Faculty / Staff

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” ~ Henry B Adams

American journalist, historian, academic and novelist from the Presidential Adams family.

Faculty Staff

Faculty

Katie Allison:

I have worked for iSucceed since the school’s start in 2008. Currently, I teach social studies subjects and have served as a team leader, department head, and club facilitator over the years. I’ve been teaching since 1998 and enjoy working with a variety of students, subjects, and environments! I first started teaching online back in 2002, when the notion of online schooling was rare.

I love teaching online for many reasons. It gives me additional time to spend with my son and husband while maintaining a career. It also provides the opportunity to work with a variety of students. Finally, it enhances my interest in educational technology. In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor activities, exercise, music, reading, new technology, pop culture, learning and art.

Kim Anderson:

My name is Kimberly Anderson, and I teach English for iSucceed Virtual High School. I have worked for iSucceed since January of 2009, but I have been teaching since 1999. Not only do I teach high school English, but also I teach English at the local community college where I live in Madison, WI, home of the Wisconsin Badgers! I have three kids who keep me pretty busy: Zachary is 10; Brody is 8; and Taylor is 6. When I am not teaching, I love to read, go to football games and college basketball games, play with my kids, garden and run. I am looking forward to a great year.

Ginny Carroll:

My name is Virginia, but I prefer to be called Ginny or Mrs. Carroll or Mrs. C. This is my fifth year teaching math for iSucceed Virtual High School and I’m pretty sure I have the best job EVER!

Prior to becoming a math teacher, I earned a degree in chemical engineering and had jobs at Frito-Lay as a project manager and team leader, and at Tamarack Resort as an environmental compliance manager….math can take you to some pretty cool places!

My husband, Jeff, and I live in Red Lodge, Montana with our two girls, Reese, 5, and Sylvia, 2. We enjoy running, biking and outdoor cooking in summer. In the winter, we’re die-hard skiers – even the 2-year-old! Regardless of the time of year, you can always find me with my nose in a good book, catching up with friends on Facebook, or searching the Internet for the latest online teaching techniques and I’ll usually have a good cup of coffee in my hands!

I’m thoroughly looking forward to another incredible year with our inspiring students at iSucceed!

Mary Carter:

Hello! I’m Mrs. Mary Carter, and I have been teaching science since 2006. I taught middle school students in Hagerstown, Maryland, then taught 7-12th grades in Cambridge, Idaho, and then at Insight School of Washington from 2009-2011. I’ve been teaching with iSucceed Virtual High School since 2008. Before I was a teacher, I was a veterinary technician for 12 years. I have three wonderful kids (ages 15, 12 and 4) and a great husband. We have 14 dogs (2 shepherd mixes, one chihuahua, eight shih tzu’s and three bichon frise’s), one indoor cat (a grey calico), one pygmy goat, one fainting goat, and three chickens (it’s a small zoo!). When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my family, being outdoors (camping, fishing, etc.), playing and coaching softball and volleyball, and singing karaoke. I look forward to helping you be successful at iSucceed Virtual High School!

Tyson Chaplin:

I have been a special education teacher at iSucceed Virtual High School for three years. I graduated from Boise State University in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education. I received my special education certification in 2009 and am currently working toward obtaining a master’s degree in educational technology at Boise State University. Before joining the iSucceed team, I taught English in Japan and upon returning to Boise, worked with children and adults with behavioral disorders.

When not teaching, I enjoy cooking and traveling with my wife and playing with my slightly mischievous dog, Dobby. I have a video game and Lego collection that is larger than any adult should probably have, but it’s one I enjoy nonetheless. I am an avid photographer and a camera of some sort is always by my side.
I look forward to working with you and your family.

