Duval Virtual Instruction Academy -

Lisa Kestler began her public school teaching career in 2013 after earning two MA degrees from the University of North Florida.  She has taught students in all grades from preschool through 12th grade.  She is certified to teach reading and math at all grade levels, and those are her two favorite subjects. 

Ms. Kestler believes in a mastery approach to learning, which is one of the major reasons that she enjoys teaching for DVIA.  She loves the flexibility that DVIA offers to students and families and strives to nurture perseverance and a growth mindset in her students. 

 Kelly Fanning has been teaching for 11 years (5 years at Duval Virtual Instruction Academy).

Mrs. Fanning received her Bachelor of Science degree in English Education from Florida State University. She is certified in English Language Arts (6-12), Health (K-12) and Physical Education (K-12). She also has her ESOL endorsement.

Mrs. Fanning delights in her job— where she gets to educate students on topics about which she is passionate. Her transition to virtual education prompted her to be even more creative about student engagement, and Mrs. Fanning credits her virtual position for keeping her “tech savvy” with internet-based applications, social media, and supplemental virtual curriculum programs.

Mrs. Fanning is married with three children (all of whom are DCPS students). She is a “big believer” in public education. Her hobbies include dancing, gardening, writing, traveling, playing word games, eating chocolate, loving her “neighbors,” and reading Young Adult Fiction. She is also conversational in German and always eager to share a good, “stomach-tightening, tear-shedding, face-blushing” laugh with someone.

Kara Cecil has been teaching for 10 years and joined DVIA in 2016.  She is the Science Department Chair, a member of the Shared Decision Making Team, and an Academic and Attendance Intervention Team Lead.  She believes strongly in the benefits of virtual education for students and families that need the flexibility this program offers. 

Mrs. Cecil received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science from Jacksonville University.  She holds a professional teaching certificate in Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, and Middle Grades Sciences.  She is also a Microsoft Innovative Educator and a Nearpod Certified Educator.

Mrs. Cecil engages with her students in both hands-on and virtual science experiences to help them make real world connections with the content.  She has also helped lead the schools Envirothon Club in 2020 where the team earned first place in the current issues oral presentation.  She believes that a virtual education can be as engaging and effective as traditional education with proper teacher and family supports. 

Mrs. Cecil is married with two young children.  She enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing board games, and exploring nature.

Leslie Jones has been teaching for 19 years. The last 9 of those years have been spent at Duval Virtual Instruction Academy. 

Ms. Jones received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts and Humanities from the University of California, Irvine. She received her teacher’s credentials from California State University at Sacramento and her Master’s Degree in Special Education at the University of South Florida.  She is certified in English 6-12, Elementary Education, ESOL, Gifted Endorsement, and Reading Endorsement. 

Ms. Jones attempts to find creative ways to engage students by using their personal interests as steppingstones in their next steps toward personal and academic achievement.   She takes a holistic approach to teaching because she believes that learning isn’t simply an activity that engages only the mind but a process that needs to engage the whole person.  

Ms. Jones has four children and two grandchildren.  She loves to travel, read great books, spend time with loved ones and go on long walks – preferably in the mountains.  

Alpha McDowell is an Exceptional Education Lead Teacher at Duval County Public Schools. She has 17 years of teaching experience with 13 of those years at Duval Virtual Instruction Academy.

Mrs. McDowell received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Delta State University and a Master of Arts in Education: Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. She is professionally certified in Elementary Education K-6, Exceptional Education K-12, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.

Mrs. McDowell ignites her students' interest in learning by creating opportunities that are meaningful and relevant. She believes that teachers must embrace change, encourage innovation, and foster creativity; not just in their students, but in themselves.

Mrs. McDowell is married with four children and one grandson. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family & friends.