Director,  Founder,  President, AKA "Ms. Frizzle"

Favorite Food: Chocolate

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite subject: Science 

Favorite student: ALL OF THEM! (Thought you tricked me, didn't you?)

Elementary Science/American History (both Tuesday and Thursday 9-1)

Dr. Denise Simonelli graduated from Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1999. She then continued her education at Rutgers University College of Pharmacy where she obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree. She completed a Psychiatric Pharmacy Practice Residency at South Beach Psychiatric center in 2003. Dr. Simonelli began dyslexia training when her son was diagnosed as severely dyslexic. She obtained extensive information and training regarding dyslexia and language-based learning disorders.

She obtained her Associate Level & Certified Level from the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and began instruction with her son and other students with wonderful success. She has experience providing 1:1 and small group OG Instruction at the Associate Level and Certified Levels. She continues to study language and expand her knowledge and skills studying such things as Structured Word Inquiry, Latin, and Greek.  She is a life-long learner, constantly updating her knowledge of the language and completing additional coursework and training in order to assist her students and trainees. 

She will never stop learning and helping others.

OG Reading and Spelling Discoveries (Monday-Thursday)

Hi my name is Lauren Roper and I am so excited to have your students in my groups this year! I work very hard to create a safe and comfortable learning environment for all learners.  Math can be stressful for many and I want them to know that it is OK to get answers wrong. That’s how we learn. We try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. I cannot wait to share my love of Math and Science with your learners!

Some of my favorite things: sweet treats (baking and eating them), being outside, naps, coloring, and the color purple.

3-4th Math, 5-6th Math, 7th-8th Math, Chemistry, STEAM, Mini Mathematicians, 1-2nd Math

Hi!  I'm Chrissy aka "Miss Chrissy"!  I live in Mint Hill with my hubby of 27 year, our daughter, who is headed to college in the fall and our 3 dogs, 1 cat, 1 lizard and lots of Koi fish in our Koi pond.  I have my degree in Early Childhood and have taught, in one form or another, for over 30 years!  I love my Little's because 1) I am always tall 😘 and 2) My day is full of fun! 

Transitional Kindergarten-First Grade Explorations

Bio:

Natalie holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Wright State University. She has over 20 years of public school, private school, and homeschool teaching experience, having taught grades K-8 in all subjects.  As a child who struggled with spelling and reading in early education and a mother of children with learning differences, she has a heart for those with unique learning paths and a passion for educational intervention. 

As a private tutor, Natalie is a specially trained administrator of The Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement. She is trained in the Barton Reading and Spelling System which uses the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading instruction.  She also uses multi-sensory and structured math strategies to help students succeed in foundational math skills and math facts mastery.  Private tutoring has been one of her most rewarding endeavors in education because nothing is greater than witnessing struggling students achieve success and build confidence. She is beyond thrilled to apply these same strategies as a tutor at The Learning Habitat and considers it an honor to be a part of such a unique and essential resource for our homeschooling community. Natalie is looking forward to building great relationships with her students and families as they grow in confidence and knowledge.

6-8 Orton-Gillingham Reading Studies

Heyy all!

You can call me Miss Jasmin!

I can't wait to meet you! Between my younger siblings, volunteer work at my church, and my schooling I have worked with children for over ten years.  I have recently earned my diploma in early childhood education.  I enjoy spending my free time out in nature or with a good book.  I feel that learning is a never ending process, the world is wide and there is so much left to explore!

Exploring History Book Club, Friday Kinders 

Hi! I’m Angie Price! I live in NE Ohio with my husband and our sweet dogs, Carmen and Mia.  My husband and I have been married for 27 years and we have 3 adult children (26, 23 & 20).

I have worked in various roles over the past few years, most recently as the Administrative Assistant for Special Services at a Christian school. I am excited to assist Rachael and her wonderful team of tutors in any way that I can. 

