Peter J

PETER J

I have over 25 years of professional experience in Information Technology. In 2018 I decided to take up a teaching career for altruistic reasons, first at the High School level teaching Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, Physics and STEM/Physical Science.  In 2020 I moved to Ingleside Middle School to teach STEM, Computer Science, and Robotics where I currently works to give 6th, 7th, and 8th graders the knowledge, skills, and hopefully the interest to pursue STEM education and careers. In 2022 I was awarded an ASAP STEM Fellowship in pursuit of improving STEM education across Arizona.

One interesting aspect of my career change is that I have lived and worked in Seattle, Portland, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Los Angeles, and New York but finally came back "home" to teach at a school I attended.  I am an alumnus of Hopi, Ingleside, and Arcadia ultimately graduating from ASU with a degree in Industrial Engineering before starting my international IT career.

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Javier U

Javier U

After I discovered my passion for math and the sciences, I made it my goal to continually help students achieve those same ‘aha’ moments that I once did. Throughout my years of tutoring, I’ve worked with students of many different ages on many different topics, from pre-algebra to calculus to upper division math courses, as well as biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences. In my opinion, one of the most important aspects to tutoring is recognizing the ways that the student thinks. Having graduated from Arizona State University with bachelor of science degrees in applied mathematics and biology and now working in a mathematical biology research laboratory, I emphasize how certain concepts relate to student interests and real-world scenarios. As part of the Focus Tutors team, I look forward to working with students on mathematics, biology, and chemistry, as well as improving their study habits, test-taking skills, and overall organization, which are also vital to success.

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Michelle B

Michelle B

I grew up in Western Massachusetts and in my twenties moved to the Valley of the Sun. I enjoyed ten years in Arizona. Most of them were in the Valley, but the last year was in Marble Canyon, near Lake Page and the Navajo Reservation. I am thrilled to be moving back after raising a beautiful child and a completing a successful teaching career. I earned an associate’s degree in Computer Science, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from Elms College. I trained at Northeastern University in Boston in the Interactive Mathematics Program, a very specific mathematics curriculum where I learned to teach in a student-centered way.

I believe that each student can be successful when they are given the opportunity to learn and explore mathematics. I enjoy teaching mathematics to young people, sharing a love of learning and helping students realize their full potential as individuals. I approach each student from a very personal and individual place. I know, and try to help them understand, that learning mathematics is based on effort, practice and overcoming the challenges that the work might present to them. I also love swimming, hiking and biking and am thrilled to be back in the Valley and working with Focus Tutors as a way to continue my involvement with teaching mathematics.

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Abby R

Abby R

Yes, I am one of those crazy people that loves math! I grew in a small town in Iowa, but moved to Arizona to pursue my Ph.D. in Mathematics Education at Arizona State University, where I also teach conceptually-oriented pre-calculus. Prior to coming to ASU, I played Division 1 soccer at Western Illinois University and earned my bachelor’s degree in mathematics education.

I am a certified secondary mathematics teacher and have extensive tutoring experience that has allowed me to refine my ability to demonstrate mathematical concepts effectively, at a high level. I seek to share my passion for mathematics with students and I hope to help students develop a conceptual understanding of the mathematical topics they are learning. I firmly believe a strong conceptual basis provides students with the confidence and ability to solve a wide variety of mathematical problems. I offer tutoring services to middle and high school students in all areas of mathematics.

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Tori G

Tori G

Helping others succeed is my biggest passion. I have always been one to seek out challenges and push myself out of my comfort zone to better myself. I know how rewarding this is for myself, and I want to help others feel that same sense of accomplishment and fulfillment whether it’s in academics or life in general. Mathematics has always just clicked in my mind, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t faced challenges and obstacles along the way. That’s what is most rewarding to me – learning how to face challenges head-on and coming out the other side having gained invaluable knowledge. I hope to instill a similar confidence in my students to face their challenges head-on. 

My post-secondary educational journey began at Iowa State University where I earned a B.S. in Accounting in 2017. Upon completion of undergraduate work, I worked in the public accounting field where I gained valuable experience both in business and character. Deciding that I wanted to pursue my passion of helping others succeed, what better way to do so than to become a teacher? I then made the jump to obtain a Master of Arts in Teaching with an endorsement in Secondary Education Mathematics from Liberty University. There is no more rewarding feeling to me than seeing the lightbulbs of both math and character illuminate in a student’s mind.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends on a nice patio, reading mystery novels, and going on walks with my Husky mix.

I believe that finding success in academics isn’t a standalone process; education is about rounding ourselves out to be the best we can be in all facets of life.  I look forward to working with such diverse students and can’t wait to help each student grow. I offer support for students in elementary math, as well as all levels of algebra.

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Chelsea B

Chelsea B

I have always had a passion for helping people learn. In fourth grade, we did a project on what we wanted to be “when we grow up” and guess what job I said? Yes, you guessed it – teacher. In high school and college, you could often find me tutoring my peers because I enjoyed watching them succeed and reach their own goals. Although I enjoyed helping others, I felt more of a calling to get my undergraduate degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing at The University of Arizona. After graduation, I moved to Boston to pursue a career in corporate retail working as an analyst. For the year I was there, I enjoyed the work but I felt that I wasn’t doing meaningful work for myself or others. Finally, I came to the realization that my fourth-grade self had my best interest and that I truly did want to become an educator. I promptly moved back to Arizona, my true home, and returned to my alma mater, U of A (Beardown!), to receive my Master’s of Education with an emphasis in Secondary Mathematics. I am currently in my third year of teaching high school mathematics at a Title I school and loving every second of it. It brings me joy to teach students how math explains the world around us, teach them perseverance, and integrate applicable soft skills for school, their career, and beyond. As a Focus tutor, I offer support for middle and high school students in algebra (all levels) and pre-calculus.

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Danica K

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.

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