Laura Joella is a native New Yorker who moved to VaHi with her husband and two daughters in June 2023. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed a baby boy–their Southern Gentleman to round out the family. 

Laura has a Bachelor of Science in Cultural Anthropology and received a dual Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special and General Education from Fordham University in NYC. 

Laura taught special education in first and second grade in New York City in a self-contained classroom. She was exposed to language and literacy-rich differentiated instruction there and became well-versed in positive behavior supports and interventions. Laura also taught pre-K on Long Island, where her daughters attended school, and she looks forward to becoming part of a community school again here at VHE. Laura is passionate about teaching and, in particular, has a deep love for early literacy education. Laura is trained in several multisensory literacy programs, such as Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading, which she pursued independently during her time off from teaching when her girls were little.

In her spare time, Laura enjoys yoga, musical theater, fashion, and travel. Most importantly, Laura is the biggest Swiftie there ever was! Every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, have fun, and have an epic dance party. Laura looks forward to joining the VHE family in the Pre-K classroom and can’t wait to shower her new students with all the love and learning they deserve!