Director, 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)

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

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 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

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)

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

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)

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

Natalie holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Wright State University where she received the athletic achievement award for athletes with academic excellence. 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 public school teacher, Natalie taught kindergarten and K-2nd grade reading intervention. During her years as an upper elementary lead teacher, she partnered with the special education department to create and implement lessons in an inclusion setting. She has worked closely with school psychologists and sat on the intervention board to assist students and families going through the process of identifying and servicing learning

disabilities.

Natalie and her husband Bobby have two children. She has been a homeschooling mom since 2010 and offers private tutoring and Woodcock-Johnson testing.

She is beyond thrilled to be a part of The Learning Habitat, which she views as such a unique and essential resource for our community. Natalie is looking forward to building great relationships with her students and families as they grow in confidence and knowledge!

Muggles and Magic: The Science of Harry Potter

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

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, God's Plan for the Family/ Life Skills

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

Hi I’m Ms. Abby! I’m so excited to be joining The Learning Habitat this year! I currently live in Charlotte with my partner and our three crazy dogs, Tuukka, Koda, and Denali. I was born and raised in Maine before moving to Charlotte to attend UNCC. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biology and a Master’s degree in Anthropology - I studied lemurs for my thesis research! I have 3 years of teaching experience in various settings, but most of my experience is in environmental education. I value experiential learning and alternative instructional methods, especially lessons that allow students to explore the outdoors. I enjoy recognizing a student’s interests and building impromptu lessons off these interests and their learning style. I am also a Certified Inclusion Ambassador through the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center and strongly believe that an opportunity must exist for anyone who is interested in a topic or activity. I truly enjoy working with kids and I’m continuing to learn ways in which I can help them to be successful with their learning experiences! 

Seedlings, Budding Naturalists,  Tree-Huggers, Environmental Science/Biology

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! 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

Destiny Stone blends gospel, blues, jazz, and soul to create lyrics and melodies that leave her audiences inspired. Most recently, Destiny opened up for the Grammy nominated trio The Tones, formerly known as The Hamiltones. She was also nominated for a 2019 Carolina Music Award and featured on the cover of the Salisbury Magazine March 2020 Issue. Born in the state capital, Jackson, and raised in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Destiny moved to North Carolina to pursue a degree in Popular Music where she graduated from Catawba College in 2018. Destiny currently lives in Salisbury, NC and works as a  music teacher as she continues to pursue her career.  We are excited to have her talents at The Learning Habitat!

Middle School Chorus, High School Chorus, Songwriting Workship, Music Medleys

Susan Grace is passionate about children and is excited to join The Learning Habitat team. She 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

Hello!  My name is Dana Switzer.  I moved from Michigan to Charlotte in 1998 to teach math at Myers Park High School.  I am a graduate of Western Michigan University.  I met my wonderful husband Andrew here and married him in 2003.  I became a stay at home mom in 2006 and have 3 kids.  Michael is 16, Jonathan 15 and Audrey 13.  I also have 2 sweet German Shepherd dogs, Sally and Birdie.  All 3 of my kids play competitive golf.  We spend many weekends and summer days traveling to different tournaments for competition.  I enjoy traveling (not just for golf), visiting family and friends and any outdoor sports or activities.  

Teaching math is my passion!  I have tutored 100's of students and have come back to teaching throughout the years with CMS and Charlotte Country Day whenever a math teacher was needed.  I love to teach a deep understanding of math and build a students confidence.  Many students are scared of math or think it is too hard but I love to help students overcome this and find out that math really isn't that scary and can actually be fun. 

High School Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, 2, Geometry

Hi! I’m Angie Price! I live in NE Ohio with my husband and our sweet dog, Carmen.  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

Somer is the founder of MyASLTeacherRocks, an ASL educational powerhouse! 

Our program was designed to provide ASL classes for everyday people who have a desire or need to learn ASL as a second language. Our student population consists of family members of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (HoH), persons interested in starting a career where ASL may be useful, and businesses hoping to create inclusion in the workplace for Deaf and HoH employees. All of our classes are 100% interactive and class sizes are kept small for more one-on-one student-teacher interaction. This allows opportunities for our instructors to build a rapport and get to know each student as an individual, working with them to magnify their strengths and improve the areas they may be weaker in. Although our students come for various reasons, they all stay with us for one, we ROCK!

American Sign Language

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

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, 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

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 Chaille and I’m so excited to start tutoring at The Learning Habitat! 

The past 2 years I have worked as a literacy tutor.

I graduated from UNCC with a degree in Sociology and 2 minors, Social Work and  Women’s Studies. 

I live with my wonderful husband of 22 years and our 3 boys (25, 18, 16).  We have 2 wild dogs (Brian and Kevin).  I enjoy reading, working out and taking care of my many plants. 

Pathway to Success Indian Trail,  Writing Wizards, Whimsical World of Writing, All about Veterinarians,