Director
Jennie Tyma
Candi C
Candi C
I was born and raised in Chicago, which I will always call home. I received my BA in Elementary Education with a minor in linguistics, along with a specialty endorsement in early childhood. I moved to Arizona in 1996 after I was married. I have two kids: a daughter who recently graduated from the University of Arizona, and a son who will be starting the U of A this fall. I began working with kids at the age of 15, as a camp counselor, then moved up to being an assistant teacher at day cares, and before and after school programs. Once in Arizona, I worked as a kindergarten teacher, a traveling PE coach, lead and assistant teacher in day cares, and most recently as a reading specialist tutor, helping kids that are dyslexic.
In my free time, I like to spend time with our two busy kids (whenever they're around) and our two English Cream Golden Retrievers. I'm also a drummer, and love to play whenever I can.
I love to get to know all the kids and families I have the privilege to work with on a personal level, so I can best help them to their abilities in school, and in their homework. I serve Focus families in the areas of reading, writing and spelling, as well as kindergarten readiness. I am also a dyslexia specialist.
Michele V
Michele V
In my 30 years of teaching experience, I have worked in public, charter, and private school settings both on campus and with homebound students and individual families. While I have spent most of my time at the high school level helping students understand math or improve their reading levels, I have also assisted middle school and upper elementary students complete homework and learn organizational skills. I received my Bachelors from Northern Arizona University, a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education. I am currently enrolled in the School Counseling Masters program at University of Phoenix. It is rewarding to see a student build confidence through understanding. With the Focus Tutors team, I support students in general homework, math, organization, and study skills.
Megan O
megan o
Growing up in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, I was taught by passionate professionals who made learning fun and meaningful and inspired me to dedicate my career to doing the same. After studying English with a Writing Concentration at Gonzaga University, I earned my Masters of Arts in Teaching through the University of Portland while teaching middle and high school English classes in Stayton, OR for two years. Upon graduation, I returned to Arizona and began work at a high school teaching honors and on-level English classes and journalism electives, as well as mentoring new teachers, serving as an adult leader in the House system, and moderating the Veterans Heritage Project club. I love teaching English because every day there is an opportunity to foster a spirit of critical thinking in students using literature as our common ground. Over the year, each class period becomes a unique community, but our mission remains constant—to ask questions of ourselves, each other, and the texts we
read. Working with students individually on their reading, writing, speaking, and grammar skills is an opportunity to teach students more effectively with a clearer picture of their individual content knowledge and skills. I approach a tutoring relationship with enthusiasm, humor, creativity, and the belief that working on something we struggle with is one of the bravest things we can do.
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.
Ted T
Ted T
For the last four years, I have worked as a teacher in the Paradise Valley Unified School District. Prior to that, I worked in the Fairfax County Public Schools, the 10th largest school district in the nation, just outside of Washington, D.C. I feel extremely fortunate to have served a variety of populations, such as: Self-Contained Gifted, English Language Learners, general education students, and those identified as twice-exceptional. For this reason, I am a firm believer that one size does not fit all in education and I strive to promote equity in any position I am assigned. I also believe that students learn best when they construct new knowledge for themselves. Therefore, I see myself as “a guide on the side” rather than “a sage on the stage.” As a Focus tutor, I can help your student set and meet their individual learning goals. Whether I am teaching English composition, American Government, middle school science, or test preparation, I hope to promote 21st century skills, like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, tenacity, and problem solving.
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.
Summer B
Summer B
My mission as an educator is to be an agent for fostering the growth of compassionate, conscious and empowered scholars who are grounded with a sense of purpose about their presence in the world. This stems from my core belief that these traits are essential to effectively participate in a society built on democratic ideals and values. I believe these traits are supported and substantiated by the fundamental and parallel skills of listening and reading, speaking and writing, as well as understanding through the creative process of learning. Through the content of Language Arts it is my goal that my scholars expand their intellectual capacity through rigorous and invigorating practice of reading and writing the world through the word.
