Elizabeth O

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I graduated from ASU in 2010 with my BA in Secondary Education with an emphasis in History. I have taught or coached students since then. In 2018, I received my life coach and 200 RYT yoga instructor certifications, as I wanted to expand my teaching career to be more hands-on with students. I am also currently working on my master’s degree in clinical mental health and anticipate completion in 2025. 

Teaching, being a life coach (especially in the realm of executive function), and teaching yoga and mindfulness are all incredibly fulfilling roles that I am fortunate to have. In the realm of teaching, I have the opportunity to ignite curiosity and foster critical thinking skills in my students. As an executive function coach, I have the privilege of guiding individuals through their personal growth journeys. I assist them in setting meaningful goals, overcoming obstacles, and discovering their true potential. Being an executive function coach allows me to combine my passion for helping others with my creativity to make a positive impact on young minds. Witnessing the growth and development of children as they navigate the complexities of organization, time management, focus, and self-regulation is truly inspiring. I love being able to provide them with the tools, strategies, and support they need to excel academically and personally.  Lastly, teaching yoga and mindfulness allows me to help others find inner peace and balance. Through gentle movements, deep breathing, and meditation, I empower my students to cultivate self-awareness, reduce stress, and enhance their overall well-being. These three roles intertwine beautifully, enabling me to support others in their academic, personal, and spiritual development.

Connecting with students is a fundamental aspect of what I do. I prioritize building strong relationships with my students by actively listening to them and valuing their perspectives. By genuinely caring about what they care about, whether it's their hobbies, interests, or concerns, I can create a safe and trusting environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. I firmly believe that everyone has a unique story and that by understanding their individual experiences, I can tailor my coaching and teaching approach to meet their specific needs. This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students to actively engage in their learning journey, empowering them to unlock their full potential.

My life is fun and exciting. I am a mom of five and was a foster mom from 2004-2009. Three of my kids are adults but still live locally. My other two are sixteen and in high school. I have two dogs, two cats, and two bearded dragons. When I am not doing homework, I love practicing yoga and mindfulness, walking my dogs, and paddle boarding on the weekends. I just recently started learning how to country dance. I enjoy spending time with my friends and finding fun activities to do.

Through my role at Peak Academics, I am happy to support students of all ages in yoga and mindfulness and those in grades 5 and above in executive functions and general homework support.

TESTIMONIAL:

Coming soon…

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Mila L

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I am originally from California and moved to Arizona to pursue a career related to my passion for yoga. I went to California State University Northridge for my Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in School Counseling with an emphasis in School Psychology and Pupil Personnel Services credential. In 2021 I received my Yoga Teacher Certification and am currently studying breathwork facilitation and neuroscience as it applies to yoga.

I am currently a school psychologist for a local district in Phoenix and also offer individual and small group yoga and meditation courses. I have close to a decade of experience working with kids and really love what I do. I have worked for several districts in the metropolitan and greater Los Angeles area as well as in San Diego, California. During my master’s program I also worked for a behavior support company with children on the Autism spectrum in the metropolitan Los Angeles area.

I love connecting with students by getting to know them and their interests. Together we discuss strengths and weaknesses and ways to continue learning and growing.

I practice yoga daily and I love meditation and breathwork as ways to be mindful. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and pets. I also love hiking, dancing, and exploring new places in the world. I truly believe movement of any sort is important on a daily basis and I try to incorporate it.

At Peak Academics I offer support related to Executive Functions and Yoga & Mindfulness in individual and small group settings.

Testimonial:

Coming Soon…

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Serena B

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I graduated from the University of Arizona with a B. A. in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. I have taught students in Pre-K through 2nd grade in the private and public school system since 1992 in Arizona. Prior to that I lived and taught English in Japan. I received my 200 RYT yoga instructor certification in 2015 and have since enjoyed teaching yoga to children of a variety of ages.

Teaching yoga and mindfulness to students has been a great privilege in helping young  learners cultivate peace and awareness. The practice of gentle movement, pranayama breathing, and meditation cultivates self- awareness and reduces anxiety and stress. The practice of yoga and its philosophies connects with the whole child approach academically, spiritually, and personally. 

I connect with students with a positive and safe environment. I thrive to cultivate fun, weave in movement, and create an environment where children can be themselves and discover the “magic” of yoga. 

I love practicing yoga and mindfulness, taking hikes, and learning about art and culture. I have recently discovered the art of gardening and growing herbs that enrich the flavors of cooking. I also enjoy steeping herbs into hot teas.

With my role at Peak Academics, I support  students in grades Pre-K through 9 on their journey of self-discovery, self-awareness, compassion and love through the practice of yoga and mindfulness.

TESTIMONIAL:

Coming soon…

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Tracy A

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

As a lifelong learner, I achieved my master's degree in Special Education (Learning Disabilities) in 2010. In Bloomfield Hills Schools, I began as a Special Education Instructor and continued growing my craft. I became a Restorative Practices Trainer of Trainers, a Master Global Champion, a district SEL Specialist, an executive functioning expert and was hand selected for the Galileo Leadership Training Program through Oakland University. This led to many opportunities to share what I have learned; Presenting at RP conventions, for the Michigan Annual School Board Collective, and for Bloomfield Hills. Since 2009, I have spent my summers working one on one with struggling students, and was a Yoga/Mindfulness coach for 4th-8th grade students from 2010-2021. Shortly thereafter, I sold my house and took it on the road. I am excited to continue doing this work here in Arizona.

I have worked directly with students since 2009. I assess their needs with thorough data collection and collaborate to create an individual academic plan. Then I directly work with students toward their individual goals, while monitoring progress.

As a Restorative Practices Practitioner, I know that people are more motivated, happier and more successful when we work “with” them. This relationship-first approach ensures that each student feels strong and ready to challenge themself with the knowledge that they are supported.

Being single and new to the area, I am very interested in everything that Arizona has to offer. I am enjoying all of the Theater, Music, and Arts available here. I am still amazed at the beauty surrounding me when I hike (although after my first rattlesnake, I am on a hike hold for the summer). I love a great dining experience and I am very open to suggestions!

I am thrilled to serve as an executive functions expert at Peak Academics, as I see how this type of support can change a student’s life. Additionally, I enjoy working with students academically and offer services related to phonemic awareness, reading fluency and comprehension, written expression, and mindfulness.

Testimonial:

Coming soon…

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