Royce Gough:

So, who is this Mr. Gough guy anyway? Good question…
I live up in “Gold Country” near where the gold rush began in 1849…about half way between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, in northern CA. I can be on the slopes in Tahoe, or on a wave in the Pacific, in about 2 hours in either direction.
I live in a small town that started to grow several years ago and continues to grow today, as people move away from “the city.” Most people moving in to my area are from the Oakland and San Francisco Bay area (think Silicon Valley, computers, Facebook, Google, Yahoo, etc). It’s growing into a decent size town now, but you can be out in “the sticks” with a very short drive.
My dad is an architect, and he has a passion for Pre-Columbian architecture. Because of that, as a boy, I had the chance to spend a lot of time at the pyramids in the jungles of southern Mexico. That is where I fell in love with history and archaeology.
I love learning. I have had the opportunity to attend several great universities. Some of the highlights were studying in a huge graduate school at Ohio State University, and a much smaller school at Wheaton College in Illinois. I have studies both face-to-face and online. I have degrees in social studies (history and anthropology), school administration and online learning. I have also studied a slew of languages (ancient and modern). Languages are really hard for me, so I pursue them with vigor. I love the challenge.

 

I have been teaching for about 19 years, seven of those online. I have taught world history, US history, earth science, American government, civics, economics, web design, anthropology, sociology, law, and student leadership.
My wife, Dori, and I have two sons, Pete and Andy. They are 2 and 7… and the reason why I will be regularly holding my office hours down at my favorite coffee shop. They are super fun, but loud…very, oh so very, loud
I am interested in lots of different things: technology, ancient history, archaeology, geography (geo-history), Native American cultures, Meso American peoples, theology, ethnography, classic automobiles, and all things Frank Sinatra (in fact he’s probably playing on my iTunes right now).
I like to surf, although its cold water in Nor Cal…my favorite spot is Lindamar beach in Pacifica (http://www.surfline.com/reports/report.cfm?id=5013).

Jodie Hale:

I grew up in Soda Springs, Idaho, and after I graduated, I moved to Pocatello, Idaho to attend college. I currently live in Pocatello with my two kids and my husband. I have bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and secondary education and master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction and in educational technology. I have been an online student for more than four years and also have been teaching online for more than four years, so I have a clear understanding of the online environment and what it takes to be successful as a teacher and as a student. I was inspired to become a teacher, because my college professor got me excited about science, and I want to have the same effect on my students. I love teaching online for iSucceed Virtual High School. I have been a staff member since the school opened in 2008. The staff at our school consists of very dedicated and creative individuals. I believe in what this school is trying to achieve, and I have watched our school changes students’ lives first hand. I look forward to a bright future in online education, and I am excited about the future of this school.

Gayle Hansen:

Hello! I am the special education and study lab teacher in Eastern Idaho. I graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education. I worked in a brick and mortar school for three years in Pocatello and have been teaching in online for the past 10 years in both elementary and high school special education. I am also a state certified Behavioral Therapist who has worked extensively with children who have developmental and behavioral disabilities. This is my second year with iSucceed Virtual High School and I am looking forward to a great year. I live on five acres near Blackfoot, Idaho with my three children Shelby, 16, Tabby, 15, and Jett, 6. I love to spend time riding and training my horses and working on home improvement projects on my house and yard.

Misty Knuchell:

I’m beginning my second year with iSucceed Virtual High School. I’ve worked in a variety of educational settings private and public, traditional and non-traditional since becoming certified to teach in Idaho more than 12 years ago. I’ve taught both general education and special education, and have worked at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. I was appointed to the state Department of Education and worked for year and a half in the Special Education Department before accepting a position as a special education manager for an online school with the state. My husband and I have raised two boys in the Boise area, and have enjoyed living here for 18 years. I hold a bachelor’s degree in general education K-8 with emphasis in language arts. I received a master’s in special education from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa ID, as well as endorsements for administration. I dabble in writing short stories and poetry. I enjoy reading from all genres, and following current research and trends in public education. Helping others learn to advocate for themselves in positive proactive ways is of particular interest to me. I served as a board member for the Idaho Council for Exceptional Children for 4 years. I especially love the outdoors and get-togethers with family and friends!

Charity McKenzie:

I was born in Colorado and moved around most of my childhood. We lived all over Colorado, Oregon, Texas and Nevada. My favorite place to live was in the mountains outside Portland. During high school I lived in Elko, Nevada and then moved to Boise for college. After living in Boise for a year to gain residency, I attended BSU and earned a bachelor of science in math secondary education. I also earned a master’s degree in business from the University of Phoenix. I enjoy Boise and have now lived here for 17 years.

