Wellington’s Dr. Evangeline Aguirre Honored As Teacher Of The Year

Palm Beach Central High School teacher Dr. Evangeline Aguirre got the surprise of her life recently when Palm Beach County School Superintendent Dr. Robert Avossa, Palm Beach County School Board Chairman Chuck Shaw and School Board Member Marcia Andrews showed up at her school to honor her as the county’s teacher of the year.

“I was shocked. I was totally shocked,” Aguirre said of the Tuesday, Feb. 28 surprise. “When my assistant principal got me from the classroom, she said I was attending an emergency meeting.”

Looking around, she thought, “This seems serious.”

And it was. She was receiving a serious recognition. Aguirre was chosen from more than 13,000 teachers in the Palm Beach County School District for the recognition and will represent the district in statewide competition.

Also on hand for the big surprise was PBCHS Principal Darren Edgecomb and Aguirre’s husband, Stan Crooks, as well as dozens of her students and faculty colleagues. Aguirre specializes in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and has been at Palm Beach Central for nine years.

“It was an overwhelming emotion, but more than anything else, it’s a humbling, humbling experience,” she said. “I’m the president of Palm Beach ESOL… I know a whole lot of ESOL teachers, and teachers in different subject areas, who really are great, truly excellent, and they deliver to the best of their abilities every day in the classroom. For me to be chosen is truly an honor.”

Nevertheless, Aguirre is grateful that her efforts and dedication were recognized.

For Edgecomb, who nominated Aguirre, it was gratifying to see one of his teachers receive the coveted award.

“After observing for the last couple of years, I found her to be the ‘irreplaceable.’ She’s one of those teachers who, if she left, it would take years to find someone at her level of greatness,” Edgecomb said. “She’s a passionate educator, she loves teaching and she has a story to tell, being a person who migrated from the Philippines. She represents the American dream for those ELL (English Language Learners) or ESOL kids she educates. It’s the reading classes that she teaches, and I believe that reading drives everything here at the school. Having a school with literacy as the focus is extremely important, and she does this with kids who are acquiring the language.”

Aguirre previously received recognition as reading teacher of the year, and her portfolio made her a strong candidate for teacher of the year.

“When she was selected, I was just overjoyed. I felt that it was well-deserved. She has such a humble spirit, and her focus is always on the kids,” Edgecomb said. “I felt that they got the choice right, and I felt very excited for her and her kids.”

There’s a strong sense of pride at the school for Aguirre’s accomplishments. One touching display was evident when she returned to her classroom.

“When I got the award, and I went back to the classroom, my students were crying,” Aguirre recalled.

When she asked what was wrong, the following exchange occurred:

Student: “It’s real.”

Aguirre: “What do you mean?”

Student: “The American dream is real. It could really happen. If you work hard, you could really get recognized.”

That student had seen failure most of her life, and Aguirre was the closest image of success that she had ever seen, Aguirre explained.

“To see your teacher get recognition and succeed in her career, it meant so much to her,” Aguirre said.

It is moments like that which show just how much of an inspiration Aguirre is for her students. She came to the United States from the Philippines on a teacher exchange program in 2004. At the time, she was already an experienced teacher.

“I decided to teach for a year, and before I knew it, it was 25 years. I chose to stay in the profession because it’s something I really enjoy doing. It’s a profession in which I found a real sense of purpose,” Aguirre said. “It’s something through which I could make a difference in the lives of so many students every day. I am good at it. It is a skill that I do very well.”

She is also quite knowledgeable in the field. Aguirre holds a master’s degree in ESL (English as a Second Language), as well as a doctorate in instructional leadership.

She taught at Glades Central High School before moving to Palm Beach Central, where she teaches intensive reading in grades nine through 12 and also has a 10th grade English class.

“When my students enter my classroom, they feel safe and know it’s a very encouraging environment,” Aguirre said. “They know that regardless of their level of proficiency in English, regardless of their background, they are treated the same, and they are most welcome.”

