Shannon B.
As a Certified Bilingual Orton Gillingham Tutor, Shannon is an expert at designing personalized multi-sensory lessons for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Shannon holds a Master of Arts in Bilingual Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.
One of Shannon’s many strengths is in helping neurodivergent readers solidify decoding skills in their dominant language first, and then helping these students translate their new decoding skills into English.
As a late bloomer who was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Shannon teaches with the empathy of someone who understands cognitive overload firsthand. This lived experience has helped her become a more compassionate educator who knows first-hand that learning should be clear, enjoyable, and not overwhelming.
In her spare time, Shannon enjoys playing pickleball, gardening, and crafting with her two daughters.
Liz P.
Liz has over 26 years teaching experience in elementary school, including every K-5 grade level and one year as a K-8 home school support teacher. Her recent professional development includes training in the Orton-Gillingham (OG) Reading/Writing Method, Lexia LETRS Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) for Math, and Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD). She has received the following degrees and credentials from San Diego State University (SDSU): Master’s Degree in Reading Education with Reading Specialist Credential, Multiple Subject CLAD Credential with Supplementary Mathematics Authorization, and Bachelor of Science, in Computer Science & Psychology.
Liz has successfully worked with students from very diverse backgrounds and supported their individual needs with targeted differentiated instruction and social-emotional support. She builds positive relationships with her students and enthusiastically supports them to achieve their academic and personal goals. She also understands the importance of collaborating with the student’s family in order to maximize the student’s growth and well-being.
She is available for in-person and/or virtual online tutoring sessions.
Cheyenne R.
Cheyenne is a veteran Chicago Public Schools special education teacher with 13 years of experience supporting diverse learners across preschool through 8th grade. Originally from a small rural town in Michigan, she obtained her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Women’s Studies from the University of Michigan before entering the classroom through AmeriCorps-The New Teacher Project. While initially drawn to education policy reform, Cheyenne quickly discovered her passion lies in working directly with students and families. She went on to earn her English as a Second Language endorsement and a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis to better meet the wide-ranging needs of her students. Cheyenne is especially passionate about building executive functioning skills to help students access opportunities beyond the classroom, and her work is grounded in a holistic, relationship-centered approach. Outside of teaching, she can usually be found traveling, playing golf, volleyball, or pickleball, exploring the outdoors, spending time with friends and family, or attempting to keep her 30+ houseplants thriving.
Sandra P.
Sandra has her Masters in Education, Single Subject History Teaching, Technology, AI, Orton Gillingham Trained. She has a passion for helping students create & activate learning plans that support positive outcomes.
Violet O.
Violet is a special education teacher with over 10 years of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. She is also a Structured Literacy tutor trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach. Throughout her career, she has worked with students with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, helping them build confidence and succeed academically.
Violet believes that children learn best through exploration and hands-on experiences. Her lessons are interactive, multi-sensory, and carefully designed to keep students engaged by using movement, tactile materials, and meaningful practice to strengthen learning.
She earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies from Azusa Pacific University and her M.A. in Teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University. Violet is deeply committed to continued professional growth and regularly takes literacy courses to improve her practice and better serve her students. She is always researching new strategies, connecting with other educators, and staying current through professional communities and podcasts.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family at the San Diego Zoo or exploring new coffee shops.
Kathryn H.
Kathryn H. is an experienced educator, learning specialist, and former intelligence professional who brings exceptional depth, structure, and insight to her work with students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Mary Washington, and is currently completing her MBA at Harvard Business School.
Kathryn is an Orton-Gillingham Associate (dyslexia specialist) and holds a TEFL certification from Cambridge University, England. She spent over 10 years as an SAT and SAT II tutor and has taught students across all grade levels, now specializing in reading, writing, and executive functioning—particularly for neurodivergent learners with Dyslexia, ADHD, or Autism.
Prior to her career in education, Kathryn served for 20 years with the USMC and CIA, working at the Pentagon and spending several years in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Combat Operations Planner, an experience that deeply informs her calm, strategic, and highly individualized approach to learning. Known for building strong relationships and confidence in her students, Kathryn blends evidence-based instruction with real-world problem-solving.
Outside the classroom, she is a Le Cordon Bleu alumna who enjoys cooking, playing soccer, and horseback riding—proof that discipline, curiosity, and creativity can thrive side by side.
Mary W.
I believe that great teaching starts with genuine connection. Every student brings a unique story, learning style, and set of strengths, and my role is to create a classroom environment where those qualities are recognized and encouraged. I strive to make learning feel safe, engaging, and purposeful, with clear routines and expectations that help students feel grounded and supported.
My teaching style balances structure with compassion. I value open communication, thoughtful reflection, and the idea that mistakes are not failures but opportunities to grow. I work to meet students where they are—academically, emotionally, and developmentally—while challenging them to reach just beyond their comfort zones. I model curiosity, calm problem-solving, and resilience, encouraging students to build these skills in their own way.
