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Our tutors help all children and specialize in tutoring children with learning differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. While we specialize in children with learning differences, we serve any child who is below grade level in reading, writing, or math.
“All children can learn, they just need the right instruction.”
In 2006, I became certified in Orton-Gillingham methodology, which is considered a highly effective, phonics-based method for teaching children with dyslexia how to read. The following year, I began a master’s program in special education at the University of Arizona, where I specialized in mild-to-moderate learning disabilities with a focus on dyslexia. Under the mentorship of Dr. Nancy Mather, a leading dyslexia expert of national renown, I entered the doctoral program at the University of Arizona in the department of Special Education and Rehabilitation.
From Delaware, I moved to Arizona where I worked as a Learning Disability Specialist and Middle School History Teacher at the Tucson Hebrew Academy. From there, I served as the Director of Special Needs Services at the Tucson Jewish Community Center(JCC) for three years. This was a turning point for my career. I was responsible for both inclusion and disability-only programs for children with special needs, from as young as 4 years old through age 30. I developed an understanding of the kinds of academic, social, and therapeutic services that children with challenges need to be successful. I got to see how those needs change as the child grows up. I got to learn about and work with state services, like the Division of Developmental Disability, how their reimbursement programs worked, and the benefits and limitations on both sides (business and family) to participating in their program.
I won’t sugar coat it: that experience was scarring. But I walked away with knowledge I could use to empower parents of children in public and charter schools to request evaluations and special services and actually be heard. I used that knowledge to direct our MSE parents through the confusing process of requesting more support from their school and what the school is legally required to provide. I like to think that MSE is what special education at public schools might look like if they had all of the funding and resources possible for every student who needed them, from those with mild challenges to those with severe challenges.
Early on in my career, from 2009 to 2012, I birthed three beautiful children of my own. Two of them were diagnosed with autism and comorbid disorders at the age of 2. My journey as a mother with disabilities taught me empathy for the parenting side. It showed me the deep personal and financial sacrifices that parents of children with challenges have to make. I saw how hard it was for me – a person with connections in and education about special needs – to know what to do, who to call, and how to navigate the resources necessary to help my own children. I couldn’t even imagine how overwhelming and confusing that journey must be for a parent without that background. I quickly became a community resource for such parents. It’s why Marmalade Skies – which was originally called “Reading Therapy Center of Southern Arizona” offers parents help in navigating the world of special needs, from preschool through elementary school and beyond. It’s why we help parents of all children struggling to learn concepts. Through my journey, it’s been clear that all children – whether they have a learning challenge or just need extra support – deserve high quality tutoring services to catch up to grade level. I’m proud that Marmalade Skies is able to offer that resource for Tucson, Arizona.
I joined Marmalade Skies Education in January of 2022 and I am honored to work alongside such a well-educated and dedicated team of tutors! I come from a background of elementary education and special education. After a couple of years as a teacher, I found myself gravitating towards working one-on-one with children. So, I switched gears and earned my Speech Language Pathologist Assistant license to further serve my passion! With a B.S. in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Communications Disorders, I thrive in individualizing plans of success for each unique learner and am beyond ecstatic about getting to play a part in your child’s growth! In my free time I love spending time outdoors and traveling, with plenty of destinations under my belt.
Email: Taylor@marmaladeskies.com
I feel blessed to be a part of the Marmalade Skies tutoring team! I love working with children of all ages and abilities. Prior to joining Marmalade Skies, I was a tutor in the subjects of math and English. I’ve also worked in an elementary school. I believe that tutoring is a key way to anchor children’s understanding of challenging concepts. Currently, I am a Junior at the UofA, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Korean. In my free time, I enjoy collecting plants, specifically succulents. My favorite one so far is a Propeller Jade. I also enjoy collecting and reading manga, which are Japanese comic books.
Education is my passion in life. I graduated with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Teaching English to speakers of other languages. I jumped straight into the classroom after graduation and performed 3 years of teaching a mix of grades PK-5. After that, I found myself wanting to have the time to work individually with students, so I spent a year working as a Special Education Paraprofessional (K-12) and a private at-home tutor for students who were falling behind in school. I whole-heartedly believe that every student is unique and there is no “one size fits all” in education. Marmalade Skies Tutoring truly has the environment where every student receives the assistance and guidance they need while learning and having fun! When I’m not working with kiddos, I love going to see live music and watching movies with my husband.
I’m so proud to be part of the Marmalade Skies team! Since joining the team in February 2023, I’ve seen the miraculous changes that take place. Prior to joining the team, I helped support Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Tucson, where I had been a “Big Sister” to several “Little Sisters” and coordinated numerous highly successful community events for that wonderful organization. I have also served as an active board member of CHADD of Tucson, which supports Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder. My favorite part of that role was helping to reassure the parents of children who were newly diagnosed with ADHD. When not at the Marmalade Skies center, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hearing and dancing to live music at local venues, hiking, and attending local stage productions – especially those in which my grown son is involved.
2001 West Orange Grove Rd.
Suite 608
Tucson, AZ 85704