About Ellie Fazzi

This author has not written his bio yet.
But we are proud to say that Ellie Fazzi contributed 94 entries already.

Entries by Ellie Fazzi

The Visions Advantage: Instructional Coaching at Visions In Education

September 12, 2025/in News

The Visions Advantage: Instructional Coaching at Visions In Education

At Visions, we believe powerful professional learning happens when it’s grounded in practice, aligned to purpose, and enriched by continued learning. That’s the mission behind our in-house model for meaningful, customized instructional coaching.

And last spring, our Professional Learning & Innovation (PLI) Department deepened that mission by returning to the classroom themselves—this time at UC Berkeley’s International House, where they studied the transformative work of Elena Aguilar’s Art of Coaching Teams.

📚 Learning the Art of Coaching Teams

The multi-day intensive at UC Berkeley offered our instructional coaches hands-on training in building high-functioning, equity-centered teams. The content is grounded in Aguilar’s framework for trust-building, identity work, and team transformation.

Key learning included:

How to build emotionally resilient teams
Tools for addressing conflict and resistance
Strategies to lead team development through a lens of equity
Techniques to align coaching work with school and program goals

This experience directly strengthens how we support PLCs, facilitate coaching cycles, and facilitate collaborative learning environments across our academies.

A special thanks to Montoya Mayo, proud UC Berkeley alumna, who reminds us that learning is both a personal journey and a professional calling.

🛠️ Expanding Our Toolbox: Training from PCOE

In addition to Berkeley, PLI also participated in training with Placer County Office of Education (PCOE) focused on:

Coaching for content-specific pedagogy
Feedback strategies for adult learners
Data-informed instructional decision-making

Together, these trainings sharpened our coaching skills and affirmed our core belief: when professional learning is paired with effective coaching, transformation takes root.

🔍 The Research is Clear: Coaching Works

Studies show that professional development followed by coaching has a far greater impact than PD alone:

A meta-analysis of 60 studies that found teacher coaching yielded pooled effect sizes of 0.49 SD on instructional practice and 0.18 SD on student achievement was conducted by Matthew A. Kraft, David Blazar, and Dylan Hogan. Their research can be reviewed HERE.
Educators are more likely to implement new strategies when supported by ongoing coaching (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017).
Instructional coaching increases educator efficacy and leads to stronger student achievement outcomes (Kraft, Blazar & Hogan, 2018).
Coaching builds collective educator efficacy, one of the most powerful influences on student learning (Hattie, 2019).

🗣️ What Our Educators Are Saying

At Visions, our coachees agree:

“I really appreciate the process of observation and reflection. This time we focused on strategies for increasing engagement in an online setting and I will continue to reflect on how my lessons went and what I could improve upon.” – Independent Study Educator

“With my coach, I developed some really specific documents and presentations that I will continue using and adjusting as I need to. I enjoy the process of thinking about a problem that I have or anything that didn’t work as well as I wanted it to or was expecting and talking through ideas with somebody to improve my teaching practice.” – Independent Study Educator

“I was looking for a little validation that where I was putting my energy was valid, and looking for some ideas (through collaboration) to improve my practice in this medium. My coach helped a ton in both regards.” – Home School Educator

Recent coachee data from September 2025 backs this up: The jump in understanding shows that coaching creates the bridge between learning and real-world practice.

Instructional Coaching Data for PLI

Average Scores on a scale of 1-5 as of September 5th, 2025

🔗 The Visions In Education Coaching Advantage

With a refreshed vision grounded in The Art of Coaching Teams, and bolstered by continued training with partners like PCOE, Visions instructional coaches are more prepared than ever to:

✔️ Collaborate deeply
✔️ Challenge respectfully
✔️ Build equity-driven learning environments
✔️ Equip educators for long-term growth

Sharing Our Story at CSDC

This fall, a few of Visions’ PLI Department staff will be presenting at the California Charter Schools Development Center (CSDC) Conference, showcasing our approach to in-house professional learning paired with instructional coaching and highlighting how we build systems that honor educators while driving student success. This opportunity reflects both the innovation happening at Visions and the growing recognition of our model across the state. You can learn more about our specific session HERE.

