply committed to the belief that every child deserves to learn in an engaging, encouraging environment—a mission I am proud to advance through my work with The Academy Way. 

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 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. 

   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. 

I am Jessica Vedder, an Indiana native with a Master’s Degree in Special Education and over 15 years of teaching in the public school setting. I have spent these years refining my craft in best practices, engagement, collaboration, and adaptability. I take pride in combining my teaching experiences to create a supportive and engaging learning environment that helps every learner thrive. 

Outside of the traditional classroom, my love of exploring has most recently led me to living in a van, hiking and touring the United States, while taking my virtual students along for the ride. Creative thinking, problem solving, and lifelong learning are skills best suited for the many different trails of life we encounter and I love modeling that and walking alongside my students during that journey.