Grades 4-12
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Dragonfly Hybrid
The "Optional Learning Experience" for Oxford Virtual Academy Students
Austin Brantley
OVA Site Advisor and Mentor and Algebra 1
Being born and raised in Oxford, Austin brings a commitment to education that is deeply rooted in our local community. After graduating from Oakland University with a degree in Elementary Education in 2019, he was hired as a full-time teacher with Oxford Virtual Academy. Austin is a Michigan certified teacher with endorsements in middle school mathematics and language arts. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Western Governor’s University and is scheduled to graduate September of 2024.
Beyond the classroom, Austin extends his passion for mentorship by coaching girls’ basketball at Oxford High School during the winter months. Additionally, he is actively involved with Oxford Township Parks and Recreation, where he serves on the board of commissioners. In his leisure time, he enjoys being outdoors with his wife and their one-year-old son. When time allows, he is an avid golfer who loves to be out on the links!
Austin’s main objective is to empower Dragonfly students by helping them understand the expectations and requirements of Oxford Virtual Academy.
Melissa Castonia
Melissa is a lifelong teacher. She began working in classrooms as a teenager and has continued to teach in various settings ever since. Her most recent classroom experience was teaching math and science to hybrid students.
Melissa obtained her undergraduate degree at Alma College and her masters degree at Oakland University. She taught full-time in the classroom until her first of four children came along. She now spends her evenings and weekends traveling for her children's sporting events, camping with her family, organizing the busy family calendar, volunteering or reading for fun.
Middle School Science and Math 7/6
Rachelle has had a lifelong passion for teaching and brings over 20 years of experience in a variety of settings, including professional classrooms, volunteer roles, and as a homeschooling parent of two hybrid students. She loves helping students reach those “light bulb” moments and values the meaningful connections she builds with her students here at Dragonfly.
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Outside the classroom, Rachelle enjoys spending time with her daughters, staying active, tackling household projects, cooking and baking, and volunteering at her church.
Rachelle Fleury
Geometry & Computer Lab
Layla Koziara
History 8, US History and ELA 8/9
Layla is a Rochester High School graduate pursuing Social Work through online classes. Layla brings a unique perspective to the Dragonfly school community with a profound understanding of alternative education methods and six years of experience immersed in homeschooling alongside her six siblings.
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As a dedicated educator, Layla is passionate about student engagement and constantly explores innovative approaches to inspire learning. Outside the classroom, she is an enthusiastic sports lover, passionate about hockey and various athletic pursuits. Layla also enjoys trips to Disney World and spending quality time with her family.
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Layla's commitment to creating a supportive and stimulating environment for her students makes her an invaluable team member.
Kara LaVoisne
Algebra 2, Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics
Kara is thrilled to be working with our students in Algebra II and High School Science! Her journey to the classroom is rooted in a lifelong curiosity about how things work. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Florida (Go Gators!), which led to a successful 15-year career as a software engineer.
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Over the past decade, Kara has brought that technical expertise into education as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher. She loves breaking down complex concepts from her engineering and programming background and helping them “click” for students. Nothing excites her more than seeing students gain confidence in math and science.
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Outside the classroom, Kara has been married since 2004 and is the proud mom of one son. In her free time, she enjoys genealogy research, scrapbooking, and getting lost in a good book. Each summer, the LaVoisne family packs up the camping gear and heads out to explore—on a mission to visit as many National Parks as possible!
Ashley Mark
Middle School ELA
Middle School History
Algebra 1/2
Ashley is a graduate of Oakland University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She has a deep passion for education and helping students succeed. Over the years, she has taught, tutored, and volunteered with a wide range of age groups. From serving as a church leader for upper elementary students during college, to teaching in private school classrooms, tutoring, and working in daycare settings, Ashley has always loved investing in young learners.
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After taking time away from the classroom to focus on her growing family, she remained active working with children through activities such as coaching toddler soccer. Being back in the classroom has been a true joy, and she is grateful to continue doing what she loves.
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Ashley enjoys teaching at Dragonfly and values the hybrid model, which allows her to be creative and intentional in how she reaches her students. She appreciates the flexibility to develop engaging resources, explore new teaching strategies, and continually grow as an educator.
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Ashley has been married to her husband, Drew, since 2009, and together they have two sons, Giovanni (Gio) and Salvatore (Sal). As a family, they enjoy seasonal activities, playing games, and watching movies. In her free time, Ashley enjoys reading, going for walks, and designing teaching resources, printables, and logos on Canva.
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Jillian Prais brings energy, creativity, and a love for learning to our 4th grade classroom. With six years of elementary teaching experience (including time in 2nd grade), working with younger students comes naturally—especially as the oldest of six kids! Jillian is also a talented vocal and piano teacher and a proud graduate of Oxford Schools, where she earned music honors.
When she’s not teaching, you can find her performing with her band Set N Stone, spending time with her husband Logan, or hanging out with her two cats, Lana and Ozzy. Jillian dreams of one day owning land and raising her future family on a farm—music, cats, and all.
Jillian Prais
4th Grade Teacher
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Michelle Urban
5th Grade Teacher
Michelle has been teaching for 19 years at many different grade levels in a variety of settings. Michelle has her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Wayne State University and her Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from Saginaw Valley State University. Michelle taught middle school for 10 years before transitioning to substitute teaching to accommodate her family better. She then homeschooled her children for three years and began teaching hybrid last year. She loves the hybrid model with its small class sizes and ability to give each child the one-on-one attention they need.
Michelle and her husband Chris have been married since 2007 and have 3 children (in 11th, 10th, and 5th grades). She and the kids are very excited for their new adventure at Dragonfly this year! In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, traveling, and enjoying nature walks.
Michelle is excited to be teaching 5th grade this year and looks forward to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and supported in their academic journey.
Angie Warloe
Angie was born and raised in Michigan and eventually moved to Southern California to go to college. She graduated with her Bachelors of Arts and Visual Communications Degree with an emphasis in Graphic Design. Angie and her husband have been married since 2013 and they have two boys whom love to play hockey. She has been teaching here at Dragonfly since it's opening and has loved every moment of it!
In her spare time, Angie is a hockey mom/wife, crafter, photographer, and a Shetland Sheepdog enthusiast. She has volunteered for Guide Dogs of America, Leader Dogs For the Blind, and Freedom Dogs. Angie's goal for her Dragonfly students this year is to inspire them to learn something new every day and be the best versions of themselves they can be!
Math 8/7, Civics/Econ, World Hist., ELA 10/11/12