Instructional coaching at Visions isn’t just support—it’s strategy, reflection, and partnership in action. That’s the Visions Advantage.

Professional Learning at Visions In Education

September 2, 2025/in News

Professional Learning at Visions In Education

At Visions, we believe that the growth of our educators directly fuels the success of our students. That’s why professional learning isn’t outsourced—it’s custom-built, in-house, and designed specifically for the unique needs of our staff and students.

Our Professional Learning & Innovation (PLI) Department works side-by-side with our educators, instructional leaders, and administrators to design engaging, relevant, and impactful learning experiences. From PLC implementation and curricular resources to instructional best practices and leadership coaching, every offering is grounded in our shared mission of equity, excellence, and student achievement.

What makes professional learning at Visions a true Visions Advantage?

Custom Design: Sessions are created by Visions educators, for Visions educators—aligned to California standards and tailored to our unique learning environments.
Practical Application: Every workshop, webinar, and coaching cycle connects directly to student and staff learning, ensuring strategies can be applied immediately.
Ongoing Support: Professional learning is not a single event but a continuous cycle of growth, reflection, and collaboration. We offer follow-up individual and group coaching sessions, along with asynchronous courses to meet the varied needs of our staff.
Shared Expertise: Our educators are learners and leaders, building a culture of collaboration that strengthens teaching and learning across all academies.

Impact in Action

In just the first two weeks of the school year, PLI provided a wide range of professional learning opportunities, reaching educators across programs. Early data shows:

High levels of participation and engagement in live sessions.
Positive feedback from educators on the relevance and usefulness of content.
Immediate application of strategies in planning, as reported in reflections and coaching conversations.

This early success demonstrates the power of customized professional learning to accelerate both educator growth and student achievement.

Learn More About Our Approach

At Visions, we honor the professionalism of our educators by ensuring professional learning is relevant, responsive, and respectful of diverse learning styles. To do this, we draw on:

Adult Learning Theory – recognizing that educators learn best through collaboration, practice, and reflection.
Instructional Best Practices (IBPs) – evidence-based strategies proven to engage students and support learning.
PLC Frameworks – providing structures for collective teacher efficacy and shared accountability.
Continuous Feedback – gathering input from staff to ensure sessions meet their needs and build on their expertise.

This commitment ensures that professional learning at Visions is not only informative but also transformative—equipping our educators with the tools, strategies, and confidence to make an impact every day.

Sharing Our Story at CSDC

This fall, a few of Visions’ PLI Department staff will be presenting at the California Charter Schools Development Center (CSDC) Conference, showcasing our approach to in-house professional learning and highlighting how we build systems that honor educators while driving student success. This opportunity reflects both the innovation happening at Visions and the growing recognition of our model across the state. You can learn more about our specific session HERE.

Professional learning at Visions: Designed here. Delivered here. For our staff, our students, and our future.

On the Road to Opportunity: Celebrating Our HopSkipDrive Partnership

September 2, 2025/in News

On the Road to Opportunity: Celebrating Our HopSkipDrive Partnership

The 2024-25 school year marked an exciting new chapter for Visions In Education as we partnered with HopSkipDrive to launch a pilot program designed to remove transportation barriers for students. The goal was simple but powerful: make it easier for every student to access school events, practices, and enrichment opportunities. And what a year it has been!

Students on the Move

Since the launch, HopSkipDrive has completed over 281 rides, helping students attend a wide range of events and activities. Thanks to this program, students were able to:

Cheer on their classmates and compete in basketball, soccer, and volleyball games.
Take part in club events, like The Stock Market Challenge, where Visions proudly earned 2nd place.
Experience the excitement of college tours.
Enjoy field trips to the River Cats game, Topgolf, MOSAC Museum, Alcatraz Island, and more!

These opportunities would have been out of reach for many without the support of HopSkipDrive.

Memories That Last

The rides didn’t just get students from point A to point B—they opened doors to new experiences and lasting memories.

On the Alcatraz field trip, students explored California’s history, from the ferry ride across the Bay to walking through the historic cell blocks.
At Park Socials, families joined in fun activities like tie-dye, puzzles, and yard games. These events became a chance for families to connect, laugh, and create moments they’ll always treasure.