Having a welcoming and inclusive environment goes a long way in enticing students to do their best, thrive and meet expectations. After all, many of them are in the lowest percentage of proficiency in the school. It isn’t that they don’t understand; they’re being tested in English, when they might not even be proficient in their native language. They’re also expected to understand cultural clues for a culture that is new to them.

“How are you going to deliver if you don’t speak the language?” she asked. “That is the dilemma and that is the challenge that every ESOL student faces.”

Aguirre teaches through cultural integration with multifaceted instruction to help the students understand the language in a classroom where all accomplishments are recognized the same, be it recognizing the alphabet or passing a test.

“I do a whole lot of collaborative learning. I do individualized instruction,” she said, adjusting to the varied needs of the up-to 25 teens in her classroom.

At the end of the day, she reflects on how lessons went, if students responded to activities, and what worked or didn’t work in the classroom. She is able to see the transition where instruction becomes learning, and finds that incredibly fulfilling.

With this recognition, Aguirre hopes to share what she does in her classroom with other ESOL teachers in the school district with the support of Edgecomb.

“He trusts me that I know what I am doing, that I deliver every day in the classroom. He trusts my instruction, he trusts my decision and he trusts my perspective,” she said.

Aguirre constantly pushes herself, investing in local, national and international personal development.

“I need to know more so I can deliver more. I don’t want my students to be stagnant in terms of learning, so I do not want to be stagnant as an educator myself. I do not demand anything of my students that I would not deliver myself,” she said. “If I demand excellence from my students, I should demonstrate the same thing.”

Her approach has worked. She learns from her students, and they learn from her.

“My students see themselves in me,” Aguirre said. “We tell the same story. We have the same story. We have the same struggles, adapting to a new culture, leaving family behind.”

The Wellington Preparatory School Offers Students Strong Academics And Much More

The Wellington Preparatory School is a private school serving children in pre-kindergarten through grade five. Located on Lake Worth Road, it is affiliated with and shares a campus with its sister preschool, Planet Kids at Wellington.

The facility opened in 2005 as a preschool only, but parents soon asked for a strong, academically focused private school to continue the academic success provided in the preschool.

As demand continued for a prep school alternative for the Planet Kids preschool graduates, the administration opened the Wellington Preparatory School in 2012, and the school grew rapidly to its current enrollment of approximately 400 students. The school’s mission is to provide accelerated academics, in small classes, with exceptional co-curricular classes.

The Wellington Preparatory School offers curriculum developed by Columbia University and the University of Chicago as the core of its academic offerings. It also has a robust science and robotics program, violin lessons twice a week, “Meet the Masters” art, Spanish, karate and physical education.

Each area of instruction has been researched and selected to provide the best in education. For instance, during the development of the school, the music curriculum specialist selected violin lessons due to the unique characteristics of the unfretted instrument. Students must learn the mechanics of playing the instrument as their ear must learn the sounds of each note.

“Meet the Masters” introduces students to 10 master artists throughout the year with more and more detail about the artists and what makes them special. By the end of elementary school, students have a detailed understanding of 10 great artists and have emulated their work.

In addition, the Wellington Preparatory School provides classes after school that include art, French, chess, robotics and science. The school offers before care starting at 6:15 a.m. and after care from 3 to 6:15 p.m.

“Our small student classroom environment allows for our teachers to meet the needs of every student,” Principal Sandy Montoya said. “If a student has mastered a specific subject, we will enhance their assignments. We focus on each individual student’s academic achievement, along with their social and emotional development.”

The Wellington Preparatory School strives to find the most qualified teachers available to enhance the school environment.

The pool of qualified applicants is smaller than at other schools, since the Wellington Preparatory School does not hire inexperienced teachers and requires faculty with experience in its curriculum. National searches are the norm.

