INSTRUCTOR PROFILE:
I was born and raised in Austin, Texas where I attended Montessori school for much of my childhood. My father has also been an educator for his entire career, which has left a huge place in my heart for education. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Studies from the University of Denver. It was there that I met my now husband and moved to Arizona after I graduated. We were married on New Years Eve in 2015 and welcomed our first child, Lyla, to the world in January, 2020.
I began my career in education by teaching Spanish to first through eighth graders. After completing my AMS Montessori certification from the Houston Montessori Center, I spent the next six years as a lead teacher in a lower elementary classroom with mixed age levels ages six to nine. Throughout those six years I received my SEI endorsement and became highly qualified in the state of Arizona. I very much enjoy learning new curriculum and spent the last year of my time teaching as the lower elementary curriculum coordinator. After having my baby girl in early 2020, I stepped out of the classroom and began tutoring elementary, middle school & high school students.
With six years of experience running a classroom, I have worked with children of all abilities and personalities. One of my greatest joys in teaching is my ability to connect with each and every student and make them feel listened to, capable, and respected. As a Montessori educator, I whole-heartedly believe in taking a “whole-child” approach to education and guidance. I strive to promote not only students’ academic success, but their social and emotional growth as well. Mindfulness, peace and kindness have always been priorities in my style of teaching. Making time to check in with a child about their favorite things, regularly acknowledging their successes both academically and emotionally, and showing them kindness and respect every step of the way are what allow me to create meaningful connections with every child I work with.
Outside of the classroom, I have many interests that keep me busy! To start, in addition to our baby girl, my husband and I have five pets (three cats and two dogs). We are very much animal lovers and there is never a dull moment in our house! I am an avid crafter and even find time to dabble in my Etsy shop in the evenings. I also enjoy yoga, cooking and baking, musicals and when it rains.
For Peak, I offer academic tutoring to elementary students and executive functions support for all ages.
Testimonial:
“Ms. Laine is one of the best educators our family has ever had! She understands the unique learning approaches, strengths and weaknesses of our children and approaches every lesson in the way that works best for them. She is conscientious and gives 100% effort to each lesson, making sure our kids truly understand what is being covered. Our kids love her and are extremely focused when working with her. We highly recommend her!”