Elementary

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Noelle D

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noelle D

I’ve known that teaching was my calling ever since high school, when I had the opportunity to assist in an elementary classroom and absolutely fell in love with education. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student’s eyes light up when they finally grasp a concept they’ve been struggling with—that “aha!” moment is what I live for.

I earned my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Elmhurst University in Illinois, along with endorsements in ESL, bilingual education (Spanish), and special education. After graduation, I spent nine incredible years living and working in Tijuana, Mexico, where I served as a middle school teacher and later as the Education Coordinator at St. Innocent Orphanage. In that role, I developed and implemented academic and behavioral support programs for students facing a wide range of challenges, including learning disabilities, mental health and behavioral diagnosis, ADHD, dyslexia, and trauma. I also worked with students who had never set foot in a classroom before, helping them build foundational literacy and study skills from the ground up. Watching these students take great strides in their education instilled in me a love for working with students one-on-one and a deep commitment to student success.

I am passionate about supporting students who are struggling to succeed in traditional academic environments by helping them build confidence, find effective strategies, and discover the joy of learning. Through Focus Tutors, I’m excited to offer support in Spanish, general homework help, and organization/study skills.

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Trista M

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trista M

From a young age, I knew teaching was my calling. This inspiration came from my favorite science teacher who had the ability to make learning both interesting and fun.  After earning my degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from San Jose State University in 1994, I pursued my passion for science by obtaining a second Bachelor’s in Natural Sciences with a minor in Biology in 2000. 

My experiences as a stay-at-home mom and navigating my son's Autism diagnosis led me to earn my Multiple Subject Credential in 2004, allowing me to work as a teacher and support my children in their educational journeys. Through my son’s journey, I gained invaluable insights into the IEP and 504 processes and learned that every child on the spectrum is beautifully unique.  As a lifelong learner, I went back to school in 2018 to earn a Master’s Degree in Biology with an Emphasis in Education from GCU in 2020 .

My husband and I are blessed with six amazing children and ten grandchildren. Sunday dinners are a cherished weekly tradition, where our kids and grandkids gather to enjoy time together. 

From a young age, I knew teaching was my calling. This inspiration came from my favorite science teacher who had the ability to make learning both interesting and fun.  After earning my degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from San Jose State University in 1994, I pursued my passion for science by obtaining a second Bachelor’s in Natural Sciences with a minor in Biology in 2000. 

My experiences as a stay-at-home mom and navigating my son's Autism diagnosis led me to earn my Multiple Subject Credential in 2004, allowing me to work as a teacher and support my children in their educational journeys. Through my son’s journey, I gained invaluable insights into the IEP and 504 processes and learned that every child on the spectrum is beautifully unique.  As a lifelong learner, I went back to school in 2018 to earn a Master’s Degree in Biology with an Emphasis in Education from GCU in 2020 .

My husband and I are blessed with six amazing children and ten grandchildren. Sunday dinners are a cherished weekly tradition, where our kids and grandkids gather to enjoy time together. 

I am thrilled to be a member of the Focus Tutors team, and I am dedicated to making math and science accessible and enjoyable for students. With 17 years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of witnessing children grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. I look forward to using my knowledge and passion to support students on their educational journey in math, science, problem-solving, executive functioning, and organization.

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Magdoleen S

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magdoleen s

Hello! I am a passionate and dedicated first-grade teacher. I am excited to share my experience with you. I'm a lifelong resident of Phoenix, Arizona, and teaching has been my calling since I was a child. As an Orthodox Christian, my faith provides a strong foundation for my work, guiding me to approach each student with compassion and care.

Coming from a large, vibrant family of three brothers and two sisters, I have gained invaluable insights into building meaningful relationships. This family background has greatly influenced my teaching philosophy, as I place a strong emphasis on fostering genuine connections with each of my students. I am now entering my 4th year of teaching, and my love for this profession only continues to grow. I am excited about the prospect of tutoring your child and look forward to the opportunity for shared growth and learning.

I am thrilled to be working with Focus Tutors students at the elementary grade levels in language arts, mathematics, general homework/organization skills and reading support.

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Danica K

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Danica K

Growing up in Phoenix, school was a place where learning, imagination and the world all collided. I became a teacher because I wanted children to love learning just as I did. However, it took me a while to come to that conclusion. I love people, believe there is always hope and I think life should be enjoyed! I come from a family of educators and am a third-generation teacher. Growing up I often helped tutor and loved teaching others (whether that was academics, dance, the correct way to type, etc.). I came into college with extra credits, so I had the freedom to explore many degree programs. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a Sociology major and minors in Family Studies and Human Development, along with an Education minor. After working in a school in South Central Los Angeles, providing targeted interventions to lessen the achievement gap, I returned to Phoenix and worked in foster care, church work and eventually jumped back into the classroom and taught 6th grade, Elementary Resource and ended in High School Special Education. I am passionate about all students enjoying learning and reaching their goals. I went on to get my Master’s in Special Education because of my deep conviction to be able to reach all learners. I currently serve as the Children’s Director at a local church and love being able to serve families and provide optimal learning experiences each week. I am looking forward to sharing my love of learning and my deep conviction that all students are capable of great things. At Focus Tutors, I work with students in the following areas: organization and time management, reading/math intervention, executive functioning, test preparation, reading and writing support, as well as general homework support.

Susie J

SUSIE J

I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University in 1986. For the next 32 years I taught first grade in the Paradise Valley Unified School Teacher. I taught a wide variety of learning styles including gifted, learning disabled, autistic and children with attention issues. I thoroughly enjoyed my career in early education and still have a passion for teaching. Besides tutoring, I also supervise student teachers for Grand Canyon University and do some intervention work with struggling students in the Scottsdale Unified School District. I have recently become involved in a wonderful organization called Bee Kind where I help write curriculum for their nationwide programs.  

I am happily married with one son who recently got married. In my free time I enjoy hiking, attending group exercise classes at the gym, playing pickleball, reading, going out to eat and traveling.