Alaina

Hi! My name is Alaina, and with more than twenty-six years of experience in secondary education, I have devoted my career to supporting middle and high school students both academically and personally.

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with students with dyslexia, ADHD, auditory and visual processing challenges, executive functioning difficulties, autism spectrum disorders, and other learning differences. I understand that no two students learn in the same way, and I am committed to creating individualized strategies developed through close observation and relationship-building.

When working with students, I use a highly supportive, structured, and student-centered approach. I scaffold complex assignments into manageable steps, provide clear written and verbal instructions, and incorporate visual aids, guided notes, graphic organizers, and hands-on activities to improve understanding and retention. I also have extensive experience implementing accommodations and modifications outlined in IEPs and 504 Plans while collaborating closely with special education teams, counselors, administrators, and families.

I incorporate multi-sensory teaching methods to help students process and apply information more effectively, and I work patiently with students to build routines, reduce academic anxiety, and strengthen problem-solving skills that extend beyond the classroom. One of the things students often appreciate most is the safe and encouraging environment I strive to create –one where mistakes are viewed as part of the learning and growth process.

Outside of supporting my students, I enjoy spending time with my own college-aged children—one a recent graduate (go, Banana Slugs!) and one beginning his third year in August 2026 (go, Golden Bears!). I also love reading, traveling, and spending time with my three silly cats.