Laurissa Ecker-Berkman’s passion lies in supporting students with diverse learning needs, particularly those who are neurodiverse. She believes deeply in the power of individualized instruction and is committed to helping every student discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop the skills they need for success—whether in the classroom or on the global stage. Her expertise as a reading specialist has allowed her to design and implement targeted interventions that make literacy accessible and engaging for all learners.

Laurissa is a lifelong educator, school leader, and reading specialist with over twenty years of experience supporting students and their families. She began her career at the Brunswick School in Greenwich, CT, and then spent 17 years in the Edgemont School District in Scarsdale, NY. During her time in Edgemont, she taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades and served as a reading specialist for students in grades K–6. In these roles, she developed expertise in reading instruction, inclusive practices, and curriculum design while inspiring students and collaborating closely with colleagues.

Prior to her tenure at the Davidson Center, Laurissa served as the Director of Learning Services K-12 at Davidson Day School, where she led the Learning Enrichment Center, the school’s in-house tutoring program. In this capacity, she built and managed systems of academic support for students across all grade levels, collaborated with faculty to strengthen instructional practices, and worked directly with families of students with neurodiverse needs requiring individualized accommodations. Her leadership ensured that students not only had access to academic interventions but also the comprehensive support necessary to thrive within a college-preparatory environment.

In addition to her B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education, Laurissa holds an M.A. in Reading and Literacy (K-12) and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership. Recognizing that true student growth requires both academic and emotional groundwork, she works closely with teachers, specialists, and families to create holistic support plans that nurture resilience, motivation, and self-advocacy.

Joyce Adams is an experienced educator with a Master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, supporting students in grades K–8. She has worked as a classroom teacher, Reading Specialist, Multilingual Learner (ML) Coordinator, and Special Education teacher.

Joyce also spent over five years teaching in South Korea, where she worked closely with multilingual learners and further developed her ability to adapt instruction to meet diverse student needs.

She specializes in helping students build foundational literacy skills, strengthen reading comprehension, and grow in confidence. Joyce strives to create engaging, structured lessons that are tailored to each child’s learning style and pace.

Joyce holds teaching licenses in New York, North Carolina, and Florida. Her goal is to help every student make meaningful progress while developing confidence and a genuine love of learning.

Edward Bensley has a love of math that ranges from the practical to the abstract. He spent five years at UNCC earning degrees in mathematics, finance, and economics; while there, he gained experience tutoring math (from algebra to calculus) and leading the workshop portion of college algebra as a teaching assistant. It goes without saying that he pursues his interests with a passion. When it comes to mathematics, his passion lies with modern abstract algebra, real and complex analysis, set theory, and abstract linear algebra. If given an audience, he will happily talk for hours about any of the difficult problems or weird ideas from these subjects!

When it comes to learning and teaching, his approach is simple: magic doesn’t work. He finds that memorizing the correct steps in the correct order to get the correct answer doesn’t actually work for most people and only leads to confusion if the problem changes shape. Instead, he makes it a point to explain what the goal is, how to get there, and why we do them. He also makes it a point to build a student’s familiarity with all types of problems, which in turn builds their confidence and sets them on the path to success.

Kyle Bishop is an experienced educator with nearly fifteen years of teaching Spanish at an independent day school in southern Maine. During her tenure, she also served as a Sophomore Grade Dean and coached multiple varsity sports, including ice hockey and lacrosse.

Kyle holds a bachelor’s degree in History and studied Spanish extensively at Connecticut College. She is passionate about helping students grow in both comprehension and confidence, fostering supportive and engaging learning environments.

More recently, Kyle worked as a long term substitute teacher across all elementary and middle school grade levels, gaining broad classroom experience. In addition to her work in education, she serves as a full-time summer camp director for a family-owned camp in northern Wyoming, where she helps introduce teenagers to meaningful western outdoor experiences.

Kyle lives in Davidson with her husband, three children, and three dogs. Her other part time job is shuttling and cheering on her children in their various sports activities.

Sarah Chambers is a life-long educator with specializations in the development of reading skills and individualizing educational pathways for students with all types of diverse learning needs.  Sarah has over twenty years of experience as a Director of Special Education as well as an Elementary Principal in Western NYS.  She has worked with students of all ages, from preschool to college prep.  Sarah has also served as a tutor for elementary, middle school and high school students for NC since she moved here in 2023.  Sarah received a double Master’s in Reading and Special Education from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY and has teaching certifications in both areas. She then received her School District Leadership certification from the University of Rochester, where she also worked on her doctoral program in Curriculum and Instruction.  Sarah worked as a school principal in the Iroquois and Pittsford School Districts as well as the Director of Special Education for the Southwestern School District.  Her favorite role, however, is being mom to one daughter, Liv, who is currently a junior in college.

