Meet Our Team

Hello! I’m honored to serve as the elementary principal here at Virginia Virtual Academy. I’ve been an educator for over 23 years, with experience as a special educator and instructional coach across grades K–12. I joined the VAVA team in 2018 as a special education teacher and immediately felt at home in our vibrant, student-centered community.

In 2007, I earned my master’s degree in Instructional Technology, which deepened my passion for using innovative tools to enhance teaching and learning. I later pursued a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Radford University, which I completed in 2021, the same year I stepped into the role of assistant principal here at VAVA High School.

My journey in education has always been driven by a commitment to student growth, teacher support, and creating learning environments where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered. I’m excited to bring that same energy and dedication to our elementary program and look forward to partnering with families and staff to help our students thrive.

Suhad Garcia-Batiz joined the VAVA team in 2019. She earned her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology at George Mason University in 2004. She continued her education at GMU to earn a Master’s Degree in Special Education in 2007. In 2012, she earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision. Her teaching career began in Prince William County in 2004 where she taught students with Specific Learning Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities and Middle School Math until 2016. At that time, she joined K12 as an Instructional Coach where she worked closely with K12 educators across the country to improve their teaching practices. Suhad joined the VAVA family in 2019 and is currently the High School Principal. She has a passion for supporting the growth and learning of not only her students, but her staff. She resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, spending time with her family and finding fun outdoor adventures. She looks forward to continuing to work with all of our students, families and staff at VAVA.

Since joining VAVA in 2016, I have been dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging educational experience for students. With 21 years in education, my background in teaching special education and math has fueled my passion for helping students thrive.

As a proud Hokie, I completed my undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech, where I also met my husband, a dairy farmer. Together, we have built a busy and active life with our three children, embracing the energy that comes with our family’s fast-paced lifestyle. Whenever I get the chance, I love to escape for a long walk on the farm, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and the warmth of sunny days.

Beyond the classroom, my commitment to education extends to my own academic journey. I hold a master’s degree in special education as well as another in educational leadership, and I am currently working toward earning my doctorate degree.

The middle school at VAVA has been my home since I joined, and I am incredibly excited to welcome our students to this amazing school, where we cultivate curiosity, growth, and success.

Kenny joined VAVA’s team in August 2017 as the academic administrator for our high school. He earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. He completed his graduate work at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, earning both a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership. Kenny has 15 years of administrative experience encompassing all programmatic levels of K–12 education. Those experiences involve service in Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, including work at the West Virginia Department of Education. He was a high school social studies teacher prior to entering administration. Kenny is married to Sara Moles, a kindergarten teacher for VAVA. Together they have three children, Madilyn, Kent, and Josiah. Their weekends are spent enjoying the events their kids are passionate about and spending quality time together as a family.

Caitlin joined VAVA as the K-5 Assistant Principal in 2019 and served as the 3-5 Assistant Principal the following year. In 2021, Caitlin took over as Elementary Principal where she remained for the next three and half years. Currently, she serves as our In-Division Administrator, supporting our in-division students and families.

Caitlin earned her bachelor’s degree from Radford University and gained her M.Ed. in 2019. After over a decade in education, her passion remains for instructional leadership and working with teachers, students, and families to help all students be successful. When she isn’t working, Caitlin loves to spend time with her two boys and her husband, enjoys reading, and finds joy in playing in the dirt (working with plants).

Deanna Swortzel joined the VAVA team in July 2014 as a K–1 teacher and is excited to oversee the data and assessment team this school year after serving as the elementary principal for several years. She comes with a variety of background experience including teaching 1st and 4th grades, community organizing and working as a gifted specialist teaching students in kindergarten through 12th grade. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Radford University. She also holds a gifted endorsement and has a passion for working with high-ability students. Deanna lives in Southwest Virginia with her husband Brian and four sons. She enjoys being outside and watching her boys play sports.

Christine joined the VAVA team in August 2014. Before joining VAVA, Christine spent many years as a Fairfax County Public School teacher. She mainly taught English and reading, but also gained experience in science and all elementary content. Christine earned a Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and holds a master’s degree in special education from George Mason University. She resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, children, and dogs. In her time away from work, Christine enjoys traveling, completing home projects, and gardening. Christine looks forward to assisting families with any special needs and is happy to answer questions about special programs.