Meet the Teachers
Jennifer Vasser
Founder, CEO, Chief Academic Officer
As the CEO and founder of Sunshine Virtual Academy, Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in education. She has a strong background in teaching, curriculum development, and educational leadership. Her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and graduate certification in virtual instruction equip her with the expertise to design effective and engaging online learning experiences tailored to diverse student needs.
Jennifer’s passion for education led her to establish SVA, where she could create a program that prioritizes academic excellence, flexibility, and research-based instructional practices. She believes that every child has the potential to succeed when given the right tools, support, and a learning environment that fosters growth and curiosity. At SVA, her mission is to empower students and families with a high-quality homeschool experience that nurtures a love for learning and helps each child reach their fullest potential.
Jody Shadduck-Mottern
Educational Technology & Instructional Coach
Jody is the Educational Technology and instructional Coach at SVA. She brings nearly two decades of teaching experience and a strong academic background to her role. She earned a Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies, reflecting her commitment to understanding diverse learners. She then obtained two Master's degrees—one in Elementary Education and another in Curriculum and Instruction, emphasizing reading.
Jody has taught at every educational level, from early childhood to college, developing a versatile and adaptive teaching style. For the past six years, she has specialized in online education, refining her approach to meet the needs of virtual learners. Her mission is to adapt best teaching practices to support the unique needs of virtual students, ensuring they receive a high-quality, engaging, and effective education. She holds certifications in English (grades 7-12), Elementary Education (grades K-6), and Special Education (grades K-12), underscoring her dedication to providing quality education for all students.
“It is not what is poured into a student that counts,
but what is planted.” - Linda Conway
Testimonials
"Exceptional, genuine, caring, patient, dedicated, and inspiring—these are just a few words that come to mind when I think of Jennifer Vasser. Our family was truly blessed to have Jennifer as our oldest daughter's teacher. She was the spark that ignited my daughter's love of learning, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for education.
Jennifer possesses a rare gift in teaching. She understands that fostering a child’s greatest potential requires creativity, outside-the-box thinking, and strong family involvement. Despite a classroom filled with nearly two dozen children, she has the remarkable ability to make each one feel heard, understood, and valued. Her patience is unmatched—not just with her students, but with us parents as well!
More than just an educator, Jennifer is the kind of person who leaves a lasting impression on both children and their families. Even now, as my oldest enters her teenage years, Jennifer remains a dear friend—someone we care for deeply and who continues to care for us. She was meant to be in education, and she is truly exceptional at it."
- Brianne Mondello
“As a first-time parent, my little one and I embarked on the Kindergarten journey together. I know that both my child and I will always remember Mrs. Vasser as her first teacher and the wonderful experience she created for us!
From the very start, my child formed a strong connection with Mrs. Vasser. As a teacher, she fostered a fun, inviting, and engaging classroom environment—even in a virtual setting. Seeing this reassured me, as it mirrored the warm and enriching experience I remember from my own childhood. My initial fears about my child missing out on that special Kindergarten magic quickly disappeared. Mrs. Vasser struck the perfect balance between fun and learning, making our virtual experience truly exceptional.
As a parent who initially questioned whether virtual school was the right choice, this experience confirmed that I had made the best decision. Mrs. Vasser has an incredible talent for connecting not just with her students, but with their parents as well. Her passion for teaching shines through in everything she does. She made both my daughter and me—both as a learning guide and as a parent—feel seen, heard, and valued. Managing a class of eager and energetic young learners while making each child feel special is no small feat, yet she did it effortlessly.
I couldn’t have asked for a better first school experience, and I have Mrs. Vasser to thank for that. I wholeheartedly recognize and appreciate her as an exceptional educator.
Oh, and her puppets? They’re absolutely awesome!”
- Amanda Akom (Virtual family)
“I highly recommend Mrs. Vasser as an exceptional educator for young children. She was my son’s kindergarten teacher, and her dedication made a profound impact on his academic journey. When he entered kindergarten, he struggled significantly—confusing letters and numbers, falling behind in the curriculum, and facing a slight speech impediment.
Mrs. Vasser invested an incredible amount of time and effort into his progress, refusing to accept anything less than success. Through her unwavering support and commitment, my son transformed from a below-average student in reading and math to testing above average in both subjects by the end of the year.
We fully credit Mrs. Vasser for this remarkable turnaround. While others might have given up, she remained steadfast, providing our son with the strong educational foundation he needed. We wholeheartedly recommend Mrs. Vasser for any child's educational journey!”
- Denise Molina
“Adjusting to school was challenging for my daughter, Amelia, especially in an online setting, but Mrs. Vasser made the transition seamless. She helped my daughter feel comfortable learning on a computer and created an engaging and supportive environment.
I truly appreciated how much Mrs. Vasser communicated with me about Amelia’s progress. As a first-time online student, my daughter thrived under her guidance. Mrs. Vasser has an incredible ability to teach in a way that children understand. She recognized what motivated Amelia—just hearing her name in class would brighten her day! She also made learning interactive, calling on students to share stories and engage with one another, which was wonderful to witness.
It was a sad day when Mrs. Vasser announced she was leaving to start her own school. However, my daughter and I still keep in touch with her, and that connection means so much to us.
Mrs. Vasser is an outstanding educator, and I have no doubt she will continue to do amazing things for school-age children!”
- Shannel Mann (Virtual family)
“Mrs. Vasser was our daughter’s Kindergarten teacher, and while that is always a memorable role in a child’s and parents’ lives, it was even more so for us because it was the year 2020—a time when the world was navigating a pandemic, and schooling, like so many other things, looked very different.
We began the year in a virtual learning environment and later transitioned into the classroom. Throughout this entire process, we were continually impressed by how seamlessly Mrs. Vasser adapted, managing both virtual and in-person students while maintaining a strong connection with each child. Despite the challenges, she kept the days structured, the classroom running smoothly, and most importantly, the learning experience engaging and enjoyable.
Mrs. Vasser was always in constant communication with us, which we greatly appreciated. She made learning fun for our daughter, which was crucial in keeping her engaged and excited about school. Her organization and classroom management were exceptional, yet she still fostered a warm and welcoming atmosphere. She treated each student as if they were her own, and it truly showed.
Our daughter is now almost in 5th grade, yet we still look back fondly on our time with Mrs. Vasser and consider her the best and most beloved teacher we’ve had.”
- Shauna, Raul, and Marley (Hybrid family)