A Community Effort

This pilot year was successful because of our families, staff, and community partners. Their support, patience, and collaboration made it possible for students to show up and shine. Together, they made sure no student was left behind, whether on the court, in the classroom, or at a family event.

Looking Ahead

In true Visions spirit, we’re committed to being “1% better” every year. That means growing this partnership to reach even more students and families who need transportation support. Here’s to more adventures, more connections, and more opportunities for every student!

Scaling Student Success: How Technology Enables Growth

July 24, 2025/in News

Scaling Student Success: How Technology Enables Growth

At Visions In Education, a non-classroom based charter school serving over 7,700 students across 9,000+ square miles, learning has moved beyond classrooms and the one-size-fits all education model. For over 25 years, they’ve been serving Northern California families with a mission to educate and empower their students by leveraging technology and outstanding service.

At Beyond the Page, education is more than just textbooks – it’s creativity, hands-on learning, and critical thinking. Their unique and tailored approach to education allows families to take learning into their own hands, creating an educational experience personalized to each student.

Power in Partnership

This past year, Visions and Beyond the Page partnered to improve and scale up distance learning for all types of students. Serving thousands of students across a vast geographic area, Visions requires a seamless, user-friendly digital platform that delivers essential educational resources – empowering families to support their students’ success.

Tom Tafoya, Chief Operations Officer for Visions, believes the partnership between Visions In Education and Beyond the Page will improve services by making it easier for families to find, purchase, and access personalized curriculum that best serves their students.

Most importantly, this integration will enable Visions to scale resources by reducing administrative work for teachers, allowing them to focus on instruction and student success. In addition, this new integration will reduce the work of purchasing and accounting teams, enabling them to process more orders in the most efficient way possible.

“In addition to offering a user-friendly core curriculum that is engaging for Visions students, it is vital that Visions students receive curriculum in a timely manner so that they have curriculum on the first day of school. By partnering with Beyond the Page and implementing cXML, students receive an engaging curriculum in a timely manner, thus enhancing their educational experience,” said Michael Brubaker, Senior Director of Operations at Visions.

To achieve this partnership, Visions’ operations and technology teams worked with Beyond the Page to develop a Commerce Extensible Markup Language (cXML) integration, making it easier and more efficient for families to purchase curriculum and other educational items.

Uriel Gonzalez, Director of Technology Services for Visions, shared, “cXML partner integrations feel like magic, but it’s actually quite complex. Beyond the Page and Visions In Education integrations teams made adding this new vendor look easy. We are very fortunate to have such technological firepower at our disposal!”

The Proof is on the Page

As one of the most popular curriculum options with Visions’ Home School Academy families, Beyond the Page is now an Express Vendor in Visions’ trademarked LPAD Student Support System™, meaning families are routed directly through LPAD to the vendor’s website for easy ordering. They are also currently a Core Curriculum choice for ELA, Science, and History-Social Science.

“Visions selected Beyond the Page as a core curriculum because families and teachers have long enjoyed its literature-based approach to Language Arts and its engaging, hands-on projects, reflecting its long history of success in the homeschool sector and strong support from our communities,” shared Victoria Soria, Professional Learning & Innovation Manager at Visions. “It is because of this connection and commitment to our students that we are delighted to offer Beyond the Page with Visions’ custom pacing guides to ensure access to all grade level standards.”

We are proud to partner with Beyond the Page and look forward to our continued work in supporting students and streamlining our operations.

About Beyond the Page

Beyond the Page provides literature-based homeschool curriculum for families and teachers working through a distance learning or charter school. Their curriculum integrates language arts, science, social studies, and math for a comprehensive learning experience that engages students beyond the textbook. Through encouraging critical and creative thinking, providing challenging and engaging projects, and supporting different learning styles, Beyond the Page helps children grow in their love of learning.

About Visions In Education

Visions In Education is a tuition-free public charter school dedicated to supporting personalized learning within public education. For over 25 years, Visions has offered high-quality educational opportunities through four distinct programs, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and future. By providing a flexible and individualized educational experience, Visions In Education helps students succeed on their unique academic journeys.

Visions In Education Announces Inaugural Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees!

July 17, 2025/in News

Visions In Education Announces Inaugural Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees!

