Jessi R

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I grew up in the Chicagoland area and graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Secondary Education. I also went back to university to obtain my TESOL certification, a master’s endorsement in English as a Second Language, and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Development.

I have over ten years of teaching experience in multiple settings: charters, tutoring centers, and public schools. I have taught everything from Honors to Special Ed, as well as online credit recovery courses. I am a grammar and writing nerd, and the majority of my career has focused on ACT/SAT test prep, reading, composition, and grammar concepts.

High expectations, empathy, patience, and building strong meaningful connections with my students are the keys to my success. I want to instill in my students a natural love for learning and push them to constantly seek to better themselves through education in all areas of their lives. I believe that by teaching students to become lifelong learners, I am helping create a more productive and impactful society for our future generations.

My passion in life is travel, and I have even taught abroad in Spain during the 2013-2014 school year. I also enjoy snowboarding and any outdoor activities in my free time, as well as spending as much time with my two dogs as I possibly can. One of my proudest accomplishments is having been awarded “Teacher of the Year” two years in my career. This is an award voted on by students, so to me, it is of the highest of honors to know that my kids find my humor and passion for education to be influential in their lives.

I am so excited to be working for Peak and to offer my services in ACT/SAT test prep, reading, writing, math through geometry, and general homework and executive functioning support.

Testimonial:

“Jessi has been working with our son as he’s transitioned from a struggling middle-schooler to promising high-schooler, and she has been instrumental in this shift.  Not only does she assist with helping Evan understand concepts (she’s an extraordinary math tutor), but she also has been a life-saver in working with his executive functioning skills.  Our son has struggled with ADHD and anxiety since third grade, and we’ve never had a more perfect setup for his education - for the first time, we’re looking forward to a school year, knowing that Jessi has his back.  Thank you!”

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Kerrilee W

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I grew up in Michigan and have since lived in Maryland and Arizona. One of my favorite positions in my early career was teaching art classes to underserved children as a volunteer with Free Arts of Arizona. That experience was the impetus that led me to pursue a career as a teacher. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a focus on mixed media and a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. My teaching certification is in cross categorical special education.

I have been teaching special education since 2000 in private, public, and charter schools. I have tutored children in kindergarten through middle school. I have served as a 504 coordinator and English Language Development Specialist, as well as Special Services Program Coach, supporting schools and teachers in their efforts to implement best practices for all students.

Helping students appreciate their own strengths and talents while enlarging conceptions of their capabilities encourages curiosity and a positive approach to lessons. I support children to seek their personal best through the persistent pursuit of improvement. Our goal is independence and a sense of wonder.

I enjoy reading and discussing books about education, sociology, and philosophy when I am not walking or hiking with my best four-legged friend.

As a tutor, I specialize in organization and task completion with all ages, as well as core academic skills with elementary-aged students. I especially enjoy collaborating with parents to benefit their children as we work toward greater independence. My hope is that through consistent support students can generalize their skills to new situations, respond efficiently to challenges, and enjoy their successes.

TESTIMONIAL:

“I’ve come to look forward to our sessions with Kerri because I know she has the skill level, both academically and on the personal level, to give my son the help he needs.”

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Kim L

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I spent most of my time growing up in a suburb of Illinois. My older sister has Cerebral Palsy, and helping her came naturally to me. My experience with my sister led me to pursue a career in the education field. I went to college at Northern Illinois University, where I majored in Special Education and attained my Learning Behavior Specialist degree. I moved to Arizona in 2018 and have been teaching ever since at an Autism-focused private school.

I have taught middle school Math and Social Skills/Self-Regulation since beginning my teaching career. I also have experience teaching reading comprehension and writing. I have an absolute passion for teaching, as I was once a student who struggled in middle school (especially in math). I believe this is why I have such a desire to use a variety of methods, such as visuals, games, and small-group instruction.

I strongly believe in building a genuine relationship with each and every student. I love to learn about their passions, dislikes, and what motivates them. Building rapport with each student goes a long way in growing that student's confidence, advocacy skills, and learning. I strive to make every student feel loved and supported, and this shows in my day-to-day teaching.

