Meet our Teachers

OHVA's teachers are among the best in the state for distance learning. And they're a big part of why we're the top-performing statewide eSchool in Ohio. They consider themselves your partners in your children's education, and they are available every school day to help you and your children through any challenges you may face. Here are just a few of the teachers you'll get to know at the Ohio Virtual Academy.

K-6 Lead Teachers

Antona Briley has been teaching with OHVA since the fall of 2003, and is currently a lead teacher for grades K-6. Before OHVA, Antona taught fifth grade at Cedarwood Alternative School in Columbus. She has also been a program coordinator for the Ohio Energy Project and an outreach demonstrator for COSI-Columbus. Antona earned her bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degree in elementary education from the Ohio State University.

Haylee Crecco has been an OHVA teacher since the fall of 2003, and is currently a K-6 lead teacher. Before coming to OHVA, Haylee taught Social Studies for four years in a public school setting. Haylee received her bachelor of arts in elementary education with an emphasis in behavioral science from Cedarville University. She is highly qualified and certified to teach K-8.

Jeannie Estep has been with OHVA since it began in 2002 and is currently a lead teacher. Jeannie received her master’s degree in reading and literacy from Walden University in 2005. She received her undergraduate degree from Ohio Dominican in 1991 with a major in elementary education and a minor in history.

Nicole Krysiak serves as an instructional lead teacher for grades K-6 and has been with OHVA since August 2003. She graduated with honors from Cleveland State University, where she earned her bachelor of science in elementary education, and Nova Southeastern University, where she earned her master’s degree in education in teaching and learning. Before joining OHVA, Nicole worked as an inner-city public middle school language arts teacher and was a leader in developing and aligning reading and writing curricula for her district. Nicole has also led teacher training programs in computer applications, served as a cooperating teacher mentoring education degree candidates from John Carroll University, and constructed and implemented a community partnership tutoring program.

Colleen Mascola has been with OHVA since the fall of 2005 and is currently a lead teacher for the North East Region. Before joining OHVA, Colleen taught kindergarten for six years and was a director of education for Sylvan Learning Center in Boardman, Ohio, for three years. She received a bachelor of arts degree in communicative disorders and a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from the University of Akron.

Megan Shook came to OHVA in the fall of 2005 and is currently an instructional lead teacher for K-6. Previously, Megan taught third- and fourth-grade students for seven years in Mansfield, Ohio. She received her bachelor of science in elementary education with kindergarten and middle school endorsements from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana.

Debbie Wotring has been a teacher with OHVA since its launch in 2002 and a lead teacher since 2004. She holds a bachelor's degree in art education and a master's degree in elementary education from Oral Roberts University. Debbie has been a certified teacher in the state of Ohio since 1990 in elementary education (K-8) and art education (K-12).

Middle School Lead Teachers

Heidi Ragar has been teaching with OHVA since the fall of 2003 and is currently the instructional leader for the middle school. Before joining OHVA, Heidi taught fourth grade for seven years in the public school system. Heidi received her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and has accumulated graduate hours in special education from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

Tim Reece has been teaching with OHVA since 2005 and is currently the lead teacher for the middle school. Before joining OHVA, Tim was a program director at a camp and conference center and taught outdoor education, team building, and high ropes course instruction. Tim received his bachelor of science degree in elementary education with an emphasis in history and English from Ohio Dominican College.

High School Teachers

The Ohio Virtual Academy has subject-specific high school teachers serving students in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Art, Physical Education and Health, and World Languages.