About Our Bloggers

Our bloggers have been there, done that. Here's who they are:

Brooke

Brooke has tutored students of all ages, across all disciplines—from second-grade reading to the GMAT. An editor at St. Louis’ alternative weekly newspaper from 2003-2007, Brooke is now the owner of Illumine Communications, a boutique media-relations and editorial firm. Brooke’s work is rooted in her personal passion for an improved educational system, a greater devotion to the arts, and a marked increase in grassroots activism. Brooke lives with her journalist husband (and their two vocal cats) and enjoys traveling, cooking, and yoga. She is also a board member of StudioSTL, a nonprofit writing studio for kids ages six to eighteen.

Kathy

Kathleen is a widely and deeply experienced educator and advocate for children. Kathleen has an extensive background in the development and teaching of inquiry-based, high-level curricula for elementary age students in both private and public school settings. Her roles have included: Specialist Teacher in a Private School Setting; Classroom Teacher in a Gifted Program; Special Educator; Reading Specialist; Assistive Technology Coach to children with math- and written-expression difficulty; Private Tutor/Education Consultant to families seeking to accelerate children with high ability and/or build academic skills due to learning differences.  

Kathleen received her Master of Arts Degree in Education and Gifted Teaching Certificate from Webster University. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Special Education-Elementary Education Degrees from Fontbonne College, St. Louis, Missouri. When she is not teaching, Kathleen can be found — if you can keep up with her — enjoying the outdoors with her family. Favorite activities are kayaking, biking, hiking and nature study