Dani Fatjó has been instructing students of all ages for over 20 years in numerous professional settings, from high school English to ESL, homeschool courses, and advanced chemistry. After earning his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Costa Rica, he spent over a decade as a partner at epl, where he helped manage Costa Rica’s first educational consulting firm and taught math and sciences to students with a variety of learning styles. Dani has an extensive background in social and emotional learning (SEL), curriculum development, standardized test prep, and the college application process. He specializes in developing meaningful relationships with students and parents while making learning accessible, relevant, and fun. 

Since moving to North Carolina in 2017, Dani and Katie have created Quest CPT to continue pursuing their shared passion of helping students and their families maneuver the complicated and often scary path toward college. They are a dynamic duo in the world of college prep and tutoring and have quickly become the local go-to source of academic help. From one-on-one junior high math tutoring to individualized SAT prep, help making college lists, and guidance with college app essays, Katie and Dani are clearing the path for students to achieve their academic dreams through their personalized, engaging curricula and effective teaching styles.

Brett Freeman is a philosopher…which isn’t really a job anymore. Over the years he’s supported himself as a writer (including 15 years as a newspaper reporter), a builder, a music venue owner, and, of course and always, an educator. His first real job after college—more than 30 years ago—was teaching SAT prep and tutoring math for a national test prep company. Tutoring remained a side hustle while he pursued other careers before becoming his main hustle again seven years ago after an accident truncated both his building career and his thumb. When he’s not working, he gets a faraway stare and thinks deep thoughts. (Or at least that’s what it looks like—it’s possible he’s just hungry.)

Elizabeth Grier-Floyd is the proud mother of four amazing children. She has been a reading specialist for over 30 years. Her passion, even as a young girl, was helping lifelong learners with diverse learning needs. She has a B.S. in Health/Physical Education and a Master’s degree in Literacy instruction. She is also certified in Special Education. When she is not teaching her precious children, she is enjoying her horse farm in Mt. Ulla, N.C., and homeschooling her daughter. She also loves to garden with food and flowers, cook, and talk to all her furry friends on a daily basis.

Hillary Gyamfi has been tutoring students since she was 17. She began by teaching ACT and SAT reading and writing, and over the years that experience has expanded to include students at the middle school, high school, and college levels. Today, Hillary specializes in Spanish, English, and reading tutoring, with a focus on building confidence, comprehension, and genuine understanding.

Her approach to tutoring is highly personalized. Hillary takes time to get to know each student, their learning style, challenges, and motivations. She believes learning is most effective when students feel supported and understood. Her focus is on breaking down complex ideas, helping students make connections, and teaching strategies they can confidently apply on their own.

Hillary also loves helping students experience learning beyond the classroom. In Spanish, that might mean integrating music, TV shows, or everyday conversations to make the language feel natural. In reading and English, it could involve exploring topics that interest students, strengthening writing through real-world examples, and building skills that carry over into school, tests, and daily life.

Beyond tutoring, Hillary has a strong background in coaching, mentoring, and working with diverse learners. She has spent years supporting students through recreation programs, academic writing assistance, and leadership roles, experiences that have shaped the way she connects with students and families. Known for her patience, encouragement, and honesty, Hillary cares deeply about helping students grow both academically and personally.

When she’s not tutoring, Hillary enjoys staying active through sports and recreation, spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and finding creative ways to engage with her community. These interests inspire her tutoring style, which is energetic, engaging, and focused on making learning feel approachable and achievable.

Kiera Haberberger is a dedicated early childhood educator with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a concentration in Art from Western Carolina University. Her background in the arts enriches her teaching style, which emphasizes creativity, hands-on learning, and multisensory engagement. With classroom experience in kindergarten and first grade, Kiera brings a deep understanding of early learning development and the importance of building a strong foundation in both phonics and mathematics. She is Orton-Gillingham trained and uses this structured, research-based approach to support foundational literacy, particularly for students with reading challenges. Kiera is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging learning environment that integrates each child’s individual interests. She strives to help students build confidence, develop essential skills, and discover the joy of learning.

Janet Harris is an Early Learning and Development Specialist with over two decades of experience supporting young children, families, and educators. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and brings extensive expertise in literacy development, instructional coaching, and evidence‑based early learning practices. Janet is trained in Orton‑Gillingham, LETRS® for Early Childhood Educators, and the CLASS observation system, allowing her to deliver structured, research‑aligned instruction that supports diverse learners, including students with reading challenges and language‑based needs.

Throughout her career, Janet has served as an instructional coach, education manager, mentor teacher, and Pre‑K literacy facilitator, guiding teachers and families in creating developmentally appropriate, engaging learning environments. She specializes in breaking down complex skills into clear, accessible steps and designing multisensory, hands‑on learning experiences that help children build confidence and mastery.