As a reading teacher, I am trained in the Orton–Gillingham approach, a structured, multi-sensory method that supports foundational literacy skills in a systematic and accessible way. I also use the University of Virginia’s Words Their Way approach to word study, helping students explore patterns in language through hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities. These methods support my belief that the art of teaching reading is both scientific and creative—rooted in research, yet flexible enough to meet each learner’s needs.
In addition, I have been trained by Dr. Lucy Calkins through Columbia University, which greatly influences my understanding of the art of teaching writing. Her work has shaped my approach to guiding students in developing authentic voice, clear structure, and confidence as writers. I bring this passion into my classroom, helping students discover that writing is a powerful tool for thinking, communicating, and expressing who they are.
I also teach mathematics through the Everyday Math program, which uses a spiraling curriculum to introduce and revisit concepts throughout the year. This approach allows students to build a deeper and more durable understanding of mathematical ideas, reinforcing skills over time and giving learners multiple opportunities to gain confidence with new material.
I use a blend of direct instruction, collaborative learning, and multi-sensory activities to reach a wide range of learners. I believe in offering students voice and choice whenever possible, empowering them to feel invested in their own progress. Building a strong classroom community matters deeply to me: students should feel respected, seen, and confident that their contributions matter.
Ultimately, my teaching is guided by the belief that growth happens through encouragement, consistency, and connection. I aim to show up each day with kindness, patience, and the conviction that every student has the potential to succeed—with the right support, the right guidance, and a teacher who truly believes in them.
Sophie S.
Sophie is a certified K–6 educator with a strong foundation in math and literacy instruction. She holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Florida and is endorsed in both ESOL and reading. Trained in evidence-based literacy programs including Orton Gillingham and UFLI, Sophie brings five years of classroom experience across diverse settings, including a 5th grade math and science class and inclusive 3rd grade classrooms. She has also tutored 5th and 6th grade math and science privately and taught English to adult learners. Sophie excels in one-on-one teaching environments, designing engaging, personalized lessons that evolve with each student’s needs. Her approach blends hands-on exploration through technology and manipulatives with inquiry-based learning and explicit instruction, fostering both confidence and academic growth. Outside of the classroom and tutoring environments, she loves to read, solve logic puzzles, roller-skate, and salsa dance!
Mia G.
Mia is a dedicated STEM educator, academic mentor, and aspiring physician with extensive experience helping students of all ages achieve academic success. Since beginning her tutoring career in 2021, she has worked with students ranging from preschool through college, providing personalized instruction across a wide variety of subjects while helping students build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
Mia earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology from St. Mary’s University and recently completed her Master of Science in Personalized Molecular Medicinefrom the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Her advanced education reflects a deep commitment to science, medicine, and lifelong learning as she continues pursuing her goal of attending medical school and ultimately becoming a neonatal geneticist.
Her strong academic background allows her to support students in a broad range of subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Pre-Calculus, English Language Arts, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, and advanced test preparation. She also provides support for AP-level coursework, STAAR preparation, PSAT/SAT preparation, college admissions essays, and even advanced exam preparation such as the MCAT and LSAT.
Beyond traditional tutoring, Mia has extensive experience working with students who have diverse learning needs, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, dyslexia, and Down syndrome. She is trained in evidence-based literacy approaches, including the Wilson Reading Program and Orton-Gillingham methodologies, allowing her to effectively support struggling readers while helping students build confidence and academic skills.
While attending St. Mary’s University, Mia served as an Academic Tutor through the Rattler Success Center, where she tutored college students in General Biology, Genetics, and Cell Biology. She also participated in numerous undergraduate research projects spanning genetics, cancer biology, neuroscience, microbiology, behavioral psychology, biochemistry, and physiology, further strengthening her ability to explain complex scientific concepts in a way students can understand.
Families appreciate Mia’s patient, encouraging, and highly individualized approach. She believes every student can succeed when given the right support and strives to create a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, overcoming challenges, and reaching their full potential.
NADIA S.
Nadia was a Montessori teacher (AMI trained) for over 35 years. She taught at the Casa level as well as Grade 1-2. She spent the last 8 years teaching Core French from the Casa level to Grade 3 at a local private school. Nadia is trained in the Orton-Gillingham Methodology and is currently tutoring students with this approach. She is passionate about Literacy and enjoys seeing the reading success of her students. Nadia also tutors adult Japanese ESL students online in Business English.
Her love of travel had her teaching ESL in Argentina and her students ranged from 10 to 70 years young! She spends time in Cuba with friends when time and resources permit. Nadia speaks French, Italian and some Spanish. When not tutoring, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog. Gardening, hiking and reading are her favourite pastimes.