We’re Dedicated to Serving You

Amy Johnson, Executive Director 

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 and will complete her MBA from Arkansas State University in December of 2024. She began her work in schools in 1992 and began teaching in 1997, spending 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 currently 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 Executive Director 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.  Contact: amjohnson@arva.org

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Mendy Felton, Academic Administrator 

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 served as a high school teacher, lead teacher, and high school principal prior to her role as the Academic Administrator. Contact: afelton@arva.org

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Gina Moore, Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator 

Gina Moore graduated from Angelo State University in Texas with her B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and earned her Masters from the University of Central Arkansas in K–12 reading. Gina’s diverse experience includes teaching primary grades in traditional schools, early childhood regular and special education classes, and alternative classrooms for grades K-12. She also served as an ARVA Learning Coach for seven years for her two youngest daughters. In August of 2009, she joined ARVA’s teaching staff and transitioned into her current position in July 2013. Her current role reflects her passion regarding the importance of the parents’ roles in a child’s life as also evidenced by her volunteer work.  

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Michele Newnum, Federal Programs Coordinator 

Michele Newnum realized her love of teaching when she was very young.  She began a babysitting career when she was just 14, and that led her to many other child-care positions that she held until she graduated from Henderson State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education.  After graduation, she taught in a small rural district for 10 years where she served as an elementary teacher and transitioned to a Literacy Facilitator.  She joined ARVA in 2013 as a K-2 teacher and has since transitioned into the role of Response to Intervention Coordinator, Federal Programs Coordinator, and is the district’s R.I.S.E./Science of Reading trainer. Michele lives with her husband, Billy, and their three children Hannah, Noah, and Andrew.  She enjoys spending time with her family and making new memories with them. Contact: minewnum@arva.org

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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 received 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. Amanda joined ARVA as a special education teacher in 2013 teaching all grades K-12.  In 2018, she become the Special Programs Manager for ARVA managing all special programs to include the special education department, 504, dyslexia, and English language learners. Her passion is ensuring that all students are placed in the school environment which cultivates the learning process despite any learning disability and to ensure that all students’ needs regarding their learning are accommodated.  Contact: asullivan@arva.org

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Sarah Moss, Special Education Coordinator 

Sarah’s education journey of 23 years began in a traditional brick-and-mortar classroom teaching Middle School Special Education for five years, followed by twelve years in the General Education classroom teaching middle school math and science. Her career transitioned into the virtual classroom with the unique opportunity of teaching Elementary Special Education at ARVA for three years. Currently, she serves as Special Education Coordinator where she has the privilege to work with all Special Education teachers grades K –12.  The foundation of her learning began in the halls of Star City Schools in Star City, AR, before transitioning to Henderson State University. There she obtained both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in education.  Sarah has always loved the ability to serve students and families in the world of education. Her current goal is to see the Inclusive model fully embraced by the school, allowing all students to reap the rewards of learning and acceptance.  Contact: sarmoss@arva.org

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Erica Keen, Dyslexia Coordinator 

Erica Keen is the Dyslexia Coordinator at Arkansas Virtual Academy. Erica resides in Central Arkansas with her husband, Kevin, and their two little boys. Erica has a Masters Degree in Education for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Graduate Dyslexia Endorsement from the University of Central Arkansas. Erica is passionate about reading instruction and helping students to find a love for literacy. Erica has been an Arkansas Educator for 12 years and has been in virtual instruction for 8 years. Erica enjoys being outside with her family. They love swimming, camping, traveling to Arkansas State Parks, and building forts on rainy days.  Contact: erkeen@arva.org

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Summer Hensley, 504 Coordinator 

