Our Team

Shannon Crassweller

Interviewer and Staff Development Assistant

Shannon has a degree in marketing from Creighton University. After working in the business world for over five years, she decided to go back to school to get her master’s degree in elementary education from Quincy University. Learn more about her below!

My favorite book is… The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. This is an amazing book that made me want to travel and see more of the world.

My favorite subject in school was… history because I loved learning more about the world and how the past helped shape who we are today.

On a day off you’ll find me… hanging out with family and friends. In the summer, usually doing something fun outside.

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… it’s team approach to tutoring as well as it’s individualized curriculum! Both the team approach and the curriculum make tutoring and learning more fun and efficient.

Camaryn Iacovino

Tutoring Director

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x106

ciacovino@nurturingwisdom.com

Camaryn graduated from the Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Prior to joining Nurturing Wisdom, she taught second, sixth, and seventh graders at public and private schools in Chicago and a suburb. Learn more about her below!

My favorite subject in middle school was…math, specifically algebra. I have always loved math and my middle school math teacher made me love it even more! I was excited to learn every day because of my teacher’s enthusiasm and positive attitude.

A tip I’d give to a student to make the most out of tutoring is…to be an advocate for yourself! Speak up when you need help. No one can read your mind, so when something is not working, and also when it is, let your tutor or parent know!

On a day off, you’ll find me…at a spin class, trying out a new restaurant, or sitting outside reading.

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is…our dedication to meeting each family’s needs. We care about supporting students and families and work hard to make sure everyone’s needs are being met throughout the entire tutoring process.

Katie Brown

Billing Coordinator

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x114

katie@nurturingwisdom.com

Katie has a dual bachelor’s degree in marine science and Spanish from Eckerd College. Learn more about her below!

I loved Eckerd College because… I made lifelong friends there. It’s a small school, so it’s easy to get to know your classmates and professors. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s on the beach!

My favorite class in college was… marine invertebrates because most of the labs were out on the water. The hands-on learning activities with the animals felt like an endless adventure!

On a day off, you’ll find me… out and about with my hubs and our baby, Louisa!

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… the communication within the company. It really has a family-friendly close-knit vibe, which I love.

Craig Needles

Tutoring Coach

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x107

cneedles@nurturingwisdom.com

Craig is a graduate of Misericordia University where he studied business management, and he earned his teaching certification in secondary English education from Holy Family University. Craig has years of experience teaching high school English both in the Philadelphia area and in Chicago. Learn more about him below!

My favorite subject in college and grad school was… literature. I loved how the classes were centered on discussion and relating what we read to real-world issues. I realized that literature can spark new ideas and ignite real conversation. These classes are what inspired me to get into the field of education.

I wish when I was a student I’d known… the importance of organization and time management. It wasn’t until grad school that I realized you can actually start writing a paper BEFORE the night before it’s due. Writing outlines, keeping track of assignments, and studying effectively looks like more work on the surface, but it saves you way more time and stress in the long run!

On a day off, you’ll find me… at the gym, playing guitar, writing music, seeing live music, watching horror films, reading, buying/listening to records, trying to find some nature in or around the city, hanging out with my girlfriend and our two cats, and probably staying up later than I should.

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… the level of detail that we as a team put into every aspect of tutoring. We assess each student’s individual needs, match them with a tutor, ensure that the curriculum is specifically tailored to the student’s goals, and support the tutor and student every step of the way.

Call
(312) 260-7945

Email
info@nurturingwisdom.com

Submit This Form

Fill out my online form.

<a href="https://nurturingwisdom.wufoo.com/forms/q1rd7zqf0xaljv0?entsource=wordpress" rel="nofollow">Fill out my Wufoo form!</a>

For Urgent Academic Needs

If your child needs immediate academic help, visit this page.

Vickie Pang

Tutoring Director

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x105

vpang@nurturingwisdom.com

Vickie graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and she also has a master’s in education. Prior to joining Nurturing Wisdom, she served as the director of a preschool with thirteen campuses to provide the highest level of care to families. Learn more about her below!

If I could give advice to my 19-year old self…it would be to take myself less seriously! Everything does eventually work out, and if at first you don’t succeed, there are plenty of people to help guide you.

On a day off, you’ll find me… juggling, hiking, paddleboarding, making music, and playing with my two darling kitties Sunshine and Ninja.