Janet is passionate about helping young learners discover their strengths, develop foundational literacy and early academic skills, and experience the joy of learning. Her approach is nurturing, patient, and highly individualized, meeting each child exactly where they are and helping them grow.

Katie Isaacs, a California native and self-proclaimed grammar and book nerd, Katie Isaacs holds both a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in English and Comparative Literature. Along with over twenty years of professional English and EFL teaching, tutoring, and copy editing, she has worked for the Institute of Reading Development, served as a member of Cal Poly University’s English Department Advisory Board, and even served her local library by reading to children on Saturdays in “Katie’s Korner.” She served as the head of the English department at the prestigious EPL in Costa Rica for several years, where she developed English curricula for standardized tests, including the SSAT, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL. She specializes in making learning accessible and fun, and her passion for English often rubs off on her students.

Isabella Kritzer is a passionate math tutor who has been helping students build confidence and succeed academically for over 10 years. She works with learners from kindergarten through high school, tailoring her instruction to each student’s needs and learning style. Whether students are strengthening foundational skills or tackling challenging math concepts, Isabella creates a supportive and encouraging environment that helps them grow.

Isabella developed her academic foundation at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham and recently earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her history of tutoring has given her experience working with a wide range of ages and abilities, with a particular focus on making math engaging and accessible.

She is passionate about helping students not only improve their math skills, but also feel more confident and capable in the classroom. Isabella believes that with the right support, every student can succeed in (and love) math.

Brad Laatsch is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science with a minor in Chemistry. He currently teaches chemistry and serves as Chair of the Science Department at Davidson Day School, bringing 28 years of classroom experience to his work with students.

Brad is passionate about helping students develop a deep understanding of science by learning how to ask the right questions. He emphasizes critical thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving skills, guiding students to move beyond memorization and engage meaningfully with complex concepts. His extensive teaching experience allows him to meet students where they are and support a wide range of learning needs with patience and clarity.

Recently retired from coaching soccer, Brad enjoys travel, rucking, running, and woodworking in his free time. He and his wife, Shannon, are the proud parents of two sons, Carter and Parker, who play soccer at Roanoke College, and they love watching them play.

Shauna Lugenbeel is a highly experienced elementary educator and reading intervention specialist with over 19 years of experience supporting students in grades K–5. She specializes in early literacy, structured reading intervention, and foundational math skills, with a strong focus on helping struggling readers build confidence and success.

Shauna is trained in evidence-based, structured literacy practices. She has completed LETRS training and been trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching literacy through IMSE, bringing a strong foundation in the science of reading to her work with students. Her instruction is explicit, systematic, and multisensory, meeting the needs of diverse learners.

Her passion for literacy is both professional and personal. Helping to secure a dyslexia diagnosis for her son was a pivotal experience that deepened her commitment to understanding how children learn to read, and how to best support those who struggle. This experience continues to drive her advocacy for effective, research-based reading instruction.

Shauna is known for her calm, encouraging approach and her ability to build strong relationships with students and families. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, listening to music, attending live music concerts, volunteering at church, and being outdoors, especially at the beach.

Kelly McFadden is an accomplished educator with a long-standing passion for working with children and fostering a love of learning. Her dedication to education began at a very early age, shaping a career that has spanned elementary and special education. Beyond a focus on academic achievement, she is committed to the development of the whole child, recognizing the crucial role that emotional well-being plays in a student’s success and growth.

A graduate of West Virginia University, Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a specialization in special education K-12 and English for grades 6–8. She later pursued advanced studies at Virginia Tech, where she earned a master’s in education.

Throughout her career, Kelly has accumulated more than nine years of diverse teaching experience in middle school, special education schools, and elementary school settings. She has been a strong advocate for student success, which is reflected in her service on several committees, including one that provided direct input to the special education program in Fairfax County, VA. 

Beyond the classroom, Kelly maintains a prolific love of learning about a wide range of topics. Her personal interests include baking (for her small business), traveling, trail running with friends, strength training, pickleball, and spending summers at her cabin in Maine. She draws some of her strength and inspiration from her parents and children, friends, coworkers, and pets.

Holly Mihalchik serves as the office assistant and joined our team in September of 2025.  She has a natural ability to connect with children and cares deeply about their wellbeing. She is a frequent volunteer with community organizations that primarily focus on providing relief for children experiencing food insecurity.

She is a graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology, PA and King’s College, Charlotte.  She previously practiced as a registered dental hygienist and was a paralegal specializing in complex business law. She loves spending time with her beloved son and daughter and their respective pets, a fun-loving German Sheperd and a mischievous orange cat.  She enjoys reading, watching international documentaries, music and participating in creative local DIY workshops. 

