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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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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Patty J

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I was born in Florida to an Air Force family but have called Arizona home for 46 years. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from ASU-West. I am a wife, mother, and grandmother of six!

I taught elementary education for about 20 years. During my career, I provided both one-on-one tutoring and small-group instruction. I also have training in the Orton-Gillingham approach and the Barton Reading & Spelling System, which has given me additional tools for supporting students who need more targeted help with reading and foundational literacy skills. About three years ago, I left the classroom to help care for my young grandchildren and later rejoined the teaching world as a tutor. Facilitating and supporting student learning brings me such joy.

When students’ needs are met, they are better able to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. My goal is to create an environment where students feel supported while also being engaged and challenged. That that looks different for every child. I enjoy getting to know my students through games and other activities. As we build rapport, it becomes easier for students to develop trust and become more receptive to learning.

I love a good hike! During the hot summer months when hiking is limited, I enjoy swimming, reading, and playing games with my grandkids. I also bake sourdough and enjoy trying new recipes.

At Peak Academics, I offer individualized academic support for elementary students in phonics, reading, writing, and math. I can also provide homework support and help students strengthen executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, task initiation, and follow-through. Most importantly, I look forward to helping each student build confidence and reach their full potential.

TESTIMONIAL:

Coming soon…

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Sarah A

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I grew up in Chicago and have called the Phoenix Metro area home since March 2001. My journey in education began with a passion for helping children learn, grow, and discover their own potential. After an injury while playing volleyball and softball at Judson University, I transferred to Emmaus Bible College, where I earned my B.A. in Elementary Education and Biblical Studies, with a minor in Music. In 2009, I earned my master’s degree in Technology Integration from Walden University.

I bring more than 25 years of experience in education, including 15 years as an elementary teacher and 11 years as an administrator. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with students, families, and educators in a variety of settings, giving me a broad perspective on what it takes for students to be successful academically and personally.

My philosophy of student success is rooted in seeing the whole child, not simply looking at grades or academic performance. When a student is struggling, I believe it is important to look beyond the surface and ask, “Why?” Is the student missing a foundational skill? Are they overwhelmed, frustrated, or lacking confidence? Do they need a different approach to learning? Could executive functioning, organization, motivation, or another barrier be getting in the way?

I believe every student can learn, but not every student learns in exactly the same way. My goal is to identify each student’s strengths, understand the barriers that may be holding them back, and develop strategies that meet them where they are while helping them move forward. I want students to understand not only what they are learning, but also how they learn best and how they can become more confident and independent learners.

Most importantly, I strive to create a learning environment where students feel safe to make mistakes, ask questions, celebrate progress, and recognize their own abilities. Academic success is about more than completing an assignment or improving a grade—it is about building the skills, confidence, and mindset students need to become successful lifelong learners.

When I’m not working at Peak Academics, you’ll often find me curled up with a good book or spending time in my garden. One of my favorite weekend traditions is having game nights with my family. I have three adult children who all live nearby, and I feel incredibly fortunate that we enjoy getting together regularly.

The only “child” still living at home is my Goldendoodle, Wrigley—named after the Chicago Cubs’ iconic Wrigley Field! We’re currently working on his training to become an emotional support dog, although he’s still learning that people’s food is not part of his job description. He definitely keeps life entertaining!

At Peak Academics, I offer individualized academic support for students in Kindergarten through 6th grade in reading, writing, and math. I am also certified in the Orton-Gillingham approach and can provide specialized reading intervention for students who need more targeted support with foundational literacy skills. In addition, I can provide homework support and help students strengthen executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, task initiation, time management, and follow-through.

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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