Meet Our Tutors!
The Literacy Party
Team of Tutors
Stephanie Willis
Owner, Preschool and Elementary Literacy and Math
I am a former classroom teacher and literacy specialist with eleven years of experience in the classroom. I received my Bachelors from Penn State in Elementary and Kindergarten Education and my Masters as Literacy Specialist from Columbia University Teachers College. I've worked with students of all skill levels and abilities in preschool through sixth grade as well as with teachers in supporting the implementation of literacy best practices!
Samantha Aquilina
Elementary Literacy and Math
Samantha is an elementary school teacher with a passion for literature and helping students develop the habits and tools they need to become great students. Samantha has a Bachelors in Science in Education from the University of Delaware, as well as a Masters in Reading from Wilmington University. Her interests include traveling, hiking, and exploring any and every new coffee shop she can find. One of Samantha's ultimate goals for each of her students is to foster a growth mindset - through effort, practice, and perseverance, our potential for success is limitless.
Terri Avink
Middle School Math & Science
Terri is a recently retired middle school math and science teacher, having enjoyed working with middle school students for over 28 years. She has her undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University (Michigan). Terri's major was Group Science, with Mathematics and Elementary Education for her minors. She also earned her Master's degree in Education for the Gifted and Talented from GVSU. She has worked with students from all backgrounds and types of learning challenges.
Terri is passionate about helping students understand various ways (tools in the toolbox) to make connections with their learning to their everyday life. She enjoys using hands-on methods to keep learning fun, even if things are challenging. In her free time, she LOVES being outdoors, walking her hound-mix dog, watching sports, reading, and being with her family. She is excited to help students find success in their learning!
Jennifer Boscarino
Elementary Literacy and MAth
Jenn is currently an elementary basic skills math teacher. She has over 15 years of teaching experience and has taught kindergarten, first, second, and fourth grade. Jenn has her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and English as well as her Masters in Reading. Jenn is passionate about educating children using various differentiated activities to reach students on all academic levels, developing lesson plans and creating custom class materials to assist student learning. When Jenn is not teaching or tutoring students, she is spending time with her family.
Fiona Kelly
Elementary Literacy and Math, Special Education
Fiona is a Kindergarten Special Education Teacher. She has a passion for teaching students of all backgrounds, and loves to instill a love for reading within her students! She graduated in 2017 with her Bachelors in Elementary Education and Literacy Studies. She also holds a Teacher of Reading certificate, as well as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities certificate. Fiona graduated with her Masters degree in Literacy from American College of Education in 2022. Fiona wants her students to feel encouraged and accepted in their learning environment. She strives to build on students' strengths and to help them achieve their own learning goals! Teaching is Fiona’s passion. She is so excited to work with more incredible students!
Lindsay Lafferman
K-6th Grade Math
Lindsay has over twenty years of teaching experience in various roles including serving as a grade 4 Math and Science teacher for the majority of her teaching career. In the last several years Lindsay has enjoyed her transition to a Math Intervention Teacher for various grade levels including 3rd through 7th grade, with a current focus on fourth, fifth and sixth grade this school year. Lindsay loves to support students in their math development and fluency and strives to show how math can be fun for all! When Lindsay is not teaching you can find her on the lacrosse field. She has been a high school coach for seventeen years and is excited for her new role with Morristown Beard School Girls' Lacrosse, currently she is the Co Director for Jersey Thunder Girls' Lacrosse and Lax On. During her free time she enjoys being outside playing with her twin girls who are in second grade and her husband.
Jillian Lares
Preschool and Primary Literacy
Jillian has a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from William Paterson University. Her teaching philosophy is that students learn best from people they feel comfortable and safe with. That is why Jillian aims to create relationships with her students. Her goal is to inspire, engage, and motivate them to become confident learners who are not afraid to try new endeavors. In her free time, Jillian loves to read, exercise, travel, and spend time with her family. One of her ultimate goals is to travel to all seven continents, even Antarctica!
Brittany Lee
Elementary Reading, Writing, Math
Brittany is a seasoned teacher specializing in K-6 education. Brittany graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelors in Humanities and a Masters in Teaching. Throughout her career, she has worked in inclusive classrooms. Brittany ensures that every student, regardless of their unique needs, receives the support and guidance they deserve! Brittany firmly believes in the power of differentiation and tapping into students' interests to enhance their learning experience and to unlock a child’s full potential. She prioritizes creating an environment where open dialogue is encouraged so students feel comfortable and secure in their learning journey. Brittany is dedicated to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Outside of teaching, Brittany is often seen cheering at hockey games and loves reading mystery novels!
Katie Lookhart
Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science
Katie is a former science classroom teacher. She’s had the pleasure of working with science students for 17 years. Her degrees are in Secondary Education, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science. She also worked as a science curriculum developer to write differentiated supports. Her favorite part of working with students is to empower them as they master science and earn “Ah-Ha!” moments. Katie looks forward to supporting your child in their educational journey!
Vivian Perng
Middle and High School Math
Vivian is a former classroom teacher and math instructional coach. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Education. She also earned her Master of Arts from Teachers College, Columbia University in Public School Leadership. She is certified as a Teacher of Mathematics and Principal. With 3 years of experience in middle school and 6 years in high school, she has taught numerous subjects: 6th grade math, 7th grade math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus. Her expertise in a wide range of subjects allows her to help students form connections between basic and complex math to build a stronger understanding. Having privately tutored students for the last decade, she is equipped with the strategies and skills to boost your students’ confidence in math!
Jemila Tourne
Elementary Literacy and Special Needs
Jemila is an elementary teacher, teaching grade 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in a self-contained ERI (Emotional Regulation Impairment) class. She loves to adapt, modify and create lessons in both math and language arts that allow her students to be successful and empowered. When she is not teaching students, she is mountain biking or snowboarding with her wife and 1.5 year old daughter. You can find her exploring new lesson ideas and being outside with her family and dog. In addition to teaching for 14 years, she is a tutor, swim coach and a one on one swim instructor. Jemila finds the joy in teaching and watching students grow, as well as finding the teachable moments in every lesson.
Jessica Costa-Salas
Preschool and Primary Literacy
Jessica started her career as a Language and Learning Disabilities teacher (LLD) for grades K, 1, and 2. Jessica used various differentiation skills to teach reading and writing skills to students with varying learning disabilities. She then took some time away from LLD and taught preschool for two years. Now Jessica is back in special education as a resource room teacher for grades 1, 2, and 4th. Her passion and focus are developing reading and writing skills. She enjoys helping students learn basic knowledge of letters and sounds while applying it to improve their reading! Jessica is eager to help your child learn and reach their full potential!
We cannot wait to help your child succeed!
Let’s get started!
Call us, email us, or book your consultation below. During our consultation we will discuss the strengths, needs, and goals you have for your child. After meeting, Stephanie will connect you with a tutor that is the right fit! Your tutor will create an individualized plan to support your child’s success. Then we’ll get tutoring right away!