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More of Our Excellent Tutors
Waithira Machua-Thairu
Hi, I’m Waithira Machua-Thairu, a certified educator with over 20 years of experience in the field of education, with a focus on Special Education. I hold a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development. My passion lies in designing customized curricula that meet the unique needs of each student, helping them thrive academically and personally.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with students who have special needs and learning disabilities, and I’m proud to say that many of them have gone on to outperform their general education peers on state and district-wide assessments. I believe deeply in the power of inclusive education and am committed to helping every learner reach their full potential.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love traveling to my homeland of Nairobi, Kenya, and spending quality time with my family while relaxing overseas.
Stephanie Niatas
Hello, I am Stephanie Niatas. Originally from Long Island, NY, I am a passionate Special Education Instructional Assistant/Tutor, with 25 years of experience creating inclusive, engaging, and individualized learning environments for students with diverse learning needs.
I specialize in adapting instructional plans, promoting social-emotional development, and fostering positive relationships with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams. I also bring extensive knowledge in assistive technology, behavior management strategies, and collaborative practices to support student success.
With a commitment to providing unique and meaningful learning opportunities that enrich the lives of students and their communities, I am excited to bring enthusiasm, expertise, and a strong dedication to the mission of Autism Services to positively impact student outcomes.
MY LIFE PHILOSOPHY
Every child deserves an education that celebrates their unique abilities and empowers them to succeed.
STRENGTHS:
Personal Experience
As a single mother of three children, two with special needs, I understand my students' and their families' struggles on a personal level. I was deeply involved with my children's education and development, both in school and at home. I am just as passionate about working with my students and seeing them succeed!
Empathetic Listener
I use active listening skills to de-escalate challenging situations, resulting in positive outcomes. I understand the needs and concerns of students and create a supportive environment for open communication.
Flexible Adaptability
I quickly adapt instructional strategies and materials to meet the individual learning needs of students, ensuring meaningful and engaging learning experiences for all.
Collaborative Team Player
I enjoy collaborating with teachers, therapists, and families to develop and implement effective strategies and interventions to support students with disabilities. I use effective communication to share resources and ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to education.
Heather Clemmensen
Hello, I'm Heather Clemmensen. I am a K-6 educator with a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and an M.A. in Education. After several rewarding years as a stay-at-home parent, I returned to the classroom six years ago serving as a substitute teacher for Union County Public Schools and The Fletcher School. My professional expertise includes Orton-Gillingham certification from The Rankin Institute (2020) and completion of the 40-hour training required for Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) preparation.
I specialize in uncovering each child’s preferred learning style and tailoring instruction to meet diverse needs—particularly for students with learning challenges. Whether integrating Orton-Gillingham strategies, hands-on manipulatives, or music-based activities, my goal is to make learning memorable, engaging, and fun. Recently, I volunteered with Keystep, tutoring a young woman in Algebra and Geometry to help her earn her GED—an experience that reaffirmed my commitment to student-centered, multisensory instruction.
Ebony Ayalingo
Hi, my name is Ebony Ayalingo. I am from South Carolina, but have enjoyed living in North Carolina for the past couple years. I have a Master’s degree in Secondary Education English, and certified in English/Language Arts for 6th-12th grade. I earned this degree online at Liberty University. This experience has given me the side of being an online student. Therefore, I am more determined to ensure my student’s understanding whether online or in person.
Although my certification is with older students, my specialty is working with elementary students. I think ensuring that children have a firm foundation in education helps them to build upon it when they are older. I am very intentional and patient with all my students, ensuring that I meet them where they are and cater to the needs of each child.
Angela Brace
Hi! I’m Angela Brace, and I’m truly passionate about helping children grow into confident, capable learners. I have years of experience working one-on-one with children of varying abilities, including those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a Registered Behavior Technician, I’ve spent time in clinical settings using evidence-based strategies to support language development, social skills, and emotional regulation. I’ve also worked in educational sales, which taught me the importance of clear communication and personalized learning solutions.
My approach is calm, compassionate, and student-centered. I love finding creative ways to make learning feel accessible and fun, especially for students who may need a little extra support. Whether I’m working with non-verbal children or simply helping a student grasp a tough concept, I meet each learner where they are and help guide them forward at their own pace. I’m excited to be part of your child’s journey and can’t wait to support their growth every step of the way!
What’s more, I have a penchant for language arts: grammar, spelling, composition, style manual (MLA, APA, Chicago) adherence, and so forth. Writing is one of my dearest strengths, and given the importance of it in virtually every class/course and every workplace, I enjoy helping others become better writers; achieve better grades; and ultimately become better citizens (i.e., productive members of society).
Gail Vesely
Hello, I am Gail Vesely and I am a retired Mathematics Teacher and Department Chairperson from Baltimore County, Maryland. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland (I am a Terrapin)) and my Master’s of Education Degree at Johns Hopkins University. My husband and I moved to Charlotte in 2005 to be closer to our daughter, who attended Elon University, so my teaching career ended after 35 years. I am now a loving Nana of two granddaughters ages 13 and 10.
I am highly qualified to teach mathematics K-12 here in North Carolina. I even came out of retirement to teach and tutor for Charlotte Mecklenburg School System. Because of technology I was able to work on line for the Maryland State Department of Education creating an on line Algebra and Data Analyst Course. My next job, I worked with a team of math teachers for Maryland Public Television and created a digital library called Mathlanding. The site was created to provide organized access to high quality resources and tools that support the teaching and learning of elementary mathematics.
The last 7 years have been the most rewarding for me by privately tutoring one on one with students in their homes. I help students to understand the why of mathematics, not just how to do the math problems. One parent calls me “The Math Angel” because I am kind, patient and provide unconditional support.
Looking forward to working with you and spending quality time with your child.
Donna Ouderkirk
Hello! My name is Donna Ouderkirk. I have 20 years of teaching experience consisting of classroom teaching, tutoring at learning centers, and through private tutoring in NY, PA, and NC. I have both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in K-6 Education with a Concentration in Reading. Working with children is a source of joy for me; I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was ten years old!
I sometimes find that the first obstacle that needs to be addressed is a lack of confidence. Children's progress can stagnate when they don't believe in themselves. It influences their perspective of school and may impact them academically and/or socially. My positive, encouraging nature, combined with
my creative, engaging lessons, bring out the best in children. Within a few weeks parents are relieved to see a difference!
I'm dedicated to closing the learning gap and raising literacy rates through the use of varied modalities. My lessons are individualized to accommodate a learner's needs. I meet them where they are, then use evidence-based techniques to create a plan to eliminate obstacles, set goals, and support students on their academic journey.
My free time is spent reading (I've been an avid reader since age seven), being by water, spending time with kids and animals, and taking road trips without an itinerary, just enjoying what is encountered along the way. Also, I'd love to go up in a hot air balloon again
