About Vero Reading Garden
Our Mission, Founder and TeachersGarden’s Concept
Reading and writing is our focus for children grades Pre-K through 3rd grade. Private and group tutoring sessions available. The Vero Reading Garden gives children the tools necessary to tap into that natural desire. Whether your child is struggling with reading, or you simply want to keep your child challenged, Vero Reading Garden can guide your child towards managing those challenges and teachable moments. Phonics is not the core of reading, but rather a component. Here at Vero Reading Garden, the focus is on the child. While focusing on each child’s interests, reading and writing is taught. The main components are phonological awareness, concepts of print, phonics, comprehension, word work, syllable segmentation, and much more! A holistic approach is used that is both developmentally appropriate and interesting to the child. You will be amazed at your child’s growth and eagerness to improve. Vero Reading Garden is a place where both parents and children delight!
Heather Reeb | Program Director
Ms. Reeb, program director and founder of Vero Reading Garden is an early childhood educator who is state certified and holds a Master’s degree in Education. With over 25 years of experience, you can be sure that your child is getting the best support that every early reader needs.
Melissa Blum | Teacher
Melissa is a graduate of Northeastern State University, with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has always wanted to teach, and began working in childcare at the age of 16. She followed that passion through college, and began teaching at Indian River Academy. She has taught all ages from birth to second grade, and has worked at Indian River Academy, Christ Church Academy and Glendale Christian School. She loves reading and is excited to help students find the joy in reading.
Julie Dossantos | Teacher
Julie is a certified teacher with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and is Reading Endorsed. She has experience teaching both primary and elementary grades and spent nine years at Glendale Elementary, where she was a top five finalist for the 2020 Teacher of the Year award in the School District of Indian River County. Before teaching in our local public school system, Julie was the storyteller for many years at the Vero Beach Book Center, reading stories and singing interactive songs with young children and their families each week.
Julie has a passion for helping students grow as readers and thinkers. She truly enjoys guiding children to make meaningful connections to texts and stories. As an avid reader herself, Julie believes there is a perfect book for every child and loves helping students discover the joy of reading. With her experience, dedication, and nurturing approach, she creates a positive learning environment where students build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Dianne Hughes | Teacher
Dianne has ten years of teaching experience. From teaching in the kindergarten, 1st, and 3rd grade classrooms, to guiding students as a Reading Interventionist, Diane offers a multitude of skills to her students. Currently, she is a School Assessment Coordinator and also offers private and group lessons to Vero Reading Garden students during the afternoons and weekends!
Langston Scott
Grades 6th-12th (ZOOM)
All Subjects + SAT/ACT Test Prep
I am currently an undergraduate on the premedical path at the University of Florida. I have 3 years of tutoring experience in subjects ranging from mathematics to the sciences to reading comprehension and writing. I love to learn almost as much as I love to teach, and it is my personal promise to do everything I can to assist you or your child in achieving educational success.
Ashley Trimm | Teacher
Mrs. Ashley Trimm is a bubbly, kind, and amazing teacher with 15 years of teaching experience in third through fifth grade. After graduating from University of Central Florida, she came back to Indian River County and has taught at Osceola Magnet Elementary, Liberty Magnet Elementary, and is currently working as a third grade teacher at Citrus Elementary. She brings a ton of knowledge to the team! Mrs. Trimm works with students in grades 3-5 (group, private, and virtual sessions). Creating an encouraging atmosphere of confidence and success is her specialty! Students leave her sessions feeling more in tune with reading strategies that they can carry with them into their classrooms.