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…

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Hannah C

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I received a B.A in Management in 2006 and a M.A in Teaching in 2011. I moved to Arizona in 2012 and have taught in public schools ever since. 

I have taught a variety of grades from Pre-K and Kindergarten to middle school and special education. I have also taught classes to K-8 students on social and emotional learning. I have tutored for many years for both primary and secondary students.

I believe that a great learning experience for my students begins with a great student-teacher relationship built on mutual respect and trust. I strive to help every child I work with see the ability they have within. I find great satisfaction in seeing students succeed and grow in self-confidence.

I have been married for 20 years and we have two teenage sons and two pugs. Over the last 10 years I have taken a special interest in the foster care crisis in our state and nation. I have volunteered with many local foster care organizations and became a foster parent myself in 2016.

For Peak I work with students in grades Pre-K through 9. I specialize in core academic support, mindfulness,  social and emotional learning and executive functions development. 

Testimonial:

Coming soon…

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Meghan B

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to California as a teenager. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and my teaching credential at Cal State University Northridge. During my credential program, I completed internships in the general education settings and also in Deaf and hard of hearing classrooms.

I started my teaching career in California, where I taught 2nd and 3rd grade deaf and hard of hearing students. I also tutored hearing students with and without special needs privately at homes and through tutoring agencies. I have a lot of experience in working with students with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Deafness. I have been an elementary school teacher for the Deaf for 15 years. I am now a Literacy Instructional Coach for my school where I co-teach, lesson plan, observe, explore resources and more with Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers.

When working with a new student, I love to start by finding out what interests them and how they learn best. Hands-on activities, problem-based learning and STEAM activities are all great ways to connect with students and also make learning enjoyable! My goal is not just to come with academic lessons, but to also engage with your child and discover how they best learn. Modifying and accommodating to ensure your child has access to what is being taught and making sure tutoring is fun are my goals.

I am a mom to 7 and 9 year old boys. I enjoy spending time with my children by going on bike rides and to soccer games, motocross races and of course trampoline parks! I enjoy hiking, running and cooking. We enjoy family trips to Flagstaff and San Diego and love trying new restaurants!

For Peak, I provide services in elementary and middle school math, reading and writing and also offer support with executive functioning and organizational skills. I am also fluent in American Sign Language and can tutor for ASL or teach in ASL. Additionally, I provide instruction in Innovation, Cooking and Mindfulness.

TESTIMONIAL:

Coming soon…

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Mila L

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I am originally from California and moved to Arizona to pursue a career related to my passion for yoga. I went to California State University Northridge for my Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in School Counseling with an emphasis in School Psychology and Pupil Personnel Services credential. In 2021 I received my Yoga Teacher Certification and am currently studying breathwork facilitation and neuroscience as it applies to yoga.

I am currently a school psychologist for a local district in Phoenix and also offer individual and small group yoga and meditation courses. I have close to a decade of experience working with kids and really love what I do. I have worked for several districts in the metropolitan and greater Los Angeles area as well as in San Diego, California. During my master’s program I also worked for a behavior support company with children on the Autism spectrum in the metropolitan Los Angeles area.

I love connecting with students by getting to know them and their interests. Together we discuss strengths and weaknesses and ways to continue learning and growing.

I practice yoga daily and I love meditation and breathwork as ways to be mindful. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and pets. I also love hiking, dancing, and exploring new places in the world. I truly believe movement of any sort is important on a daily basis and I try to incorporate it.

At Peak Academics I offer support related to Executive Functions and Yoga & Mindfulness in individual and small group settings.

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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Stephanie E

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I grew up in Gilbert, Arizona. I went to Northern Arizona University my freshman year of college where I discovered I was NOT a snow person like I had always imagined. After that year, I transferred to the University of Arizona to be back in the heat. There I graduated with my degree in Elementary Education with an SEL endorsement. I have participated in a variety of professional development opportunities, including for my dyslexia training certificate.

After I graduated in 2018, I began teaching right away. I taught elementary school for 5 years and gained experience differentiating lessons to meet the needs of gifted cluster students, as well as those with dyslexia. In addition to transitioning to 1-on-1 tutoring for elementary students, I also nanny a wide variety of ages, Kindergarten through 8th grade. I absolutely love being able to work 1-on-1 or in small groups of students. I love teaching the basics of phonics and reading and seeing that light bulb turn on! I also love focusing on social emotional learning and integrating that into my lessons.

