Elementary Math

Joanna F

Joanna F

My love for learning started when I was an elementary school student and has only deepened since then. I have dedicated my career to helping children develop their own love for learning with the intention that passion for knowledge will carry them through high school, college, and beyond.

In 2002, I graduated Magna Cum Laude with Honors from the University of Arizona in Elementary Education. In 2006, I completed my Master's in Education and graduated Summa Cum Laude. I specialize in Curriculum & Instruction.

In 2002, I started a career at EDUPRIZE SCHOOLS (the first charter in Arizona) as both an elementary teacher and middle school teacher (grades 4th-8th.) I taught there for 10 wonderful years. Nonetheless, I left with the intention of exploring new ways to impact education and found what I really love... working with students one-on-one. That was the best decision I could have made. 

My priority has always been to make learning fun! It is exciting to design a specialized curriculum based on the unique needs of each child. It i’s even more exciting to witness their curiosities pique as their confidence builds! My individualized plans ensure each child's specific needs are met and are provided in a format that best accommodates each student's particular learning style. Their success is truly my greatest reward. With the Focus Tutors team, I support students in general homework, math, organization, and 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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Debbie E

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Debbie E

Having spent my entire "growing up" years in Pennsylvania, I ventured out to South Carolina for college, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics with a computer science minor from Bob Jones University in 1986. For some time after that, every few years brought a new adventure. Life has taken me to the suburbs of Detroit, MI, twice to Houston, TX, the Chicago area, and twice to Rochester, MN where I now reside. My first full-time position was in the financial field with an insurance company. Next, I took on several roles at Texas Children's Hospital, coming in as a programmer, then migrating to manage the Accounts Payable department and its new system installation. My next move found me testing software for the company whose system I had just helped install in TX. Most of that work was done as a telecommuter even before it was fashionable to work remotely. It wasn't until my most recent move back to MN that I became involved in education as a substitute teacher at a private classical school. Ten years later, I returned full circle to my math roots when I accepted my current position at Rochester Century High School. Now I get to spend my days immersed in tutoring high school students in our Math Resource Center. I derive immense satisfaction in seeing the lightbulb go on when a student finally grasps a concept, when they tell me about a good test grade, or when they inform me that I "saved" them in math class. To this I always point out that THEY are the ones who did the hard work; I just had the privilege of being their guide.

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 from elementary math through calculus.

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.