Lexie Burns, MA
Lexie Burns has an MA in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology from the University of London. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and adults in clinical and academic settings. Lexie created NeuroPlay to fill a need for in-home services for busy parents or professionals seeking cognitive or academic support for themselves or their children. As a cognitive coach she is now able to bring an individualized approach to enhancing attention, memory, executive functions, and cognitive skills. Lexie has a PACE license and is an official provider of Cogmed, and has many years experience working with schools to help navigate supports for children and young adults. She also has extensive experience with executive function coaching.
Gabriel Glickman, Ph.D
Gabriel Glickman provides academic tutoring with a tailored discussion-based approach. He graduated from the University of Redlands with a B.A. in History, and as a member of the National History Honors Society (Phi Alpha Theta). He spent a post-graduate year at the Lawrenceville School, a New England boarding school, where he was introduced to the Harkness Table - a discussion-based learning module. He received his Ph.D. in Middle East and Mediterranean Studies at King's College London under the supervision of historian Efraim Karsh. Gabriel has extensive tutoring experience and has previously held positions teaching writing and reading at the primary school level, ghostwriting the memoirs of a former music manager, and editing for college/graduate students. He can provide one-on-one or group tutoring in history; including AP European/American/World History, essay writing, reading comprehension, and test preparation (e.g., ISEE, SSAT, ACT, SAT).
Jacqueline Duong, MA
Jacqueline Duong has a wealth of experience both working with children as well as studying psychology and education. Since high school, Jacqueline has taught dance at many studios across the South Bay. She has also obtained her B.S. in Psychology with a Minor in Dance at Santa Clara University. Following her graduation, Jacqueline then received her MA in Counseling from Santa Clara University. Furthermore, Jacqueline brings to NeuroPlay experience working as a behaviorist. She has been employed as an ABA therapist for many years. Today, Jacqueline is working toward receiving her doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Child Assessment at the Wright Institute. Jacqueline is thrilled to work as a learning specialist at NeuroPlay Academics. Her services include but are not limited to executive function coaching, emotion-focused social skills training, behavioral planning, and academic support.
Lia Gianfortone, MA
Lia has degrees in applied math (MS), physics (BS), and computer science (BA) from UCSC where she was a researcher, teacher, project manager, and tutor for the university. With over 15 years of experience tutoring one-on-one for subjects including maths, chemistry, physics, computer science, english, and SAT/ACT/test prep, Lia helps students connect the dots in STEM courses and can quickly identify and address gaps in understanding. She also employs executive function coaching to support students in finding academic confidence and success. Lia lives in Santa Cruz with her dog Girl Scout and enjoys traveling and outdoor hobbies such as hiking, biking, and climbing.
Heather Thomson, MA
Heather Thomson has both an MA in Special Education/Varying Exceptionalities and an Ed.S in Educational Leadership from the University of Kentucky. She has over 25 years of experience working with children and adults in both academic public and private settings as well as clinical settings. Heather has experience working with all grade levels but primarily focused on high school and college level English Literature, Language Arts, Reading Remediation, AP US History, AP World History, and AP Psychology before deciding to work with students exclusively in a one-on-one setting about ten years ago. Heather is also a certified Orton Gillingham Fellow, trained in Linda Mood-Bell and Wilson reading methodologies, and a certified Executive Function and Life Skills Coach. She is skilled in all aspects of varying exceptionalities and neurodivergence. Heather has a vast array of strategies at her disposal to assist students in gaining the tools they need to succeed. During her free time, you can find her entertaining one of her grandchildren, rescued pups, reading, attending a music festival or concert, or at the beach.
Robin Pierce, MA
Robin Pierce holds a CAGS in Reading from MGH-IHP as well as a Masters in Special Education. With over 13 years of experience working with students with a wide range of challenges in private, public, medical, and home settings, Robin has an array of specialized tools, techniques, and strategies to help individuals strengthen areas of need and rediscover the feeling of empowerment while learning. With roots reaching back to years of teaching within Landmark School, a private school for students with Language-Based Learning Disabilities, specifically dyslexia, attention, and executive functioning, Robin can provide systematic, predictable lessons that are success-oriented and micro-united, so that even seemingly impossible tasks are not only manageable but exciting. Robin has training in many modalities including Orton Gillingham, Wilson, and Lindamood-Bell. Robin thoroughly enjoys all facets of language, even as applied to math, and can skillfully guide students through all academic areas impacted by challenges. In addition to pioneering unique comprehension strategies and a progressive writing program, Robin also specialized in the way math performance is influenced by language skills, how executive functioning and language influence our written work, and the ways our areas of struggle can impact the non-academic components of our lives. Robin is not just passionate about education and learning, but also animals and farming. Living in Maine, she has a small farm with chickens, dairy goats, a pack of dogs, five horses, and a large garden. Whether she is outside enjoying the changing seasons in New England or hiding from it’s cold weather by enjoying a good book, Robin looks forward to spreading her passion for life-long learning with all future students.