I began my educational career in New Mexico where I obtained experience as an educator in a variety of settings and in all content areas from Pre-K-High School. I have achieved a Masters of Education from Eastern New Mexico University, with focus in Curriculum and Instruction, Reading and Literacy and Educational Pedagogy. Additionally I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a double focus in Language Arts, Special Education as well as an additional endorsement in Secondary Education and English and Composition.
Claire V
Claire V
I am a dedicated lifelong learner with passion and enthusiasm for teaching. My educational career began as the daughter of educators. I have a B.A and an M.A. in Politics and taught at 2 year and 4 year colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area and Denver, Colorado before getting a degree in Elementary Education.
What I enjoy most is engaging and interacting with students. I know I have done a good job when students start to question how or why something exists the way that it does. I love the process of shaping student led inquiry, watching students grow and gain the confidence to be able to figure things out for themselves. I respect and honor the unique qualities of each student and seek to make the educational experience one that encourages them to be lifelong learners. I can be helpful in the areas of elementary math, reading & writing support, organization & time management, general homework & study skills support, language arts and upper level Social Studies & History.
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.
Genelle B
Genelle B
I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in elementary school. My fourth grade teacher changed my life, and I was on a mission to do the same for other students as soon as I was able to. I graduated with an Elementary Education degree from the University of Arizona, with an endorsement in English Language Learners. I am currently in my seventh year of teaching elementary school, and I am absolutely in love with my career. My first home and my heart will always be in San Francisco, which is where I grew up. I have learned to call Arizona home after living here for the last nine years. Throughout my seven years of teaching experience, I can confidently say that I have shaped many young minds and helped other students find their love for learning. I am excited to teach more students through Focus Tutors and watch their little genius light bulbs go off!
Julie G
Julie G
I was born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey, and have always had a passion for working with individuals with various needs. I transitioned to Arizona when I attended the University of Arizona and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor’s in Cross Categorical Special Education, K-12. I have eight years of experience working as a Special Education teacher in environments ranging from Self-Contained to Resource rooms. My main inspiration is to build solid relationships with the students I am working with and create a safe, positive learning environment that engages, motivates, and nurtures students. In the tutoring environment, I want to take an approach to teaching that is individualized and tailored to each student’s specific needs in the way that they learn the best. I am very creative and flexible with my teaching style. I am always willing to adapt and commit to ensuring a student understands the content and feels successful in completing tasks that are challenging for them successfully and independently.
I am thrilled to be working with Focus Tutors students at the elementary and secondary grade levels in language arts, mathematics, general homework/organization skills and executive function coaching.
Alix B
Alix B
What I have to offer students of all ages are the fruits of a lifetime spent cultivating conversations among writers, thinkers, creative artists, and researchers on significant matters that affect our daily lives. As a constant seeker of knowledge myself, I endeavor to be the most supportive facilitator and guide possible for students in their academic searches for important questions that generate writing, reading, and critical thinking fluency. I am passionate, not only about the possibilities of creating personal meaning through the artful and persuasive use of language, but about the fact that spending extensive time and effort to acquire the power to use language critically enables students to be fully enfranchised members of their communities and cultures.
This teaching philosophy developed out of my own intellectual journey through an Honors B.A. in Sociology/Women's Studies/Political Economy at Manhattanville College; the M.F.A. in Writing/Teaching of Writing at Sarah Lawrence College; and a year of PhD studies in the Sociology of Education and Medicine. I began my career in education teaching first graders how to read, and have taught on the elementary through graduate school levels for the past 35 years. My professional background includes dual former careers as a Social Worker and Librarian, and I have worked with American, British, and diverse international students in the U.S. and the U.K. My teaching and tutoring subjects include: composition, creative writing, reading, literature and poetry, sociology, political economy and economics, women's & gender studies, academic success skills, Common App prep, PSAT/SAT/ACT test prep, library and research literacy, French, and a variety of humanities courses.
