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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Keyshawn Parker
Math Grades 6-8
Keyshawn Parker is a proud graduate of Newport News and a certified sixth-grade math teacher who has dedicated his career to inspiring young minds. He holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, complemented by a business minor, from Virginia Commonwealth University. Beyond the classroom, Keyshawn actively volunteers with the Men of Valor at his church, where he fosters community engagement, and he also contributes his time to a summer reading program at Grissom Library, helping children develop a love for literature. With a vibrant passion for making learning not just educational but also enjoyable, he continually discovers innovative and creative ways to engage all students in their educational journeys.
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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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Haridurga Guduru
Math Grades 6-8
Haridurga comes with extensive and significant experience in providing personalized instruction to students of all academic levels and backgrounds. She has a unique ability to simplify even the most complex mathematical concepts, transforming them into easily digestible lessons, and she skillfully adapts her teaching methods based on the diverse individual learning styles of her students. She holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from the esteemed Anna University in India, which adds to her robust understanding of mathematical principles. Previously, she instructed math at Narayana Junior College in Chennai, India, where she honed her teaching skills. More recently, she has served as a dedicated math tutor within the Newport News School System, where she has been instrumental in assisting students in grasping and mastering important mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, and calculus.
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Angela Goerger
Reading Specialist
Angela has extensive and diverse teaching experience accumulated over many years in both private and public elementary schools, and she currently serves as a dedicated and passionate reading specialist at Asbury Elementary School. She proudly holds a Virginia Teaching License, complete with a reading specialist endorsement, which beautifully underscores her unwavering commitment to fostering both literacy and a love for learning among her students. Angela skillfully tailors her reading instruction to meet the unique needs of each of her students while continuously monitoring their progress to ensure ongoing and meaningful success in their literacy journeys. She received her master’s degree in education from Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, VA. Additionally, Angela holds a Bachelor's of Science degree with a minor in Child Psychology from Christopher Newport University, which further enhances her understanding of the developmental needs of her young learners.
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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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Stacey Erwin
Gifted and Advanced Learners
Stacey is an incredibly energetic and passionate teacher who brings a wide range of experience with a diverse array of students to the table. She has taught elementary school in both Norfolk and Hampton, developing a special knack for effectively engaging and inspiring high achievers to reach their full potential. Currently, she is ambitiously pursuing a Doctorate in Education, specifically focused on Organizational Leadership, which highlights her commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in education. Stacey also holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with a particular emphasis on Instructional Technology, and is a fully certified teacher, proudly licensed in both Virginia and Colorado. Additionally, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Inclusive Elementary Education from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, where she attained endorsements in Special Education and English Language Learning. Her diverse and extensive educational background undoubtedly makes her an invaluable asset for our students at Blooming Minds Tutoring.
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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.
