Meet The Teachers

20220428_182339

Lisa M. Baker

Owner/Teacher

After many years of teaching pre-primary special education students, teaching 3- and 4-year-old children, substitute teaching in the public schools, teaching 4th grade for 10 years, Title I Math and Reading for a parochial school for 1.5 years, running a large, franchised tutoring center, and tutoring at our local library, I finally decided it was time to begin my next career. I opened Rise Above Tutoring Center July 1, 2010.

I have a passion for learning, a desire to share that passion and a joy for children’s learning. What better way to spend my days than to help children learn in the way they are capable of learning, help them get caught up in a subject or subjects that they are struggling in, and most of all boost their confidence and self-esteem.

I am a certified Dyslexia Consultant. I have been trained to screen for dyslexia and to teach dyslexic students along with consulting with the parents of dyslexic students. 

Web courses and Certificate programs taken through the Dyslexia Training Institute (2014-2017); What is Dyslexia? An In-Depth Look, Reading Comprehension Strategies, Special Education Law and Dyslexia, Introduction to Dyslexia, Dyslexia; Facts and Myths, Dyslexia Certificate Program.

10 Graduate credits in Dyslexia Studies from the University of San Diego, CA, 7 credits through Bright Solutions Dyslexia Conferences, and 2 online courses through the Dyslexia Institute (Dyslexia Advocate Certificate Program (3 credits) and Structured Language Inquiry Course (2.5 credits) Spring of 2014, Summer of 2016 and Fall of 2017 and 2 credits through Adams State University in Colorado for Ed-589 Orton Gillingham Level 1: Basic Language course-completed March 2019. 9 Graduate credits from Seattle Pacific University for Dyslexia and Autism courses.

 

 

20220428_185244_2

Michael Davis

Teacher

Michael has been working a special education teacher for the past 10 years.  He graduated from Northern Michigan University with his teaching degree and certifications in learning disabilities, history and political science.  He taught students in grades K-5 with all areas of academic disabilities and is currently teaching special education classes online, with 9th-12th grade students.  

20220428_152158_3

Sandy Nadeau

Teacher

Sandy is a retired teacher who spent many years teaching in the public and private elementary schools.  She brings pure joy, positiveness, kindness and many years of experience to each of our students. 

 

20230124_191734-(1)

John Goodney

Teacher

John graduated from NMU with a major in math and economics along with a secondary education degree in math.  He taught math for 6 years in a middle school in Colorado with 3 years in 7th grade, 2 years in 6/7 split and 1 year in 8th grade.  John believes building relationships with his students will foster their learning, help them to feel safe with their mistakes and successes.  He has a true passion for our student’s learning differences, mental health and wants to help them build a foundation of joy in their learning.