MEET OUR TEAM
Tia - Director and Mentor Coach
I have worked as an educator for two decades. Having completed an undergraduate degree in English, I began my career with Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes®, treating reading and language comprehension weaknesses. As an Executive Director and Workshop Presenter, I oversaw the program implementation in multiple sites, helping to open and lead several locations throughout the southeast before heading to Southern California. Additionally, I led coaching efforts for current and new staff and taught school administrators, therapists, and parents how to implement the programs in their homes or schools.
I also spent time in the classroom, which allowed me to take my keen knowledge of the reading and writing process and apply it to curriculum daily.
One of my most proud moments happened when I applied my love of writing, and my passion for inspiring a love of reading, to publishing a chapter book of my very own! Spellchecked is my dream come to life, and the fun characters are drawn from inspirations throughout my childhood and career. I’m working on the next installment so stay tuned! :)
I have learned that my love for coaching and educating extends beyond just the students I have taught to their entire team. It is this love that ignites my passion for working with you! Whether you are a parent with a struggling child, or a school needing additional support and coaching, I can help!
Whitney - Senior Academic Coach
I have been an educator for eight years. I hold my Single-Subject teaching credential in California and recently obtained my Master's degree in Secondary Education. I am passionate about teaching, social work, and child advocacy! In my free time, I love yoga, gardening, and traveling. I speak multiple languages (English, German, and Spanish) and am always eager to learn more!
I look forward to meeting my students!
E’Lisha - Academic Coach
Surrounded by teachers in my youth, I knew I wanted to be an educator at an early age. My years as an Army Brat traveling across the U.S. were inspiration for my interests in hospitality and tourism. I am a first-generation college graduate with a joint Master’s degree, and I earned my doctorate in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. These academic pursuits have allowed me to research and live in countries around the globe from Australia, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Germany, Uganda, to South Africa and more.
As a professor, I inspire students to excel in more than their academics, but also in the pursuits of service to communities through volunteerism and career exploration. Through my engagement as a member of and mentor in several non-profits such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Africa Academy for Careers, I educate and mentor youth and communities from various backgrounds and across international borders.
I have co-authored several peer-reviewed articles on methods for reducing writing apprehension among college students and champion similar approaches that facilitate peer mentorship and tutoring. This is where I learned the value of transparency and vulnerability in fostering trust with students. I am passionate about tapping into students’ curiosities and encouraging adventure—may it be through the pages of a book or real-world experience.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, dancing, exploring new cultures, college football—go Tigers—and all things Taylor Swift! I look forward to igniting your child’s intellectual and personal passions through scholastic achievement and intentional thought about the world around them.
Sandy - Academic Coach
As an educator, I am both privileged and grateful when students and families allow me to walk alongside and guide them through their academic journey. With a wide array of knowledge gained by serving students as a teacher, tutor, academic advisor, and school counselor for the past three decades, I consider myself both a generalist and a specialist in the field of education. I thoroughly enjoy the unique approach of one-on-one academic coaching, as it enables us to discover your student’s distinct learning needs. Making learning safe, fun, creative and engaging is the focus of my time spent with students, always mindful that growth and academic success are best achieved holistically in the context of social and emotional wellbeing. Outside of the academic coaching setting, I savor time spent with my family, children and grandchildren, playing games, crafting, quilting, beachgoing, enjoying the outdoors and filling the time with laughter.
Arpy - Admin. & Operations Manager
I am a true lover of order. My background is in Finance and Accounting, and I absolutely love the order in that. But I also love to serve, and have spent a great deal of my life in service of others; dedicated to bringing them joy. Be it through event planning, graphic design, or administration, my greatest pride is to see the end result, and the smiles on the faces of those who’ve asked for just a little bit of help, but received a lot. Tia calls me a magician. I don’t know about that, but I love what I do!
Kayla - Admin. & Operations Assistant
I am a student by nature, and am currently attending CSULB pursuing a degree in marketing. It’s fun to be apart of an organization whose primary goal is to make learning easier, life more meaningful, and to celebrate strengths and milestones along the way. My goal is to support every effort made in helping our team achieve these goals with our students over and over again. Whether it be through administrative support, or chatting with you via social media, I look forward to being a small part of your TMES journey!