Aren D

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I grew up in Chandler, Arizona and attended Arizona State University where I graduated with a  Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies in 2016.  After two years of being in the workforce as an academic counselor, I needed a more fulfilling career.  I decided to go back to ASU for my Masters. In 2019 I graduated with a Masters in Special Education / Elementary Education and am dual certified to teach both. I am proud to share that I am a first generation college graduate and can’t wait to share my passion with you! 

I have been a K-5 special education resource teacher since 2019 and have taught summer school with grades K-6. I have 10 years of classroom and tutoring experience. My teaching and tutoring experience primarily consists of elementary reading, elementary writing, elementary math, social emotional learning, behavior management, and executive functioning skills. 

Being an educator is more than just teaching academics. I love to connect with my students by understanding them as a person. It is important to build a relationship with trust to ensure students feel respected, loved, supported, and safe. Only then can learning truly take place. Similarly to my relationship with students, my relationship with parents is also a priority. I take pride in my ability to be available to parents with any questions or concerns. I believe in open communication with my families, and I want my parents to know we are a team. 

A little about me - my friends and family are very important to me. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for my loved ones! I am a dog mom to a 1 year old golden retriever named Leo and a 5 year old mini dachshund named Olly :). I love to travel and learn about different cultures, you must visit Positano, Italy! If I wasn’t an educator, I would have pursued a career in Aesthetics or fashion. On a typical weekend you can find me trying out a new restaurant, playing with my pups, and ending my day watching a movie on the couch! 

At Peak Academics I offer support services for students in grades K-6 in reading, writing, math, executive functioning, and self- regulation.

TESTIMONIAL:

"My husband and I are so thankful that Aren and Peak Academics have come into our lives.  Aren has such an incredible, patient, positive way with children!  She has worked with my two older boys for a year now.  They respond so well to her and she makes all of the learning fun!  I walk by and they are so engaged, it is such a wonderful thing to watch and hear.  They have made so much progress with her that has shown up in reading levels, test scores, and comprehension when reading a story.  We are incredibly grateful for Aren's expertise, knowledge, creativity, and kindness.  Her communication, flexibility, and always on-time nature is crucial to a busy mom managing four children's schedules!"

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Brian S

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I completed my undergraduate work at the Pennsylvania State University, and added 44 graduate credit hours to that. I spent several years as a middle school English/Language Arts teacher, public speaking/debate teacher, and one year as a middle school social studies teacher. In recent years, I have transitioned from a full-time classroom teacher to instructional support teacher, mindfulness coach, yoga master, and Tai Chi and KiGong instructor. Some of the mindfulness and mindful movement courses I have taken include: Brain Management Training, Dahn Master Course, Energy Healing Course, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, GwangMyung energy training, among others.

I work with both students and adults in mindfulness and mindful movements, striving for results that will quiet/cool the brain, warm/strengthen the core, and rebalance energy inside. This allows for better individual focus and provides room for more effective learning. Health and peace of mind go hand in hand with all forms of learning, including academic learning!

I look at an individual, assess where the individual is, provide a direction forward, and invite the student to move forward, building self-confidence and drive in the process. I help the student discover the key that unlocks learning and makes it adventurous, meaningful and creative. My motto: "Why not enjoy learning and make it your own?!"  (No one learns exactly like another person.)  

I love reading, writing, creating stories, engaging in public speaking, and showing others how to relax and connect inside. I love dogs and being in nature!   

I tutor individual students and small groups--with English being my area of expertise.  I love working with history, social studies, basic Spanish, elementary math, and science as well.  I offer mindfulness and related movements that quiet the brain, calm the heart, and increase focus / well-being, too.    

Testimonial:

“Brian began tutoring my son this school year. Brian is enthusiastic, highly motivated, and has excellent communication--both verbal and written--with students. He explains and demonstrates learning strategies clearly. His communication skills have inspired my son to put forth more effort in his studies, and helped him to be better organized and self-motivated. Brian is patient and ensures that all my son's work is completed. Brian always checks for knowledge, clarity, and understanding. We are fortunate to have him as a tutor, and have been very pleased with the results. My son's grades have improved, his behavior is better, and his approach to learning is stronger.“ 

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Kelsi K

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: 

I hold a master's degree in teaching and have been working as an educator since 2017, working in both California and Arizona. My journey includes being a founding teacher at an entrepreneurial-based charter school, where I helped shape a unique learning environment. I have also tutored privately beginning in 2017, specializing in individualized instruction and homework support.

Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in diverse educational settings, from charter schools to private tutoring. I have led the development and implementation of school-wide ELA intervention programs, created personalized learning plans for students, and focused on closing achievement gaps. My experience spans a variety of roles, all centered on helping students reach their fullest potential.

I believe in creating a safe, fun learning environment that takes each child's individual learning style into account. I prioritize building strong, trusting relationships with students, allowing them to feel supported and confident in taking academic risks. My approach is holistic, incorporating social-emotional learning and student interests to make learning meaningful.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, writing, and developing curriculum, as well as spending time outdoors hiking. I also play guitar and piano, love playing board games, and have a particular fondness for all things autumn. These interests not only fuel my own joy but also serve as great tools to engage students and bring lessons to life in relatable ways.

At Peak Academics I offer general homework and executive functions support, as well as remediation and enrichment in the core academic areas of reading, writing and math to students in grades Pre-K through 6. I also provide in-home lessons in STEAM, art, music, cooking, and mindfulness.

TESTIMONIAL:

Coming soon…

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