Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and brings over 20 years of experience as an educator. Her career has included classroom teaching across multiple grade levels, including Kindergarten at Vero Beach Academy and over 10 years of coaching experience. Prior to joining the VBA family, she served as a math coach in the public school system, where she supported curriculum development and teacher training.

As the Co-op Administrator at Vero Beach Academy, Mrs. Lecher is committed to enhancing instructional practices in curriculum and instruction. She plays a vital role in coaching teachers, mentoring students, and guiding parents to ensure a successful homeschooling partnership. Her leadership helps foster a collaborative, student-centered environment where learning can flourish.

VBA is excited to welcome Macayla Mondragon back for her third year as our Elementary Support Specialist. In this role, she partners closely with our At Home Learning families while providing valuable support to classroom teachers, home educators, and the VBA administrative team.

Mrs. Mondragon is a certified educator for Kindergarten through 6th grade and brings 20 years of experience in elementary education. Her diverse teaching background includes multiple grade levels, international teaching experience in Honduras, and previous service at VBA as both a 2nd and 5th grade teacher.

Passionate about helping students discover their unique strengths and God-given potential, Macayla is dedicated to supporting both students and families throughout their educational journey. Through encouragement, collaboration, and a heart for service, she strives to help every child build confidence, achieve success, and thrive in a Christ-centered learning environment.

Chris joins the VBA family as a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and a seasoned educator with 31 years of experience. Throughout his career, he has served as a teacher, guidance resource specialist, and administrator. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Disorders and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida.

Mr. Doty's passion for supporting students has been recognized across the community. He is a three‑time nominee for the Champion for Children Award and received this prestigious honor in 2017. With extensive experience working with learners of all ages and abilities, His leadership was further acknowledged when he was named Principal of the Year for the 2016–17 school year.

Chris looks forward to working with the students and staff at VBA and is excited to contribute to a supportive, engaging, and growth‑centered community.

Kelly is a strong advocate for the hybrid model of education and has been homeschooling her children through Vero Beach Academy since its founding. Before joining the VBA staff, she was a long-time volunteer and also worked with Indian River Habitat for Humanity, bringing valuable experience in nonprofit operations and community engagement.

Ms. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. At VBA, she plays a key role in onboarding new students and families, coordinating field trips, and ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly.

Mrs. Bev Karas brings over 25 years of teaching experience to Vero Beach Academy. For a decade, she taught at a successful hybrid/community school, equipping her with valuable insight to support both staff and parents in navigating this unique educational model.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and has been a dedicated member of Vero Beach Academy since its founding in 2015.

Known for her encouraging spirit, Mrs. Karas is passionate about helping students grow and building them up in the areas where they are developing and thriving.

Danielle Prue is a passionate and energetic educator whose goal is to challenge and engage students through hands-on learning and a nurturing, positive classroom environment. She strives to build students’ confidence and encourages them to reach their full potential. 

In VBA's PreK classroom, learning comes alive through fun, educational songs and interactive games that make each day exciting and meaningful under Mrs. Prue's leadership. Now entering her 12th year at Vero Beach Academy, she is eager to continue partnering with parents to ensure every student feels loved, safe, and motivated to learn. 

Karin is excited to return for her second year as the VBA Kindergarten teacher. She is dedicated to nurturing young learners in both academics and faith and is passionate about creating a warm, engaging, and Christ-centered learning environment. With a deep understanding of early childhood development, Karin embraces a hands-on, interactive approach that fosters curiosity, creativity, and foundational skills in kindergarten students.

Mrs. Doty joins our team with 31 years of experience in elementary education to include teacher, reading coach, and administrator.  She has a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership with certifications in elementary education, educational leadership and reading endorsement.

Karin's caring personality and sweet disposition will be the perfect fit for your new Kindergartener this year!

Nicole Seidel returns to Vero Beach Academy with over 31 years of teaching experience in upstate New York and is thrilled to be entering her fourth year at VBA, where she teaches 1st grade.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from SUNY New Paltz and her Master’s Degree in Computer Education. Nicole is certified to teach PreK through 6th grade and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the classroom.

