School Start Message for 23-24
Hi VPREP Families! We are so excited to have you joining us this school year! We wanted to reach out and begin connecting with you by introducing our administration team today.
Over the next few weeks, we will be sending more information to you about the teachers, orientations and live class schedules that will begin on our first day of school, August 14th. We are truly looking forward to connecting with each child and getting to know them, their passions, interests, and goals for the future.
Additionally, our success coach Mr. Kevin Buller will be reaching out by phone next week to introduce himself and find out more about each student.
We have an incredible team of dedicated and experienced educators who can’t wait to get started in partnering with you to support every student in meeting their academic and life goals!
Erin Starkey M.Ed.- Head of Schools
I have worked in Oklahoma public education for the past 20 years. As a teacher, athletic coach, instructional coach, principal and instructional designer. I am so excited to launch this school in Oklahoma and create a community-connected virtual opportunity for our students that will help them discover a pathway to a fulfilling and successful career in the future! I live in the OKC metro area and have 4 boys from ages 5 to 18, we love to camp, hike and travel.
Brad Talley M.Ed.- Principal
From an early age, I knew I wanted to be an educator, hoping to impact others in positive ways. My journey started as an elementary school teacher, where I spent seven years teaching fifth grade in Norman, OK, and also where I met my future wife, a fellow teacher. Next, I had the opportunity to be a middle school math teacher and geography teacher in Norman. During my fifth year in middle school, I transitioned to administration as an Assistant Principal in Oklahoma City. In OKC I was blessed to spend time in various communities across the city through my role in four elementary and middle schools. In 2021, I became Principal of a middle school in Norman, where I led for two incredible years. Now, I am grateful to have the opportunity to impact students across the state as Founding Principal of Virtual Preparatory Academy of Oklahoma. Having three school-aged children of my own, I know how important it is for schools to be safe, engaging, and focused on developing lifelong skills and knowledge. With those in mind, I believe VPrep will be a great place for students to grow!
Blaire Harrison M.Ed.- Operations Manager
I have seventeen years of experience in education and spent twelve years as a classroom teacher, ten of which were in Oklahoma Public Education and two abroad at Brent International School of Manila, Philippines. Prior to this role, I worked for the Oklahoma State Department of Education on several federal grants that focused on putting support in place for students. I hold an M.Ed. in Elementary Administration and a BS in Elementary Education from East Central University. My dedication lies in Oklahoma Education, where I have been actively involved in enhancing student learning through various grants and committees. At home, I am mom to three boys, Kase (8th grader), Reid (5th grader) and Hart (Pre-K). My husband is an elementary principal. We have three family pets, two dogs (Zoe and Teddy) and a gecko (Tug). In my free time, I love to travel and explore new locations with my family.
Danielle Shaw M.Ed.- Special Education Coordinator
I am from Cordell, Oklahoma, a small town in the western part of the state. I spent the first ten years of my career teaching Special Education, Elementary, and Music in small towns across Oklahoma. Most recently I taught Special Education and was the Special Education Manager for the K12 partnered schools in our state. I am married to my High School sweetheart, Jerod, and we have three boys. We keep busy with their sports, band, and other activities. We like to unwind as a family camping and fishing at the lake as often as possible.
Jill Shero MLS – Director of Business Partnerships and Career Pathways
I am a Development Director with a demonstrated history of working with educational organizations including tribal, non-profit, federal and state entities. I have a strong background in native law and diplomacy studies from American University and am finishing up my Masters in Indigenous Law at the University of Oklahoma. I am excited to connect VPrep to our local business leaders and help build a career pipeline for our students directly into Oklahoma industries.
Kevin Buller M.Ed.- Success Coach
I am a native Oklahoman (love it here!), and I have been in online education since 2006. I served as a history teacher, advisor and counselor. I enjoy reading, sightseeing and lawn work. I am looking forward to getting to know you and working with you this year.