MVPAZ School Leadership

Letter from Our Leadership Team

Dear Miami Virtual Program Arizona Families,

We are excited to work with you this year toward building a brighter future for your child. As a team, we can use this unique public school option to create a learning environment that will help your child achieve beyond what you may have thought was possible. At Miami Virtual Program Arizona (MVPAZ), the teachers and staff believe that all students can achieve, graduate, and go on to be lifelong learners.

At MVPAZ we use the robust K12 curriculum under the direct guidance, support, and supervision of state-certified teachers, as well as a support staff dedicated entirely to our students’ educational and emotional success. Our students receive a complete and comprehensive grade level curriculum, supplementary materials, and the use of a computer system, if needed.

In order to provide the best schooling experience for your child, we encourage you to communicate with your teachers and advisors often. Ask questions, attend live Class Connect sessions, and let us know your challenges and successes. Our teachers are eager to get to know you and your student's individual needs to make a plan to support you on your journey.

Before school begins, be on the lookout for information regarding class schedules and orientation information. For tutorials, help getting started, and general FAQs, be sure to check out K12's Strong Start program.

On behalf of the MVPAZ staff, we welcome you and look forward to a great year!

MVPAZ Leadership Team

Bouchra Bouanani,


Head of School

bbouanani@mvpaz.org

Bouchra is a dynamic and passionate educator born from a skilled Electrical Engineer with proven records of successful programs/projects management from concept to completion. She worked for years as an Electrical Engineer at the multinational company Siemens before falling in love with education and dedicating herself to the development of effective educational strategies and curricula. She started her career in education 15 years ago, 9+ of them with AZVA and ISAZ. She started as a math teacher, then moved to the curriculum specialist position for a couple of years before she took on the Federal Program Director position. She also successfully led the launch of the RISE@AZVA gifted program in 2018. She has a tenacious quest for success and learning and believes that every experience and interaction is an opportunity to learn and sharpen skills and extend knowledge. She is passionate about students growth and creating differentiated learning opportunities for all students. Her Motto is: Empower With Joy and Growth Mindset For A Better Tomorrow!

Heather Cavell,

Principal

K-5th Grade
hecavell@mvpaz.org

Heather Cavell started in education as a high school teacher math teacher in Vail, Az.

She completed her graduate work at the University of Arizona. She started with AZVA Middle School in Jan 2011. She held several positions, math teacher, interventionist, and department lead, before moving into the Assistant Principal role. She was with the Middle School for almost 10 years before moving over to MVPAZ as Principal.

She looks forward to being part of an exciting new adventure.


Amy Tregaskes,

Principal

6th-11th Grade
atregaskes@mvpaz.org

Amy Tregaskes, Principal at MVPAZ, started her career as a High School math teacher. She has taught adult education for several years at the local community college. She has worked in online education since 2008. This is her 28th year in education. She has a bachelor’s degree from NAU in Mathematics and a master’s from Grand Canyon University in Teacher Leadership. She is passionate about helping students discover what they love and helping them develop the skills to do it. She believes education is to help students become productive, kind citizens. In her spare time, she is teaching herself the violin and has recently taken up the Ukulele. She loves gardening and preserving food. She loves to discover her family’s history and trace her roots around the globe. She is from south eastern Arizona and is excited to be part of her mother’s alma mater, Miami High School, Go Vandals! She is a self-proclaimed “Potterhead” and reads the entire series at least once a year! Reading is a passion. She believes success in life is a mindset that begins with small, consistent daily habits that have the power to change the world! Even mistakes can help us improve and be better people. If we learn from them, all things will conspire for our good! She has hope in our youth and feels it is an honor to help them along their own personal educational journey!


Meghan Griffin,

Operations Manager
mgriffin@mvpaz.org

Meghan has been with the K12 family since 2014. She began as a middle school teacher and has worked in operations since 2015. Meghan is passionate about education and helping families succeed in a virtual environment.


Kyle Azbell,

Community Engagement Specialist
kyazbell@mvpaz.org

Kyle joined MVPAZ in January of 2021. He moved to Arizona from Nashville, TN where he was the Program Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN. Kyle has extensive experience in community engagement, family and child outreach, and customer service. He completed his Master's degree in Public Administration at Texas A&M University with a focus on Public and Nonprofit Management. He holds his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Austin Peay State University. Kyle is a huge Texas A&M and Tennessee Titans fan and loves to talk with students and families about their interests and goals. As the Community Engagement Specialist, Kyle is a resource for our Students and Learning Coaches for community events/activities, help and support, and more.

Heather Raithel,

Academic Administrator of Special Programs
hraithel@mvpaz.org

Heather has been an educator for over 18 years. She has taught general education, special education, and English learners in multiple settings. She has taught in Texas, Hawaii, Utah, and Montana, and was formerly the State Systemic Improvement Plan Coordinator and a Lead Specialist with the Arizona Department of Education. She has also been a special education administrator within the district and charter settings. Heather taught English, conservation, and trained Reef Check volunteers on a small, remote island in Thailand. She is passionate about supporting students to reach their full potential as they transition to adult life. Heather’s husband is a biology professor at Estrella Mountain Community College, and she has two young children. She enjoys hiking, traveling, animals, and spending time with family.