A piece of advice I’d give to a student to make the most out of tutoring is…that you typically get out of it what you put into it! Ask lots of questions, be consistent about attending sessions, complete your work even if you can’t perfect it, and trust in the process! The resources, your tutor, and each person at Nurturing Wisdom is there to help you succeed, and we can’t wait to celebrate your achievements with you!

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… the commitment to excellence from every facet of the company. Each tutoring plan, email, training, call, and educational resource is thoughtfully curated, with the student to be served top of mind.

Julia Dopp

Tutoring Director

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x115

jdopp@nurturingwisdom.com

Julia graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio and spent a few years tutoring in Los Angeles before making her way to the Windy City. At Nurturing Wisdom, she has supported families as a tutor, tutoring coach, and tutoring director. Learn more about her below!

One thing my favorite teachers had in common was… a gift for storytelling. No matter what subject(s) they taught, they were able to bring the content to life through their and illustrative (often hilarious!) anecdotes.

When I was a student, I wish I had known… that working through mistakes is one of the best ways to learn. It wasn’t until I began working with my own students that I realized how empowering and informative it can be to embrace confusion and errors as the opportunities that they are!

My favorite author in middle school was… James Herriot. His heartwarming tales about life as an English veterinarian in the ’30s and ’40s were irresistible to a young animal lover like me. I still love turning to my copy of All Creatures Great and Small on dreary winter days!

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… our team approach. We don’t just match students with qualified instructors, we provide hands-on support for families and tutors every step of the way.

Shannon McEldowney

Tutoring Coach/Interviewer

Contact me!

312-260-7945 ext 122

smceldowney@nurturingwisdom.com

Shannon is originally from the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She moved to Chicago to attend Roosevelt University, where she graduated from The Chicago College of Performing Arts. Outside of acting, Shannon has a deep love of teaching that is kept alive by working as a dance instructor, camp counselor, tutor, and youth supervisor at a theatre in the suburbs. Learn more about her below!

My favorite author will always be… Roald Dahl. Some of my favorites include The BFG, The Witches, and Danny, the Champion of the World.

If I could tell my high school self one thing… it’d be to trust yourself! Confidence is so very key in our learning, and I love that Nurturing Wisdom focuses on skills like confidence building, overcoming test anxiety, and figuring out how kids best learn!

My favorite subject in high school was… algebra two. I’ve always loved math, but this teacher really made the class special. The class environment she created had a great balance of hard work and fun. She was very approachable and explained things in a way that I carried with me to other math classes.

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… the commitment to the individual student. We don’t have one-size-fits-all curriculum or tutors. I love that everyone on our team is working toward the same goal: to find what works best for the student and to help them grow!

Sarah Tracy

Tutoring Director

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x104

stracy@nurturingwisdom.com

Sarah graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in education and sociology, and she’s completed coursework in childhood literacy and museum studies. After nine years as a fifth grade teacher in Wauwatosa, Portland, and Chicago, Sarah initially joined NW as a tutor. Learn more about her below!

A tip I’d give to a student to make the most of tutoring would be… that you get out of it what you put into it. If you put in time and energy, and bring a positive attitude, you’ll achieve so much!

I loved Marquette University because… it put me on the path to teaching, introduced me to amazing, life-long friends, and made me fall in love with Milwaukee.

On a day off, you’ll find me… taking a long walk to a coffee shop, chatting with friends, or going on a bike ride and cooking while listening to my latest podcast obsession.

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… that everyone on the team is a life-long learner at heart, and that we care about the whole student. Everyone is dedicated to getting to know families in order to find a great fit for students and tutors.

Mary Sample

Orientation Coach

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x109
mary@nurturingwisdom.com

Mary is a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago where she majored in psychology, focusing her studies on behavior modification and child development. Prior to tutoring and coaching with Nurturing Wisdom, Mary spent twelve years as a health coach and personal trainer, dedicating much of her time to working with children and teens in the areas of nutrition, exercise science, and general wellness. Learn more about her below!

My favorite book is… A Tale Of Two Cities because it has everything: suspense, romance, history, drama, unforgettable characters, etc. It was the first book assigned in English class that I couldn’t put down!