“Our teachers have taught at some of the best schools in the country, and we have had to go out of state to find the perfect fit,” said Jeff Altschuler, the school’s founder and president.

The school is also looking to expand in the future. The Wellington Preparatory School sits on a five-acre campus and has four buildings, including a business office and caretaker’s residence.

The original expectation was that the elementary building would have enough capacity through fifth grade. However, the private school grew faster than anticipated, so a second campus will eventually be needed to meet the demand.

Students Emily Sarria and James Hamilton are typical of the accelerated academic environment at the Wellington Preparatory School, which prides itself on teaching a grade ahead at all levels. Sarria and Hamilton were spelling bee finalists and, when they went on to compete in the regional competition, Sarria was the only second-grader to participate in the entire competition.

The Wellington Preparatory School is located at 9135 Lake Worth Road. For more information, call (561) 649-7900 or visit www.wellingtonprep.org  or www.planetkidsworld.net.we

Upper Echelon Academy Provides Individualized Programs For Full-Time And Seasonal Students

Upper Echelon Academy of Wellington provides individualized tutoring services and an accredited educational program for students year-round, with enrollment options for full-time and seasonal students.

The academy was established in 2013, bringing together a group of founders and educators who had been working with diverse groups of students in Wellington for nearly 20 years.

The school’s mission is to provide superior education in all subjects, enabling students to thrive scholastically. The school strives to maximize each child’s capacity to excel academically and athletically, and the faculty works relentlessly to provide clients with a well-balanced, fulfilling and intellectual experience.

Upper Echelon Academy offers academic assistance for all grade levels. The primary division specializes in preparing students with the basics needed for literacy and mathematic competency, assisting students struggling with any educational concepts.

“For seasonal academics, we work one-on-one with students, and closely with trainers, around competitions, in order to meet the academic goals of every student,” said Clementine Goutal, one of three co-owners, together with Kate Bomgaars and Heather Amber. “Our Upper Echelon Primary Academy offers developmentally appropriate group learning for students during the Winter Equestrian Festival in order to provide curriculum continuity.”

The school also specializes in test preparation to ensure that students gain entrance into the colleges of their choice. “Many of our students come to us because they need support to excel academically,” Bomgaars said. “Students who are pursuing goals outside of the classroom, or students whose learning needs are not met within the confines of traditional education, thrive within the Upper Echelon Academy experience. One student, a talented figure skater, began working with Upper Echelon Academy in 2013. Our administrators were able to work with her school and create a curriculum program that allowed her to focus part of her day on her sport while excelling academically through the benefit of one-on-one instruction.”

Upper Echelon Academy focuses on determining the best academic program for each individual. Educators regularly meet new clients who are eager to focus on riding or another sport, or who have learning differences that create difficulty in a typical classroom setting.

“We work with the student’s school administration and teachers to develop the best possible curriculum for each student as an individual,” Bomgaars said. “This is an integral part of our job, as we are responsible for convincing these institutions to take that leap of faith and tailor an academic program to the needs of each student. Once the process is underway, and the teachers see how students thrive in one-on-one and small group settings, apprehensions are assuaged. It’s very rewarding to hear from principals, teachers and counselors that our clients experience dramatic academic gains during their time with Upper Echelon Academy.”

The founders of the school are all competitive equestrians who personally understand the unique needs of young riders who travel the show circuit.

“We pride ourselves on creating individualized schedules with the highest quality instruction,” Goutal said. “Our year-round program offers exceptional curriculum in each content area, including more than 20 college board Advanced Placement courses for our high school students. Upper Echelon Academy tailors educational plans to support and enrich the academic experience for each individual. Our professional instruction, combined with the top curriculum available in each subject and individual education plans, guarantees academic excellence for every learner.”

Upper Echelon Academy is located in the Chancellor Corporate Center at 12008 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (705) 241-6683 or visit www.upperechelonacademy.com.

