Return to Blog

Building Healthy Habits with Cascade Virtual Academy Teacher Alexandra Bustillos

Guidance & SupportStories & Spotlights
A photo of a white woman with brown hair in a pony tail. She is wearing glasses and a school t-shirt. This is Alexandra Bustillos.

At Cascade Virtual Academy (CVA), middle school students benefit from teachers who not only guide their academic growth but also support their personal development and overall wellbeing. One such teacher is Alexandra Bustillos, who has been with CVA for nearly five years.

Dual Roles: PE & Health Teacher and Onboarding Support Specialist

Ms. Bustillos wears two important hats at the school; she is a dedicated middle school Physical Education and Health teacher, and the Onboarding Support Specialist for middle school families. Her roles allow her to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives from the moment they join the school community and throughout their journey in middle school.

Teaching Physical Education in a Virtual Setting

While Physical Education is a class often associated with gyms, playgrounds, and sports fields, in a virtual learning environment a bit of creativity is required.

Luckily, Ms. Bustillos teaches middle school Physical Education and Health with the passion of someone who believes wellness is a lifelong pursuit and teaching it creatively to her online students comes easily to her. Each grade level participates in a live virtual Physical Education class once a week, creating opportunities for students to stay engaged, connected, and motivated. Outside of class, her students are responsible for logging their activities to meet state requirements, which mandate 225 minutes (about 3 hours and 45 mins) of physical activity each week. Ms. Bustillos emphasizes not just numbers, but the importance of cultivating healthy habits.

She views Physical Education as far more than a subject, for her it’s a way to help students build tools for a healthier, longer life. She hopes that the lessons she teaches today will inspire her students to make wellness a priority for themselves and, in time, for the generations that follow.

Health, which she also teaches, offers students a different but equally important perspective. The course is asynchronous and only one semester long, but it introduces students to concepts they will use throughout their lives. From understanding nutrition to the impact of technology on mental and physical health, Ms. Bustillos designs her classes to spark curiosity and encourage personal responsibility.

Her background spanning an associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance, a bachelor’s degree in business management, and a master’s degree in education, gives her a multifaceted understanding of how health and education intersect, and she brings that insight into every lesson she prepares.

On the right of the photo is Alexandra Bustillos outside, wearing sunglasses, a hat, and holding a baby goat. On the right side are photos of two elementary age children also holding baby goats.

Building Trust and Long-Term Relationships

While her classroom role is central, Ms. Bustillos’ contributions to CVA extend well beyond her work as a teacher. As the Onboarding Support Specialist for middle school, she is one of the first points of contact for new families after their enrollment is complete.

Starting school in an online environment can be both exciting and overwhelming, and Ms. Bustillos works to ensure that every family feels supported and confident. She runs orientations for students who join late, which happens about every other week throughout the school year, helping them acclimatize to the virtual platform, sets expectations for success, and provides the encouragement needed to start strong.

Because Ms. Bustillos serves in both teaching and onboarding roles, families often see her as a steady, trusted resource throughout their time in middle school. She values the opportunity to build these ongoing relationships and frequently hears from families who reach back out to her with questions or guidance long after their orientation has ended. It’s a responsibility she does not take lightly, and she considers it a privilege to be someone whose families can count on during such formative years.

Championing Wellness Beyond the Classroom

Ms. Bustillos’ commitment to health and education stretches beyond the virtual classroom. Since beginning her teaching career in 2015, she has been passionate about combating the challenges of a society increasingly dominated by technology and sedentary habits. She believes that Physical Education is a powerful tool for reversing these trends and preparing students to lead healthier lives.

She lives this philosophy at home as well, coaching her sons in a variety of sports, from soccer and flag football to basketball and baseball. Currently, she coaches her youngest son’s baseball travel team alongside supporting her oldest son’s high school baseball journey. For fun, she and her family enjoy caring for their chickens and goats, which adds another layer of activity and balance to their busy lives.

Reflecting on her time with CVA, Ms. Bustillos expresses gratitude for the balance her position provides. The role allows her to manage her professional calling with her personal life, fitting seamlessly into her family’s active schedule. More importantly, it enables her to make a lasting impact on students both academically and personally.

For Ms. Bustillos, teaching Physical Education and Health is not just about weekly logs or live classes; it is about instilling values of wellness, perseverance, and lifelong learning. As an Onboarding Support Specialist, it is about creating a welcoming environment where every new student and family feels seen, supported, and ready to thrive.

Back to Blog