Our Team
Dean Heus
Administrator
414.773.3410
Dean Heus is a previous School Psychologist, Student Services Administrator, and is currently administrator of Wauwatosa Virtual Academy (WVA), as well as programs in a youth corrections facility (Vel R. Phillips School), a hospital (Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin), and a county-run child/adolescent behavior center. Prior to Wauwatosa School District he worked for Milwaukee Public Schools and its Violence Prevention Program.
Carleen Ranfanz
Program Support Teacher/Special Education
414.773.3415
As the teacher that is located in Wauwatosa, I am available to provide additional support to students and families who may need help navigating the platform or assistance with assignments. As a special education teacher, I am available to support the unique needs of students with individual education programs. I am available to address educational concerns, provide assistance on assignments, advocate for student accommodations and facilitate communication. I am available to meet with students/families in person or via Zoom. Please contact me if you have any questions, concerns or would like to schedule a time to meet.
Jenna Laposki
WVA School Counselor
414-773-3412
Jenna Laposki is a previous Behavioral Interventionist at Underwood Elementary School and is currently a School Counselor for Wauwatosa Virtual Academy, Montessori, and Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center. Jenna’s training is based on the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) National Model and utilizes a Person Centered and Strength Based approach in her work with students. In her free time Jenna enjoys cheering on all the Wisconsin teams (Go Packers!),cooking, and spending time with her family, friends, and her cat, Isla.
Ashley Miu
Secondary Support Teacher
414.773.3411
Hello! This is my first year as a guide teacher for the Wauwatosa Virtual Academy but my sixteenth year teaching overall. I have experience teaching in elementary, middle and high school in addition to supporting students in literacy as well as students who are English Learners. I am here to help you and your student! Please feel free to call or email me if you have academic or technology concerns. I’m also available to meet virtually or in person for any needs. Together, we will make this a great 2021-2022 school year!
Mckenzie Olson
Elementary Support Teacher
414-773-3416
Hi there! This is my first year teaching for the Wauwatosa School District and I couldn’t be more excited! For the past seven years I’ve worked as an elementary special education teacher in a neighboring district and completed my masters in educational leadership in 2020. Before moving to Menomonee Falls my family and I lived in Wauwatosa for five years and we fell in love with the community. It warms my heart to once again be a part of it through WVA. Beyond being available both in person and virtually, please wave if you see myself, my husband, our son, and our husky running on the Oakleaf Trail!
Nancy Eaton
Special Education Paraprofessional
414.773.3415
Nancy has been a special education paraprofessional for 15 years, the last 8 in the Wauwatosa School District. She provides direct support to students with IEPs via zoom and in person. Nancy is here to assist students and is always an email away! In her spare time Nancy is an avid gardener, reader and fan of DIY projects.
Benjamin Bunke
Secondary Support Teacher
414.773.3418
Ben Bunke is a proud graduate of the Wauwatosa School District. He attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Longfellow Middle School, and graduated from Tosa East High School. Ben left Wauwatosa to attend the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, where he majored in History and minored in Political Science and Education; he obtained his teaching certificate in Broad Field Social Studies. After college, Ben worked for two nonprofit organizations in the Milwaukee area before returning to his roots to teach at the Wauwatosa Virtual Academy. Ben is excited to help guide his middle and high school students through their virtual education, but when he is not busy teaching, Ben is a proud uncle and enjoys spending time with his four nephews.
Nancy Laserstein
Program Support Teacher/Special Education
414.773.3419
How we educate has drastically changed over the years. Teaching is not a “one size fits all” approach anymore and this is apparent through the course offerings at The Wauwatosa Academy (WVA). It’s exciting to support academic advancement with creative, student centered and flexible learning while emphasizing self advocacy, collaboration, time management and perseverance.
I am new to WVA, but not new to teaching and special education. I earned my Cross Categorical 6-12 teaching license through a post-baccalaureate program at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2004. While earning my degree, I taught in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa. I went on to earn my masters degree in Administrative Leadership and a license to teach reading at all grade levels. If you are doing the math, you are right…I attended college four times! My bachelor’s degree is in Criminal Justice. I am passionate about learning for myself and for students. Together, we will create success stories!
Tina Shaffer
Administrative Assistant
414.773.3405
Hello! I joined the staff of Wauwatosa Virtual Academy this past February and am excited to be the only administrative assistant to help the school run smoothly. My desk is a very busy spot and hope to meet or talk to many of you through the various types of communication that I use on a daily basis. An interesting fact about me is that I have previously worked in a virtual school before, so I am sort of an expert at building relationships with our families from afar! I recently moved back to the area after living in Appleton for 18 years and am happy to now be closer to my family & past friends. I have a busy household with 4 children (most of whom are out of high school) and 2 dogs! I am only a phone call away if you need help with anything at all, or I can at least point you in the right direction, and always with a smile on my face!