Barbara T.

Barbara’s educational journey began with a passion for teaching Special Education, a field she dedicated herself to in the early years of her teaching career. After earning her master’s degree in Foreign Language, she showed her adaptability and versatility by transitioning to Spanish, a language she had spoken and grown to love. This change enabled her to inspire many students by teaching Spanish at all levels in both public and private schools. She also taught homeschool students to help them meet their high school language requirements.

Barbara actively contributes her free time by volunteering for various organizations, fostering a sense of community, while also prioritizing quality time with her family and friends.

Lisa P.

Lisa has a bachelor’s degree from The University of Pittsburgh majoring in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. Lisa began her teaching experience very early as a tutor then an adjunct professor at a community college. After moving to Florida in 2019, Lisa obtained her teaching certification through the Florida Department of Education in Mathematics 6-12, Exceptional Student Education, Physical Education 6-12, Elementary Education and ESOL. Lisa has been employed with the Sarasota County School District since 2022 and has experience working on staff in the classroom as an ESE and mathematics teacher both in middle and high school. She currently teaches high school Mathematics at a charter school in Manatee county full time. Lisa has three children and enjoys time at the beach, tennis, skiing and reading in her spare time.

Matt T.

Matt Tracy has a B.A. in Economics from Fordham University in New York City and a proven track record of helping students excel in college entrance exams (ACT and SAT) and their English and mathematics courses. With three years of tutoring experience, Matt is an expert at guiding students through K-12 level reading, writing, and English, as well at preparing high-school students for their ACT and SAT exams.

Matt’s teaching experience began in high school when he started an SAT Prep Club to help his classmates do as well if not better than him on the test. His passion for education grew while working at the Writing Lab Center (two years) at Fordham. This experience gave Matt the opportunity to support students from all background and help them reach their full potential.

In addition to his business journalism and tutoring pursuits, Matt enjoys reading up on politics and current events. He also is actively engaged in his local community and loves to frequent locally-owned coffee shops and other businesses.

Erin F.

Erin is an experienced literacy tutor with a Master’s degree in English Education, 10 years of experience in the field of education, and a profound love for stories. Her approach emphasizes patience and flexibility in addressing the needs of each student, helping them build confidence in addition to strong linguistic and academic skills.

Erin specializes in grammar, essay writing, literary analysis, and standardized test prep. When she isn’t helping students learn to love language, she can be found backpacking Florida’s swamps, learning to dance salsa, or devouring the latest fantasy bestseller alongside her elderly cat, Charles.

Alexandra K.

Hi, I’m Ali! I’ve been an educator for over a decade and have always believed that every child deserves to be seen for their unique strengths and full potential. I hold a Master’s degree in Special Education (K-12) with endorsements in Reading and Autism, and I currently serve as a Professional Learning Facilitator in Sarasota County Schools.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching, coaching, and supporting students, families, and teachers. My passion is helping children build confidence, close learning gaps, and develop skills that will serve them both in and out of the classroom. I especially enjoy working with students who may need a little extra support in reading, writing, or organization and I love finding creative, engaging ways to make learning click.

Outside of education, I’m a wife, mom of two girls, and coffee lover who enjoys adventuring with my family and bringing creative projects to life. My goal as a tutor is to create a safe, encouraging space where your child feels supported, motivated, and ready to grow.

Cynthia W.

I am a reading and writing specialist.  I have written or contributed to 22 titles about teaching writing using the Empowering Writers’ methodology.  For grades 2-8, each of these books provide a writing curriculum for a full school year and cover expository, narrative, response to text, opinion and argumentative writing.  I am also the author of the “Words in Context” vocabulary enrichment series for grades 1-6 published by Scholastic.

I have a BA in English from the State University of New York College at Oswego and a MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona.  I have also completed the coursework, written a thesis and passed a comprehensive exam for a M.Ed in special education from Westfield State College in Massachusetts.

Currently, I teach Developmental Reading at the State College of Florida, Venice campus.  My students are non-native English speakers or students with learning disabilities.  I worked for the Region One Schools in northwest Connecticut for nearly a decade as a substitute teacher in grades K-12 as well as a in-home tutor, working with students with emotional difficulties or other such issues that prevented them from attending school. For many summers, I tutored at Camp Half Moon in Great Barrington, MA.

As the parent of a child with dyslexia, I have a deep understanding of language based learning differences.  I completed my Orton-Gillingham training at the Kildonan School in Amenia, NY and have since helped many dyslexic children learn how to read.

Tammy G.

Tammy graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education, and completed a Masters Degree in Education from Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Tammy has taught high school mathematics the past 25+ years in Appleton, Wisconsin, Fort Myers and Sarasota, Florida. She has tutored both middle and high school students for homework help, to pass ACT/SAT, PSAT, CLT, and the HESI Nursing Exam. She is very patient and nonjudgmental. It makes her happy when a student finally “gets it” understands a concept they couldn’t previously.

Outside of school, Tammy enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach and reading.

Colleen R.

Hi! I’m Colleen, a Sarasota native, proud mom of three, and happily married for eight years. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the State College of Florida and will complete my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Reading in December 2025 from Florida Gulf Coast University.

This is my third year teaching in Sarasota County, and I bring over 10 years of experience in early childhood education including time as the director of my own program. I’m certified to teach PreK–3rd grade, hold both a Reading and ESOL endorsement, and have worked in classrooms across all elementary grade levels.

I’m passionate about helping children develop a lifelong love for reading and writing. I specialize in building strong foundational literacy skills and preparing scholars for structured writing tasks such as opinion and expository writing. Outside the classroom, I enjoy boating, crafting, and curling up with a good book. My goal is always to nurture confident, curious learners through engaging and supportive instruction.

Sally C.

Sally has a Master’s of Education degree and has been a teacher in Sarasota for 11 years. She has expertise in Social Science grade 6-12 and experience teaching Reading, and English Language Arts.

Sara B.

My name is Sara. I am a lover of learning, an English teacher, and a mother of 4 little ones. As a classically trained educator, I have taught for the last 10 years in public and private schools. I have taught in every educational environment, and to students from grades pre-k through freshman in college. I am certified in Reading K-12, and in English 6-12. I have taught every level of English; grammar level math; and foundational Spanish and French.

In addition to speaking and reading Spanish academically, I have taught introductory Spanish and French to young children. I consider myself a lover of languages, and am always looking to personally further my linguistic knowledge. I also consider myself a bit of an anthropologist; I love studying various cultures! Combining my love for teaching with my understanding of languages and cultures allows me to reach my students at a deep learning level and make meaningful connections, both personally and intellectually.