History

Brian S

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INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I completed my undergraduate work at the Pennsylvania State University, and added 44 graduate credit hours to that. I spent several years as a middle school English/Language Arts teacher, public speaking/debate teacher, and one year as a middle school social studies teacher. In recent years, I have transitioned from a full-time classroom teacher to instructional support teacher, mindfulness coach, yoga master, and Tai Chi and KiGong instructor. Some of the mindfulness and mindful movement courses I have taken include: Brain Management Training, Dahn Master Course, Energy Healing Course, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, GwangMyung energy training, among others.

I work with both students and adults in mindfulness and mindful movements, striving for results that will quiet/cool the brain, warm/strengthen the core, and rebalance energy inside. This allows for better individual focus and provides room for more effective learning. Health and peace of mind go hand in hand with all forms of learning, including academic learning!

I look at an individual, assess where the individual is, provide a direction forward, and invite the student to move forward, building self-confidence and drive in the process. I help the student discover the key that unlocks learning and makes it adventurous, meaningful and creative. My motto: "Why not enjoy learning and make it your own?!"  (No one learns exactly like another person.)  

I love reading, writing, creating stories, engaging in public speaking, and showing others how to relax and connect inside. I love dogs and being in nature!   

I tutor individual students and small groups--with English being my area of expertise.  I love working with history, social studies, basic Spanish, elementary math, and science as well.  I offer mindfulness and related movements that quiet the brain, calm the heart, and increase focus / well-being, too.    

Testimonial:

“Brian began tutoring my son this school year. Brian is enthusiastic, highly motivated, and has excellent communication--both verbal and written--with students. He explains and demonstrates learning strategies clearly. His communication skills have inspired my son to put forth more effort in his studies, and helped him to be better organized and self-motivated. Brian is patient and ensures that all my son's work is completed. Brian always checks for knowledge, clarity, and understanding. We are fortunate to have him as a tutor, and have been very pleased with the results. My son's grades have improved, his behavior is better, and his approach to learning is stronger.“ 

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…