Madi B R

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I have lived in several major cities across Arizona; I was born and raised in Flagstaff, spent time in Tucson, and now plan on settling in Phoenix. I received my Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from The University of Arizona, along with three minors: Statistics and Data Science (SDS), Information, Science, Technology, and Arts (ISTA), and Psychology. I also earned my Master’s in Secondary Education with a PreK–12 Structured English Immersion Endorsement from Arizona State University.

With extensive experience supporting students in a variety of settings, I have worked with learners across middle school, high school, college, and university levels. My background includes teaching high school Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, tutoring math at multiple grade levels, coaching volleyball, and helping coordinate a university-level math readiness program. I have also been part of Teach for America’s Phoenix Corps, where I engaged in professional development focused on educational equity and empowering all students with the tools they need to succeed.

I know that math can feel intimidating for many students - sometimes because of gaps in foundational skills, a fear of making mistakes, or learning differences like dyscalculia. I meet students where they are, offering different strategies until we find the one that works best for them. My inquiry-based approach encourages students to think freely, ask questions, and make connections between their interests and the material, so they see more value in what they’re learning. As Ignacio Estrada said, “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”

Outside of tutoring, I enjoy staying active through yoga and swimming. I’ve played volleyball since middle school and was once recruited to play for a community college in Oregon. Music has also been a part of my life - I learned clarinet in high school and piano in elementary school. At home, I share life with my incredibly outgoing and supportive husband, James, along with my dog, Mo, and my eyelash crested gecko, Juice. A fun fact about me is that I can bite into ice cream without flinching!

At Peak Academics, I provide math tutoring for grades 6 and up, helping students strengthen their skills, build confidence, and develop strategies that will support their success far beyond the classroom.

Testimonial:

Coming soon…

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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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Linda M

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I grew up in a wonderful, big family in New Mexico. We visited my grandparents in Phoenix often, and I decided that’s where I wanted to live. After several years of accounting study at Arizona State University, I realized that teaching was truly where my heart belongs. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from ASU. Shortly after that, I completed my Master’s in Education from the University of Phoenix. I am a Certified Teacher in Arizona with a Math Middle School Endorsement, as well as a K–12 ESL Endorsement.

I currently teach middle school mathematics. I started as an elementary school teacher and discovered that my passion is teaching middle schoolers. I have taught for over 30 years, most of them in the same district. I have been a tutor for the last ten of those years and thoroughly enjoy it. Working one-on-one is very satisfying for both the teacher and the learner. My experience with tutoring has also helped me become a better classroom teacher.

I truly believe that students learn best when they feel valued and important. I provide an easy-going, loving approach. I understand that math is often the last thing most adolescents want to think about. Finding connections with students as people we care about fosters success. I struggled with math growing up and remember feeling frustrated. That memory helps me to have patience and genuine confidence that everyone can learn. I want kids to understand why math works in addition to how it works. Middle school can be difficult on many levels, and students thrive when they are comfortable.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my adult daughter, Adrienne, and my two “granddogs.” They are relaxing to be with, and the dogs always keep me laughing. I love to garden and have finally come to understand the complexities of the Arizona climate. I read a lot of historical fiction, my favorite genre, and I’m always up for having coffee with friends or family.

Math is my expertise, but I also enjoy supporting students in building executive functioning skills, including initiation, planning, organization, and task completion. I offer general homework support as well.

Testimonial:

“Linda is a fantastic math tutor who made a huge difference in a short amount of time. When she began working with my son during the last quarter of his 7th grade accelerated math class, he was struggling with a low grade and feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Linda brought so much patience, flexibility, and encouragement, quickly building a great rapport and helping him regain confidence in his abilities. She was incredibly accommodating, always willing to adjust her schedule or provide extra support as needed. Thanks to her help, he was able to turn things around, significantly improve his grade, and, most importantly, feel much more confident in math. I am truly grateful for Linda’s support and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled and caring tutor.”

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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 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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