I spent 7 years teaching in Nampa at East Valley Middle school, Skyview High school and Columbia High school. I also enjoyed coaching track, volleyball and basketball. I have spent the last five years teaching online for the University of Phoenix and the College of Western Idaho.

As far as family, I am married and have two sons and a daughter. My youngest is 1-year-old while my other two are 3 and 14. My husband also teaches, which allows us to enjoy the summer off as a family. Together we’ve camped, traveled to Lake PendOreille to visit a family lake house, and spent many days poolside.

Carolee Mordi:

I have been teaching high school for more than 10 years. I graduated with my bachelor of science in secondary education from Idaho State University in 2001 and completed my master’s in family and child studies in 2006. I have been actively involved in creating family and consumer science course curriculum for the Idaho Department of Professional Technical Education and have had a hand in revising and creating more than eight curriculums. I am honored to have been recognized at both the state and national level for my efforts in and out of the classroom with students. I love learning and enjoy inspiring other to find their niche. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children; being active in our church; reading; camping; and traveling.

Holly Mortimer:

I was born in Boise, Idaho, and grew up in Idaho and Utah. I attended Washington University in St. Louis and Utah State University. I have a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in sociology. For the past two years, I have been working on my master’s in library science and I hope to finish this winter.

I have been an online teacher for five years, and I have been with iSucceed since the school opened. I have taught English, history, and economics. Before iSucceed, I taught for 12 years in Garden Valley, Idaho.

Currently, I live in the Boise area, and I am part of a family of one husband, two sons, two dogs, one cat and five fish! Our family enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities, like wake boarding and water skiing, motocross, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding. We also spend a lot of time at soccer games. I love to read, run, cook, and ski.

Lisa Nebeker:

I received my bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University. I have been teaching for nine years overall with four years as an online teacher. I taught every high school math course imaginable as well as beginning Spanish. I am married with four young children and love spending time with my family. In my spare time, I coach my local high school volleyball team and love baking. I enjoy my role as an online teacher and never want students to forget that there is a real, live teacher available to them.

Nick Parker:

Hello, my name is Nick Parker. I am a graduate of Boise State University and have my master’s in educational leadership. I have a wonderful wife named Julie and two amazing kids, Isabella, 8 and Dominic, 5. I spend most of my time with my family that is when I am not coaching. I coach both baseball and football in the Treasure Valley. While it is true I have a very busy schedule I give 100 percent to the task at hand. It is my goal in life to help people succeed – family, friends, players and students.

I am a ten-year vet in the field of education, including both traditional and nontraditional forms. As an educator I try to facilitate student achievement through communication and accountability.

Joe Rollins:

I was born in the South, in a little town called LaFollette, Tennessee. My family is very large (my mom was one of 16 children). I have three brothers, all older. My mom and only sister were killed in a car accident in 1966, when I was 5. My dad moved us to Boise in 1967. I love Idaho, and never want to move anywhere else.

I moved out of my dad’s house when I was sixteen, and worked two jobs, but I stayed in school and graduated on schedule. I understand how hard it can be for some students. I was there myself, and enjoy being there for others who need help.
After high school, I worked various jobs and owned a construction company for 20 years. In 2003, I had spinal surgery. After the surgery, I could not do hard physical work anymore. I have always wanted to be a teacher, so I went back to school and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in secondary education, history and social studies, in 2008. My best day ever was the day I was hired to work as a teacher at iSucceed!

My favorite thing about being a teacher is working closely with students and their parents, and sharing my knowledge of history. History is so interesting!

My favorite hobbies are reading, camping, and fishing. I love spending time with my wife of 28 years and my two boys, ages 21 and 19, and my 12-year-old daughter. We all love our 14-year-old dog, Levi!

If I could tell every teen in the world something, I would tell them that it is never too late to get an education. If I had gone to college right out of high school, I would have had so much more success. Learn to work with your mind and not with your back. Never give in or give up. Work hard to be the best you can be! It will pay off for the rest of your life!

