Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and brings over 18 years of experience as an elementary educator. Her career has included classroom teaching across multiple grade levels, including Kindergarten at Vero Beach Academy. 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 Administrator at Vero Beach Academy, Samantha 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.

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.

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.

Kelly 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.

VBA is excited to welcome Macayla Mondragon back to Vero Beach Academy this year as our Elementary Support Specialist. In this role, she will work closely with our “At Home Learning” families, while also 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 teaching background spans multiple grade levels—including international experience in Honduras—and she has previously taught both 2nd and 5th grade here at VBA. Passionate about helping students discover their unique strengths, Macayla is committed to guiding each learner toward success. 

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. Now entering her 11th 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 be joining the VBA family as our 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.

Karin joins our team with 30 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.

Her 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 third 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 has a deep passion for working with young learners and is committed to helping each child thrive academically and personally.

Carol uses a variety of teaching methods to meet the unique needs of her students and creates a safe, supportive environment filled with rich resources and engaging learning opportunities. Her classroom encourages curiosity, confidence, and growth.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Augustana College, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University.

Known for her ability to connect with every student, Mrs. David is a valued part of the VBA community as our 2nd grade teacher.

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 24 years of extensive experience. As she joins the VBA family, Darla looks forward to cultivating a welcoming classroom where students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential. 

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.

Outside the classroom, Darla mentors new teachers and supports others by leading professional development. As a trained Instructional Designer, she blends expertise with design principles to create engaging learning experiences. 

Shannon Wells returns to Vero Beach Academy as the 5th grade teacher, bringing her passion for education and her deep roots in the Treasure Coast community. A homeschool mom of four and the proud owner of a mini farm, Shannon loves weaving real-life experiences into her teaching to make learning meaningful and relevant.

She holds a B.S. in Exceptional Education and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Reading. Shannon is certified to teach all subjects in grades K–6 as well as Middle School English/Literature. Last year, she enjoyed teaching 6th–8th grade ELA at VBA, and she’s excited to now work with students in their final year of elementary school.

Known for her high-energy, engaging classroom, Shannon is committed to meeting students where they are and tailoring instruction to help each one succeed. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and student-centered approach make her a valuable part of the VBA teaching team.

With over 40 years of experience in education, Cathy Crosslin brings a dynamic blend of instructional expertise, administrative leadership, and real-world experience. Beginning her career in the banking industry as a corporate trainer, she transitioned into education and went on to found a bilingual community preschool that has been serving families for over 30 years.

She has worked extensively with diverse student populations across all age groups—from early childhood through adult education. Her teaching portfolio includes elementary education, adult literacy, citizenship preparation, and workplace Spanish, often in non-traditional academic settings.

Cathy is is known for her flexibility, relatability, and disciplined approach to teaching. Whether designing instructional materials or leading a classroom, she consistently creates engaging, inclusive, and effective learning experiences.

Her academic background includes an Associate of Arts from Indian River State College and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida, with a specialization in Educational Technology.

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.

Larry Hoffeditz brings over 25 years of experience teaching junior high and high school sciences, with a focus on Chemistry and Marine Science. Throughout his career, he has also taught Bible, math, and a variety of elective subjects. Larry has served in diverse educational settings, including urban, rural, inner-city, public, and Christian schools.

He holds multiple degrees: a B.S. in Natural Science, a B.A. in Biblical Education, and a B.A. in Behavioral Science. A graduate of Florida Bible College—where he later returned to teach—Larry is deeply committed to both education and ministry.

In addition to teaching, Larry has pastored two churches, served in the U.S. Army and National Guard, and is a published author. His passion lies in helping others, especially students, grow both intellectually and spiritually. He finds great joy in watching students apply their knowledge in ways that build both wisdom and godly character.

Melissa Blum grew up in Oklahoma and moved to Vero Beach in 2012. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a teacher and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern State University. With over 20 years of experience in education, Melissa brings a deep passion and dedication to her work.

Last year, Melissa led our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) program. This year, she transitions to teaching Middle School Social Studies, where she will continue to apply her hands-on, project-based learning approach to help students connect deeply with the material.

Melissa also homeschools her two daughters and cherishes the time spent learning alongside them. In addition to her work at VBA, she serves as a reading tutor and is passionate about helping students develop a love for reading. Her goal is always to make learning meaningful, engaging, and relevant to her students’ lives.