Meet Our Leadership Team
We're Dedicated to Serving You
ARVA's leadership team is committed to empowering our virtual school community by providing exceptional learning experiences for all students.
Amy Johnson, Head of School
Amy Johnson graduated from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO with a B.S. in Secondary Education and later completed her Masters in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University. Amy began teaching in 1997 and spent the next 13 years instructing students, leading teachers, and serving as a school wide Curriculum Coordinator. Amy began her virtual education experience as a curriculum writer and reviewer for various online curriculum providers. In 2015, Amy began as an English teacher at Arkansas Virtual Academy, a K-12 open-enrollment public charter school housing over 4,000 students. She went on to serve as an Instructional Coach before stepping into the role of Academic Administrator. As AA, Amy led change in teacher effectiveness, student relationship building, and clear process and procedure creation. Amy accepted the position of Head of Schools at Arkansas Virtual Academy in 2018 and is currently leading the charge for individualized learning and growth for students and teachers alike. Most recently she charted unprecedented growth through COVID-19 and has just launched a 50,000 sq ft home for ARVA, a blended program, and a career training and upskill center. She is passionate about student achievement and is known as an innovator and creative thinker for student achievement and success.
Mendy Felton, Academic Administrator/Assistant Head of School for Academics
Mendy Felton graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a minor in business administration. She obtained her Master of Arts in teaching from The University of Memphis. Additionally, she attended the Universidad de Valencia in Valencia. She is certified for grades 7–12 Spanish and prior to joining ARVA, Mendy taught K–12 Spanish, and English language arts in public and private school settings. While at ARVA she has served as a high school teacher, mentor, and lead teacher before serving as the high school principal.
Gina Moore, Parental Involvement Coordinator
Gina Moore graduated from Angelo State University in Texas with her bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education and earned her master's degree from the University of Central Arkansas in K–12 reading. Ms. Moore's diverse experience includes teaching primary grades in traditional schools, early childhood regular and special education classes, and in alternative classrooms. She also served as an ARVA Learning Coach for seven years for her two youngest children. In August of 2009, she joined ARVA's teaching staff and transitioned into her current position in July 2013. Her current role reflects Ms. Moore's passion regarding the importance of the parents' roles in a child's life as evidenced by her volunteer work.
Amanda Sullivan, Special Programs Manager
Amanda Sullivan graduated from Western Governor's University earning her Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies PK–8th grade. She went on to receive her master's degree in special education as an instructional specialist for grades PK–4 from Arkansas State University and later earned the endorsement for grades 4–12 special education. For the last three years, Amanda has been a mentor for all new special education teachers and a leader for the special education department.
Jessica Stack, Elementary Principal
Jessica Stack graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology and sports management. After receiving her teaching certifications in all subjects for grades K–8, she taught middle school science and math in a traditional school for six years. She also taught summer school, homebound students, and science and math for a private homeschool group for two years. She received her master's degree in educational leadership in 2016 from Capella University. She taught with ARVA for three years as a 3rd and 5th grade teacher and now serves as the elementary principal. She looks forward to building relationships with parents, teachers, and students and ensuring our curriculum is relevant and rigorous.
Ashley Holder, Middle School Principal
Ashley Holder graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics education. She later earned a master's degree in mathematics education from Arkansas State. Ashley is certified in all content for grades 4–8 and 7–12 mathematics. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher in early adolescence mathematics. Prior to joining ARVA, Ashley taught high school math and middle school math and literacy for eight years. For three years, she served as a teacher mentor and high school teacher with ARVA. Ashley now serves as the middle school principal. She enjoys supporting teachers, students, and families.
Laura Davidson, High School Principal
Laura Davidson began her teaching career as a special education teacher in Greenwood Arkansas in 1993. She has taught all core subjects at the middle school level but specialized in 7th and 8th grade math. Laura joined Arkansas Virtual Academy in 2017 and began serving as High School Assistant Principal in 2018. She became our High school Principal at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. Laura is married to Mike Davidson and their family includes 3 children and their spouses and 7 grandchildren. Laura and Mike live in Fort Smith.
