VIRTUAL CONNECTIONS ACADEMY
Meet The Program Assistants
Ms. Herman
Lead Program Assistant
jherman@virtualconnectionsacademy.net
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Mrs. Herman has a deep commitment to education. She graduated from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio with her Bachelor’s Degree. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Special Education. She has worked as a Special Education paraprofessional for several years with students of different cultural backgrounds, abilities and family circumstances. Mrs. Herman's interpersonal communication skills have helped others feel valued and respected. Mrs. Herman is very passionate about working with young learners and helping them progress in all areas of their development. When Mrs. Herman is not at school, you’ll often find her enjoying the simple pleasures of life, hanging out with her husband, cheering on her three children at various activities, and traveling around the world.
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Ms. Peterson
Program Assistant
tpeterson@virtualconnectionsacademy.net
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Ms. Peterson is a paraprofessional and educator with over 25 years of experience in the field of instruction and instructional design. She possesses a Master of Arts degree in
English Language and Literature and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching English. Ms. Peterson has taught ESL and academic courses at a variety of levels while working with native, international, and immigrant student populations both in the U.S. and overseas. Being a multilingual person, she’s interested in linguistics and learning about different cultures. In her free time, she enjoys going for long walks, playing the piano, and traveling.
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Ms. Ramirez
Program Assistant
aramirez@virtualconnectionsacademy.net
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Ms. Ramirez is a bilingual paraprofessional who has been working in a therapeutic day school setting since 2020. She has a passion for working with children, adolescents, and their families. In her spare time she enjoys BARRE and spending time with her English Bulldog Jigsaw.
Ms. Zematis
Program Assistant
mzematis@virtualconnectionsacademy.net
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Ms. Zematis is a paraprofessional and currently a long-term substitute teacher that has been with VCA for 8 years. She works with high school students, and will be receiving her Masters in Special Education LBS-1 with a Reading Endorsement later this fall. She leads Historical Hauntings and Board Game Club as well as facilitates sixteen different electives to help students explore different areas of interest. Prior to being in education, she was an Art Director in the world of advertising for over fifteen years, and still freelances in her free time. When not working, Ms Zematis enjoys spending time with her family.
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Mr. Zuffante
Program Assistant
azuffante@virtualconnectionsacademy.net
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Mr.Zuffante is a Paraeducator and substitute teacher who has a passion for working with children and adolescents. He earned his Bachelor's Degree with a Major in History and a Minor in Sociology from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL and is currently working towards obtaining his LBS1 in the Florida Teacher Ready Program. Mr. Zuffante has worked in a variety of school settings and is passionate about teaching Social Studies. Currently he facilitates the Middle School World History and Current Events Live Lessons, as well as High School Physical Education. In addition to this Mr. Zuffante also chairs the school’s Diversity Committee. His main interests include history, world cultures, sociology, politics, philosophy, royalty, travel, and film.
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