Ms. Rebekah, Director
Rebekah Goemaat began her career in social work in 1997 and transitioned to education in 2004 when she became a preschool director in Knoxville, Tennessee. After moving to Virginia, she received 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 obtained a master’s degree in creative writing in 2014, and later was certified in K-12 English Education. While teaching in Henrico, she trained in Orton-Gillingham-based reading instruction and implemented a Reading Intervention program for special education students at Virginia Randolph Education Center. Rebekah founded Wirdsmith Tutoring in 2022, specializing in teaching Orton-Gillingham-based reading to neurodiverse students.
Ms. Colleen, Lead Teacher
Colleen Nowell brings a diverse background in both classroom teaching and educational leadership to our school. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Special Education from Longwood College, a Master’s in Special Education from Longwood College, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Administration and Supervision from Cambridge College. Her current Virginia endorsements include Administration and Supervision (PreK-12), Emotional Disturbance (K-12), Intellectual Disabilities (K-12), and Specific Learning Disabilities (K-12). With nine years’ experience at both the elementary and secondary levels and a deep commitment to student success, Colleen is thrilled to bring her extensive background in co-teaching and specialized instruction to our community this year to help every student thrive.
Ms. Nadia, Educational Assistant
Nadia Bergeson brings her prior experience as an early childhood educator, a swim coach, and a youth leader to her work with students. She is passionate about teaching and draws upon her own childhood experience as a microschool student to bring joyful learning to her work at Carillon Academy, inspiring students with her love of music, writing, art, and the outdoors. Nadia approaches teaching with an outgoing, patient, and enthusiastic attitude. She believes that the key to having a successful day is to embrace challenges with a smile and positivity.
About Carillon Academy
Carillon Academy (formerly Wirdsmith Academy) was born when tutoring families expressed frustration with the struggles their neurodiverse children were having in traditional education systems. In 2024, together with four families, Rebekah transformed her home into a learning community to provide half-day reading and math instruction. In 2025, the program expanded to full-day and enrolled eight students.
Carillon Academy is located in Bon Air, Virginia.