Title: Director of Technology

Email:brian.abel@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext 8849

Bio:
I joined the RVA family in 2020. Before that, I taught physical education in Rib Lake, Spencer, and Pardeeville. I earned my undergraduate degree from UW-Stevens Point, a Masters in Educational Technology from Marian University, and a Masters in Computer Networking from UW-STOUT. I have also coached varying combinations of football, girls basketball, boys basketball, and softball since 2005 at various schools.

Title: Technology Support

Email: Michael.Dassow@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8950

Bio: Hello! My name is Michael Dassow and I am part of the technology support team at the RVA. I joined the RVA in June 2023 after graduating from NTC in May 2023.

I am originally from Medford WI but now live in Wausau. My hobbies include hunting, fishing, and golf. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love technology and helping people solve problems so I'm super excited to work with the RVA.

Title: High School Secretary

Email: Wendy.Gebauer@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8822

I’m honored to be the high school secretary for the RVA. Previously, I held a career in the medical field with an extensive background in office management and customer service. I’m pleased to use my skills to serve our students and families.

I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Luke. We have two children, our son Dalen and our daughter Kendall, along with our yellow lab, Rylee. We enjoy sports, kayaking, and camping at our family cabin in Hazelhurst.

Title: Executive Administrative Assistant

Email: jen.harris@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8826

Bio: I joined the RVA in 2016 as a summer helper and loved it so much that I joined the staff full-time in 2018. I am honored to be part of this amazing school and serve our students, families, and partner districts. When not at the RVA, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Joe, and our kids Abby and Jase. We love the outdoors and spending time at the lake.

Title: Elementary Secretary (Grades PreK-5)

Email: maya.higgins@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8832

Bio: I joined the RVA in January 2020 as an Elementary School Secretary. Preceding the RVA I spent fourteen years working in the healthcare field. I look forward to putting my desire to assist others to use in a different means, by assisting RVA students and their families.

I’ve resided in the Medford area since April 2012 with my husband Jason,our three children and two dogs. We enjoy the summer months by swimming, fishing, playing outdoors and having bonfires at night.

Title: Enrollment Coordinator

Email: Angie.Juedes@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8835

Bio:

I feel very privileged to be a part of the RVA family! I started at the RVA in March of 2018 as the Elementary School Secretary. One of my passions is helping people so I really look forward to helping the amazing RVA families and staff!

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My family loves to go camping, fishing, and kayaking.

Title: Tech Support

Email: ash.khalifa@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext 8949

Bio: My name is Ashraf khalifa or Ash for short, I joined the RVA family in 2022!! I am currently holding the technology support specialist position. I love exploring different places and cultures, taking road trips, enjoying live music, and of course helping others with their technology needs. I look forward to another year in the RVA and meeting all new students and families.

Title: School Information Representative

Email: Sandy.Pope@Ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8821

Bio: Hello, I am a graduate of UW-Eau Claire with a Business Administration Degree. I started working here at the Rural Virtual Academy in 2007. Back then, our school was very small, 14 students. As the RVA has grown, my responsibilities have changed.

I recently started a new position here as the School Information Representative and am very excited for this change. I look forward to having more time to serve families in providing information regarding our school. I love spending time with potential and current RVA families both on the phone and in person! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have!

My husband and I have lived in the Medford Area for almost 27 years now. We have 3 children (triplets) who are young adults. Two of them are attending Wisconsin Universities and one is working locally. This is an exciting time for our family!

Title: High School Principal & Director of Pupil Services

Email: kathy.alexander@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8827

Bio: I am very excited to have the opportunity to be the High School Principal and Director of Pupil Services for the RVA! I began my career in education as the Community Learning Center Coordinator for the Medford School District back in 2001 through 2006. I then worked for seven years in the Rib Lake School District as their high school counselor and elementary school psychologist. I returned to the Medford School District working as a school psychologist for grades 5 through 12 and also for the 18-21 year old program until I became a high school counselor for the RVA in 2017. I transitioned into the role of Director of Pupil Services in 2020 and picked up the role of Director of Special Education for the full-time virtual side of the RVA in 2021. I transitioned to the role of High School Principal at the start of the 2023-24 school year and truly enjoy working with the students, families, and staff in the RVA to provide the best education possible for all of our learners. I am very passionate about working with our staff and helping students discover their strengths and develop their interests and skills so that they are prepared for a successful life after high school. Each student is a very unique individual, and it is a privilege getting to build positive relationships with them and their families and be a support and resource for them on their journey! Outside of working for RVA, I enjoy spending time with family. I have been married to my husband, Kurt, since 1999. We are blessed with three children, Cade, Ryan, and Carmyn. I also enjoy staying active doing various outdoor activities in the spring, summer, and fall, and curling and snowshoeing in the winter.