I am the author of On the Verge, a chapbook of poems (Plinth Books, 1997), and my full-length poetry manuscript is under publication consideration. My awards include a Pushcart Prize nomination, a CT Commission on the Arts Artist Fellowship in Poetry, and a Commendation in the U.K.'s Poets of the Year Competition. While resident on the East Coast, I served as Writing/Humanities Division Chair at The Learning Annex/CT, an adult education institute formerly in Hartford, CT, and worked as an adjunct professor of composition and creative writing at colleges and universities in CT, MA, and NY. In addition to tutoring for Focus Tutors AZ, I serve as an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing & Composition at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler, work privately as an editor of creative and scholarly manuscripts, and continue to write and edit an alternative textbook for college-level writing entitled The Question Tree.
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.
Kiki T
Kiki T
I thought I was destined to be a writer. It was my passion throughout my entire childhood and young adult life. I wanted to write for major magazines and travel the world interviewing the biggest names in entertainment. I spent the majority of my college years doing just that- editing my college magazine and majoring in Communication with a focus in media.
I spent the years following college, working at a technology company where I trained (and retrained) clients on how to effectively use my company's software. Simultaneously, I was teaching Greek at my local church. It was the combination of these two jobs that prompted me to pursue a career in education. I loved helping people and loved making a difference in the lives of my students.
A move to Northern Virginia opened the door to education. It was there that I had the opportunity to teach at a bilingual preschool while pursuing my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction concentrating in teaching English Learners. My graduate program led me to finding a teaching position at the largest middle school in Virginia. For three years, I worked with students who had recently arrived to the country and struggled to learn English.
While my experience is primarily with middle school students, I have spent many years tutoring and working with younger learners. Specifically, with students in dual-language elementary programs. I am so grateful for the opportunity to join the Focus family and work with students from grades K-8. I am passionate about helping students who are learning a new language (French, Spanish, Greek), helping primary grade students in all subject areas, supporting reading and writing, and helping with general homework help and organizational skills.
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.
Sara P
Sara P
For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a teacher (it even said so in my 2nd grade yearbook!). At the same time I had a creative itch to work in the advertising industry. So I had to try both! I earned my Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communications and Spanish from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. I worked as project manager at a healthcare advertising agency for a short time. Everyday there was a part of me that felt unfulfilled. I knew that void would change when I became a teacher. In the fall of 2013, I began my career as an educator at Alphonsus Academy in Chicago, IL. It was there I fell in love with teaching primary grades. During my time at Alphonsus I tutored students in grades K-4, and led after school enrichment programs. While working, I also pursued my Masters of Education degree in Elementary Education from DePaul University graduating with distinction in 2015. Changing careers is without a doubt the best decision I’ve ever made.
When an opportunity fell into my lap to call Arizona “home”, I had to take it! I teach 2nd grade at a local Title 1 school. I focus on building meaningful relationships, differentiating instruction, and providing my students with choices when demonstrating understanding or mastery of a concept. A lifelong learner myself, I have attended a variety of professional development opportunities to enrich my teaching experience and practices. I am certified in Orton Gillingham (a reading intervention program), Handwriting Without Tears, On Cloud Nine (a math program focused on visualization and building number sense), Positive Discipline, and Responsive Classroom. I am eager to share my love for learning and myriad of experiences with more students through Focus Tutors.
Nelofar S
Nelofar S
I did not grow up knowing I was going to be a teacher, though it has always been the core of my personality. Since becoming a teacher I have come to understand that teaching is a responsibility as much as it is a joy. Education transformed the lives of my parents and subsequently, the lives of my siblings and me. A good education is the most viable pathway to a good life, one where an individual cannot only support themselves and those they love, but one where an individual can seek answers to those questions that bring happiness and fulfillment. For this reason and many more, I have pursued an education that satisfies my interests and curiosities. After completing Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy (with a minor in Biology) at The University of Arizona, I moved to Phoenix and began working as a science and math teacher for Great Heart Academies. Teaching mathematics became my passion and ambition and the following year I began teaching mathematics full-time. Since then I have worked hard to hone my craft through my work in the classroom, tutoring one-on-one and by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Arizona State University. My goal is to bring a passion for mathematics to every student I encounter. I aim to encourage their love of mathematics if it is already there and more importantly, to convince and inspire a student that they are capable of achieving what they think they cannot. I offer tutoring services to middle and high school students in mathematics and science, as well as test preparation.
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.