Volusia County's Premier Charter School. READING EDGE ACADEMY

Teacher Bios


Welcome to our Teacher Bio Page. From here, you can contact any Teacher member. Just click on the member's photo below for personal bio and contact information. If you cannot find the Teacher you are looking for, please contact the Academy Office for more help.

<< Team Bios


1st Grade Sabrina Bew
1st Grade Sabrina Bew
MY INSPIRATIONS: Bio to follow...
sbew@readingedgeacademy.org

1st Grade
Sabrina Bew

2nd Grade Marchelle Thomas
2nd Grade Marchelle Thomas
I am a native of Louisiana and majored in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development at Southern University. I always wanted to be a teacher and, for several years, have been teaching Kindergarten, 3rd Grade and 4th Grade students. I am married to a Pastor, and we have a daughter, Chelsea. I love teaching because it changes their lives and helps them to become fluent readers, critical thinkers, and productive citizens.
mthomas@readingedgeacademy.org

2nd Grade
Marchelle Thomas

3rd Grade Darlene Gravenmier
3rd Grade Darlene Gravenmier
I arrived in sunny Florida from the hills of Tennessee in 1975, met my future husband, married in 1979, and have three grown children, one of whom is a teacher. We have three beautiful granddaughters, Briana 12, Lexi 11, and Aayla 3. Since fourth grade I knew I wanted to be a teacher, because I loved my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Pettit. She was kind and a great teacher! She always had time for me even with all of her duties. I wrote her in the 90's to let her know the positive impact she had in my life, and she was honored. I earned my bachelors of science degree from UCF in elementary education in 1995, and returned to NSU to earn my masters of science in reading in 2007. I love skating, reading, and being actively involved in my local church in drama, and the children's and women's ministry.
dgravenmier@readingedgeacademy.org

3rd Grade
Darlene Gravenmier

3rd Grade Christina Carr
3rd Grade Christina Carr
This will be my first year at Reading Edge Academy. I graduated from UCF in 2007 with a degree in Elementary Education. I taught A K-1 class last year at Discovery Academy and this will be my second year teaching. I love children and I am extremely excited about this year! Outside of the classroom, I enjoy being outside, around family and friends, and football (Go Steelers!).
ccarr@readingedgeacademy.org

3rd Grade
Christina Carr

4th Grade Patricia Angel
4th Grade Patricia Angel
I am excited to be teaching at Reading Edge Academy! I earned my bachelor's degree at Stetson University in 2004 and taught 4th grade at Orange City Elementary for three years. As a teacher, please know that I have all of your children's best interests at heart at all times. I love teaching and being a part of their lives. My family has lived in the Orange City area for 26 years - I even attended DeLand High School. Together, my husband (also a teacher) and I have seven children and three grandchildren. We love to spend time with our family, go camping, and watch all the new movies when they hit the theaters!
pangel@readingedgeacademy.org

4th Grade
Patricia Angel

5th Grade Laura Getchell
5th Grade Laura Getchell
My goal as a teacher at the REA is to create a classroom atmosphere where each child will meet their academic potential and that I can model and inspire learning so each child will enjoy a positive learning experience.
lgetchell@readingedgeacademy.org

5th Grade
Laura Getchell

Art Anne Lowery
Art Anne Lowery
MY INSPIRATIONS: Bio to follow...
alowery@readingedgeacademy.org

Art
Anne Lowery

Kindergarten Lisa Toland
Kindergarten Lisa Toland
MY INSPIRATIONS: Bio to follow...
ltoland@readingedgeacademy.org

Kindergarten
Lisa Toland

Kindergarten Heather Weiss
Kindergarten Heather Weiss
Hi, everyone! I am Heather Nicole Weiss, and this is my third year as a Kindergarten teacher at Reading Edge Academy. I have a Bachelors degree in Humanities with a minor in Education (Fall 2005) and an M.A. in Elementary Education (Spring 2009), both of which were attained from The University of Central Florida (GO KNIGHTS!) I love to teach! It's my passion and greatest calling in life. I have been married to my amazing husband, Billy, since May 11, 2008. When I am not teaching, you can find me at the beach, sewing/crafting/scrapbooking at my craft table, cheering on the Knights at UCF sporting events, and traveling to various places around the world!
hreilly@readingedgeacademy.org

Kindergarten
Heather Weiss

Kindergarten Jason LaCertosa
Kindergarten Jason LaCertosa
This is my first year at Reading Edge Academy. I recently moved to Volusia County from New York. I received my Bachelors from Dowling College in Elementary Education as well as my Masters in Special Education. If I am not teaching, then you can see me Barrel Racing my horses, working out or playing with my puppies. I am very excited to start the 2009-2010 school year. "YEEE HAW"
jlacertosa@readingedgeacademy.org

Kindergarten
Jason LaCertosa

Music/Movement Shavonne Burr
Music/Movement Shavonne Burr
MY INSPIRATIONS: My faith in God. My Husband, Kevin - my children: Kyrsten, Alexis, Mykaela, Colleen, and Mary - and sharing my love of music with children.
sburr@readingedgeacademy.org

Music/Movement
Shavonne Burr

PE Keith Asmussen
PE Keith Asmussen
I grew up in a small city in Massachusetts. After High School I moved to Florida to attend college in Tampa at the University of South Florida. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree and was hired by Reading Edge that same year to teach Physical Education. 12 years later I am still dedicated to our students health and overall well being. My family inspires me to be the best person that I can be. My wife and I have a boy and a girl ages 3 and 5. With any free time I enjoy golfing, swimming, and traveling!
kasmussen@readingedgeacademy.org

PE
Keith Asmussen

Reading Coach Deborah Smoak
Reading Coach Deborah Smoak
I would like to introduce myself to you - I am Deborah Smoak - a native Floridian who loves the "warm" weather. I have been blessed with a total of thirteen children - big and little. I have grown children who married three wonderful people who have become mine and make up my BIG children. Together, they have given me seven fantastic grandchildren. My oldest grandchild is a senior this year and looking toward college and my youngest is a new baby born in March of 2009. Education has always been important to me. I began teaching preschool in the early 70's and have had the opportunity to teach every level from preschool to 12th grade as well as the community college level. These experiences have convinced me that any child can learn if I, as the teacher, will teach to his/her needs. My credentials include a degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Stetson University, a Master's in Education from Belhaven College, and certifications in multiple learning strategies and styles. I was included in the Volusia League of Teachers in 1992 and have been an assessor for the National Board of Professional Teaching Certification since 2000. I believe we all have a gift or calling from our creator and mine is to teach. I know that I am doing what I was put here to do and I thank God for allowing me to come to Reading Edge and Samsula Academy as this year's Reading Coach.
dsmoak@readingedgeacademy.org

Reading Coach
Deborah Smoak

Speech Sandra Kent
Speech Sandra Kent
MY INSPIRATIONS: Bio to follow...
skent@readingedgeacademy.org

Speech
Sandra Kent