Title: Middle School Secretary

Email: Kristen.Raasch@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8831

Bio: I am honored to be working at the RVA. I was looking for a family-oriented place to call my work home and I believe I have found it here at the RVA .

I have lived in the Medford area my entire life. My husband, Ronald, and I have three grown daughters who have given us the privilege to be grandparents to our amazing grandchildren.

When I am not spending time getting snuggles and having fun with the grandkids; I like to read, watch movies, cartoons (Scooby Doo rocks), cooking shows, and going fishing. I am teaching the grandkids the thrill of the catch and the respect of nature that my dad passed on to me.

I look forward to helping the RVA students and families.

Title: SPED Secretary

Email: Ember.Roberts@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8834

Bio:
I graduated from the Business Management program at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau and moved to Meford in the Spring of 2010. I love living and raising our family in this community. I’ve been employed with the RVA since January 2019. I started as the High School Secretary and in October of 2019 moved into the Special Education Secretary position. It is a joy to work with such an amazing staff as well as to serve our wonderful RVA families.

Title: Enrollment Coordinator

Email: Sydney Strasser
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8829

Bio:

I am so excited to be a part of the RVA and to be able to help students and families! I started here at the RVA in March 2023 as an Enrollment Secretary.

I enjoy music, movies, crafts, and trivia! My daughter is in college studying to be an engineer and my son is loving elementary school, video games, and taekwondo ( not necessarily in that order). I look forward to working with families to make a "scholastic home" here at the RVA!

Title: District Connect and Technology Support
Email: Rachel.Wellman@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8833

Bio:
After years of observing my husband teach RVA students and interact with the staff, I am excited to join this innovative virtual school myself. I have spent 16 years working with clients and computers as a graphic designer, and now I will assist the RVA staff, families and District Connect team in any way that I can.

I live in Medford with my husband, Kevin, and children, Makenna and Cade. We have pet cats, a ferret, and backyard chickens. I enjoy reading, running and spending time outdoors hiking and camping with my family. Though, most of my free time is spent at the kids' sporting events!

Title: Director of District Connect Special Education

Email: Sam.Penry@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8859

Bio:

I am the director of special education for the Medford Rural Virtual Academy (RVA). I started with the RVA in 2016 as a school psychologist. Prior to working for the RVA, I was a school psychologist/director of special education in a public school setting for 10 years. I have picked a career I love. It is a privilege supporting staff, students and families in virtual education! I am originally from Osseo-Fairchild. I completed my undergraduate work in psychology at the University of Wisconsin Stout and my graduate degrees in school psychology from University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. In addition, I received my administrative certificate as a director of special education and pupil services through the University of Wisconsin Superior. My husband (Jason), three children (Griffin, Elias and Evangeline) and I live in Colby. Aside from spending time with my family, my hobbies include reading, walking, canning, yoga and cooking.

Title: Director of Marketing

Email: athena.podolak@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8881

Bio:

I love that my work adds to the RVA family. The RVA was my favorite client and now they are my favorite co-workers! I’m honored to use my talents to make Wisconsin families aware of the amazing, custom-tailored educational solutions the RVA provides. Not often in life do you get the opportunity to be at the forefront of a revolution that makes the world a better place.

I’m a self-described cat lady, who loves to paint, refinish furniture…really anything creative is in my wheelhouse.

Title: Director of District Connect

Email: Alli.Ranum@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8864

Bio: I feel honored to be part of RVA where I get to work with all-star educators and truly make a difference in the lives of so many kids! I started my career at the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators and after some time away, I found my way back to the education world. When I have free time, I enjoy cooking and baking up a storm in my kitchen, planning our next beach getaway, reading, and spending time with my awesome family.

