Meet Our Team
Experienced educators, united by purpose and passion.
Founded by Dr. Angie Madden and Dr. Kim Schroeder, Bloom brings together accomplished educators and specialists dedicated to redefining learning. Guided by the belief that children thrive when education meets them where they are—academically, socially, and emotionally.
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Angie Madden, EdD
Co-Founder & Head of School
Angie brings more than 25 years of experience in education and is passionate about creating learning environments where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired. Her work is rooted in strong relationships and a belief that learning should be engaging, inclusive, and responsive to each child.
She has served as a classroom teacher, tutor, university professor, and founder of The Bright Spot, designing joyful, student-centered experiences that foster curiosity and confidence. At Bloom, Angie leads the vision for learning while creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore their interests.
BA in Elementary Education, Transylvania University; MA in Elementary Education, University of Kentucky; EdD in Literacy Education (Certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies), University of Kentucky; certifications in Elementary Education, Reading and Writing, and Gifted and Talented Education
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Kim Schroeder, PhD
Co-Founder & Associate Head of School, Director of Admissions, Finance & Operations
Kim brings more than 25 years of experience in education and is passionate about helping students access meaningful opportunities. As a first-generation college student, she believes deeply in the power of learning to shape a child’s future.
Her work focuses on creating supportive, student-centered experiences and expanding access so every learner can thrive. She has contributed to national efforts to help schools better support students and has held leadership roles with the National Association for College Admission Counseling.
BA in Economics and Political Science, University of Kentucky; MPA in Public Administration, University of Kentucky; PhD in Higher Education, University of Kentucky
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Paula "PJ" Burns
Bloom Teacher
Paula brings nearly 30 years of classroom experience to Bloom Academy, with deep expertise in literacy and math intervention.
Throughout her career with Jessamine County Schools, PJ has served as a third-grade teacher, Teacher Leader, Literacy Instructional Coach, and Lead Interventionist, most recently leading intervention efforts at Red Oak.
Her dedication to students and colleagues has been recognized many times over, including multiple Teacher of the Year honors at both the school and county level, and a Key to the City of Nicholasville for her contributions to education.
At Bloom Academy, PJ brings this same warmth, expertise, and belief in every learner's potential to the classroom.
BS in Elementary Education from Asbury University, MEd in Elementary Education from Georgetown College, Trained in Orton-Gillingham, UFLI, Sonday, and LETRS
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Sesily Vinson, MEd
Bloom Teacher
Sesily brings over 11 years of classroom experience to Bloom Academy, with deep expertise in project-based learning and literacy instruction.
Throughout her career, Sesily has served as a Lead 2nd & 3rd Grade Teacher, First Grade Teacher, and Kindergarten Teacher across schools including Redwood Cooperative School, Cane Ridge Elementary, and Yates Elementary, most recently designing interdisciplinary, project-based units that integrate literacy, science, and social studies. She also led district-wide professional development on classroom communication and behavior management tools.
Her approach is grounded in building strong classroom communities where students feel supported to think critically, take risks, and grow as learners, alongside close partnerships with families through conferences, newsletters, and community events.
At Bloom Academy, Sesily brings this same curiosity, warmth, and belief in every learner's potential to the classroom.
BA in Elementary Education from University of Kentucky, MEd, Literacy Specialist from University of the Cumberlands
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Gloria Arteaga Hinton
Bloom Spanish & Art Teacher
Gloria grew up in Cali, Colombia, and has called Lexington, Kentucky, home for the past 27 years. Teaching art is one of her greatest passions. She draws inspiration from the energy of children, which fuels her creativity and brings her work to life through color, texture, and imagination, reflecting her Latino heritage.
Nature is an essential part of Gloria’s life, and she is especially drawn to horses, which symbolize freedom, elegance, and strength. Her artistic style blends realism and surrealism, with influences from artists such as Picasso, Dalí, Mamani Mamani, and Miró. She primarily works with acrylic on canvas, often incorporating recycled materials or watercolor to express her deepest emotions.
Gloria’s education in Animal Sciences deepened her appreciation for the natural world, while her work with horses continues to shape her artistic perspective. She enjoys quiet moments of painting while listening to instrumental music, allowing her emotions to guide each brushstroke. For Gloria, creating art is a way to express her innermost thoughts, and she finds great joy in seeing others connect with her work.
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Madeline Ayala
Spanish & Drama
We can’t wait for you to get to know Madeline. More coming soon!
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Maria Monsalve
Bloom After School Care Coordinator
We can’t wait for you to get to know Maria. More coming soon!
Our Bloom Story
For years, Dr. Angie Madden carried a vision for a different kind of school — a place where children could be met where they are and supported in ways that help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
In 2020, she brought that vision to life through The Bright Spot, a space built around creativity, exploration, lifelong learning, and community. Inspired by motherhood and a career in education, Angie created The Bright Spot to be just that: a bright spot in the day for children and families who needed a place to create and learn in meaningful ways.
When Angie connected with Dr. Kim Schroeder, it became clear they shared a deep belief in the transformative power of education and a commitment to creating environments grounded in how children actually learn. Together, drawing on both their professional expertise and their personal experiences as parents, they recognized an opportunity to build something even more intentional. Add more about Kim’s credentials/testimony?
That shared vision became Bloom Academy.
Dr. Angie Madden
Founder The Bright Spot
Co-Founder Bloom Academy
Learn More About Angie
Dr. Kim Schroeder
Co-Founder Bloom Academy
Learn More About Kim