In August 2024, Visions In Education proudly launched our Alumni Hall of Fame through the Visions Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award, honoring those who have demonstrated exceptional professional and personal achievements.

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural class of inductees, whose accomplishments reflect Visions In Education’s values and serve as inspiring examples for our students:

Brian Abrigana

Class of 2010

Read his bio here.

Jessica Chavez

Class of 2008

Read her bio here.

Alyssa Edens

Class of 2017

Read her bio here.

William Lynch

Class of 2017

Read his bio here.

Tanner Zumwalt

Class of 2010

Read his bio here.

The awards celebration will take place on the morning of Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Folsom Lake College, where we will have the privilege of presenting the awards to this year’s inductees in person.

The honorees’ photos and biographies will be proudly displayed in the Alumni Hall of Fame at Visions’ main office and will also be permanently featured on the official Visions website and Visions’ internal website (The Wire).

This momentous occasion highlights a key milestone in Visions In Education’s 25-year history, honoring the contributions of our alumni and reaffirming our commitment to student success.

Overcoming Obstacles: Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee Jessica’s Journey of Healing and Hope

July 17, 2025/in Independent Study, Student Spotlight

The Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes Visions In Education alumni who have excelled in higher education, their careers, or through meaningful contributions to their communities. Through the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award, Visions will honor these individuals and highlight their journeys as a reflection of the positive impact our programs can have.

Overcoming Obstacles: Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee Jessica’s Journey of Healing and Hope

At seventeen, Jessica Chavez stood at the crossroads of her future. After years of struggling with substance abuse and academic challenges across multiple high schools, she made a pivotal decision to enroll in Visions In Educations’ Independent Study Academy, a choice that would ultimately change her life trajectory.

“Although it took me five years to graduate, one teacher’s belief in me made all the difference,” Jessica reflects. “Suzanne Myers lit a fire inside me, helping me believe I was capable of achieving the impossible – and I did just that.”

The personalized support and unwavering belief Jessica received from her teachers and counselors at Visions proved to be the catalyst she needed. Beyond academic instruction, the program equipped her with essential life skills: perseverance, self-advocacy, and the confidence to embrace challenges.

“Since graduation, I have accomplished more than I [could have] ever imagined…The experience showed me that both my grades and I mattered,” said Jessica.

Inspiration Into Impact

After graduating from Visions, Jessica attended Sierra College and CCAPP Academy to obtain a degree in Addiction Medicine. After graduating with her degree, Jessica gained valuable experience working as an art therapy practitioner and a teacher’s aide with students with special needs at Cerebral Palsy & Developmental Disabilities.

Today, she serves as a counselor in addiction medicine and has established her own community-focused business, Gifts of Gratitude, dedicated to helping others overcome similar challenges.

Suzanne Myers, Jessica’s credentialed teacher at Visions, witnessed Jessica’s transformation firsthand. “From the moment she walked into our first meeting, I could see her potential, and watching her not only meet but exceed those expectations has been a joy,” Suzanne recalls. “She’s grown into someone who embraces challenges, values growth, and continues to push boundaries in everything she does.”

Jessica’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of personalized education and the importance of educators who see potential where others might see obstacles. Her story serves as an inspiration to current students facing their own challenges, demonstrating that with the right support system and unwavering determination, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve extraordinary success.

Through her work in addiction counseling and her community outreach efforts, Jessica continues to pay forward the support she received at Visions, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond her own remarkable achievements.

“Jessica’s hard work, determination, and kindness have not only led to her success, but has inspired everyone around her, myself included,” said Suzanne. “I have no doubt that this is only the beginning of the amazing things she will continue to achieve.”

Strength Through Self-Discovery: Meet Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee William

July 17, 2025/in Independent Study, Student Spotlight

Strength Through Self-Discovery: Meet Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee William

At Visions In Education, William Lynch gained valuable insights into his personal strengths and learned how to align his skills with his career goals. His Visions journey began in ninth grade when he enrolled in the Home School Academy, driven by a desire to have a more flexible learning environment that would allow him to explore diverse interests.

