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.
Lorraine Cappelen | Teacher
Lorraine is a retired educator who taught for Indian River County District for over 25 years. While she also taught at Vero Beach Elementary, she finished a long career at Glendale Elementary. She has taught every grade level, been a media specialist, and finished her final years as a Title I Reading teacher. She assisted K-2 struggling readers and also did enrichment groups to that grade level. Lorraine’s strength is her love for children and kind disposition! Her other passions include teaching swim lessons and volunteering at Vero Beach Elementary.
Meghan Dean | Teacher
Meghan is a graduate of Harding University, with a degree in Elementary Education. After graduating, she was a long-term substitute in Kindergarten, as well as in Special Education K-3. She and her husband then moved to St. Augustine, FL where he began physical therapy school and she taught first grade. This year, Meghan is stepping out of the classroom full-time to stay at home with their young daughter, Allyn. She loves everything about teaching, but she most enjoys equipping children with the skills to be great readers. Her goal is to foster growth and build confidence in her students. Meghan’s calm and patient demeanor, mixed in with her big heart, gives students the confidence they need to overcome any obstacle!
Heather Moffatt | Teacher
Heather Moffatt is working on her 30th year as an educator. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Worcester State College, and also holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Framingham State College in Massachusetts. She began her career teaching in Maryland and then moved back to her “home state” of Massachusetts where she taught fifth grade and worked as a Principal and Assistant Principal for several years. Five years ago, Heather moved to Florida and has spent the past few years as a teacher at Glendale Elementary. Watching students get excited about learning and show growth with their confidence and skills is her most rewarding part about being a teacher!
Donna Sarnoski | Teacher
Donna is a happily retired teacher of 38 years. She enjoyed challenging elementary students especially in the areas of reading and writing. Donna taught at Osceola, Indian River Academy, and most recently Glendale Elementary. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, Donna began her career in Vero Beach and never left. Reconnecting with students through tutoring is a wonderful way for Donna to share her knowledge and enthusiasm for learning. Watching children become excited and confident about a lesson is key to Mrs. Sarnoski’s focus.
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.