Ms. Shyla O’Dell

Private Teacher and Owner

I am a certified teacher in the state of Florida, holding a reading endorsement, ESOL endorsement, K-6 all subjects certification, ESE certification, and 5-9 Social Studies certification. My college major was middle school math and social studies, but I also completed early childhood courses. Over the past 10 years, I have served in classrooms across various grade levels and subjects, from K-8. For the past three years, I have been working as a private teacher and tutor.

After my daughter was born, I decided to transition from the full-time classroom setting to focus on building a business that would allow me to homeschool her. Since then, I have found great joy in supporting students who need more than what the traditional classroom can offer, as well as supporting homeschooling families.

My specialty is supporting struggling learners who have difficulty understanding general classroom explanations. I also find great fulfillment in working with children often labeled as having "behavioral complications," helping them develop a love for learning. I have experience working with IEPs and am happy to guide families through the process.

In addition to private teaching, my most exciting project is creating a homeschool co-op for the class of 2039. I look forward to learning more about your scholar and meeting you soon!

Mrs. Amy Balfe

Elementary Education & Middle School Math and Language Arts

Mrs. Amy Balfe is a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience in tutoring and teaching students from Kindergarten through 10th grade. She holds a degree in Elementary Education (K-6) from the University of Pittsburgh and certifications in Middle Level Math (6-9) and Middle Level Language Arts (6-9). Mrs. Balfe also earned her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University.

Her extensive background includes tutoring in reading, math, social sciences, study skills, and test prep. She has also served as a classroom teacher, with 14 years of experience teaching Kindergarten and 3 years of assisting in 5th and 6th grades. Recently relocated to Florida, Mrs. Balfe is eager to return to the classroom for the 2025-2026 school year.

Mrs. Lauren Schmidt

K-12 Intervention Specialist

Mrs. Lauren Schmidt is a highly skilled K-12 Intervention Specialist with training in the Barton Reading and Spelling method and a strong background in developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). With a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and prior certification in Special Education, she brings a wealth of experience in working with students of all ages, including those with special needs. Lauren’s expertise lies in creating individualized, research-based instructional strategies that cater to each student’s unique learning requirements. She is passionate about supporting students who need specialized instruction and emotional, social, and educational guidance. Lauren has worked in various educational settings, including public schools, autism intervention centers, and as a private homeschool teacher, where she combines her knowledge of special education and speech pathology to implement comprehensive learning strategies. Additionally, she is well-versed in the use of data-driven decision-making to ensure measurable progress and success. Outside of her professional work, Lauren is dedicated to homeschooling her own children and helping families navigate the challenges of homeschooling.

Ms. Soto

K-12 ESE

With over 25 years of teaching experience, Ms. Soto has a deep passion for education and a wealth of knowledge in working with students across various grade levels, from kindergarten through 8th grade. Currently teaching kindergarten, she has also taught 4th and 5th grades, providing her with a broad understanding of students’ developmental needs and learning styles. Certified in K-12 ESE and Physical Education, Ms. Soto thrives in creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that make education fun and interactive. She particularly loves teaching P.E. and interacting with her students in an active, positive environment. Known for her ability to foster creativity and curiosity in the classroom, Ms. Soto’s approach focuses on making learning enjoyable while ensuring that each student reaches their full potential.

Señorita Ivana

K-12 ESE & Spanish

Señorita Ivana is a dedicated educator with a strong background in psychology and over 20 years of experience in various roles related to child welfare and education. She is certified to teach K-12 ESE and K-12 Spanish. Her education includes a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Aconcagua in Mendoza, Argentina, where she also completed extensive research and thesis work on child abuse and psychoanalytic perspectives.

Señorita Ivana has worked in a variety of educational and child welfare settings, including as a Behavior Specialist, Juvenile Probation Officer, and Child Protection Investigator, where she developed expertise in supporting children with special needs and at-risk youth. In her teaching career, she has worked in both Spanish and ESE classrooms, bringing a unique combination of educational and psychological knowledge to her approach. She is committed to creating a supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Currently, she teaches at Lakewood Ranch High School, where she continues to make a meaningful impact on her students' academic and personal growth.

Mrs. Nikki Hinton Ruoff

Math Teacher

Mrs. Nikki is a dedicated math teacher with 17 years of experience teaching 3rd grade in Pinellas County. She is certified in Elementary Education (K-6) in Florida. While she has taught 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades, she has spent the majority of her career teaching 3rd grade.

Mrs. Nikki currently supports learners in grades K-8 in math, providing tailored instruction to help them develop confidence and skills in the subject. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that every child can learn, but that learning happens in different ways for each student. She excels at differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of her students, ensuring all students, regardless of their learning style, can succeed. She strives to create a classroom environment where every student feels valued, motivated, and capable of reaching their full potential.