Working alongside his mother to navigate the curriculum of an independent learning program, William thrived in the unique educational structure of Visions. During his sophomore year, he expressed interest in college coursework, and, with the help of his teacher Donelle O’Brien, enrolled at Sierra College. At just 16 years old, William took his first college math course, recounting the experience of being a high school student in a college classroom.

“I remember helping out 20-year-olds and feeling really cool and just overall excited to continue to do more college courses while at Visions,” he remarks.

For William, Visions’ structure provided the framework for his educational development, and enabled him to cultivate critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities that would prove instrumental in his future.

Foundational Learning

Following his graduation from Visions in 2017, William continued his academic pursuits at the University of California, San Diego, where he earned his degree in electrical engineering with a specialization in computer system design in 2022. The educational foundation formed at Visions prepared him well for the competitive field of engineering.

Upon completing his undergraduate studies, William joined IVM, Inc., a specialized company based in Indianapolis, Indiana that focuses on smart vending solutions. In this role, he has demonstrated exceptional innovation, collaborating with his team to file a patent for a novel automated retail solution, and has showcased his ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications.

William attributes much of his professional success to the skills developed during his time at Visions. The program’s emphasis on self-directed learning and problem-solving has continued to serve him throughout his engineering career, particularly in generating innovative product concepts.

“The most significant advantage of [an] independent study [style program] was the development of my creative mindset,” William explains. “When addressing engineering challenges, I can often think beyond conventional project parameters to develop innovative solutions. Additionally, the program instilled in me an appreciation for diverse knowledge acquisition, encouraging me to pursue learning across various disciplines, which has resulted in a more comprehensive approach to problem-solving.”

Guidance for Future Students

William’s professional journey serves as an example for students at any stage of their academic development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining curiosity. His experience shows how exposure to diverse subjects and collaborative learning environments can help students identify their areas of interest.

“I strongly recommend taking advantage of the freedom to explore subjects that genuinely interest you,” William said. “Without taking the time to discover your true passions during your educational years, you risk becoming confined to careers or positions that may not align with your interests or provide long-term satisfaction.”

As an Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, William demonstrates how alternative educational approaches can successfully prepare students for their futures while fostering the skills necessary for lifelong success.

“William’s story places an emphasis on realizing that continuous growth and learning can instill a mindset in students that values education beyond our school,” declared Donelle. “William has achieved notable accomplishments that can serve as a tangible example of what is possible with dedication and hard work through…Visions In Education.”

Changing Course: How Support and Self-Belief Transformed Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee Brian’s Life

July 17, 2025/in Independent Study, Student Spotlight

Changing Course: How Support and Self-Belief Transformed Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee Brian’s Life

As a young student, Brian Abrigana didn’t connect with the “one-size-fits-all” model of learning. Coming from a traditional public school where he experienced bullying and safety concerns, he lacked the support systems to truly engage with his education.

“I didn’t feel l belonged in public school. I felt a bit lost, very awkward, and I needed a mentor,” Brian shared.

Needing direction, Brian enrolled at Visions In Education his freshman year of high school. In the Independent Study Academy, he was given the appropriate supports to get back on track with his learning, including guidance from his teacher.

“For the second half of high school through graduation, my teacher was Shauna Buchanan. As she got to know me, she’d encourage continual improvement in my work. She would focus on the positives and tactfully offered constructive criticism on my weak points,” Brian shared. “She really did encourage me to apply myself.”

For Brian, the independent learning model was especially beneficial, offering flexibility and individualized academic attention. But despite his success, his aspirations stopped at “high school diploma”; with limited awareness of higher education opportunities, Brian initially had no intention of going to college – until Shauna.

“She asked me if I had considered going to college, and I told her I hadn’t. I originally had no aspirations for college, and no adults in my family knew a thing about college. My mother came over from the Philippines in the 1980s and worked as a seamstress,” Brian explained. “[Shauna] said she thought I should give it some thought and offered to meet me at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California if I was interested in learning more. I accepted that offer, and years later I’m a practicing registered nurse in a well-compensated field where I help people heal every single day,” exclaims Brian. “I really couldn’t thank Shauna more for encouraging me and going with me to the college. It completely changed the course of my life and I’m truly grateful I ran into Shauna. I really don’t think I’d be half as successful as I am now if it wasn’t for her.”

