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Carillon Academy crestCarillon AcademyBon Air, Virginia

Faculty

Small by design, so every child is known.

Our team combines special education credentials, reading intervention expertise and the patience that only comes from genuinely liking children.

Ms. Rebekah Goemaat, Director

Director

Ms. Rebekah Goemaat

Rebekah began her career in social work in 1997 and moved into education in 2004 as a preschool director in Knoxville, Tennessee. After moving to Virginia she earned her teaching license in Special Education and taught students with autism and intellectual disabilities in Hampton, Richmond City and Henrico County Public Schools for 14 years.

She completed a master’s degree in creative writing in 2014 and later became certified in K–12 English. While teaching in Henrico she trained in Orton-Gillingham-based reading instruction and built a reading intervention program for special education students at Virginia Randolph Education Center.

In 2022 she founded Wirdsmith Tutoring, teaching Orton-Gillingham-based reading to neurodiverse students. That work grew into Carillon Academy.

Ms. Colleen Nowell, Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher

Ms. Colleen Nowell

Colleen holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Special Education and a master’s in Special Education, both from Longwood College, plus a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Administration and Supervision from Cambridge College.

Her Virginia endorsements include Administration and Supervision (PreK–12), Emotional Disturbance (K–12), Intellectual Disabilities (K–12) and Specific Learning Disabilities (K–12). After nine years at the elementary and secondary levels, she brings deep experience in co-teaching and specialized instruction to Carillon.

Ms. Nadia Bergeson, Educational Assistant

Educational Assistant

Ms. Nadia Bergeson

Nadia brings experience as an early childhood educator, swim coach and youth leader. She draws on her own childhood as a microschool student to bring joy to her work, inspiring students with music, writing, art and the outdoors.

She approaches teaching with an outgoing, patient and enthusiastic attitude, and believes the key to a good day is meeting challenges with a smile.

Occupational therapy partnership

Becky Balog of Adapt & Grow provides optional weekly occupational therapy on campus, with student goals woven into the school day.

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