Summer Hensley graduated from Arizona State University earning her Bachelor of Arts in Special Education K-12 and her master’s degree in counseling from Montana State University-Northern.  Prior to joining ARVA, Summer spent 9 years as a Special Education Teacher and 5 years as an elementary school counselor.  Summer joined ARVA as a special education teacher in 2018 and then became the 504 Coordinator in 2021.  She manages ARVA’s 504 plans for kindergarten through 12^th grade as well as handling special education referrals.  Summer works to ensure student’s needs are met to help cultivate student learning with accommodations and help families navigate supports to ensure greater learning for their child.  When she is not working, you may find her reading, working on arts and crafts, or out walking her dogs.   Contact: suhensley@arva.org

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Michelle Whitley, EL Coordinator 

Michelle Whitley graduated from the University of North Texas with her Bachelor of Arts in Business Financial Services and a minor in Accounting.   After starting a family, she reflected and began to focus on her passion for eduation.  She returned to school to complete her teaching license. Then, a few years later, she furthered her career by obtaining a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas Women’s University.  Michelle has spent the majority of her 18-year teaching career in the Special Programs department teaching both Special Education classes and English as a Second Language classes.  She creates a lively, inclusive atmosphere characterized by mutual respect, enthusiasm, and humor.  Michelle is passionate about incorporating the students’ interests and cultural backgrounds to help English Language Learners of all levels stretch their linguistic limits and achieve their goals. Contact: miwhitley@arva.org

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Farrah McEntire, Accountability Administrator 

Farrah McEntire graduated with her Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University in May 2023. She has also completed a Master of Arts in Teaching, UAM (May 2016), a Bachelor of Science Interdisciplinary Studies in Business, Computer Science, and Education, Liberty University (September 2013), and an Associate’s Business administration from the UACCB (May 2010). Farrah has experience in banking, has served as a Digital Lockbox Assistant Supervisor, and as a bookkeeper/CSR. She began teaching in 2014 and has served as a Business teacher and EAST facilitator. Farrah joined ARVA in 2018 and has served in a variety of roles including Business Teacher, PLC Lead, Mentor, and Graduation Cohort/Credit Recovery Administrator.  Farrah now serves as the District Accountability Administrator, a position through which she hopes to continue to enhance educational outcomes and support both students and teachers. Farrah’s is driven by her passion for supporting students and teachers.  Contact: famcentire@arva.org

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Dana Sellers, FLEX Administrator 

Dana Sellers graduated from the University of Pine Bluff in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. She later obtained a Master of Science in Education in Reading in 2017 through Arkansas State University.  Dana has been dedicated to educating children, teachers, and learning coaches no matter what it takes to help them excel.  She worked for 13 years in the brick-and-mortar setting teaching kindergarten through sixth grade as a lead teacher and PTA director. She had the district co-op’s ELA model classroom for several years while teaching in the brick-and-mortar setting. In 2014, she began her virtual education career with ARVA. In 2023, she became the administrator for ARVA’s Flex program. Dana is a pastor’s wife and loves serving the Lord, her family, and her community.  She loves to go outdoors and enjoy nature with her husband, daughters, sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren. Contact: dsellers@arva.org

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Lindsey Marrs, Elementary Principal

Lindsey Marrs graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2009 with a bachelor’s in early childhood education. She went on to teach various grade levels in her local school districts. She began her virtual education career in 2018 with ARVA. In 2020, she stepped into a leadership role to oversee grades K-2. She went on to obtain her master’s degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University. In 2022 she was the Assistant Principal for ARVA Elementary and in 2023 she became Principal. She is passionate about building relationships within the school community to create a sense of belonging and a positive, lasting learning environment. Contact: limarrs@arva.org

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Linetta Jackson, Elementary Assistant Principal 

Linetta Jackson graduated from Henderson State University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. She later obtained a Master of Science in Education in Reading in 2018 through Arkansas State University and a Master of Education in Library Media and Information through Southern Arkansas University in 2020. Throughout Linetta’s career in education, she has taught various elementary grade-levels, reading interventions, and library media. She worked for 16 years in the brick-and-mortar setting. In 2021, Linetta began her virtual education career with ARVA in the fourth-grade classroom. In 2023, she became Assistant Principal for ARVA Elementary. She wants every student to feel valued and understand they can do hard things. Outside of school, you will find Linetta loving her family big, leading worship and youth at church, enjoying her time on their little “farm”, and visiting Silver Dollar City to ride Fire in the Hole and eat cinnamon bread every chance she gets! Contact: linjackson@arva.org

