FOUNDER and LEAD EDUCATOR

Laura works as a private educator and tutor here in Dallas, where she has worked with upwards of 100 families in the course of 7 years! As an educator, Laura finds fulfillment in equipping parents with the knowledge they need to help their kids thrive and excel academically, and instill a lifelong love of learning. She aims to provide the quality of education that she was so lucky to receive, on a 1:1 level - because all students need individual attention to help facilitate true mastery.

Laura is well-versed in a variety of teaching philosophies, including Charlotte Mason, Reggio-Emilio, Waldorf, Montessori, Classical, traditional, project-based, unit study-based, and game schooling. She incorporates a variety of styles in her approach, and adapts to each student.

She is a Dallas native, and a graduate of the Lamplighter School, Alcuin School, and Ursuline Academy of Dallas. Laura holds a B.A. in English and history from Fordham University. A true lifelong learner, Laura is trained in Reading Simplified, Structured Literacy Level 1, and holds several early childhood education certificates. She is currently pursuing certification in Reading Simplified, a speech-to-print approach.

When she is not working with students or parents, you can find Laura reading, working on her second young adult novel, baking, or taking ballet classes. Laura is an aspiring polyglot, and is conversational or better in 4 languages - Spanish, French, English, and Arabic! She lives with her 8 year old lab, Othello, in Northwest Dallas.

CURRICULUM DESIGNER and EDUCATOR (ages 5-18)

Lizette works as a private tutor in Dallas, after having spent 7 years in the classroom teaching grades 3rd-8th math, science, social studies, language arts, and Spanish language arts! She has also provided individual 1:1 and small group advising to middle school students applying to private school, as well as high school students working on college applications. Lizette has also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in college courses including psychology, American government, and college level math. She is trained in Reading Simplified and Logic of English.

Lizette believes in a strength-based approach to learning, meaning that every child has innate strengths that, when recognized, help them succeed. We all have areas in which we need a little more support, and tutoring is one way we can supplement our growth. Lizette has experience with instruction approaches including student-led, traditional, project-based, unit study-based, and game schooling. She understands that each child is different, and builds upon Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences to teach diverse learners.

Lizette is a Dallas native, and a graduate of Holy Trinity Catholic School and Bishop Lynch High School. Lizette holds a B.A. in International Relations from Stanford University, as well as an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University.

When she’s not working with students or families, you can find Lizette painting, snacking, or watching Netflix. Lizette loves to travel, and has visited over 22 countries and counting! Her next stops include Peru, Denmark, and Malaysia. She has returned to Northwest Dallas after spending the last year living abroad in Spain.  

EDUCATOR (ages 3-6)

Brooke Kinsley is a private tutor and educator in the Dallas area who is passionate about helping students build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and develop a lifelong love of learning. With years of experience working with children through teaching, tutoring, and nannying, Brooke specializes in elementary education and creating individualized learning experiences tailored to each student’s unique needs and learning style. She believes every child learns differently and strives to make learning engaging, encouraging, and meaningful for both students and families.

Brooke holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and was a kindergarten teacher for two years before transitioning into a homeschool educator role for the upcoming school year. Through her classroom and private education experience, she has worked with students of varying academic levels and learning styles, using differentiated instruction, small group intervention, hands-on learning, and foundational skill building to help students thrive academically and personally. Brooke is also CPR and First Aid certified and values creating a safe, positive, and supportive environment for every child she works with.

Brooke has a strong passion for continued learning and personal growth, and she is always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge and educate others in multiple aspects of life. She loves encouraging confidence in both children and families and values building meaningful relationships with those she serves.

Outside of education, Brooke enjoys photography, fitness, traveling, spending time outdoors, hanging out with friends and family,  and taking her dog, Oakley, on walks

BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Melissa Taylor is a behavior analyst with over 15 years of experience in child development, learning, and behavior. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and her master’s degree in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience from The University of Texas at Dallas. Melissa specializes in helping children build the behavioral, cognitive, and learning foundations that support success in academic and social environments. Her work focuses on areas such as attention, task persistence, confidence, emotional regulation, social interaction, and learning fluency through structured, evidence-based approaches. She also works with families preparing for private school admissions processes, including school readiness evaluations, CATS testing environments, and play date or interview-based admissions interactions.

In addition to working directly with children, Melissa provides parent coaching to help families better understand behavior, support emotional regulation, strengthen learning routines at home, and build practical strategies that improve everyday functioning, academic skills, and confidence for both children and parents.

 When she’s not working with children and their families, Melissa, a current Lamplighter parent of two, enjoys spending time with her husband and children and volunteering at her children’s school. She loves going to the movies and exploring outdoor activities and family learning experiences around the Dallas area.

Meet our new tutor this summer!