Fun fact for ya: Rachael, AKA “Ms. Frizzle” is my sister-in-law. ☺️ 

Some of my favorite things: THE Ohio State Buckeyes, football & basketball, Dogs, coffee, reading, singing and traveling with my husband in our RV. 

Administration, Communications

Hello! My name is Lisa Watson. I have been homeschooling for 18 years and am presently a teacher in the homeschool Classroomsetting. Currently, I teach Writing, Grammar, Spelling, Life Skills, and US Geography. I have tutored students in person and online. I have spent the last 3 years teaching ESL and tutoring Math & Grammar online. I have a Bachelors Degree in Clothing & Textiles from Virginia Tech. I currently reside in Indian Trail with my husband of 24 years, my 3 children, Daphne (21) Isaac (17), & Graeme (9). I have 2 dogs and 2 cats. In my free time, I enjoy scrapbooking, sewing, knitting, arts and crafts, and watching movies with my family. I love teaching because I feel rewarded when I can help students learn new skills especially those that have been lost over time. I think learning should be fun and engaging! I look forward to meeting you in class!

SEW Much Fun!, SEW You Want to be a Seamstress?, Expressionists, Geography, Knitting, Life Lessons, Excelling at Spelling & Grammar

Hi,

I am Mrs. Davis and happy to be a part of this amazing team of educators. My philosophy is to build confidence first, then skills. 

I am a graduate of SCC and UNCC. I come with over 25 years of experience, spending that time in CMS, UCPS, the private school setting and as a private tutor. As a private tutor, I’ve had the privilege of working with struggling learners in the areas of reading, writing and spelling. These are areas that I’m very passionate about and understand the struggles well. I once looked at my dyslexia as a disability, but later I discovered it was a huge ability I was blessed with and can be used to help others. I aim to help your student build their confidence and skill, in a fun stress free environment as a Woodland Writer! 

Oh, did I mention? I have the cutest dog ever, Brownie! We love to hike and backpack together. I’m blessed to have an amazing husband, two beautiful daughters and two adorable cats. When not working you can find me spending time with my family, friends, reading, gardening or of course, out somewhere among the trees! 

Woodland Writers Groups, Not-So-Creepy Creatures, Adventurers Book Club

Hola! I'm Daniela Mogollon, and this year I will be leading the Art and Spanish groups. I'm beyond grateful and excited to have this opportunity to bring some of my culture and color to The Learning Habitat. I was originally born in Peru and I moved to the USA in 2001. As someone who was not a native English speaker when I first arrived, I know first-hand how difficult it can be to train our brains to understand new languages and their different pronunciations. However, I believe that with love, art and music, anything is possible! I studied the fundamentals of art at the Braidman Studio in 2013, became a volunteer painting instructor for both children and adults at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library in 2018, and have been running my own small business for the past four years centered around group painting lessons for al ages and skill levels. Being an educator is something I didn't even know I had within myself, but since then, teaching has become my passion. In life, the different shapes, colors, tongues and cultures are endless, and we will never stop learning if we remember to keep our hearts, eyes and ears open!

Elementary and 4th-6th Art and Spanish Speakers (Learners)

Hey y'all! I'm Erin. I'm very excited to be a tutor at the Learning Habitat for this upcoming year.  I have always had a passion for working with children. I moved to the Charlotte area in 2021. I graduated from Lander University with a Bachelor's of Science in History. 

I recently got engaged to my wonderful fiance. I have a sweet dog, named Duckie. I like to find ways to be creative in my spare time as well as continuing to learn. I can't wait to meet all of you!

Science/American History Assistant Tutor, Unsung Heroes of History, Flights of Fantasy Book Club, Muggles and Magic

Susan Grace is passionate about children and is excited to join The Learning Habitat team.  Susan has her Masters's Degree in Elementary Education and School Administration,.  She is TESOL and NC LETRS certified  and  trained in OG.  Susan has taught for the Department of Defense, NY State and CMS  to include all grades K-5.  She specializes in language acquisition, phonics and reading remediation.  Outside of the educational environment, Susan has 3 children: twins who are 14 and a 16 year old.  You can usually find  Susan cheering on her sons at a Lacrosse game or her daughter at a XC or track meet. Susan loves animals and has two dogs and a crested gecko, who bring her much joy.  When Susan has any spare time, she loves gardening, hiking and anything crafty! Susan can’t wait to meet your special children and begin her journey at The Learning  Habitat! 

