Lisa M.

Lisa Marriott is a Reading Specialist, Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), and a Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist. She has more than 20 years of experience helping students become confident, successful readers. She has a Masters of Education in Reading Education and currently teaches fourth grade in Kansas while also serving as a Research Assistant and Evaluator at the University of Kansas Medical Center’s Reading, Language & Learning Lab.

Lisa specializes in evidence-based reading instruction grounded in the science of reading and has extensive experience supporting students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. As the mother of two children with dyslexia, she brings not only professional expertise but also a personal understanding of the journey many families face. She is passionate about partnering with parents to help every child develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive.

When she’s not teaching or tutoring, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and adult children, running long distances with her dog, getting lost in a good book, and watching movies from every genre—from classic comedies to edge-of-your-seat thrillers.

William M.

The first time I realized teaching was my destiny was when I was a junior at Billings Senior High School in Billings, Montana, and I was given the opportunity to direct a Saturday Night Live format talent show. I’ve been hooked ever since.

I have four higher education degrees: a Bachelor of Education from the University of Wyoming, a Master of Music (with distinction) from the New England Conservatory of Music, a second Master of Music (opera production) from the University of Washington, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Washington.

I am a big fan of teaching through open-ended questions (the Socratic Method) because it transforms learning from a one-way dissemination of information into an engaging series of questions that students use to discover the answers for themselves — which promotes the acquisition of knowledge.

When I am not teaching or tutoring, I enjoy the Colorado backcountry, especially stargazing and hiking. I also love getting lost in researching such diverse topics as marine biology, paleontology, organometallic chemistry, and science fiction.

Isabel V.

Isabel Villano is a certified educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. She is passionate about accessible education and became a teacher so she could support diverse learners in a meaningful, hands-on way.

She has experience working across a range of educational settings, including classroom instruction and specialized intervention. She currently works as a Learning Specialist supporting elementary students with a focus on literacy and math intervention.

Isabel discovered her passion for special education early in her career while working closely with students who needed individualized support. She was drawn to the growth that comes from patience, relationship-building, and finding the right approach for each learner.

Her favorite part of teaching is getting to know each student and helping them build confidence as concepts begin to click. She especially enjoys working with elementary aged students because of their curiosity, honesty, and the excitement they bring to learning when they feel successful.

Isabel brings warmth, creativity, and a calm, encouraging presence to every session, with the goal of helping students feel capable and supported.

Outside of teaching and tutoring, Isabel enjoys reading, baking, and crafting. She also loves spending time at home with her family.

Brenna S.

Brenna S. decided to become a teacher in high school. During this time, she tutored friends who were at-risk of dropping out.

Armed with this powerful experience, Brenna began college at the University of Montana – Western, where she started writing curriculums that combined collaboration and communication techniques with project-based learning to help students better understand the content.

Benna continued her education at the University of Montana, where she became the campus coordinator for America Reads – America Counts, which included tutoring K-12 students every week.

Brenna completed a Bachelors of Mathematics Education at the University of Montana, with a minor in Theatre. During her time in Missoula, she worked for a summer school program, as a substitute teacher in a private school that focused on hands-on learning, and occasionally taught at one of the local public high schools.

Brenna loves guiding students in mathematics and language arts and focuses on how the concepts covered in each are relevant to daily life. She believes any student can achieve academic success, and that practice and perseverance are crucial to success in the classroom and beyond.

When she’s not teaching or tutoring, Brenna enjoys writing. She is currently completing a high-school Geometry curriculum guide and a novella. In addition to writing, Brenna also enjoys biking, hiking, swimming, and kayaking.

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.

Shauna K.

Helping students succeed is Shauna K.’s true passion.

Shauna has been teaching, tutoring, and helping students achieve academic success for more than a decade.

A California native, Shauna has a graduate and undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from UCSD. She also has a TESOL certificate to teach English as a foreign language, and many years of in-person and online SAT and ACT coaching — which is her specialty.