Molly Rose, MA
Molly Rose is a licensed teacher with eight years of experience and over 15 years of tutoring in subjects like Chemistry and Algebra. She has taught middle school math and science and is now a science educator at the Junior Museum and Zoo.
Molly Rose's passion for education began as an undergraduate Teaching Assistant for Spanish, Psychology, and Algebra. She taught Italian at an elementary school and tutored math, science, and English in the US and Spain. She also lived in Guatemala, teaching elementary and middle school students English as a Second Language.
Molly Rose graduated with a BA from Bowdoin College and earned her MAT in Secondary Mathematics Education from Simmons. She has since completed over 30 credits in continuing education to enhance her teaching methods.
"I am a forever learner and enthusiastically describe myself as a nerd for all things STEAM. I love bringing math and science to life for my students by providing them with impactful and memorable experiences that promote understanding rather than memorization. It is my firm belief that students must be active participants interacting with their education, not simply empty vessels to be filled with memorized information. Past students praise my enthusiasm, patience, positive attitude, and ability to simplify complex topics."
Kevin Curley D.O.
Kevin graduated from Santa Clara University with a B.S. in bioengineering and more recently graduated from medical school at Midwestern University. He is currently doing research at Mayo Clinic in Arizona before he begins his residency training. Dating back to elementary school, Kevin began formally tutoring his peers in an advanced Math Olympiad Club. He has continued tutoring various subjects with the National Honors Society in high school, the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society in college, and the Sigma Phi Osteopathic Honors Fraternity in medical school. Although much of his past tutoring was focused on math and science, he has many years of experience working with students in middle, high school, and college in all subjects. Kevin has worked with NeuroPlay Academics for the past few years providing content support, test-taking skills, executive function coaching, and PSAT/SAT/ACT/HSPT/ISEE help. Kevin enjoys rock climbing, hiking, travel, board games, cooking, and volleyball in his limited spare time.
Kristen Hynes, MS
Kristen has worked in education for 10 years, primarily focusing on grades K-8. She has a background in special education, curriculum development, executive functioning, and multisensory reading. She did Teach for America in New York City, working in the Bronx. She received her BA in elementary and special education from Providence College and her MS in special education in Fordham University. She received her Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant certificate from William Paterson University. Kristen enjoys hiking, running, and spending time with her dogs. She is excited to be working with Neuroplay!
Cynthia Porter
Cynthia Porter has been an educator for almost 40 years. She was born in southern California and raised in Washington State near Seattle. She studied Performing Arts and Education at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington with emphasis in early childhood education through 3rd grade. Mrs. Porter has 15 years of experience utilizing the Barton, Orton-Gillingham and Linda Mood-Bell methods to help struggling readers strengthen their literacy skills. She enjoys helping her students build confidence and ignite their own passion for learning in multiple subject areas, especially reading, math and science! In her free time, she enjoys being secretary for the Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society, quilt making, reading, camping, gardening, and cooking with her family.
What students are saying...
"I like how Mrs. Porter helps me to read about lots of cool things."
"I like Mrs. Porter because she likes bugs and rocks and nature."
"I like Mrs. Porter because she cares for us."
Daniel Flores
Daniel Flores graduated from the University of Southern California with a BS and departmental honors in Human Biology.
During his time there, he was heavily involved in community outreach, particularly with providing educational enrichment in science and mentorship to students in the south Los Angeles area. He then spent time at a local high school as an on-site tutor for students struggling with math and science. Over the years, Daniel has become passionate about meeting students half-way and accommodating tutoring sessions to best fit every student's individual needs and diverse learning preferences. He is a current medical student in Southern California and enjoys yoga, cooking, and listening to vinyls in his free time.