I connect with my students by creating a relationship where they know I truly love and care about them. I think before any learning can happen, trust needs to build. The benefit of working for Peak Academics is that I get to have more opportunity for that 1-on-1 quality time. I am able to truly bond and create a trusting relationship with my students. I love using positive reinforcement and increasing confidence. I have a passion for making learning fun! I love to laugh throughout learning sessions and incorporate learning games to really keep my students engaged.. My students truly connect with me and grow as they respond to my cheerful and loving demeanor.

When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my family and friends. I just finished real estate school, and am going to be teaming up with my mom to sell homes! I have a passion for helping others so this is another way to fulfill that passion. I love being active, whether that be trying new workout classes, taking a long bike ride with my boyfriend or walking my cute Bernedoodle puppy! I love fashion and trying new outfits, as well as decorating my house and keeping up with the current trends.

Here at Peak Academics, I support learners in Pre-K through 3 rd grade. I can help guide children who need extra support or enrichment in phonics, math, reading/writing, social emotional, or any project based learning. I adore connecting with my students and their families. I love to communicate and keep families in the loop. I am super excited to connect!

TESTIMONIAL:

Coming soon…

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Tam J

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and have lived on both the West Coast and the East Coast prior to moving to Arizona. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Oregon State University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Willamette University. I currently hold active Elementary Teacher certificates in both Washington and Arizona. With 20+ years of teaching experience, I have taught in a variety of states including Washington, Oregon, Virginia, California and Arizona.

My decision to pursue a career in education extends from my fascination and passion for the study of Human Development. I genuinely love guiding and supporting students on their journey to become successful, confident, and independent learners. Seeing students grow and develop emotionally and intellectually fuels me to continue in this career field. My passions include early childhood development, elementary education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), mindfulness and meditation.

While academic growth is always important, it is essential that we focus on the whole child. Students experience the most success when social emotional development and academic achievement are intertwined. Effective executive functioning, self-regulation skills, and social emotional learning need to all be taught intentionally and explicitly, just like we teach the academic subjects, thus allowing students to reach their highest potential and better understand their sense of self. With this philosophy, students are set up to be successful and students experience tremendous progress!

Outside of teaching, I love the outdoors. I enjoy boating, hiking, sporting events, and time with my family. I especially love the time with my mom, for whom I am the primary caregiver.

For Peak Academics, I enjoy working with students in grades Pre-K through 5 in the following areas: reading, writing, math, executive functioning, mindfulness/meditation, social emotional learning, and self-regulation.

TESTIMONIAL:

“I have observed Tam teaching for over 16 years and am impressed both as her principal and a mom whose son calls her his favorite teacher. She has a warm and welcoming presence and goes above and beyond to enhance her students’ learning experience. Her positive impact on learning is backed by strong data from the growth her students make each year. Equally as important, she supports her students’ in developing their social skills and values them as individuals. Tam is a one in a million teacher who I would clone if I could!”

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Tracy A

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

As a lifelong learner, I achieved my master's degree in Special Education (Learning Disabilities) in 2010. In Bloomfield Hills Schools, I began as a Special Education Instructor and continued growing my craft. I became a Restorative Practices Trainer of Trainers, a Master Global Champion, a district SEL Specialist, an executive functioning expert and was hand selected for the Galileo Leadership Training Program through Oakland University. This led to many opportunities to share what I have learned; Presenting at RP conventions, for the Michigan Annual School Board Collective, and for Bloomfield Hills. Since 2009, I have spent my summers working one on one with struggling students, and was a Yoga/Mindfulness coach for 4th-8th grade students from 2010-2021. Shortly thereafter, I sold my house and took it on the road. I am excited to continue doing this work here in Arizona.

I have worked directly with students since 2009. I assess their needs with thorough data collection and collaborate to create an individual academic plan. Then I directly work with students toward their individual goals, while monitoring progress.

As a Restorative Practices Practitioner, I know that people are more motivated, happier and more successful when we work “with” them. This relationship-first approach ensures that each student feels strong and ready to challenge themself with the knowledge that they are supported.

Being single and new to the area, I am very interested in everything that Arizona has to offer. I am enjoying all of the Theater, Music, and Arts available here. I am still amazed at the beauty surrounding me when I hike (although after my first rattlesnake, I am on a hike hold for the summer). I love a great dining experience and I am very open to suggestions!

I am thrilled to serve as an executive functions expert at Peak Academics, as I see how this type of support can change a student’s life. Additionally, I enjoy working with students academically and offer services related to phonemic awareness, reading fluency and comprehension, written expression, and mindfulness.

Testimonial:

Coming soon…

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