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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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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Laine J

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!”

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Megan O

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

Growing up in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, I was taught by passionate professionals who made learning fun and meaningful and inspired me to dedicate my career to doing the same. After studying English with a Writing Concentration at Gonzaga University, I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching through the University of Portland PACE program.

I have taught middle and high school English for six years. I taught 7th, 9th, and 10th grade English for two years while completing my graduate program and then moved home to Arizona. For the past four years, I taught freshman (honors and on-level) and junior English courses and journalism electives at private high school in Scottsdale. 

I believe that students must have peace of mind and spirit before they can approach new challenges. Exercises such as mindful breathing, yoga, and meditation can help prepare students to learn with a regulated nervous system. I connect with students by learning about their interests and making learning as fun and conversational as possible. Students need to feel comfortable in order to make mistakes in front of someone else, and making mistakes is the pathway of learning.

I love to travel. I’ve been on two solo travel trips around Europe in the past few years. I love to hike and practice yoga. I adopted a cat in 2020 named Luna. And unsurprisingly, I love to read and write.

I can assist with English language arts content and skills in addition to executive functioning coaching.

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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