I love to spend my free time with my boyfriend Zack, friends, in the outdoors, or with my cat Toby. Recently, I have been training to run a half marathon, so I love to set goals for myself and see the progress I make over time. I also love to cook, go hiking, and camp up North in the Flagstaff area.

At Peak Academics, I offer services for students in grades 5-8. I provide hands-on learning and differentiated instruction in: math, reading comprehension, writing, self-regulation, executive functions, and social skills.

Testimonial:

Coming soon…

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Sarah Y

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I was born and raised here in Arizona and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I also have a minor in Psychology and an endorsement in Structured English Immersion. 

I have been working with K-8 students since 2015. I started my career in aftercare programs, summer camps, and preschools. I started teaching 1st grade in the spring of 2020 and in the spring of 2021 I switched to 2nd grade. In addition to tutoring for Peak Academics, I am currently teaching 1st grade in North Phoenix and I absolutely adore the littles. I have a passion for what I do and I have a special place in my heart for elementary education.

I enjoy making connections with students based on what they love to do. I love seeing students in their element. I have attended several dance recitals, soccer games, baseball games, and other extracurricular activities for my students. I want to know their passions, what drives them, and what gets them excited about learning. I make it a point to build relationships with students and their families. Students learn best when they feel supported and loved.

When I am not teaching or tutoring, I enjoy going to the gym, shopping, hiking, and spending time with family/friends. I love country music, and attend as many country events as I can each year. I also love going to sporting events and rooting on the Suns or the D-Backs. I run on Diet Dr. Pepper - I know such a teacher thing. 

I am so excited to be a part of the Peak Team! I offer services for Pre-K-8 students in core academic areas of reading, writing and math, general homework management and completion, and social/emotional learning.

TESTIMONIAL:

Coming soon…

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Shannon O

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I am a veteran teacher with over 20 years of experience working with students from grades 2-12. I hold degrees in Special and Elementary Education. I was raised in Phoenix, and have raised three children here of my own. I like to travel whenever I can, but when I’m home, I enjoy being with my family, friends, and a small army of pets.

I’ve spent most of my career working with students with executive functioning challenges, learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, and mild intellectual disabilities. I have been a trainer for other teachers in Crisis Prevention for over 10 years, and I am my district’s science curriculum lead for special education.

Building relationships is the key to any successful teaching practice. Getting to know who a child is, along with their strengths and challenges, is essential for creating a successful teaching partnership. It is imperative that students know they are valued and that their teaching partner genuinely cares about them and their success.

I did an internship overseas, and I have been to 18 countries, but I would like to add many more to that count!

For Peak, I offer support for K-8 ELA, K-6 Math, K-8 Science and Social Studies, and K-12 Executive Functions.

Testimonial:

Coming Soon…

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Stephanie E

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I grew up in Gilbert, Arizona. I went to Northern Arizona University my freshman year of college where I discovered I was NOT a snow person like I had always imagined. After that year, I transferred to the University of Arizona to be back in the heat. There I graduated with my degree in Elementary Education with an SEL endorsement. I have participated in a variety of professional development opportunities, including for my dyslexia training certificate.

After I graduated in 2018, I began teaching right away. I taught elementary school for 5 years and gained experience differentiating lessons to meet the needs of gifted cluster students, as well as those with dyslexia. In addition to transitioning to 1-on-1 tutoring for elementary students, I also nanny a wide variety of ages, Kindergarten through 8th grade. I absolutely love being able to work 1-on-1 or in small groups of students. I love teaching the basics of phonics and reading and seeing that light bulb turn on! I also love focusing on social emotional learning and integrating that into my lessons.

I connect with my students by creating a relationship where they know I truly love and care about them. I think before any learning can happen, trust needs to build. The benefit of working for Peak Academics is that I get to have more opportunity for that 1-on-1 quality time. I am able to truly bond and create a trusting relationship with my students. I love using positive reinforcement and increasing confidence. I have a passion for making learning fun! I love to laugh throughout learning sessions and incorporate learning games to really keep my students engaged.. My students truly connect with me and grow as they respond to my cheerful and loving demeanor.