The Impacts of Individualized Learning

During his four years at Visions, Brian’s educational experience transformed. The skills he learned as a student – time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-advocacy – stayed with him through college, his nursing program, and beyond.

“The science classes required for nursing included anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology. All of these seemed initially intimidating, but I ultimately found them quite interesting. I excelled in all these classes and ended up often leading study groups with my peers,” Brian shared. “My resulting GPA helped me to be accepted into the highly competitive nursing program.”

“Brian went from not being confident in his abilities to go to college, to pushing through and receiving a nursing associate degree in a field that is extremely hard to get into,” Shauna reiterated. “He is an example of what persistence and drive can accomplish.”

As mentioned, Brian is now a practicing registered nurse at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton. From the kid who used to stay up all night cramming out assignments to the first in his family to attend college, Brian is grateful to Visions for helping him learn how to take control of his learning – and his life.

“I’m very thankful,” said Brian. “I get to help people at some of their lowest lows. I make sure I provide the best care possible so I may truly make a lasting impact on their lives.”

Lately, Brian has been planting Japanese maple trees in his backyard, hoping to turn his land into a mini Japanese-themed garden. Like the trees, Brian too has bloomed, thanks to patience, care, and a little vision.

Care and Community: Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee Alyssa’s Journey from Student to Clinical Psychologist

July 17, 2025/in Student Spotlight, University Prep

Care and Community: Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee Alyssa's Journey from Student to Clinical Psychologist

In 2017, Megan Edens began teaching in the Home School Academy at Visions In Education. Only a few weeks earlier, she had proudly celebrated her daughter Alyssa Edens’ graduation from the very same school.

Before becoming a teacher at Visions, Megan had encouraged her daughter to enroll at Visions, making space for Alyssa’s budding independence, desire for flexibility, and love of learning. In the University Prep Academy, Alyssa’s education was molded by group meetings in the library and the freedom to learn life skills, such as cooking and cleaning. As she grew older and continued her studies at Visions, a longtime passion for helping others began to take shape.

“Growing up, many of my friends struggled with mental health issues and I knew I wanted to help in some way,” Alyssa explained.

Alyssa’s teacher, Andy VandenAkker, was a key influence during this time. With patience, kindness, and individualized attention, Mr. VandenAkker offered Alyssa invaluable support, especially when she was deciding on her college path.

“I really enjoyed my time with Mr. VandenAkker. He was a great teacher and was very encouraging! He was very supportive when I selected where I was going to undergrad.”

After graduating from Visions, Alyssa went on to receive her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Biola University, followed by a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at APU, gaining hands-on experience through multiple roles: working as a respite care provider for a young girl with Down syndrome, serving in the Los Angeles County Foster Care system, and completing a practicum at a local nonprofit.

“As a respite care worker, I take care of a young girl and drive her to different therapies (speech, physical). I pick her up from school and enjoy being able to spend time with her,” said Alyssa. “While working in the foster care system, I drove to clients’ homes and conducted therapy for the children and families. At my current site, I am conducting assessments for children and adolescents and determining their diagnoses. I mostly work with children with ADHD and ASD, but have also worked with children with intellectual disabilities, anxiety, and depression.”

Empowered Learning

For Alyssa, Visions was the stepping stone to a career that inspires, engages, and fulfills one of her most-held values: taking care of one another as a community.

“Visions allowed me to do well in school while also giving me time to learn life skills,” explained Alyssa. “As I grew up, the urge to help people…strengthened. Now that I have begun seeing clients, that passion has only grown and has confirmed that I have picked the correct field.”

What Alyssa gained from Visions was the ability to learn – about language and history, math and science, but also about service, purpose, and passion. Alyssa comes to the Alumni Hall of Fame as a true Visionary, one who seeks to understand the world not just through knowledge, but through empathy, action, and a commitment to making a difference.

“Alyssa is a person who represents what Visions stands for. She not only gives back to the community, but is pursuing a profession that is essential right now,” said Megan. “She can show Visions students that you can do anything you put your mind to and can make a difference in not only the people around you, but provide support and resources to share with others. She demonstrates passion and drive, she actively listens to others, she sets a positive example through her actions, and she can empower individuals to achieve their goals.”

