Make It

Meet the Teachers

Lori Rubel, Founder/Owner

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. 


Brett Phillippe, Teacher

My name is Brett Phillippe. I am a middle school educator who is really excited to pour into the children of Bloom Beautiful Academy! I graduated in 2014 from the University of Kansas with a B. A. in American Studies and then in 2018 received a M.A. in Christian Leadership Studies from Hope International University.

I love history and enjoy teaching history to students! I am a father to my wonderful son and a husband to my wonderful wife! I also love comic books and talking about all things movies, tv and sports! 

I am excited to have the opportunity to teach the students at Bloom Beautiful Academy!

Sloan Rawl, Teacher

My name is Sloan Rawl and I'm looking forward to working with the students at Bloom Beautiful Academy! I have a lifelong passion for learning and teaching. My prior experience ranges from elementary up to high school in a traditional classroom setting. I earned my B.A. in Speech Communications from The University of Georgia, and I hold a Florida Professional Teaching Certification in multiple grades and subject areas including Exceptional Student Education and an Endorsement in Gifted.

I believe that every person and student learns differently and I plan to approach my time in the classroom at Bloom Beautiful Academy with this philosophy. I am a proponent and advocate of a growth mindset and incorporate this philosophy into everyday learning as well as special projects for my students.

I enjoy spending time with my husband, three children, and dogs. I like to read and get outside as much as I can!

My name is Sara Sparks. I am a mother to three beautiful children. I have been a stay-at-home mom for the last 10 years. Prior to that I did in-home daycare for 3 years. In 2012, I received an associate’s degree in Drafting/Design from ITT Tech in Kansas City, Missouri.

I love working with the children at Bloom Beautiful Academy. It has been a joy to watch them grow and learn.

It is my desire to show love to each child. I desire for each child to be themselves and I want to help them learn to be respectful of all creatures and people around them.

Sara Sparks, Teaching Assistant

Julie Jack, Pre-K Teacher/ 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.