Ava R

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I am originally from Connecticut and relocated to Arizona in 2020 to complete my Teach For America service after graduating from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. At Georgetown, I studied Justice and Peace Studies, cognitive science, and Spanish language. Spanish is my second language, and I achieved fluency after completing a study abroad program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I hold a Master of Education from Arizona State University and am passionate about helping students reach their full potential. I believe in the pursuit of lifelong learning and am excited to be a part of the Peak Academics team, supporting students as they navigate their education with that same passion for learning.

I began my secondary classroom teaching role in 2020. As an undergraduate, I participated in a number of mentoring and tutoring organizations for students in the Washington, DC area. Since then, I have taught both science and social studies at the secondary level, spanning grades 6–9, while also continuing to provide individualized tutoring support.

In assisting students academically, I also prioritize their personal and emotional needs. I recognize that every student brings unique life and cultural experiences into the learning environment. I aim to elicit and celebrate this prior knowledge and connect it to academic content in ways that bridge students’ personal interests with their academic learning.

Outside of teaching, I am a classically trained cellist and began playing the cello at 8 years old. I love collaborating with other musicians on projects and have found great reward in maintaining my cello practice into adulthood. I also enjoy hiking and make a point to get outdoors all winter long with my dog to take in Arizona’s beautiful scenery.

At Peak Academics, I provide executive function coaching and academic tutoring across subject areas for secondary students, including specialty tutoring in English, social studies, science, and Spanish. I also support elementary students with general academics and offer guidance in music assignments.

Testimonial:

Coming soon…

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Brandi R

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

Born and raised in the Phoenix area, Arizona has always been home to me. My family and I lived in Flagstaff while I attended Northern Arizona University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education: English and Master’s degree in Rhetoric & Teaching of Writing. Since then, I have been constantly engaged in a variety of professional development opportunities and countless leadership roles. I am passionate about teaching because I am committed to helping all students see themselves as capable learners who are able to achieve incredible growth with the right support in place.

Since 2012, I have taught high school English and college writing to over 2,000 students, both virtually and in-person. This has included ELA courses of almost every kind, including grade-level/regular, Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Dual Credit, Creative Writing, and Journalism/Digital Media Communications. I have also specialized in serving students with IEP, 504, and English language learner backgrounds. I have tutored students in grades 3 and above and enjoy all age groups.

I believe that learning happens best when students feel a strong sense of love, compassion, and care from the educators who work with them. To that end, I always approach my students with their overall well-being as a top priority, because their academic gains are dramatically improved with both priorities working together. When a student’s emotional needs are met and it is evident that the instructor genuinely cares, relationships create a far more effective space for growth. Writing takes a great deal of vulnerability and risk - to make mistakes and be receptive to feedback - which happens when trust is established.

As someone who has dedicated her entire professional life to teaching writing, I am equally passionate about my own writing. At any given moment, I have at least a few different personal and professional development programs I’m engaged in. When I’m not actively learning something new, I’m playing with my kids, listening to music, traveling, making a cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends.

For Peak Academics, I offer services for students of all ages in English, general homework and executive functions support, and creative writing. 

Testimonial:

“Brandi has been a god-send for my two kids! We started utilizing her ELA skills with my middle school aged daughter, then decided to have her work with my older son. In a matter of months, she’s been able to transform their ability to analyze and annotate text, and to find a deeper meaning in what they are reading. Brandi goes above and beyond what’s asked of her and handles all of my constant scheduling changes with grace and a smile. She has hands down been the biggest blessing for my kids. They are more confident readers, and their test scores have improved! Oh, and Brandi is also excellent with test prep! She was able to take extremely complex scientific information and break it down into something my daughter could easily understand. The end result was an A on that test! Whether it’s improved test scores, a more confident reader, or simply if a challenge is needed, Brandi is the tutor for you! She is patient, kind and truly has you and your child’s best interest at heart. Her follow up emails after each session might be my favorite part! As parents, they give us such a good sense of how our kids are progressing and any struggles they may be facing. Do yourself a favor and hire her today! “

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Brian S

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.“ 

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Jessica W

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I have a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with certifications in English and social studies, and a Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction.  I also hold a K-12 Reading Specialist endorsement.   

I have been educating children for twenty-six years. In addition to tutoring, I have had the opportunity to work in both public and private schools. I have worked with students in grades six through twelve. I have had experience teaching English and history courses at the regular, honors and Advanced Placement level. I have also taught stand-alone reading, writing and study skills courses. I have been a high school College and Career program coordinator, and, in that role, I have taught college preparation courses and executive functions courses.

I believe the role of an educator is to facilitate the development of both content and executive functioning skills so that all students have the opportunity to become the best version of themselves. All students are capable of academic success when they are given the tools and support necessary to achieve that success. Once they experience that truth, they gain the confidence necessary to thrive in any academic setting. I appreciate having the opportunity to help students develop those skills that will support their success and build their confidence.

At Peak Academics, I offer executive functions coaching to students grades 6 and up.

Testimonial:

Coming soon…

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Zoe G

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I’m originally from San Diego and began my journey in education at Arizona State University, where I earned both my B.A. in Elementary Education and my M.Ed. in Global Education. After completing graduate school, I moved back to San Diego and spent several years teaching and growing as an educator—that’s also where I met my fiancé! We later moved—me returning and him for the first time—to Arizona to settle down, build our lives together, and plan our wedding.

I have experience teaching 3rd through 6th grade and currently teach all subjects in 6th grade, while also teaching education courses at the college level and tutoring part-time at Peak Academics. In a previous role as a lead instructor at a K–8 school, I had the opportunity to support students across grade levels and content areas, which strengthened my ability to differentiate instruction and build strong academic foundations. I’m particularly passionate about supporting executive functioning skills, such as time management, planning, and organization. I bring structure, encouragement, and a calm presence to my teaching, helping students feel confident and capable in both their academic work and their daily routines.

Students thrive when they feel seen, valued, and supported as whole people, not just as learners. Teaching the whole child is essential to me because academic success is deeply connected to emotional well-being, confidence, and self-awareness. I love working with children, and it brings me immense joy to help them discover not only what they can do, but also who they are becoming. I bring warmth, consistency, and genuine care into my teaching so that students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and grow at their own pace. Helping students develop a love of learning—and a love of themselves—is at the heart of everything I do.

Outside of teaching, I’m a big fan of traveling, reading, writing, and planning my next adventure. I’m a social butterfly who loves spending time with friends and family, and I have a playful Goldendoodle named Sage, who keeps me on my toes and adds so much joy to my daily life. I’m also a proud middle child of three sisters, all of whom are one grade apart, which has shaped my collaborative and playful nature. I love connecting with people and bringing energy and positivity into everything I do.

At Peak, I provide academic support in all core subjects, executive functioning, and test preparation. I also work with students on mindset and motivation, helping them develop the confidence and tools they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. I developed a love of planning and organization at a young age, which led me to a passion for learning. My goal is to support every child in building their own love of learning.

Testimonial:

Coming soon…

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