Mariah N

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. I have a strong passion for teaching young children how to read and helping them develop a lifelong love of learning. My experience includes working with preschool and kindergarten students, supporting children in special education settings, and working closely with children with autism. These diverse experiences have shaped me into a flexible, compassionate, and creative educator.

I have also worked with families in my school community, focusing primarily on early literacy and foundational reading skills. In addition to tutoring, I lead a small dance group for young learners, where I combine movement, rhythm, and choreography to help children build confidence and coordination. My background in both academic and extracurricular instruction has given me a well-rounded perspective on supporting children’s growth. I love watching students progress and celebrating their milestones, both big and small.

I believe that building meaningful relationships is the foundation of effective teaching. I strive to make learning fun and engaging while still setting high expectations for my students. I use games, hands-on activities, and playful characters to make lessons memorable and enjoyable. Beyond academics, I aim to support each child socially, emotionally, and creatively, helping them grow into confident, curious learners.

Outside of teaching, I live a very active lifestyle. I enjoy running, hiking, and exploring nature with my two dogs. I also love cooking, crafting, and reading in my spare time. Lifelong learning is important to me, and I am currently pursuing my National Board Certification as part of my professional growth.

At Peak Academics, I specialize in teaching children ages 3–8. I especially enjoy supporting fine motor and handwriting development, early literacy skills, and mathematics. I also provide homework help and enrichment activities tailored to each child’s needs. In addition, I offer dance instruction as a creative and engaging way for children to express themselves and build confidence.

TESTIMONIAL:

Coming soon…

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Patti G

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I grew up in the Midwest in a large Mexican American family. I went to high school in Waukesha, WI and graduated twice from University of Wisconsin: Milwaukee - first with a Bachelors in Elementary Ed 1-6 and Bilingual Education, then again with a Masters degree in Educational Psychology.  I also have 30 plus post masters credits in various social emotional topics, like Stress Management, Trauma, Bullying, Resiliency and Grief.   

I have spent the last 28 years working with students in a variety of capacities. I started out as a Bilingual Elementary Teacher, teaching 5th grade for 7.5 years. After I finished my Masters degree, I became a School Counselor. I worked in a Bilingual K-6 for 7.5 years and, after a move to MN, in Middle School (grades 6-8) for 10 years. I also spent time as a Substitute teacher, Preschool Spanish teacher, an Adult English as a Second Language teacher, and a Parent Educator.  

Throughout those first years as a classroom teacher, it became very apparent to me that too many students were not able to reach their true potential due to non-educational roadblocks. They needed help coping with other factors, like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, social skills, family issues/changes, and executive functioning skills. Helping a student through these types of roadblocks became a true passion for me. Students needed a safe person/space to discuss and work on these issues and I wanted to be that person and to provide the space.  

As a recent AZ transplant, I am really excited to explore this beautiful state and to build the next chapter of my life here.  I enjoy reading, organizing and traveling.  I am hoping to get much better at being active. I have 3 adult children and will no doubt spend much time keeping up with their busy lives!  

Here at Peak Academics, I support students grades 3 and older.  I can help with both academics and executive functions.  I am especially good at building strong rapport with students and families and look forward to helping students reach their true potential. 

TESTIMONIAL:

Coming soon…

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Sarah Y

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I was born and raised here in Arizona and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I also have a minor in Psychology and an endorsement in Structured English Immersion. 

I have been working with K-8 students since 2015. I started my career in aftercare programs, summer camps, and preschools. I started teaching 1st grade in the spring of 2020 and in the spring of 2021 I switched to 2nd grade. In addition to tutoring for Peak Academics, I am currently teaching 1st grade in North Phoenix and I absolutely adore the littles. I have a passion for what I do and I have a special place in my heart for elementary education.

I enjoy making connections with students based on what they love to do. I love seeing students in their element. I have attended several dance recitals, soccer games, baseball games, and other extracurricular activities for my students. I want to know their passions, what drives them, and what gets them excited about learning. I make it a point to build relationships with students and their families. Students learn best when they feel supported and loved.

When I am not teaching or tutoring, I enjoy going to the gym, shopping, hiking, and spending time with family/friends. I love country music, and attend as many country events as I can each year. I also love going to sporting events and rooting on the Suns or the D-Backs. I run on Diet Dr. Pepper - I know such a teacher thing. 

I am so excited to be a part of the Peak Team! I offer services for Pre-K-8 students in core academic areas of reading, writing and math, general homework management and completion, and social/emotional learning.

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 to K-8 students 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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