Meet The Program Assistants

mmaddison@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

 

​Ms. Madison has been in the field of Education since 2011. She is extremely passionate about children, creative art, and restorative practices. Ms. Madison has been a paraprofessional, building substitute, and classroom teacher in different districts. Ms. Madison is extremely excited to build relationships with families and students at VCA!​

tpeterson@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Peterson is a paraprofessional and educator with over 25 years of experience in the field of instruction and instructional design. She possesses a Master of Arts degree in English Language and Literature and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching English.  Ms. Peterson has taught ESL and academic courses at a variety of levels while working with native, international, and immigrant student populations both in the U.S. and overseas. Being a multilingual person, she’s interested in linguistics and learning about different cultures. In her free time, she enjoys going for long walks, playing the piano, and traveling.

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lrodriguez@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

 

​Ms. Rodriguez has taught in a therapeutic day school for a little over 2 years. She received her Associates Degree in Arts from Triton College. Ms. Rodriguez received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with an LBS1 endorsement from Elmhurst University. She is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming and supporting environment that meets the needs of all the students she works with.

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sskafgaard@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Skafgaard comes to us with over 10 years of experience as a Paraprofessional. She is currently enrolled in a behavioral science program at Purdue working on her Bachelors and Masters degrees. Ms. Skafgaard has worked with all ages throughout her years of teaching. Mrs Skafgaard has a passion for helping each student become their best. When Mrs. Skafgaard is not t work she enjoys resale, binge-watching her favorite shows, and listening to music. 

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mvazquez@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Vazquez is a dedicated paraprofessional with 7 years of experience supporting students with special needs, ranging in age from 3 to 22. She has served in a variety of roles, including as a job coach for transition-age students, helping them develop essential life and career skills. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in special education, continuing her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of her students. Toby, her loving dog, is a big part of her life and a constant source of happiness.

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awild@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Wild is a paraprofessional educator with seven years of experience working in student support services. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree in Disability and Human Development. She has worked alongside students with learning needs in a variety of settings, from elementary to post-secondary transition. Ms. Wild has also worked as an independent living advocate and vocational coach and is an avid proponent for the independent living movement. In her free time, she helps operate an LGBTQIA advocacy organization called Trans-Continental Freedom and enjoys playing music and going on hikes.​​

azuffante@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Mr.Zuffante is a Paraeducator and substitute teacher who has a passion for working with children and adolescents. He earned his Bachelor's Degree with a Major in History and a Minor in Sociology from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL and is currently working towards obtaining his LBS1 in the Florida Teacher Ready Program. Mr. Zuffante has worked in a variety of school settings and is passionate about teaching Social Studies. Currently he facilitates the Middle School World History and Current Events Live Lessons, as well as High School Physical Education. In addition to this Mr. Zuffante also chairs the school’s Diversity Committee. His main interests include history, world cultures, sociology, politics, philosophy, royalty, travel, and film.

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