When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my family and friends. I just finished real estate school, and am going to be teaming up with my mom to sell homes! I have a passion for helping others so this is another way to fulfill that passion. I love being active, whether that be trying new workout classes, taking a long bike ride with my boyfriend or walking my cute Bernedoodle puppy! I love fashion and trying new outfits, as well as decorating my house and keeping up with the current trends.

Here at Peak Academics, I support learners in Pre-K through 3 rd grade. I can help guide children who need extra support or enrichment in phonics, math, reading/writing, social emotional, or any project based learning. I adore connecting with my students and their families. I love to communicate and keep families in the loop. I am super excited to connect!

TESTIMONIAL:

Coming soon…

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Suzanne S

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I have been an English teacher for 28 years, and I have had the opportunity to work both in Phoenix and in San Francisco. I have a Master’s in Education, and my undergrad focus was secondary education. I absolutely love my content area as I have always been a reader, and academic writing is a favorite for me. I have always enjoyed working with young adults, and because I have a great sense of humor, generally, they like me!

Ever since I started teaching, I have worked with students outside of my schools. It’s very interesting to me to learn other curriculums, meet new kids, and try different methods. I have also broadened my scope in my genre; I have co-written a test prep book in California, and I was the technical editor for another. I worked in journalism in San Francisco for a company whose focus was to close the gap for news in satellite towns that were underserved by a large newspaper. I have written test questions for a company, which helped adult second language learners in India.

Every child is different. Some need to be pushed, others coaxed. I gain trust easily in students, so I can talk them through material in a way they can understand, whether that means to draw a graph, make a comic, and even set up characters using saltshakers, knives, forks, and spoons. I can help kids work through their frustrations by making learning more personal for them.

I love animals. I currently have several horses, five dogs, and one cat. I have a massive book collection: about 7000 books. Most of my collection is based in mythology and folklore. I enjoy cooking, when I have time, and my specialty is Italian food. Traveling is a true passion, and I can’t wait until the world is safe again so I can set on my next summer adventure!

For Peak, I am available as a homework coach, help with executive functioning skills (I am highly organized), and tutor in any text-heavy and writing subject.

Testimonial:

Coming soon…

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Tam J

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and have lived on both the West Coast and the East Coast prior to moving to Arizona. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Oregon State University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Willamette University. I currently hold active Elementary Teacher certificates in both Washington and Arizona. With 20+ years of teaching experience, I have taught in a variety of states including Washington, Oregon, Virginia, California and Arizona.

My decision to pursue a career in education extends from my fascination and passion for the study of Human Development. I genuinely love guiding and supporting students on their journey to become successful, confident, and independent learners. Seeing students grow and develop emotionally and intellectually fuels me to continue in this career field. My passions include early childhood development, elementary education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), mindfulness and meditation.

While academic growth is always important, it is essential that we focus on the whole child. Students experience the most success when social emotional development and academic achievement are intertwined. Effective executive functioning, self-regulation skills, and social emotional learning need to all be taught intentionally and explicitly, just like we teach the academic subjects, thus allowing students to reach their highest potential and better understand their sense of self. With this philosophy, students are set up to be successful and students experience tremendous progress!

Outside of teaching, I love the outdoors. I enjoy boating, hiking, sporting events, and time with my family. I especially love the time with my mom, for whom I am the primary caregiver.

For Peak Academics, I enjoy working with students in grades Pre-K through 5 in the following areas: reading, writing, math, executive functioning, mindfulness/meditation, social emotional learning, and self-regulation.

TESTIMONIAL:

“I have observed Tam teaching for over 16 years and am impressed both as her principal and a mom whose son calls her his favorite teacher. She has a warm and welcoming presence and goes above and beyond to enhance her students’ learning experience. Her positive impact on learning is backed by strong data from the growth her students make each year. Equally as important, she supports her students’ in developing their social skills and values them as individuals. Tam is a one in a million teacher who I would clone if I could!”

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