Top-Rated Saint Andrew’s Offers Both Day School And Boarding School Options

Saint Andrew’s School is a private, independent school founded in the Episcopal tradition. It opened in Boca Raton in 1962 as an all-boys boarding school with a mission to build a community of learners, provide excellence in education, and nurture each student in mind, body and spirit.

It now serves as a day school and boarding school for both boys and girls enrolled in pre-kindergarten through high school, offering both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes.

“A great education celebrates each child, embraces the support of family, delivers outstanding programs, and fosters meaningful relationships between students and teachers,” said Dr. Carlos Barroso, director of marketing and communications at the school. “To achieve that ideal, a school begins with a solid and well-articulated mission.”

To make its mission a reality, the school has developed one of the top college preparatory curriculum offerings in South Florida, Barroso said.

“The school’s philosophy is that children need a balanced approach to education, with arts, athletics, extracurricular offerings and experiences that build strong character,” he said. “The school is part of a global network of 180 schools in 40 countries on five continents that recognizes the responsibility of shaping the way the next generation of leaders understand, prepare for and respond to the world.”

Over the past five decades, Saint Andrew’s School has been providing an outstanding education for day school and boarding school students from around the globe. In 2016, it placed fourth on review site Niche’s K-12 list of the best private high schools in Florida due to students’ high SAT/ACT scores, a 100 percent four-year matriculation rate, its 8:1 student-teacher ratio, and reviews given by both students and teachers. The site also considered students’ interest in top colleges, for which Saint Andrew’s received an A+.

Additional accolades came in this year when Newsweek magazine ran a story on International Baccalaureate programs in its Educational Insight section and included Saint Andrew’s School as among the best IB schools in the USA.

“The IB takes a truly holistic approach to education using a professional ecosystem made up of schools, educators and students. The organization co-creates and co-develops curricula with IB educators and other experts around the world,” the magazine explained. “The professional development programs engage fellow teachers, who train other teachers across the world, as part of a highly effective system of constant learning, development and sharing of best practice.”

This gives IB teachers, such as those at Saint Andrew’s School, the tools and flexibility to do more than just teach a course — they ignite passion and curiosity by teaching in a way that is best suited for them and their students.

“Parents and educators recognize that the solutions of yesterday cannot solve the problems of today,” the Newsweek article continued. “The IB champions critical thinking and a flexibility for learning by crossing disciplinary, cultural and national boundaries.”

The IB program is one of several items that make the school stand out.

“Saint Andrew’s School is a very unique day and boarding school,” Barroso explained. “No other traditional boarding schools in Palm Beach County offer a day school choice. And, academically, we offer students both AP and IB coursework where, in most schools, you have to choose one or the other.”

An ongoing goal at Saint Andrew’s School is to continue attracting top students. “We compete locally, regionally, nationally and internationally for the best and brightest students,” Barroso said. “To do this, we run marketing campaigns, send our admissions staff throughout the nation and the world, and advertise locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.”

St. Andrew’s School is located at 3900 Jog Road in Boca Raton. For more information, call (561) 210-2000 or visit

www.saintandrews.net.

The Oxbridge Academy Provides Students
With A Challenging And Dynamic Education

A coeducational private high school, the Oxbridge Academy was founded in 2011 by energy magnate and philanthropist William I. Koch to provide a challenging, dynamic education in and beyond the classroom in order to prepare students for a lifetime of success.

At the Oxbridge Academy, students learn through engagement in academic and community-based projects that speak to their talents and interests, sparking their curiosity and passion.

The Oxbridge Academy offers a college preparatory program that emphasizes depth of understanding and practice in the skills required for successful college performance. The school’s unique approach to learning highlights the discrete skills required for becoming an insightful reader of literature and history; a practitioner of the principles behind meaningful historical analysis, material and scientific processes; and fluency as a speaker of a different language.