Shauna is highly skilled in helping students excel in a wide range of subjects from science and math to language arts and Spanish.

She is an expert at helping all students learn (and master) executive functioning skills such as planning, time management, study habits, and effective study techniques (how to study). She believes that the confidence gained through these skills propel students forward and lay the groundwork for lifelong success.

When Shauna is not teaching or tutoring, you will find her hiking, biking, or camping the Rockies.

Brook L.

Brook L. is a certified teacher with a Master’s degree in Teaching and Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Humanities. She is a certified TESOL instructor, and accredited by the American Tap Dance Society.

She has 15 years of experience teaching English Language Arts (ELA). Six of those years were spent teaching middle-school English. In addition, she has worked as a technology instructor, theater director, International Baccalaureate Primary and Diploma instructor, an academic advisor, and an ESL tutor.

Brook’s strengths include grammar and punctuation, language proficiency, SAT and ACT test prep, and helping students embrace new reading-comprehension strategies rooted in the Science of Reading.

She also created a Girl, Awake! Project: a mentorship program that advocates for girls’ education.

When Brook is not teaching, tutoring, or writing YA and dystopian fiction, you’ll find her crocheting, reading, or walking her Golden Retriever pup: Salvador Doggie

Tessa H.

Tessa H. is a lifelong learner who became a teacher so she could grow personally and professionally. She loves meeting new people and sharing her interests with students while they solve problems together.

Tessa has taught everything from swim lessons for young children to college-level Geology labs to reading and math to elementary students with learning disabilities.

As an undergraduate at the University of Binghamton in New York, Tessa discovered her passion for science and the environment, which led to two bachelor’s degrees: one in Geology and one in Environmental Studies.

After graduating, her first “real job” was teaching reading and math to children with autism and other learning disabilities. Tessa enjoyed seeing her students grow so much that she stayed in that job for more than 7 years.

“Pairing with each student and learning how to integrate their interests into my lesson plans has helped me become a better teacher and made learning more fun for everyone.”

Tessa recently moved from New York to Colorado to pursue a career in science. Tutoring gives her the opportunity to continue her love of teaching and her passion for giving back to the community.

When she’s not teaching or tutoring, Tessa loves getting out into nature, going for a hike, or going on a picnic. I also love learning new skills — anything from knitting to breadmaking.

Chris R.

Chris R. is research scientist in the Biochemistry Department at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he studies gene regulation and teaches biochemistry.

As a teacher/tutor, Chris enjoys creating a dynamic learning environment and mentoring students through examples of chemistry and biochemistry in the real world.

Chris’s interest in science started in high school biology, where he became fascinated with the molecules that make up life and how they all work together (to the point of asking for a microscope for Christmas).

He went on to pursue this interest at Boston College where he earned a B.S. in Biochemistry. While in Boston, Chris did cancer research at Harvard Medical School and had his work published.

After graduating, Chris pursued his passion for teaching at Cristo Rey College Prep High School in Fort Worth, Texas — where he taught Chemistry and AP Chemistry. Concurrently, Chris received his M.Ed. from the University of Notre Dame in Secondary Science Education.

While teaching, Chris decided to take his passion for science to the next level by pursuing a Ph.D. in Biochemistry.

Outside of work and school, Chris likes to play golf, ski, fish, play guitar, and make the most of the outdoor recreation available in Boulder!

Dr. Katina W.

Dr. Katina Walton views her enthusiasm for teaching as a calling and a responsibility that is driven by her commitment to student growth, equity, and excellence. Her desire to be a better teacher is fueled by the her personal experience of how effective instruction transforms lives and unlocks the potential in every learner.

She holds a Ph.D. in Literacy, Reading, Assessment, and Evaluation from Walden University, and has taught in a variety of classrooms from elementary schools to universities since 2001.

Outside of teaching, Dr. Walton finds joy in her faith, family, and community. She also enjoys encouraging others and engaging in activities that renew her spirit and strengthen her passion for education.