
Meet the Teachers
Lori Rubel, Founder/Director/Teacher
My name is Lori Rubel, I’m originally from Missouri. I have been a teacher at heart my entire life. I used to play school even when I was a child. I organized my animals, I gave them worksheets to do and I used to organize all of my books into a library. I put them in alphabetical order with cards in the front for checkout.
My high school and college years consisted of elementary teaching. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in education for Birth-6th grade. Then I pursued a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I was awarded the Unsung Hero Award by the Missouri State Teachers Association for standing in the gap for teachers and students and fighting for what is the best practices in the school system. I taught in Missouri for 17 years. I taught first grade and K-6th grade virtual school. I was a lead teacher, mentor, president of our local teacher organization, and served on many committees.
In 2021 my husband got a new job, so my husband, daughter and I moved to Florida. I started homeschooling my daughter and began teaching elementary science at our local Academic Community Enrichment center. My intention for sharing this background is for you to know I was DEDICATED to the core while in public school. I was INVESTED during that season of my life.
But eventually, God changed my heart and my path…
My years spent in public school were very valuable. But the truth be told, my heart has longed for more. I desire to teach authentically and without limitations. I realized I could no longer teach to a test.
God has called Bloom Beautiful Academy to be a vast mission field where learning goes far beyond mandates, assessments, and standardized learning.
The dream for Bloom Beautiful Academy is to be a place where every child learns to their ability, is valued as a person, and where kids have the freedom to be children! When school, home, and community work together, we do an incredible job of preparing children to be lifelong learners, while also having productive and fulfilling lives.
Children feel safe, seen, heard and cared for when there is a positive partnership between teachers and parents/guardians. With strong lines of communication and relationships, students have increased participation, confidence, and higher levels of achievement.
Emily Higginbotham, Teacher
My name is Emily Higginbotham, I am so excited to work with the kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade students at Bloom Beautiful Academy.
I am a Titusville native and completed my B.S. in Elementary Education at UCF. After college, I spent some time as a substitute teacher, working mostly with high school aged exceptional education students. In 2012, I began my teaching career. For 6 years I proudly taught kindergarten and 2nd grade for Brevard and Orange County Public Schools. In 2018, I became a stay-at-home/homeschool mom to my son, Amos.
I have always enjoyed working with and teaching children. I am very thankful for my time in public school and loved each child I taught, but I came to learn that teaching children is much more than standards and data. A child's learning journey begins the day they are born, each with their own unique strengths and struggles. Being a part of those moments of hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments is the most rewarding feeling. I love celebrating each success as well as building trust and understanding through mistakes. I am always looking for the teachable moments to bring lessons into real life application.
I feel teachers are called to not only educate, but to love, guide and protect children as Christ did. The opportunity to be a part of this school community that allows each student to bloom when they are ready, and aide in their relationship with our Lord, is a prayer answered.
Mrs. Alana, Teacher
Mrs. Alana has a bachelor's in elementary education and is certified through the state of Florida. She specializes in teaching with arts integration- specifically dance and drama.
She has taught dance for 8 years and directed several productions, including the Nutcracker ballet. Last year she taught performing arts at Bloom and directed "Christmas Around the World" and "The Wizard of Oz". She is so excited for her own class this year. Her favorite parts of teaching are read alouds, social studies, and any type of game she can incorporate.
Jason Wright, Teacher
I currently serve as Youth Pastor at Crossroads Community Church of God in Titusville, and I have for 23 years. I previously served as a youth pastor in Cleveland, TN, for 2.5 years. I love God, I love my family, and I seek to serve His kingdom.
I love growing the kingdom of God, woodworking, and teaching. I have discovered that the greatest learning comes from making mistakes, asking for help, and continuing to practice.
I have worked in education as a one-on-one assistant for students with ASD, instructional assistant to all core subjects, and instructional assistant in social personal skills for 11.5 years. I have taught algebra 1, geometry, and ESE for 7.5 years, all at Titusville High School.
