Our Team
Dean Heus
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
As a special education teacher, I provide additional support to students and families who may need help navigating the platform or assistance with assignments. I’m here to support the unique needs of students with individual education programs by addressing educational concerns, advocating for student accommodations and facilitating communication. This is my 23rd year teaching in Wauwatosa, my 30th year overall. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, spending time with family/friends, and traveling. 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
Hello! This is my fourth year with the Wauwatosa School District and second year with Wauwatosa Virtual Academy. I also work at Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center. As the school counselor I work to ensure that all our students' social emotional, mental health, and academic and career planning needs are met. My training is based on the American School Counselor Association National Model and I utilize a person centered and strengths based approach in my work with students. Please feel free to call or email me for any mental health support, questions about college and careers, or questions about classes. In my free time I enjoy cheering on all the Wisconsin sports teams, baking, and traveling with my husband.
Mckenzie Olson
I couldn’t be more excited to continue another year with the Wauwatosa School District specifically with Wauwatosa Virtual Academy. I’ve worked as an elementary special education teacher since 2014 in southeastern Wisconsin 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
Nancy has been a special education paraprofessional for 16 years, the last 9 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.
Elizabeth Aguilar
I am thrilled to be a part of the Wauwatosa Virtual Academy! I graduated from UW Madison and have been teaching special education since 2010. I have taught in Wausau, WI; Chicago, IL; and Fort Collins, CO before settling down in the area with my husband, two sons, and our German Shepherd, Oso. I truly enjoy working with students in grades 6-12 at WVA both in person and virtually. When I am not teaching, I am exploring outside, reading, traveling, or playing sports with my family.
Tina Shaffer
Hello! I joined the staff of Wauwatosa Virtual Academy in February 2021 as the one and only administrative assistant to help the school run smoothly. It would not be an exaggeration to say that my desk is probably the busiest spot in the office! In just a little over 1-½ years I have seen lots of exciting changes with WVA. We went from a small staff of only 5ish people to now a full staff of 9! Our motto is that we work together as a great team to be there and support all of our students, both near and far! An interesting fact about me is that I am an identical twin; and coincidentally, she also works in the same role for a different school district in SE Wisconsin. Some of my favorite pastimes are cardmaking, concerts, cooking and cuddling up with my 2 terriers and a good book! I also have 4 children who keep my home life hopping! Please remember, 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!