Growing Roots for Reading, Reader's Theater, Now I know my ABCs, How to be a Wordsmith

My name is Elizabeth Phibbs.  I will be your tutor for 1st/2ndLanguage and Math Adventures.  I have teaching experience in preschool through 12th grade.  I graduated from East Carolina University, in 1998, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.  I am a certified Reading Specialist.  After several years in the classroom, I have continued my passion for teaching as a homeschool mom, online ESL teacher, and private tutor.  I am a lifelong learner!  I take pride in being a student first and a tutor/teacher second.  I look forward to tutoring and instilling the love of learning at The Learning Habitat.    

1st-2nd Language and Math Adventures

Nicole has taught children's Bible classes for over 20 years and uses creative and interesting approaches to make the stories come to life and be relatable to children. 

She was a curriculum coordinator for a preschool for 4 years, worked at Chick-Fil-A and was the office and lab manager for a Endocrinology office. 

She and her husband live in Gastonia. She has a daughter and son-in-law in Knoxville, TN.

She is excited about teaching children about God's Word and meeting all of you at The Learning Habitat.

In her own words: "I love the Lord and I love Children!"

Elementary Bible History Quest

Hola, my name is Zula Rodriguez. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. My family is from Spain and I was raised in a multicultural environment. I have a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in banking and finances. My husband and I moved to the United States 27 years ago, and came to the city of Charlotte, NC, a place we fell in love with.

I started teaching 26 years ago, in small private and diverse schools while I was studying English, and I loved the feeling of sharing my love for languages and cultures. We also lived in Brazil for 3 years, where I became fluent in the language and learned more about their culture as well. 

I teach Spanish at all levels, primarily to high school and middle school, but I also tutor anyone that wants to improve their language skills. Additionally, I teach at preschool centers using a unique approach where having fun in a safe and respectful environment is a key.  I have taught children from 6 months to 8 years old, using music, storytelling, and games askey  tools to better engage them in the language. 

I would be truly excited to start working with your children, and I would be very thankful for the opportunity to assist in your child's education. I strongly believe that appealing to a child's natural hunger for knowledge and working at their own pace with the right guidance makes for better and happier students.

I enjoy reading, baking, and spending quality time with my family and friends. My love for languages and cultures and the experience that I have due to the fact that I have lived in 3 different countries gives me a better vision of what the world can bring and how I can share this with my students.

1st-5th Elementary Español para todos (Spanish for All- Waxhaw)

Hi!  My name is Casey McNulty. I graduated from UNCG with degrees in Psychology and Sociology which I use in every aspect of my life. I have three children, 7th grade, 9th grade and 11th grade and have been married to my husband for 19 years. We have two dogs, Penny & Leo, and have fostered many rescue dogs over the years. Helping others is my passion and I’m so excited to be assisting Miss Chrissy this year! 

Transitional Kindergarten-First Grade Explorations

Hi, I am Theresa Dandona.  I moved to the Waxhaw area in 2005 and I have worked in education since then.  I have a Bachelor’s of Business but I quickly realized my passion was working with small children.  I have multiple certificates on creative curriculum, handwriting and preschool development.  I have taught 2 year olds all the way up to third graders.  I can’t imagine not being in a classroom. I have three boys, 22, 19 and 12.  My husband and I have been married for 26 years!  We have a rescue dog and cat. Currently, I am taking care of my college son’s gecko.  We love exploring new areas, but we especially love spending time in the beautiful North Carolina mountains with our boys. 

