Welcome to Blooming Minds Tutoring
We are educators passionate about helping ALL students succeed. Our story has grown from seeing the tremendous educational needs and academic gaps children face daily. Students who struggle to keep up academically, students who struggle to stay interested and focused, and students who need individual help beyond regular school. We are focused on celebrating diversity, having FUN, and getting students involved in their educational journey. We strive to find effective solutions for every child. Our teachers are dedicated to showing every child that YES they can learn. We believe in making the process of learning a gift for everyone.
Meet the Educators!
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Andrea DeRubba
Owner, Reading Specialist
Andrea heads up operations for Blooming Minds Tutoring, but that does not stop her from doing what she loves the most, working with students. Andrea holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with certification to teach Pre-K through 6th Grade. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Literacy Instruction with a Reading Specialist Endorsement. Andrea has worked as an educator and tutor in Virginia for over 20 years, in districts including Virginia Beach City Schools, Norfolk Public Schools, Northampton County Public Schools, York County Schools, and Poquoson City Public Schools, servicing grades Pre-k -6TH. With experience in LETRS, Wilson Reading, structured literacy approaches, and multisensory techniques, Andrea spends much of her time focusing on building confident and successful readers and writers. Her fun teaching techniques and connections with her students allow them to flourish and grow.
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Travis Cobb
Reading and Math
Travis brings over six years of vibrant 4th-grade teaching experience from Montgomery County Public Schools, where he embraced a diverse classroom full of English Language Learners, students with special needs, and gifted learners. His magic lies in creating an engaging, inclusive space where every learner feels seen and valued.
Equipped with a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in History with a Minor in Childhood Studies from Christopher Newport University, Travis is dedicated to making learning meaningful. He shines by helping students build confidence and embrace their unique strengths.
Travis lives by the belief that every child deserves to feel successful and supported. His tutoring approach meets learners exactly where they are, unlocking their full potential with personalized, engaging, and adaptive learning experiences.
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Aileen Aronson
Math and Literacy Tutor Grade K-5
Aileen brings an impressive wealth of experience gained through her extensive work in the surrounding school systems. She proudly holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and boasts an impressive 20 years of IT expertise dedicated to serving Hampton Public Schools. It was during her time in these schools that she discovered her passion for supporting and helping children flourish, ultimately leading her to become an academic tutor specifically focused on elementary students in grades K-5. Recently, she had the rewarding opportunity to serve as an academic tutor for the York County School System, where she spent valuable time engaging with various groups of children, accelerating their learning journeys and nurturing in them a lasting love for education.
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Laura Santaspirt
Math and Reading
Passionate and dedicated educator, Laura, brings over 5 years of enriching and impactful experience within York County Schools, expertly teaching in various elementary grade levels. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and History from Rowan University (2008), complemented by specialized and comprehensive training in LETRS literacy methods designed to elevate and transform reading instruction. Laura is highly skilled in supporting a wide and diverse range of learners—including English language learners, gifted students, and those with special needs—through personalized, engaging, and hands-on lessons that ignite both academic growth and self-confidence. Currently, she is inspiring 5th graders at Tabb Elementary with her playful, inclusive approach that fosters meaningful, joyful, and memorable learning experiences for every individual student.
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Audrey Joyner
Math Specialist
Audrey is a truly dedicated mathematics and special education teacher with extensive and varied experience in her field. She thoughtfully creates individualized lesson plans designed to meet the diverse learning needs of her students. With an M.S.Ed. in Elementary Education, specializing as a Mathematics Specialist for grades PK-8, along with a B.S. in Special Education with a concentration in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University, she excels in supporting students with cognitive disabilities. Over the past five years, Audrey has gained invaluable experience as a Special Education teacher in York County and currently serves as a Math Specialist at Berkeley Middle School for the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, where she inspires students daily.
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Elesa Fouche
Reading Grades K-3
Elesa is a dynamic and passionate educator with an impressive 11 years of diverse teaching experience, which includes over 4 enriching years spent working internationally. She is wholeheartedly committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that nurtures the unique potential of every single student. Renowned for her exceptional adaptability and innovative positive reinforcement techniques, she encourages student growth and development while fostering strong, trusting relationships with both her students and their parents. Elesa proudly holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction with a specialization in Bilingual Education from the University of Texas, along with a B.S. in Elementary & Kindergarten Education from Pennsylvania State University. She is also certified with a Virginia Teaching License, covering grades Pre-K through 6. Currently, she is happily serving as a dedicated 2nd Grade Teacher at Newsome Park Elementary School in Newport News Public Schools, where she continues to inspire young learners every day.
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Barbara Sylvia
Speech and Language, Reading and Math Tutor
Barbara brings years of experience and dedication to the field of education. With over four years as a private tutor and her current role as an instructor at the Kumon Math and Reading Center for over ten years, she is passionate about helping students unlock their potential in both reading and math. Barbara previously served as a speech-language pathologist with Newport News Public Schools, where she assessed, diagnosed, and provided intervention for students with speech and language challenges. She holds a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology and has worked with students from preschool through high school. Her greatest passion lies in working with preschool-aged children, particularly those who are nonverbal or have communication delays. She has extensive experience developing individualized communication systems for children with a range of needs, including those with developmental delays, hearing impairments, brain injuries, and autism. Barbara’s compassionate approach and deep expertise make her a valuable guide on each student’s learning journey.
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Susan Kramer
Reading and Math Grades K-3
Sue is a highly adaptable and passionate teacher. Throughout her fulfilling career, she has taken on various roles and grade levels, which helps her understand and meet the unique needs of children. She is dedicated to supporting special education and works hard to assist students who need it most. Her students and their families greatly benefit from her commitment to their success and well-being. In her 17 years in public education, she has positively impacted many lives, built strong relationships with families, and watched her students grow into confident adults. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Oswego. Currently, she holds a Virginia Postgraduate Professional License in Elementary Education (PreK-6), Special Education - Adapted Curriculum (K-12), and Special Education - General Curriculum (K-12). Recently, she has been teaching in the York County school system.
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Rickki Dozier
Reading
Rickki is a dedicated and enthusiastic Middle School English Language Arts teacher with a genuine passion for creating inclusive, dynamic, and engaging classrooms that inspire and uplift every single student. She proudly holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Elizabeth City State University, along with an advanced Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership from Strayer University. With a wealth of valuable experience in both general and special education settings— including hands-on co-teaching roles in math and English—she actively collaborates with specialists and support staff to thoughtfully address and meet the unique needs of diverse learners. Rickki’s teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in a firm commitment to nurturing student growth, fostering teamwork, and consistently delivering meaningful, impactful, and transformative instruction.
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Tosha Powell
Reading
Tosha is a highly experienced and dedicated educator currently serving as a Substitute Teacher in Hampton Public Schools. She specializes in crafting effective lesson plans, providing strong instructional leadership, and fostering collaborative teaching environments across a variety of subjects, including literacy, math, science, and history. With a valuable background as a Special Education Teacher in Isle of Wight County Schools, she brings a deep commitment to inclusive practices and expertly differentiates instruction to meet the diverse needs of all students. Tosha holds a B.S. degree in Human Services from Colorado Technical University and is actively completing her M.S. in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Her teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that student-centered learning, team collaboration, and consistent academic growth are essential for all learners to thrive.