WVA School Board Members
- Ellen Zhou - Chairman and Founder. With 15 years of experience working in hi-tech companies and 8 years dedicated to education, Mrs. Zhou possesses a strong passion for education and has dedicated herself to developing educational programs that cultivate a supportive environment for motivated students seeking to engage in significant pursuits beyond the traditional school classroom.
- Manny Norse - With over 30 years of experience in education and a Master's degree in Math, Mr. Norse specializes in math and math competitions. He has served as the coach for the Oregon State Mathcounts Championship team for many years, consistently leading the top 4 students in Oregon to compete at the national MathCounts competition. Mr. Norse also has been organizing the Oregon ARML teams with top high school students in Oregon. Mr. Norse's expertise in math and his dedication to helping students excel in competitions has made him an exceptional educator and invaluable asset to the education community.
- Purushottam Goel - With over 20 years of experience in hi-tech companies and a specialization in Physics and Computer Sciences, Dr. Goel has homeschooled his two sons who achieved high honors in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and International Physics Olympiad (IPho). Dr. Goel is passionate about tutoring motivated students for the USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) and USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) competitions, using his extensive knowledge and experience to help students excel in these challenging competitions.
- Nurbaya Lesmana - A senior accountant with expertise in accounting and finance management.
Head of School
- Connor Nelson - Academic Director. Connor Nelson holds a master's degree from Pacific University, specializing in STEM. With a remarkable tenure of over 10 years, he previously served as a dedicated math teacher in the BSD SUMMA program. In addition, Mr. Nelson has served as a leader at WVA and successfully facilitated the growth of its programs.
- Ellen Zhou - Academic Counselor. Mrs. Zhou's expertise in both the Hi-tech industry and education field has enabled her to develop a unique vision for the school and to help students with their academic planning and exploring their interests in STEM fields. Mrs. Zhou's commitment to excellence has made her an invaluable leader in the field of education.
Faculty & Staff
- Julie Hlad - PhD in English, specializing in Reading, Essay Writing/Grammar, History, and SAT Test Preparation. Dr. Hlad has rich experience in teaching different levels of Humanities from middle school to high school.
- Brenda Andrus - Master's degree in English, specializing in Reading, Literary Reading & Analytical Writing, and SSAT/SAT Test Preparation.
- Shilpa Sharma - Master's degree in Math & Computer Science and Mrs. Sharma brings with her experience as a college teacher and Hi-Tech professional. Her area of specialization is in Coding, Python/Java/C Programming, and Contests.
- Yuanpeng Lin - Master of Science in Information Systems Management. Specializes in Mathematics and Computer Science education, with a strong focus on competitive mathematics and technology integration. Brings experience from TAL Education Group, where they led a successful mathematics enrichment program and taught competitive math courses to high-achieving students around the world.
- Christopher Dupuis - Holding an M.S. degree in Physics, Christopher Dupuis is in the final stages of completing his Ph.D. research, which has been dedicated to the realm of Astrophysics. With a comprehensive academic foundation, he brings forth a wealth of practical knowledge garnered from instructing various levels of mathematics and physics courses.
- Kyle Golden - Bachelor of Science in Biology. Kyle Golden is a dedicated and passionate educator with a strong commitment to nature-focused learning, fostering a profound connection with the natural world while imparting essential skills in science.
- Pamela Robinson - Bachelor's degree in Education and an endorsement in Mathematics. She brings with her over 20 years of teaching experience at public middle schools.
- Vicky Shu - Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering. Experienced engineer, college instructor, and math teacher for middle and high school students.
- Liz Prestegaard - Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Reed College and has completed a thesis in the field. She has 7 years of teaching experience in a variety of subjects, age groups, and class settings. Specializes in AP/IB Calculus and standardized test prep.
- Michelle Stansell - Bachelor of Science in Communication. Ms. Stansell brings 15 years of successful teaching experience from grades pre-k through elementary and has worked as an organizer for summer reading programs.
- Mia Hicks - Academic Director for grades K-2. Mrs. Hicks previously served as a Director of Student Affairs for a private school and has served Kindergarten students in the classroom for over 25 years.
- Vivien Lee - Master of Chinese language teaching reading, writing, and verbal communication.
- Phoenix Echo - Owner of EchoValor Academy Gym dedicated to teaching health and fitness for kids and adults. Experienced P.E. and fitness teacher from Pre-K to high school. Experienced coach in boxing, hockey, physical fitness and education.
- Lolly Jamerson - Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree with 12 years of teaching experience and over three decades experience working as a professional artist, creating and selling original oil paintings as well as creating custom art works for diverse clientele. Lolly Jamerson has had the joy and honor of teaching art to students from Pre K through HS and has taught privately with students aged 9 through adulthood.
- Jerry Sherrard - Chess & Circuit Coding teacher. USCF Candidate Master and professional chess coach with over 15 years experience coaching chess players of all ages to reach their potential in the sport. Having trained with a Grand Master for several years, Jerry Sherrad teaches and trains his students using the same methodology. With an education and background in math and electrical engineering, he also has over 15 years experience teaching STEM topics such as coding and electronics.
- Addison Lopiccolo - Office Coordinator. Bachelor of Arts in English and History, with experience in education and administrative support. As the Office Coordinator, Ms. L works with staff and students to ensure each day at WVA runs smoothly, and that students have the resources and support they need to succeed. She runs the school newspaper, the WVA Times, with a fantastic group of young writers whom she inspires to write boldly and confidently about the themes they care about.