Tk-Kindergarten, Waxhaw 

Hi friends! You can call me Ms. Maureen or Ms. Mo (whichever is easier!) I am so excited to become a part of The Learning Habitat this year! I will be the Tutor over the Socio-emotional Learning program starting in the fall! Let me introduce myself…I just recently graduated from Wingate University in May with my Bachelors in Psychology with a Communications minor. Growing up I have always aspired to help children whether that would be inside or out of the classroom, and I am ecstatic for this opportunity to pursue what I have always loved. While learning how to navigate this new program this year and moving forward, I am hoping to not only educate students on their emotions and effective ways to display and cope with them, but I am also excited to be available as a helpful resource to help guide students in their emotional journey as well! I cannot wait to meet you all! 

Social Emotional Learning, Calm-down Coordinator

Hello all! My name is Emma and I'm very excited to join the Learning Habitat team! I am an environmental biologist who feels right at home in the outdoors. I found my passion for environmental science in college and continued to find joy in sharing what I learn with others. Born and raised in Matthews, North Carolina, I appreciate the unique wonders of my home state. I have been finding engaging ways to discover our natural world with all age groups for 3 years now. I hope to inspire and encourage the natural curiosity of your little naturalist!

Seedlings, Budding Naturalists, Tree Huggers, Environmental Science/ Biology, Veterinarians and the Animals they Treat, and Pathway to Success IT

Earning the nickname of Ms C in her teens, Guinevere has been educating children and adults, both inside and out of classrooms for over 25 years. With 7 Amazing children from ages 8 to 20, one Cat, one Dog, and one Betta fish, her brain is always a bit chaotic. Preferring to focus on hands-on activities with opportunity for growth through trial and error, Ms C can take almost any subject and make it fun.

4/5 Math, The Art of Arts, Messy Science, World History, Latin and Poetry, Critical Thinking Games, Passports

Hi! My name is Caitlyn Davis. I grew up in the Charlotte area, but was lucky enough to have been born in Bermuda! I graduated from UNCC with a degree in Elementary Education. I enjoyed teaching in a variety of settings, including Montessori, traditional public school, and private tutoring. I am an avid animal lover and have several pets: 2 sassy cats, 3 goofy dogs, and a beautiful horse named Apollo! In my free time, I love to spend time outdoors with friends and family, travel, go horseback riding, and do yoga. I am passionate about helping children get excited about learning and finding the tools within themselves to succeed. I am beyond excited to be a part of the Learning Habitat!

Aspiring Authors, Future Veterinarians, Beginning Bookworms, Peaceful Readers

Hi, I am Sarah Dulin!

I have my Master's Degree and have been a licensed SLP since 2010. I LOVE working with kids, watching them grow and thrive with language support. Building confidence is always one of my goals. I will be their biggest fan and #1 cheerleader!

Storytime with Ms. Sarah, Speech Therapy

Hi, I’m Sam. I am originally from England but have lived in the US for almost twenty years. I am married to my favorite person and have four kids aged between 1 and 14. I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in Physical Education, and have spent the last ten years teaching Adapted Physical Education in North Carolina. I am passionate about helping every child enjoy physical fitness, whatever that looks like for them, in order to continue to participate in some kind of activity for the rest of their lives. In my spare time (yeah right!) I enjoy cooking, traveling, and hanging out with my family and friends.  

Learning in Motion / Healthy Habit(at)s

Janice Lavezzo graduated from Molloy University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 2002 and a Master of Science in Special Education in 2006. Her studies were in Elementary Education and Students with Disabilities. She continued her education at Queens College and completedthe Educational Administration program in 2011. She has taught for over 20 years in the New York City Public Schools. During her teaching career she taught general education and special education classes.

Some interesting facts about her, she was a competitive figure skater. After her years of competing, she taught figure skating to all ages. Also, her husband and two daughters relocated from Long Island, NY in 2021 and love living in North Carolina.

Mini Einsteins, Magnificient Mathematicians, Travel through Time and Super Scientists