Pam Notemyer Rogers has spent the last 25 plus years in higher education working with students, families and college administrators to help improve the overall student experience. Throughout her career Pam has visited close to 100 college campuses and met with students and families counseling them on college admissions and the financial aid process. Her passion lies with helping students find their best fit and working with them to create a pathway.

Pam is a graduate of Simmons College in Boston and has served as a Vice President of enrollment, faculty, student services advisor, and financial aid administrator. She has served as a college board member and locally in North Carolina at a K-12 charter school. A mom of three children – Nicholas and Isabella, graduates of Appalachian State University, and Anthony, attending Appalachian State, therefore she understands the college process as a parent and looks forward to working with families to navigate and guide them.

Pam Notemyer Rogers is a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).

Megan Simmons is a powerhouse of personality and can chameleon herself to meet the social and emotional needs of her students. Graduating with a BA in Theatre Arts and realizing that she wanted to choose a life-path that more directly gave back to her community, Megan found her calling in education shortly thereafter. Beginning her teaching career in 2007, Megan has 18 years of experience working with a wide variety of students. She has taught in a non-public special education facility for students with Emotional Disabilities, Northeast High School teaching Theatre Arts and American Literature in St. Petersburg, FL, and virtually with School For Young Performers based in NYC.  Megan has a Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in Secondary English from Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland and has held teaching certifications in Maryland, Florida and North Carolina. Megan loves teaching ELA and Theatre Arts and essentially any humanities classes that come across her path. Approaching life with the belief from acting theorist and teacher Stella Adler, “Growth as an actor and growth as a human being are synonymous,” Megan believes that when students have the opportunity and encouragement to engage with the world–and their own inner potential–they have the potential to grow as a student and as a human. Megan’s style is holistic with the tenet that everything is interconnected and inspires students to find purpose and meaning in their experiences. Megan is thriving in her role as an SAT and ACT tutor despite her discomfort with standardized testing. Megan’s favorite subjects are American Literature and AP Literature and she specializes in Shakespeare, dramas, poetry, literary elements and figurative language, and thesis-writing. Her favorite pieces to teach are: The Giver (Lois Lowry), Brave New World (Aldous Huxley), The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald), Life of Pi (Yann Martel), The Glass Menagerie (Tennessee Williams), The Stranger (Albert Camus), “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” by Zora Neale Hurston and anything by Walt Whitman!

Allison Simpson serves as the front office manager and has worked at the Davidson Center since February of 2022. She loves being part of a team that is passionate about supporting students’ learning and thoroughly enjoys her daily interactions with students and parents. Allison is a graduate of Davidson College and previously had careers in parenting education and healthcare marketing, and community relations. She is in her “happy place” whenever she is visiting her son, Harper, in New York, spending quality time with dear friends, loving on animals, reading, or immersing herself in nature.

Joshua Simpson is a National Board Certified teacher at Mooresville High School with nine years teaching experience and a natural love for learning. He holds a M.S in Applied Physics from UNC Charlotte as well as a B.A in Physics and a B.S in Mathematics from NC State University. Before teaching at the high school level, he enjoyed being a Teaching Assistant for both Algebra and Calculus based physics laboratory courses and problem sessions at UNC Charlotte. Throughout his teaching career at Mooresville High School he has taught a variety of courses including but not limited to Math 2, Math 3, Physical Science, Honors Earth Science/ Honors and Regular Chemistry, Honors Physics, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics 1. Joshua also has experience working as an in person tutor at Omega Learning Center in Huntersville as well as a virtual tutor through Remind Learning. As a tutor he has tutoring SAT test prep as well as Math courses ranging from Algebra to AP Calculus AB. What Josh enjoys most about working with students is being part of the process of helping students develop skills, realize their potential, and achieve their goals. As a tutor he is patient, kind, and thoughtful regarding how he can help the student make the most of their time spent tutoring. Joshua takes pride in his work and he truly enjoys the Journey of working with students to take them from where they are to where they want to be.

Laura Wansley earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and French from Wofford College and a Master’s of Arts in Education from Wake Forest University. She is currently a part time Upper School Science teacher at Davidson Day School, teaching Biology and AP Environmental Science and is a French tutor in the LEC at Davidson Day. Prior to working at Davidson Day, Laura was a French teacher at Glenn High School in Kernersville and then at Cannon School in Concord, where she also coached cross country. Laura enjoys spending free time with family, playing tennis, walking her two golden retrievers, and baking.

Juliet Wilson has 18 years of teaching experience at the secondary level, primarily in science and math. Juliet has also enjoyed teaching SAT and ACT prep classes. She has worked with students from Kindergarten up through community college. Juliet has a Master’s degree in Chemistry and a Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction. Juliet loves her adopted fur babies of a cat, a dog, and 5 fish. She enjoys helping students succeed in academics and looks forward to working with you.