Mrs. Seidel is excited to partner with VBA families and is committed to creating a warm, engaging learning environment. Through hands-on activities and a love of learning, she looks forward to helping her first graders grow academically, socially, and emotionally as they begin their journey toward becoming life-long learners. 

Carol David brings over 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher, reading coach, and school administrator. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. Her passion for education is rooted in helping every child develop a love of learning while growing academically, socially, and emotionally.

Mrs. David believes students learn best in a nurturing, engaging environment where hands-on experiences spark curiosity and build confidence. She is committed to providing differentiated instruction that meets the unique needs of every learner, encouraging each student to reach their full potential in a supportive classroom community.

Mrs. David is excited to lead her second-grade class through a fun-filled year of learning, growth, and discovery. She looks forward to partnering with families to create meaningful learning experiences that inspire confidence, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning.

Ashley Rebman is excited to return to Vero Beach Academy as the 3rd grade teacher. A passionate lifelong learner, she aims to inspire that same love of learning in her students—celebrating every child and their unique journey.

Ashley holds a B.S. in Primary and Elementary Education and brings 15 years of experience teaching preschool through fourth grade in Christian education settings. She has also dedicated over 20 years to volunteering in Children’s Ministry and public elementary schools.

Known for her creative, interactive lessons, Mrs. Rebman engages students in hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and deepen understanding. She values close collaboration with parents, students, and staff to build a classroom where children feel loved, supported, and excited to learn each day.

Darla joins our team as a K-6 educator with 25 years of extensive experience. As she returns as the 4th grade teacher, Darla looks forward to cultivating a welcoming classroom where students feel valued and loved.

Beyond her love for teaching, Darla is a lifelong learner who aims to ignite students' interests and foster their belief in their own intelligence and capabilities, even when faced with challenges.

Darla has been known to mentor new teachers and supports others by leading professional development. Darla is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her students and creating an environment where they feel encouraged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Brittany Soheily is excited to join the VBA team as the 5th Grade teacher.

From a young age, Brittany knew she was called to teach. She is passionate about helping students grow academically while sharing God's love and truth in a Christ-centered classroom. 

Brittany brings five years of experience teaching 5th grade and has earned her AA degree in Elementary Education. She is honored to continue her teaching journey at VBA and is grateful for the opportunity to invest in the lives of her students.

In her classroom, Brittany strives to ensure every student feels valued, confident, and capable of success. Through her creativity, enthusiasm, and experience, she is committed to providing a positive, engaging learning environment where students are challenged, supported, and equipped for a successful year.

Sandy Wright enjoyed a successful 33-year career in banking, including 14 years as a Senior Vice President. Yet, throughout her professional journey, she remained deeply passionate about teaching and education.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies from the University of Michigan. Sandy has combined her professional expertise with her love of learning by teaching financial literacy to elementary students and tutoring through a Big Sisters program. She has also mentored colleagues in writing and presentation skills during her time in the corporate world.

In recent years, Sandy has brought her passion for writing and communication into the classroom, teaching Young Journalism to 4th–6th graders and Creative Writing in Indian River County Schools. She is committed to helping students develop strong literacy skills and find their unique voices through writing. Sandy returns to VBA this year to teach 7th and 8th grade ELA. 

Kristen has been involved in education for over 20 years in public school, private school, and home education. 

She has an MAT masters degree in teaching English from Bob Jones University and has successfully graduated her 3 children from home education. 

Though she is a private tutor in ELA, she is excited to return to VBA as the 6th grade Language Arts Teacher and 7th and 8th grade Co-Teacher in ELA. 

She loves to make learning English/Grammar fun and looks forward to helping students excel in their writing and improve their grammatical skills all while helping students to grow into being discerning readers of literature. 

Amber Langlois is honored to be part of VBA. She holds a degree in Human Services with a focus on youth and families. She previously taught elementary school in the school district of Indian River County. Amber recently completed her Middle School Science (Grades 5-9) certification and is excited to share her passion for science. 

Amber’s teaching is rooted in structure, kindness, and Christ-centered values. She believes every child is uniquely created by God with incredible purpose and potential. Her goal is to create a classroom where students feel safe, encouraged, and inspired to grow. 

Amber states that she feels blessed to partner with the amazing families in the VBA co-op community. She looks forward to building lasting connections and making Science a joyful and memorable experience for each student.