Ruth Ross:

Hi, I’m Ruth Ross and I received my degree in kinesiology from Washington State University–GO COUGS! — and my teaching credential from Lewis-Clark State College. I am happily married and a mother to the greatest little boy I know. I live in the North Idaho town of Pinehurst, which is near Kellogg and Silver Mountain Resort. I have been teaching for more than 8 years and I coach several sports. When not spending time with my family, I get out on my bike, take my dog for walk or do anything related to sports. I enjoy creating relationships with my students and encouraging them to live active, healthy lives!

Kelley Soper:

I have been a teacher for 14 years, in various grades and subjects. I joined the wonderful team at iSucceed in February 2010, and have enjoyed it immensely. I got my bachelor’s degree in sociology and my master’s in education. My master’s degree was earned online, so I know a bit what it’s like for you. I love the freedom it gave, but also found the importance of being organized and self-motivated.

During my free time, I enjoy doing many things with my family. We like to hike, camp, ride bikes, and just have fun. When I find some free moments, I like to exercise, do archery, take pictures, and travel.

I look forward to working with you this year. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to contact me!!

Phillip Whitworth:

Hello! My name is Phillip Whitworth. I have taught English for seven years in a face-to-face classroom. Writing poetry and short stories is something I love to do. I love going on road trips to California with my wife and three kids every summer. Another thing we love to do is go camping and boating as often as we can, and we can never get enough sun! In my free time, you will find me coaching my kids’ sports teams. When I am not coaching football you will find me watching it, and my favorite team is the Detroit Lions but don’t hold that against me! I am very excited to be a part of the iSucceed team and am sure that this will be a wonderful year.

Dirk Tiller:

My name is Mr. Tiller. I am the art instructor for 2 dimensional design and art history.
This is my third year teaching an online course, but my 11th year as an art teacher. I have been teaching art in public and private schools at the Jr. High and High school levels and enjoy it. Before I was a teacher, I worked as a graphic designer for a marketing firm here in Idaho, where I live. I have done several other types of work as well, but I enjoy teaching the most.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy several hobbies that keep me busy. One of them is rebuilding and showing Mustang muscle cars. I own a 2006 Mustang and a 1966 Mustang that I take to shows around the valley.

I am happy to be on staff, here at iSucceed Virtual High School and I am excited for this semester of classes.

Linda Clark:

Hello Everyone (Bonjour Tout le Monde). Yes, I’m the French teacher for iSucceed and have taught online for the past four years! I’m married, have three adult children, and four grandchildren. I have taught French for a long, long time and have traveled to Europe with students and adults several times over the years. I also teach art which is a great combination with French. Art history is my favorite subject next to French. I also love to read and watch really old movies, especially the silent ones. I live in east central Kansas between Kansas City and Wichita in a small university town, Emporia, KS. I also teach French online for ESU (Emporia State University). My favorite college football and basketball teams are at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. where I graduated. Go Wildcats! Have a great New Year! (Bonne Année!)

Jeremy Salove:

A few months after graduating from Eastern Oregon University in 2003, I took my first teaching job as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Moldova, where I taught English as a foreign language. Following a successful (and adventurous) two-year Peace Corps tour in Eastern Europe, I returned home to Idaho, though briefly. In the fall of 2006, I accepted another teaching position abroad, primarily teaching English and social studies in a bilingual international school in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. In 2008, “I” became “we” (married my Honduran wife in the Caribbean), and we made our way back to Idaho with our newborn son. At that point I decided to work on my master’s degree in education, which I completed in December of 2010, a month before accepting the study lab teacher position at your esteemed iSucceed Virtual H.S.

In addition to teaching Spanish for iSucceed, I do a number of things to occupy my time. Teaching English as a new language for the Meridian school district and enjoying life with my wife and three kids keep me very busy. When I find a free moment, I partake in a number of hobbies, such as studying languages (Spanish, Romanian, and English of course), writing, playing guitar, and scuba diving (when in Honduras).

