Hey there!

I’m Alyssa—a licensed educator and academic tutor with a passion for helping students grow both academically. My teaching journey began in 2016 tutoring students with Down Syndrome, and soon after I directed a summer camp for children with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Those early experiences taught me how powerful learning can be when students feel supported and valued.

I hold dual degrees in Cross-Categorical Special Education and Elementary Education from Carthage College, WI, and for the past five years I’ve taught as both a learning specialist and a 5th-grade classroom teacher. In every role, I’ve focused on helping students strengthen their academic skills, build confidence, and develop strategies that make learning less overwhelming and more rewarding.

I create a positive, welcoming space where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and discover that they are capable of more than they imagined. My approach combines structure and high expectations with patience, encouragement, and a genuine investment in each child’s success.

Outside the classroom, I’m an adventurer—backpacking in Alaska, canoeing in Canada, and exploring new challenges whenever I can. I bring that same adventurous spirit to my teaching, showing students that learning, like exploring, is an exciting journey full of possibilities.

    • Academic Tutor - Tutoring High School students with Down Syndrome.

    • Behavioral Technician - Applied Behavior Analysis therapy with children with autism.

    • Evening Program Director - Designed therapeutic recreational activities for children and adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

    • Learning Specialist - Taught classes for students with emotional behavioral challenges and learning disabilities.

    • Classroom Teacher - Currently teaching in an inclusion style classroom supporting general education, students with IEPs/504 plans and enrichment curriculum.

    • K-8th grade general education tutoring and support.

    • K-12 special education support.

    • Executive functioning and social-emotional learning.

    • k-8 Illinois standardized testing tutoring.

  • A few of my most notable journeys...

    • Pioneer - Camp Manitowish - Two weeks canoeing through Quetico Canada.

    • Expedition - Camp Manitowish - Two weeks backpacking through Artic National Wildlife Refuge.

    • Intermediate Expedition - Camp Manitowish - Thirty days paddling along the Geikie river and foster water shed in Saskatchewan Canada.

    • Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center - Wildlife conservation and learning adventure over one month in the North Woods.

    • Mt. Huron Peak - Colorado 14'er.

    • Mt. Grays Peak - Colorado 14'er.

    Up next...

    • John Muir Trail - 12 day backpacking tour.

    • Mt. Whitney - Highest peak in the lower 48.

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