I look forward to my new classes here at Bloom Beautiful Academy.
Our Mission
The mission of Bloom Beautiful Academy is to educate the whole child in a small setting, so they have the best opportunity to learn, grow, and bloom.
Julie Jack, Teaching Assistant
My name is Julie Jack. I am a mom to three children, one of which attends BBA.
I attended the University of Central Florida and received a Master's Degree in Public Administration. I currently work with my husband as a clerk/secretary for Orlando Painters, LLC.
It is my desire to focus on understanding the child as an individual to help me understand their concerns and address them accordingly.
Through all aspects of the day with the children at Bloom Beautiful Academy, I will help each child practice kindness, love, and patience.
I love to work with children, and I love to help them learn new things. I am excited to work with the Pre-K students and being able to assist with the K-2 Math and Language Arts rotation!
God is good always and I feel him daily. Even in hard times He always stands by my side, there's no better feeling than this. I am blessed.
Kimberly Bascle, Administrative Assistant/Teacher
My name is Kimberly Bascle and I am so grateful and honored to be an Administrative Assistant at Bloom Beautiful Academy. I have a bachelors degree in Exceptional Student Education from University of Central Florida and a masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. My background in both education and mental health, along with my experience as a mom, has made me passionate about the need for a personalized approach to education that nurtures children both academically and emotionally.
I am a proud Mom of two amazing kids. My 16 year old daughter is going into her senior year in high school and my 11 year old son is thriving right here at Bloom Beautiful Academy. I also have two wonderful bonus sons- one is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, and the other is currently attending the University of Florida.
Being both a team member and a parent at Bloom Beautiful Academy gives me a unique perspective and even greater appreciation for the incredible work they do. It is a joy to be a part of a team that puts students first and creates an environment where every child can thrive!
Greta Poweska, Teacher
The youngest of five, with numerous nieces and nephews almost her age, Mrs. Poweska has always been around children and has always loved teaching. She got her first “real” paid job as a teaching assistant in a Pre-K classroom when she was just 12 years old!
Almost thirty years later, she continues to teach and, over the last thirty years, has taught in a variety of environments, including in hospitals, behavioral schools, and private and public schools.
Mrs. Poweska is married and has six children, all of whom have been homeschooled. Her oldest graduated college with her Bachelor’s Degree at just nineteen! Two of her other children started college at just fourteen and sixteen years old.
Mrs. Poweska believes in life-long learning and is attending classes in pursuit of a Master’s Degree in special education. She, especially, loves working with special needs students and
students who struggle with reading, however enjoys working with all grades, ages, and abilities as “each classroom comes with a unique set of strengths and challenges.”
While at home, Mrs. Poweska enjoys planning curriculum and classroom projects, attending college classes, gardening, writing, and traveling with her husband and their three children that are still at home.
A committed Christ-follower, she strives to “let all she does be done in love” and prays daily Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing unto You, oh Lord my Strength and my Redeemer.”
It’s going to be a great year!
Cheyenne Wisdom, Teacher
Hi! My name is Cheyenne Wisdom, and I’m beyond excited to be stepping into the classroom as an early childhood educator. I bring over 10 years of experience working with children and families, with a strong background in behavioral support and extensive experience working with children on the autism spectrum. Prior to teaching, I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician while pursuing my bachelors in psychology at Capella University.
I’m also a proud mom of two wonderful children . I have a son who is 12 and a daughter who is 2 1/2. Being a mother has shaped the way I approach teaching, with empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of how every child grows and learns differently.
In my classroom, I aim to create a warm, inclusive, and structured environment where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore and thrive. I believe in meeting children where they are and helping them build confidence, independence, and a love for learning.
Outside of school, I enjoy family time, being outdoors, and finding creative ways to make everyday moments meaningful and memorable. I look forward to being a part of this school community and can’t wait for a great school year ahead!
Are You Ready To Take The Next Step?
Complete our quick interest form to make sure our learning environment is the perfect fit for your child’s needs and your family’s vision.