Title: Administrator of Policy and Finance

Email: Charles.Heckel@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8823

Bio:
I have been working with the RVA since 2005 and have enjoyed being at the forefront of education in this school. It is a true gift that I have been given in having the opportunity to work with our families, students, and the staff here in our school. I could not think of anything better I would like to do! My hobbies include working for the RVA, hunting, hiking, fishing, and being in the outdoors.

Title: Assistant Principal & Activities Director

Email: kevin.wellman@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8924

Bio: I started my RVA journey as a US History teacher and continued in that position for ten years. I’m now the Assistant Principal and Activities Director. I was born and raised in Colby, WI. I’m the 2nd of six children with the youngest four being adopted. My wife and I have two high school aged children and also have been foster parents for the last five years. I love being outdoors, hunting, hiking or ATVing. We are an active family that has three children in hockey so we are always on the go.

Title: Elementary and Middle School Principal

Email: jenna.versch@ruralvirtual.org

Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8863

Bio: I am grateful to be a part of the RVA family since August 2016. I’m excited to serve all of our students, families, and districts and am committed to our school goals of building relationships, reinforcing values, and providing the highest quality academic options. Aside from my role in the RVA, I enjoy spending time with family. We love to travel together especially to Door County and attend various Wisconsin sporting events including many Milwaukee Brewers games. I look forward to meeting you!

Title: Administrator - Teaching & Learning

Email: sara.holewinski@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8825

Bio: I have been fortunate to have been with the RVA since 2009 working in a variety of different roles including Teacher, Dean of Operations, Principal, and Administrator of Teaching and Learning. In the time I have been with the RVA, I have witnessed firsthand that our school is achieving its mission of providing students with a challenging, high-quality education, in a flexible learning environment. It's a privilege to work alongside such amazing students, families, and educators!

Title: School Counselor
(Scheduling Grades 9-12, Last Names H-O)

Email: megan.lamarche@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8529

Bio: Hello! It is so wonderful to start my 2nd year at RVA as School Counselor! Not only do I absolutely love working in the High School Student Services Department, but I also enjoy being the RVA NHS Advisor! On top of being part of such a caring and dedicated staff, I am lucky to have the best students and families to work with!

My husband, Dennis, and two children, Brea and Bennett, live in Thorp, WI.

In my freetime, I enjoy reading, playing cards, family gatherings, and watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S.! I also love spending time outside going for walks, campfires, and occasional four-wheeling.

Title: High School Student Advisor
(Scheduling Grades 9 - 12, Last Names P-Z)

Email: jeff.lemahieu@ruralvirtual.org

Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8528

Bio: I am proud to be part of the RVA and enjoy working with our students and families as a High School Student Advisor. Another exciting part of my job is coaching RVA eSports. My wife, Carrie, is a School Psychologist at the RVA. In my spare time, I enjoy following Wisconsin sports teams (Badgers, Brewers, Packers), camping, personal finance, and beef jerky. I look forward to working with many RVA students and families throughout the year.

Title: Assistant Director of Special Education & Academic Interventionist

Email: Nicole.Wolf@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8875

Bio: Hello! My name is Nicole Wolf and I am so proud to be a part of the RVA. I have a Bachelor's Degree from UW- Madison in Special Education and a Master's Degree in Education from Viterbo University with a Reading Teacher Certification. Prior to coming to the RVA, I taught Cross-Categorical Special Education in an elementary and middle school setting for 6 years. I'm passionate about education for all students and love RVA's individualized approach.

When I'm not teaching, I enjoy hiking, camping, spending time at our family cabin, reading, running, and traveling. I love exploring and learning about new places and cultures! I've been to over 45 countries. I feel so fortunate to be a part of the RVA family and am looking forward to a great school year!

Title: Technology Support

Email: Kelly.Zarins@ruralvirtual.org
Ph: 888-801-2666 ext. 8824

Bio: Hello! My name is Kelly Zarins and I am part of the technology support crew for the Rural Virtual Academy. I also coach gymnastics classes most weeknights at a gym in Medford, WI. I absolutely love working with and getting to know kids and their parents, that's why I'm really looking forward to working with the RVA students and families.

I grew up in Ogema, WI, but I now live in Dorchester, WI with my husband, our dog, and our two cats. Family and friends are very important to me, so I spend as much time with them as I can. I have a lot of hobbies and always like to try something new! My favorite hobbies are reading books, gardening, cooking, kayaking, riding motorcycles, and traveling to just about anywhere.

I am very excited to be joining the RVA family!