On a day off, you’ll find me… outdoors as much as possible, either running on a wooded trail, going for a long walk, spending time in the yard/garden, or reading in a lawn chair with my feet propped up.

My favorite subject in high school was… psychology, which I took my junior year. It led me to choose psychology as my college major, because it encouraged both critical and creative thought in terms of analyzing behavior patterns, motivation, and child/human development.

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… is its core values, which make for a set of coworkers who are unfailingly kind, patient, and supportive towards each other and towards students.

Jessica Bowman

Director of Recruitment

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x121

jbowman@nurturingwisdom.com

Jessica has a master’s degree in elementary education and an undergraduate degree in psychology. She worked for many years as a recruiter, and she also taught kindergarten and first grade in the Chicago Public Schools for several years. Learn more about Jessica below!

My favorite subject in college was… statistics. Statistics changed how I felt about math. It clicked for me in a way math never had before, and I looked forward to taking statistics as I continued on to graduate school.

I wish when I was a student I’d known… that it’s okay to speak up and ask for help. Learning and being successful is far more important than what other people think about you!

On a day off, you’ll find me… spending time with my husband and our two active little boys visiting the farmer’s market, eating outside, and enjoying our neighborhood parks. If I get time alone, you’ll find me reading.

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… our passion for what we do! Our collective goal is for tutors, families, and students to be provided with the ultimate tutoring environment and learning experience. We are focused on making the best possible decisions and strive to ensure each individual, whether student or tutor, receive our expertise, attention, and support.

Alicia Sanfillippo

Proctored Test Coordinator

Contact me!

312-260-7945

alicia@nurturingwisdom.com

Alicia graduated from Western Michigan University with a BS in secondary education (math and physics) and a BA in dance. She has experience as a tutor, academic coach, and dancer. Learn more about Alicia below!

My favorite subject in school… was Algebra II because my teacher showed a genuine interest in students’ success and encouraged us to help each other learn through group assignments. This was one of the reasons why I wanted to pursue a career in math education.

I loved Western Michigan University because… my programs and professors challenged me to help me learn more about the things I am passionate about, which allowed me to grow as an educator and as a dancer. I also had the opportunity to be one of the founding members of a program that offered free tutoring and academic services to all students on campus, allowing me to apply what I was learning in my teaching classes. On top of that, I made some lifelong friendships!

A tip I’d give to a student to make the most of tutoring… is that tutoring is a two-way street. You’ll only get out of it what you put into it!

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… the team assembled to best support the student and their family. The team thoughtfully matches a student with a tutor and customizes the tutoring experience to help produce as much growth as possible.

Anna Holland

Tutoring Director

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x112

anna@nurturingwisdom.com

Anna received a bachelor’s degree in English from UW Madison and master’s degrees in literature and education from DePaul University. She taught on the south side of Chicago for five years before joining Nurturing Wisdom. Learn more about Anna below!

My favorite subject in high school was… English. I had an amazing teacher who gave us countless opportunities to use and refine our voices.

My favorite book in high school was… Wuthering Heights because I was such a romantic at heart (and still am!).

I loved attending UW Madison for undergrad because… the academics are excellent, Madison is beautiful, and Bucky is the best!

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… our student-centered approach. We want to ensure that we’re doing what is best for the student in terms of tutoring. We take the time to understand each child’s needs, and we know that all of our plans are “living” documents that will adjust as the student grows.

Alyssa Coburn

Chief Learning Officer

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x103

alyssa@nurturingwisdom.com

Alyssa has a bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in education from The University of Sydney. She taught middle and high school English, drama, and integrated learning in Australia! Learn more about Alyssa below.

My favorite subject in high school was… AP Literature. I still think back to the fascinating (and very challenging!) books we read, thought-provoking class discussions, and the overall fun we had each day in class. Our teacher taught us how to think critically and examine all sides of an issue, which forever shaped how I thought and learned.

A tip I’d give to a student to make the most of tutoring is… to be open-minded and don’t be afraid to try something new. Even if it feels silly or unnecessary, give every strategy or tip your tutor gives you a try. And if you try something that doesn’t work, let your tutor know. They can make an adjustment or brainstorm a different approach with you!

On a day off, you’ll find me… having lightsaber fights with Darth Vader, roaring like a t-rex, or overseeing the construction of elaborate lego creations. #momofboys

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… our commitment to doing what’s best for our students, whether that is customizing our curriculum, brainstorming with the student’s tutor, or switching tutors if it’s not the best fit.

