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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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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Lily M

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I’m originally from Colorado, but after living in Arizona for over a decade, I proudly call it home. I attended high school in the West Valley before earning my bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with a focus on Biological Sciences from Arizona State University. I have extensive coursework in science and math (up to Calculus III) and am currently working toward my master’s degree in education.

With a decade of combined experience tutoring and teaching across diverse educational settings, I have developed a flexible, adaptive approach to learning. My background spans tutoring writing, teaching a range of science subjects at both the middle and high school levels, and contributing to professional development initiatives. I have worked one-on-one with students as well as in classroom environments, which has enriched my ability to support every learner’s unique needs.

I love being a teacher because every student brings their own perspective to the classroom. Building strong relationships based on trust and respect is my top priority, and I strive to connect with each student through my passion for science—igniting curiosity and a genuine love for learning.

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll usually find me hiking with my dog or camping off the grid. One of my proudest achievements was completing a rim-to-rim hike in the Grand Canyon! I also enjoy getting creative with crafts, experimenting in the kitchen, swing dancing, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with family and friends.

I am excited to support students in a range of subjects, with a special focus on math and science. I also offer enrichment services, executive functioning support, study skills coaching, and general homework assistance to help each student succeed.

TESTIMONIAL:

Coming soon…

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