The Oxbridge Academy accomplishes these goals through extensive use of experiential learning and diverse opportunities for discovering one’s passions as a student. In addition to a strong academic curriculum, the school is proud of its culture of kindness and acceptance that helps all students feel welcome as a member of the Oxbridge family.

Terrell Seabrooks, president of the senior class, entered Oxbridge as a freshman and discovered his special talents through work with the Oxbridge Academy’s nationally competitive debate team. He eventually emerged as the school’s premier competitor in Congressional Debate, winning multiple tournaments and finishing second in the nation. Seabrooks has excelled at lacrosse throughout his time at Oxbridge and, this year, earned the athlete of the year distinction in Palm Beach County. He took advantage of the honors and honors seminar classes available at Oxbridge and was admitted to both Harvard and Princeton. He will matriculate at Princeton University this fall.

The Oxbridge Academy works hard to fill its faculty positions with top educators. The school constantly hires the best and most energetic teachers, pays them appropriately and works to be certain that the curriculum balances essential learning with elements of the new needs and interests of today’s students. The faculty and administration consistently work to provide a rich tapestry of curriculum offerings, as well as a broad array of extracurricular offerings that excite students to take intellectual risks.

The Oxbridge Academy has successfully met these challenges since it was established and its leadership is confident that the school will continue to do so in the future.

“Oxbridge Academy is a school dedicated to offering opportunities: the opportunity to excel academically and earn acceptance to one’s choice of college, the opportunity to experience the values of teamwork and pursuit of excellence on the athletic field, and the opportunity to discover one’s passion through academics and extracurricular activities,” Head of School and Academic Dean John Klemme explained.

The Oxbridge Academy serves grades 9 through 12 on a 56-acre campus that features state-of-the-art classrooms, along with academic and athletic amenities equipped with advanced technologies.

The Oxbridge Academy is located at 3151 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 972-9600 or visit www.oapb.org.

Glades Day School Provides Students With Strong Academics In A Family Atmosphere

Glades Day School was founded in 1965 with a commitment to provide a safe family environment while inspiring all of its students to be leaders academically, athletically and spiritually.

The school offers Advanced Placement, honors and college preparatory courses, along with computer and technology programs, dual enrollment, Florida Virtual School courses, foreign language and fine arts programs, educational travel programs and an agri-science program.

Extracurricular activities include Academic Games; clubs such as drama, garden, math and robotics; journalism; student council; the yearbook committee; the National Future Farmers of America organization; the Spanish Honor Society, the National Honor Society and the National Junior Honor Society; and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Being a small, independent school located in the heart of the state’s largest agricultural area, Glades Day School strives to provide an affordable college preparatory education to its diverse student body.

“Our students come with many goals and aspirations, ranging from attending an Ivy League institution to earning certification from a trade school to pursuing a career in the agriculture industry,” explained Cindy Lamoureux, spokesperson for the school. “Glades Day School approaches this challenge through its employment of the best and brightest educators, who are dedicated, compassionate and committed to the students of our community.”

Every student is considered a success story at Glades Day School, Lamoureux said.

“Once graduates take their place in the world, they are able to pursue their dreams and goals in whichever career path they choose,” she said. “A great example is Markenson Pierre, a 2004 graduate who went on to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He was a four-year letterman on the football team as a defensive back. He received his bachelor’s degree from West Point in 2009. After graduating, he was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a logistics officer and served as an ammunitions platoon leader in Fort Hood, Texas, for a year and a half before deploying to Iraq. Upon his return from Iraq, he returned to Fort Gordon in Augusta, Ga., and spent two years serving as company commander of an advanced individual training unit. After completing that command, he left the Army and began law school at the University of Alabama School of Law, where he is currently finishing his second of three years. His brother, currently a senior at Glades Day, plans to follow his brother’s lead to West Point.”

The school, often a family tradition, attracts a number of students from the Wellington area.

