Meet The Teachers

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.

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, taught for an online school-special education classes online, with 9th-12th grade students and is now back as a special education teacher for an elementary school here in Marquette. 

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. 

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 has been a math teacher at the Marquette High School for the past few years and continues to enjoy that position today! 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. 

Ian Chase

Teacher

Ian graduated from the University ofCumbria in Belfast, United Kingdom.  He is currently working for the Marquette Public Schools as an elementary school paraprofessional and substitute teacher. He has been a wonderful addition to the Rise Above Tutoring staff.  Ian brings his joy of learning, positive attitude and interest in continuing his learning to our center, our students and his fellow teachers.  Ian is being trained in the Barton Reading and Spelling Dyslexia program and is currently working with students on that program.  

Teresa Handley

Teacher

Teresa received her B.A. from Aquinas College in English and Math-secondary.  She went on to teaching at a high school in Carleton, Michigan and then moved to Marquette area with her husband.  Teresa has been a substitute teacher for Marquette-Alger RESA, taught Algebra at Father Marquette Catholic Academy and has been tutoring at Rise Above since 2024.  She brings with her a true love of teaching to each individual student’s needs.