Administrative Staff:

Jim McKenna:

My name is James (Jim) McKenna and I joined iSucceed Virtual High School in May of 2012 as the Business Manager (Chief Bean Counter). I have a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. I am a Certified Public Account licensed to practice in Idaho and Ohio. Before joining iSucceed, I was the Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and HR Director at KTRV Channel 12 in Nampa, and prior to that, the Controller for Buckeye Cablevision in Toledo, Ohio. I grew up in New Jersey, outside New York City, lived in Ohio for 25 years and currently reside in Meridian with my wife Mary and daughter Margaret. I am a member of the Idaho Society of CPA’s, the American Institute of CPA’s. I have been active in Kiwanis for a number of years. In addition, I treat everything I hear with a healthy dose of skepticism especially when I’m talking to myself.

Aaron Ritter:

I’m Aaron Ritter, the executive director of iSucceed Virtual High School. I’ve always had a passion for students and providing opportunities for them to achieve their goals and dreams. I’m excited to join a team that is truly committed to student success and the integration of cutting edge technological skills critical to the success of 21st century learning! Growing up in the home of an elementary teacher and a high school Math teacher and football coach, you could say teaching is in my blood. I’ve been an educator since graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2001 with a B.A. in public relations and a minor in Art. I’ve worked in California and Texas as a special education teacher, English teacher, baseball coach, district coordinator, vice principal, assistant principal, and most recently served in the role of interim principal before accepting my newest role with iSucceed. I received my master’s degree in education with an emphasis in special education from California State University, Bakersfield along with credentials in English and educational leadership.

My wife Jenni and I have three fantastic kids and ,as a family, we love playing and watching a variety of sports, camping, fishing, going to “the river” (a term crazy Californians use to say the are going waterskiing/wakeboarding), and spending time volunteering at our church. While we are brand new to the Boise area, I am originally from Yakima, WA and can’t wait to live in a region that doesn’t require a three-four hour drive to take advantage of great fly-fishing, skiing, and camping!

Jeremy Goto:

My name is Jeremy Goto and I’m the enrollment manager for iSucceed Virtual High School. I also do the marketing and events that you will see, and hopefully attend, out in the communities of Idaho. I have been working in education for more than four years now and have loved every minute of it. My goal is to grow the school as big as possible and make iSucceed Virtual High School one of the best high schools in the state!

Currently, I live in Eagle Idaho, married, with two beautiful girls. We also have one cat and dog. Our family enjoys taking bike rides or just going to the park and playing. I enjoy golfing, baseball, cooking and most importantly BSU football!!!

Timari Kulm:

Hello! I am the human resources coordinator for iSucceed Virtual High School. I have been employed by iSucceed since 2010. I grew up here in Boise and have lived here my whole life. I attended the University of Idaho for 2 years. While there I joined a sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, and gained a lot of service skills. I transferred to Boise State University to live closer to family. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting. Six months after I graduated with my bachelor’s degree I ended up going back to school online at the University of Phoenix and received my master’s degree in business administration. I live out in Kuna with my husband, my dog, Chico, and 12 different types of fish. In my free time I am very active in our local Subaru Car Club, hosting events. I love to golf and spend way too much time on Pinterest.

Kris Schenck:

Hello there! I am the registrar for iSucceed Virtual High School. I joined iSucceed in August of 2011 as the office manager. I have really enjoyed getting to know our students, and seeing the positive effect our teachers and staff have on their education. I grew up right here in the Boise area, graduating from Capital High, then attending Boise State University. I am married to my awesome husband Derek, and we have a teenage daughter, who thankfully is still a good kid! We love the outdoors and any activity that gets us there: hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing, biking, and snowshoeing. My professional experience has taken me to many different fields, from the restaurant business, to title and escrow, to a photography studio, to a local television station. My passion is wildlife and the environment, and I enjoy giving volunteer time to any organization whose focus is protecting and preserving our planet.

Molly Maring:

Hi there! I am the receptionist here at iSucceed Virtual High School. You will often see my emails with information on classes, events, clubs and anything important we want to share with you. I started here in September 2012 and have loved every second of it! Being able to communicate with students, parents, teachers and staff is something I truly enjoy. I have lived in the Boise area since I was 7, and before that lived in New York and Kansas. When not at work I’m usually reading, writing, painting or attempting something crafty. I love sports, especially football, and I’m a huge Green Bay Packers fan. I am very close to my family and have the funniest, most loving nieces and nephews. I look forward to getting to know you all!