“As an outsider to the community, I was hesitant about sending my children to Glades Day School, where my wife had graduated 30 years earlier, being unsure about the education they would receive and the opportunities that would be afforded them,” said Matthew Roberts of Wellington.

They considered a number of other private schools before choosing Glades Day School.

“It wasn’t until I stopped by the school during lunch to drop off some books for my daughter that I realized we had made the right decision,” Roberts said. “I witnessed first-hand the family environment that was unlike anything I had experienced. Because of the encouragement and direction my children received at Glades Day, they were all accepted to the university of their choice — the University of Florida. Our two oldest graduated from UF with honors and are currently attending law school at the University of Florida and Emory University. Our youngest is also on track to graduate with honors and continue into grad school at the University of Florida.”

Glades Day School is located at 400 Gator Blvd. in Belle Glade. For more information, call (561) 996-6769 or visit

www.gladesdayschool.com.

American Heritage School Offers Challenging Courses To Prepare Tomorrow’s Leaders

The Boca/Delray campus of the American Heritage School was established in 1999 with a mission “to graduate students who are prepared in mind, body and spirit to meet the requirements of the colleges of their choice.”

To this end, the private school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum, integrated technology, exceptional guidance, leadership opportunities, and superior programs in the arts and athletics.

“The students at American Heritage are uniquely prepared to be leaders of the 21st century who embody knowledge, integrity and compassion,” said Melanie Hoffman, public relations director for the school. “The energy felt throughout American Heritage’s college preparatory school is powered by the pursuit of knowledge, beginning in PK3 through grade 12.”

On the campus, every student uses an iPad. In the Lower School, advanced courses are offered in all subjects, including the Stanford University math program for accelerated math students, and 15 electives are integrated into students’ daily schedules, Hoffman said.

In the Upper School, a selection of more than 200 different courses is offered, including 95 honors courses, 22 Advanced Placement courses and 60 fine arts courses. “Students can also explore career opportunities in pre-med and pre-law through a college-level pre-professional program,” Hoffman said. “Classes are taught daily by practicing physicians, surgeons, attorneys and circuit court judges.”

The 40-acre American Heritage School Boca/Delray campus resembles a small college in size and design. Facilities include investigative science labs facilitated by doctoral research scientists, engineering and robotics labs, a mock courtroom, media centers, outdoor environmental classrooms, two black box theatres, a state-of-the-art fine arts building, an Olympic-sized pool, sports fields and quiet courtyard areas.

“We are proud of all our students and their abilities to excel, not only in academics, the arts and athletics, but also as compassionate and respectful leaders in their community,” American Heritage School Vice President Dr. Douglas Laurie said. “Our students feel at home here at American Heritage School, which gives them the confidence to set high goals for themselves and succeed.”

One of the school’s many success stories is Jesse Fox, recalled Lisa LeFevre, high school principal at American Heritage.

“Jesse came to meet with me as a 10th grader shortly after I became high school principal with ideas of what could make the student experience here better,” LeFevre said. “He also let me know his dream was to go to the University of Pennsylvania, and he was already planning his college essay for them. Throughout high school at American Heritage, Jesse took advantage of many opportunities for leadership positions, community involvement, academic competitions and club activities. This, combined with his extremely rigorous course load, helped him achieve his dream, as he was accepted early decision into UPenn. To me, the greatest success is seeing our students achieve their goals.”

Rigorous course loads are common at American Heritage School, Hoffman said. However, the school also encourages students to achieve balance in their lives. “Our students take extremely challenging course loads and are involved in the arts, athletics, clubs and community service activities,” she said. “With so much on their plates, it’s often hard for them to balance it all. We stress the teaching of time management and how to work smarter. We want to be sure, as they move into college, that they are fully prepared to take on any and all challenges, so they can continue to reach their fullest potential. Our alumni always come back and tell us how they were more than prepared for their college courses and college life.”

The American Heritage School is located at 6200 Linton Blvd., just east of Jog Road, in Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-7272 or visit www.ahschool.com.

