Meet Our Team

Meet Our Leadership Team

Wyoming Virtual Academy’s (WYVA’s) leadership team is passionate about helping students fulfill their potential and discover the possibilities of a high–quality education.

Dr. Joe Heywood | Executive Director

Dr. Heywood was raised in Los Angeles but married into a Wyoming family and has recently settled permanently in Wyoming. Dr. Heywood has been a school administrator for over 10 years, worked as a principal, and has two years as the compliance manager of all public charter schools at the Utah State Office of Education. He also taught secondary English and history for 10 years. Dr. Heywood holds degrees in history, educational leadership, and curriculum and instruction from BYU, Northern Arizona University, and Utah State University.

Lisa Williams | K-8 Principal

Mrs. Lisa Williams began working with WYVA in October of 2011. She has a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming and a MA in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. She also holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Williams in in her 17th year in education and was offered the position of elementary principal August of 2020. She had previously taught all grades K-6 with WYVA and served as the elementary lead teacher for 7 years.

Jennifer Copeland | 9-12 Principal

Mrs. Copeland is a former high school and middle school Spanish teacher and has worked as a program coordinator with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. She has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a master’s in bilingual and multicultural education (secondary education). Mrs. Copeland grew up in Wyoming but has lived in Arizona and Las Vegas. She was excited to be able to return to the state of Wyoming and raise her children here.

Christina Jewett | CRE Coordinator

Mrs. Jewett decided to join the Air Force after graduating from Niobrara County High School. She served on active duty for six years and spent five years in the Air National Guard. To further her education, she obtained a business administration degree from American Military University. In 2013, she joined WYVA and held several positions before becoming the Career and College Readiness Education Coordinator.

Kristen Stauffer | Operations Manager

Mrs. Stauffer graduated from the University of South Dakota with a major in speech and a minor in English. She joined the WYVA team in 2009 as a registrar and became the Operations Manager in 2010. She is also the public relations director for Paleo Park.