Guided by Purpose, Grounded in Service: Meet Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee Tanner

July 17, 2025/in Home School, Independent Study, Student Spotlight

Guided by Purpose, Grounded in Service: Meet Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee Tanner

Tanner Zumwalt is a firm believer that “to whom much is given, much is required”. From a young age, he prioritized staying engaged, enriched, and empowered through education and stewardship, both of which have guided his life from adolescence to adulthood.

Tanner’s journey began in seventh grade when he enrolled at Visions In Education in the Home School Academy. At the time, Tanner was seeking the flexibility to pursue advanced coursework at a community college and balance a wide range of extracurricular activities, everything from triathlons to scouting.

“As a Visions student, I was able to work with some amazing educators and take advantage of a range of…learning opportunities,” said Tanner. “I enjoyed taking charge of my learning style and pace, ensuring I was able to stay challenged and engaged throughout high school.”

From piano lessons to volunteer work to community college classes, Tanner’s head-start, hands-on approach to education was bolstered by Visions’ structure and staff.

“During my time at Visions, I was blessed with some phenomenal teachers and faculty. The amazing Donelle O’Brien was my teacher for most of my time at Visions—she taught me to love education and fueled a spark for learning that extended well beyond her years as my teacher. She genuinely cared about me and would proactively reach out to connect me with extracurricular activities to ensure I was challenged and enriched beyond the classroom.”

From Student to Steward

Tanner’s teachers, as well as the resources made available by Visions, not only challenged him, encouraged his creativity, and nurtured his passion for education, but also connected him with the opportunities that propelled his post-secondary path.

After graduating early from Visions, Tanner went on to study at University of California, Davis, receiving his Bachelor’s in International Relations at the age of 18.

“As a young college student, I was able to continue cultivating the same passions that defined my experience at Visions, spanning undergraduate honors research to part-time work with the California State Assembly.”

Tanner currently holds the position of Assistant United States Attorney with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. As a federal prosecutor, he is responsible for prosecuting a wide range of crimes with a special emphasis on financial offenses. He continues to find ways to seek adventure, challenge, and the opportunity to give back to his country while honoring Visions as the foundation for his success.

“Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed with some amazing opportunities, from my phenomenal education at Visions to my legal career and beyond,” Tanner shared. “Visions empowered me to take ownership of my education and seek out learning in unexpected places. I had the unique privilege of ‘choosing my own adventure’ throughout middle and high school—an experience that’s instilled a deep sense of self-direction, initiative, and resilience. The skills I developed during that time continue to shape and strengthen my professional journey. I’m profoundly grateful to the Visions teachers and counselors for offering a stellar, flexible education, and encouraging me to pursue my passions.”

Learning, Leadership, and Lasting Impact

In addition to his work with the Department of Justice and service in the National Guard, Tanner honors his 12-year tenure as an Army Officer by giving back to the veteran community, volunteering as an admissions coach to help servicemembers transition from the military to college.

When he’s not working, you can find Tanner hiking, swimming, and “visiting the best playgrounds Utah has to offer” with his three young boys. Ages 2-7, they are in the beginning stages of their own learning, and have an exceptional model to turn to when in need of advice.

“Take ownership of your education and boldly pursue your passions, both inside and outside the classroom,” Tanner offered. “True learning is not confined to textbooks or assignments; it thrives in curiosity, initiative, and imagination. Your teachers are not just guides but partners in your journey—ready to support, challenge, and collaborate with you. Don’t hesitate to bring them your ideas; together, you can shape an educational path that is as unique and ambitious as your potential.”

Tanner’s story truly reflects the heart of Visions’ mission – transforming learning into leadership and dreams into lasting impact – and we look forward to following along on his continued journey.

“Tanner was always a strong student, dedicated to lifelong learning,” said Tanner’s Visions teacher and 25-year employee Donelle O’Brien. “His commitment to public service, impact on law, problem solving, leadership, and persistence are exemplary, and his passion for helping the community, justice, and equity embodies the qualities to be honored for this award.”

“I’m very honored to be welcomed into the Visions Alumni Hall of Fame,” said Tanner. “This recognition is a reflection not only of my educational journey, but also of the incredible support, mentorship, and faculty that helped shape who I am today.”