Dressage Rider Gardy Bloemers Finds The Perfect Fit In Wellington

With both of her horses competing in Small Tour, Gardy Bloemers, a competitive dressage rider and wealth management advisor for Merrill Lynch, recently wrapped up another successful season in Wellington and found the perfect balance between her professional career, riding and volunteer work.

Originally from The Netherlands, Bloemers started her career at a young age, riding ponies and trail riding on her family farm. Throughout college and her early professional career, which involved significant international travel, Bloemers had the opportunity to ride on a diverse range of horses until she settled in the United States and purchased a horse of her own.

That path led her to the sport of dressage, a passion that still holds her in its grasp years later, not only through her personal endeavors, but in her leadership roles in several dressage organizations. “Dressage becomes addictive because you can always improve,” Bloemers explained. “There is so much to achieve, and for people who tend to have Type A personalities, it’s the perfect kind of sport. It’s really fun, and I love the competitive aspects associated with showing.”

Experiencing Wellington’s one-of-a-kind winter equestrian environment for the first time in 2014, Bloemers became enthralled with the area and quickly saw what a great fit it would be for her professional and personal lifestyle. “I realized that Wellington is a perfect environment to enable me to excel in dressage and my business,” Bloemers said. “I found a groove, so I decided to increase my stay each year in Wellington to get the most out of the experience.”

During the winter season, Bloemers rises bright and early to drive to Blue Marlin Stables, located in the Little Ranches community, to ride her two horses, Crusedor and Chios KK, before her work schedule begins for the day. This winter, she successfully competed in the national show ring at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival under the watchful eye of her trainer, George Williams, president of the United States Dressage Federation.

“George, together with his team at Williams Dressage, provide a great support infrastructure with high-quality grooms and care, which enables me to balance my riding with my career,” Bloemers said. “After my lessons, I normally go to work either out of my home or out of our Palm Beach office. Of course, I do travel back and forth between Charlottesville, Va., and Wellington regularly during the season, and will flip my riding schedule to accommodate morning meetings and calls. We all need to be flexible to make this work, and I am grateful to everyone who supports me in the pursuit of this passion.”

As a wealth management advisor for Merrill Lynch, Bloemers is part of a growing team that provides wealth management resources to individuals and families in the southeast region of the United States. The close-knit team, consisting of Bloemers, her business partner, Glenn Bannan, a third financial advisor and their assistant, is always looking to grow their business and speak with those interested in their services, welcoming several new clients each year.

“Being in Wellington, especially in the equestrian world, puts you at the epicenter of dressage in the United States,” Bloemers said. “It gives you the ability to see and compete against riders at the highest level. I believe this competitive edge, honed in the dressage ring, has spilled over into my own professional life. With careful planning, I am able to fit this all into my life, including making the time to actively support causes important to me both in Wellington and Virginia.”

Her philanthropic efforts are seen in Wellington through her contributions to the dressage foundation’s events throughout the community and American Equestrians Got Talent, a talent search event held during the winter equestrian season that raises money for high-performance programs in the United States. This year she also co-hosted a get-together for the Virginia Horse Center Foundation’s advisory board and board, of which she is a member of the executive committee. In addition, she was a sponsor of this year’s USDF’s Trainer’s Conference at High Meadow Farm in Loxahatchee.

In March, US Equestrian announced a new national committee to aid in overseeing and supporting the development of the sport of dressage, and Bloemers is proud to be on the committee. It is responsible for the sport’s development, organization, rules, licensing changes and handling any issues that may arise. The new US Equestrian Dressage Sport Committee consists of five US Equestrian and five USDF appointments, many of whom are based in Wellington during the winter, along with athletes Chris Hickey, Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Pierre St. Jacques.

“Even though the season is over, my husband and I cannot wait to return in the fall,” Bloemers said. “Wellington is wonderfully addictive.”