Jeanne Rerucha

President

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x7 | 415-963-9229 x7

jeanne@nurturingwisdom.com

Jeanne has a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree as a reading specialist. After teaching for several years, she worked as the district’s professional development provider for teachers. Learn more about her below!

On a day off you’ll find me… working a PTO event at my girls’ school. Whether it’s a Halloween party or a fundraiser, I love being involved with them and staying busy!

I loved Loras College because… it was so small and personal. It felt like another family to me, a true home away from home! During those four years, I grew, I learned, and I met wonderful people (including my husband!).

A tip I would give a parent to make the most of tutoring is… to keep tutoring consistently. Just like anything else, in order to form good habits and learn skills, regular practice is needed.

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… our individualization and team approach! Every single student (and family) needs different levels of support, and we work together to make sure that happens. It takes a village – and we have a great village!

Colleen Gronkiewicz

Lead Tutoring Director

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x102

colleen@nurturingwisdom.com

Colleen holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in educational leadership. She taught high school math for eight years. Learn more about Colleen below!

My favorite subject in school was… always math. I viewed solving math problems as putting together a puzzle. I loved looking for patterns and figuring out how the pieces fit together. The problem solving-skills that I’ve learned through math have helped me through life.

A tip I’d give to a parent to make the most of tutoring is… to keep in touch with your director! We’ll talk a lot at the beginning to get your child up and running with a tutor, but please keep us informed on how things are going. We’ll be reaching out for updates, but we love to hear from you as well!

My favorite book in middle school was… Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. As a child, I was never an avid reader; math was my passion. This was the first book I read that made me appreciate reading and realize how powerful words can be. I still have a copy of this book, with pages highlighted, on my bookshelf at home. As an adult, I now love to read and find it to be such a relaxing way to escape and unwind.

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… our team approach. Every student is matched with a great tutor, but they are also assigned a director and a coach who are all working together to ensure their success. While the tutor is the person they see on a regular basis, families also have a director checking in with them and a coach who works closely with the tutor.

Erin Doyle

Chief Culture Officer

Contact me!

312-260-7945 x6

erin@nurturingwisdom.com

Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in human development and learning from DePaul University. She joined Nurturing Wisdom after teaching seventh and eighth graders in Illinois and Massachusetts for fifteen years. Learn more about Erin below!

I wish when I was a student I’d known… that math could be fun. I definitely had a fixed mindset when it came to math. Because it didn’t come easily, I only saw it in a negative light, something to get through. When I had to teach and tutor it, I realized the element of play that exists with numbers. I know had I been open to that as a student, I would have learned so much more!

I loved my graduate school program at DePaul because… it pushed me out of my comfort zone. What I learned there still informs so much of what I do in both my professional and personal life.

A tip I’d give to a student to make the most out of tutoring is… to communicate with your tutor. If you don’t understand a concept or a strategy, say so! Ask them to go over it again (and again), to teach it in a different way, or to take a break and come back to it. The more you talk with them about what’s working and what’s not, the better they can help you!

What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… our lack of complacency. We’re always thinking about how we can do better for the families we work with and for each other – and then taking action.

Fill out my online form.

<a href="https://nurturingwisdom.wufoo.com/forms/r6xzshd13k016r?entsource=wordpress" rel="nofollow">Fill out my Wufoo form!</a>

Tutoring Directors

Colleen Gronkiewicz

Lead Tutoring Director

Anna Holland

Tutoring Director

Sarah Tracy

Tutoring Director

Julia Dopp

Tutoring Director

Vickie Pang

Tutoring Director

Camaryn Iacovino

Tutoring Director

Coaches and Coordinators

Shannon McEldowney

Tutoring Coach/Interviewer

Mary Sample

Tutoring Coach

Craig Needles

Tutoring Coach

Katie Brown

Billing Coordinator

Alicia Sanfillippo

Proctored Test Coordinator

Recruiters

Jessica Bowman

Director of Recruitment

Shannon Crassweller

Interviewer and Staff Development Assistant

Owners

Jeanne Rerucha

President

Alyssa Coburn

Chief Learning Officer

Erin Doyle

Chief Culture Officer