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Cassy Melcher, Middle School Principal 

Cassy Melcher graduated from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, with a Bachelor of Science in English Education. She later earned a Master of Arts in English with Education Emphasis from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. Cassy is certified in 7-12 English Language Arts, K-12 English to Speakers of Other Languages, and K-12 Online Teaching. Cassy taught middle school English Language Arts, reading, and writing for four years prior to her time at ARVA. After joining ARVA in 2020, she taught middle school English Language Arts, elementary and middle school reading and intervention, and FLEX. Beginning in 2022, she served as lead teacher for middle school and started as Middle School Principal in 2023. Cassy views education as a unique opportunity to work together with students, families, and staff to foster a love of learning that can last a lifetime. Contact: camelcher@arva.org

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Jaqueline Courtney, Middle School Assistant Principal 

Jacqueline Courtney graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education in 2005. Jacqueline began her career in education in the fall of 2005. In 2011, she earned a Master of Education degree in Special Education 4-12. Jacqueline earned her Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership- Director of Special Education in 2017. She continued teaching special education grades K-8 in various roles. In 2022, Jacqueline began her career with Arkansas Virtual Academy as the 6-8 English Language Arts resource teacher. In 2023, she became the Assistant Principal for ARVA Middle School. Jacqueline is dedicated to nurturing a learning environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Contact: jacourtney@arva.org

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Lisa Short, CTE Administrator 

Lisa taught and led Career Technology Education in Texas for 30 years.  She implemented new programs, partnerships, and technology in various districts throughout the state.  In 2016, Lisa moved to the virtual platform with Arkansas Virtual Academy as a teacher. She is certified in Business Marketing, Technology, and Education in Texas, Arkansas, and North Carolina. She has worked closely with students in grades 6-12 to implement CTE in the curriculum. In 2018 Arkansas Virtual Academy increased CTE offerings and pursued state approvals of programs. Currently, ARVA offers 5 Occupational Areas and CTSO for each, 19 pathways, and industry certifications available per pathway selection.  ARVA has a strong advisory council and works closely with business partners throughout the state.  Our goal at ARVA is for every student to graduate either employed, enlisted, or enrolled with a plan for the future.  When not working, Lisa loves spending time with her grown children and grandchildren. Contact: lshort@arva.org

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James Ray, 11-12 High School Principal

James Ray graduated from North Arkansas College with an Associate of Arts degree in 1999. He then transferred to the University of Central Arkansas and received a Bachelor of Science in Education (Business, 2001), Master of Science in Education (Special Education, 2003), and Master of Science (School Counseling, 2009). James started his career in education teaching business in 2002-2003 school year. In his 19 years in brick-and-mortar schools, he taught business and special education and was a career center/alternative school director. He is beginning his fourth year with Arkansas Virtual Academy where he serves as assistant principal at the high school. James approaches his role in education with two quotes in mind: “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” and “Be the person you needed when you were young.” James lives in Leslie and enjoys spending time with his niece when he is not working. He is also active in his church. Contact: jray@arva.org

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Tami Ethridge, 9-10 High School Principal 

Tami Ethridge graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics in 2001. Tami moved from the public sector working at NASA to education in 2006. She taught Leadership Development (LDC) and middle school science for 3 years in Texas before relocating to Arkansas. Tami has completed a Master of Science in Education (Middle School Math, 2011, Kaplan University) and Master of Arts (Mathematics Education, 2019, Western Governor’s University). Tami came to ARVA in 2018 as a high school math teacher and joined the Leadership Team in 2022. In support of the military families in the district, Tami serves as the District Military Education Coordinator (DMEC). Away from work, Tami enjoys spending time with her family, grandchildren, and traveling. Contact: taethridge@arva.org