Meet The Teachers

jappleton@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Mr. Appleton has been with VCA since January of 2023. He graduated the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and worked in international trade for 28 years. He earned his Master’s Degree in Teaching and  LBS1 in 2019 with certifications in Economics/Social Science and General Science. He enjoys teaching STEM, and teaching about the natural world. He is currently studying neurodiversity at National Louis University in the Disability & Equity in Education doctoral program and will be writing his dissertation in 2025. Mr. Appleton enjoys reading and keeping tropical fish. His family is committed to big cat rescues and little cat adoptions.

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Mr. Block has worked in special education for over 17 years. He received his Bachelors Degree from Aurora University and his Masters Degree in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University.  Mr. Block has been happily married to his wife since 1999 and is the proud father of 2 daughters, ages 25 and 23, who live in the Northwestern United States.  In his free time, Mr. Block enjoys fishing, golfing, mountain biking, and wakeboarding.

mbohlin@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Bohlin graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor's Degree in Education as an Intervention Specialist and has been teaching since 2009. Committed to lifelong learning, she earned a Master's Degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction, along with an endorsement in English as a Second Language (ESL). With a passion for inclusive education, Ms. Bohlin works to support diverse learners, helping each student reach their full potential academically and socially.

abrown@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Mr. Brown is a Licensed Special Education Teacher who has been teaching since 1996. He worked in the public school system in London, England for seven years before moving to the US. He has a Masters in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University and has worked for the Connections Organization since 2004. He enjoys spending time with his family and collecting vinyl records; and is a keen cyclist.

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mdeniz@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Deniz is a high school English teacher with a Masters in Special Education LBS-1. Prior to being in education, she worked in the legal field specializing in contract negotiations. When not working, Ms. Deniz enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

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cdillon@newconnectionsacademy.net

mfelecan@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Felecan has over 15 years of experience as a dedicated educator, specializing in Special Education, ESL, and Foreign Language Teaching. With a natural ability to connect with students, Ms. Felecan takes pride in creating safe, welcoming spaces where learners feel seen and heard. Besides being a teacher, she is a mother of three boys, two cats, a storyteller, a motorcycle rider, and an avid traveler!

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tfurlong@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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​Ms. Furlong comes to us with a Masters in Special Education and Behavioral Psychology from Miami University. She has been in Special Education since 2011, with an extensive background in therapeutic practices and case management. Ms. Furlong has a passion for behavior intervention. She prides herself on her family and student relationships, and she cannot wait to continue to work with students and families at VCA. When Ms. Furlong is not working, she enjoys being outdoors, playing with her dog, and doing Pilates.​

cgowrylow@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Christina Gowrylow is a licensed Special Education teacher who recently earned her LBS1 Certification through Aurora University in 2025.  Prior to joining VCA as a Paraprofessional in 2023, Ms. Gowrylow worked in a therapeutic day school and taught a variety of subjects such as Art, Topics in Agricultural Sciences, Hydroponics, and Spanish I & II.  Back in 2008, Ms. Gowrylow graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Secondary Art Education, and taught in various school settings since 2009.  She started off in Chicago Public Schools as a high school Art & Sculpture Teacher, where her passion for working with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures grew deeply. Throughout her career, Ms. Gowrylow’s interests in the creative field led her to work in the horticultural, floral, and event planning industries as a Floral Designer for major corporate events, weddings, and venues downtown.  She then used her plant knowledge to maintain hundreds of plants in a glasshouse; customized potted indoor and outdoor plant designs; and learned the art of bonsai, orchid repotting, landscaping, and merchandising. Her passion for life-long learning extends into learning languages, foreign films, reading, and traveling.  In her free time, Ms. Gowrylow enjoys freelance design, art, fashion, photography, calligraphy, reviewing new restaurants and providing care to seniors as a private caregiver.​​

ekunzer@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Kunzer is a Licensed Special Education Teacher who has been teaching since 2005. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Psychology. She has been with Virtual Connections Academy since 2018, where she’s been working tirelessly with her students to make them feel accomplished and successful in Mathematics. When teaching, her goal is to make learning meaningful and fun. In her free time, Ms. Kunzer loves swimming, playing on the piano, cooking, gardening, watching movies, and playing video games.

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cmontiel@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Montiel joined Virtual Connections Academy in 2019 as a Program Assistant. Her initial role allowed her to engage closely with the school's innovative program and motivate her to further her education. Earning a Master’s Degree in Teaching for Special Education has deepened her understanding of effective teaching strategies and specialized support, equipping her to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students who may struggle to advocate for themselves or articulate their needs. Ms. Montiel is dedicated to supporting and empowering children with diverse needs while creating an inclusive and flexible learning environment where every child feels valued and supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball and strength training.

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frumoro@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Mr. Rumoro is a Licensed Special Education Teacher who enjoys supporting his students’ educational progress. He earned a double major in Psychology and Philosophy from Northeastern Illinois University followed by an LBS1 from the University of Western Florida. Mr. Rumoro has experience working in multiple therapeutic settings including working for the Connections Organization since 2018. In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors, nutrition, and staying active.

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psanta@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Mr. Santa is a licensed special education teacher who has been with the Connections Organization since 2018. Originally, he graduated from ELTE - University of Arts and Sciences in Budapest, Hungary, with a major in Adult Education.  After moving to the United States, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development from National University in La Jolla, CA and his Master’s Degree in Special Education with an LBS1 endorsement, from National Louis University in Chicago, IL. Mr. Santa has found his true calling in working with students with special needs as he is genuinely enthusiastic about making positive impacts on his students’ lives at VCA.  Mr. Santa passionately believes that every child is just one caring adult away from being able to thrive and be successful. In his spare time, Mr. Santa loves reading biographies, playing video games, and watching motorsports.

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mzematis@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Zematis is a paraprofessional and currently a long-term substitute teacher that has been with VCA for 8 years.  She works with high school students, and will be receiving her Masters in Special Education LBS-1 with a Reading Endorsement later this fall.   She leads Historical Hauntings and Board Game Club as well as facilitates sixteen different electives to help students explore different areas of interest.   Prior to being in education, she was an Art Director in the world of advertising for over fifteen years, and still freelances in her free time.   When not working, Ms Zematis enjoys spending time with her family.