Devoted to the performing arts for many years, after earning my BA in theater arts/music minor at San Francisco State University, I taught countless students of all ages and levels, directed choirs, jazz ensembles, orchestras, and theater Productions in San Francisco, Seattle, and Whidbey Island Washington, then added English and ESL in the Netherlands from 1999- 2015. Though I continued to teach the arts, I soon found English teaching to international students to be equally as satisfying, first in Refugee centers, then in Dutch Jr and High Schools. After earning my ESL certification (2014), I returned to my homeland in 2015, where in Washington, Minnesota, and now Arizona, I was blessed with some fine opportunities to teach Japanese and Chinese college students, as well as public speaking, math, English, and now creative writing to East Indian and Somalian students at Best Brains Learning Center since April 2018.

Always willing to take on new challenges, I finished an MS (Master of Science) degree online in mental health and Ministry this year at GCU, while in minimal free time, I enjoy singing, acting, playing flute, acting, directing and Bible studies at various churches. Weekends I love to take walks, swim, bike and watch movies with my wonderfully supportive husband, Charles.

I have found no greater joy than contributing to the development of another's gifts which is and always has been my favorite thing about teaching.

Hello! My name is Allison Williams. I am a recent graduate from Arizona State University. I have a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and I am currently working to complete my Master's in Psychology. I have been working with children in the classroom, as well as daycare, for the better part of the last 3 or so years. I absolutely love teaching reading and math, and technology is one of my strong suits. I am so excited to be teaching with Best Brains!

In my free time I like to draw and paint. I have a 3-legged cat named Skippy to keep me busy as well.

I have been an abacus teacher at Best Brains for over three years. I am attending National-Louis University to achieve a Bachelor's degree in Elementary education and endorsements in Early Childhood and Special Education. I am the president of Educator Rising club and a part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I have a love for learning and connecting with my students. Outside of school you could find me spending time with my family and friends, reading books and penning my own, being outdoors, and star gazing.

This is my 40th year in public education. Most of my teaching career has been spent teaching kindergarten, first grade, and ESL in grades K-5. I look forward to teaching for the Best Brains community. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, baking, gardening, researching natural health, and traveling.

Hello! I’m incredibly passionate about teaching, and I’m thrilled to be entering my fourth year in this rewarding journey. Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and tutoring students of various ages, and each experience has deepened my love for helping young minds grow. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University in 2021 and my master’s in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University in 2022, both of which have fueled my commitment to creating engaging and impactful learning experiences.

Originally from Washington State, I moved to Arizona last year and have embraced the warm weather and vibrant community. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me hiking, reading, or enjoying quality time with my family.

Hi, I’m Swathi Virivinti. Originally from India, I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology in 2013 and worked as a Manual Tester for a leading software MNC. After moving to the USA, I took a break to focus on raising my child, which sparked my passion for working with children and teaching. This experience led me to discover my love for teaching, particularly Abacus, which I now enjoy sharing with students at Best Brains.

In my free time, I enjoy listening to Indian Classical music and spending quality time with my family.

My Education and Professional Background

I have a Bachelor of Business (majoring in Accounting and Finance) from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia. I have been in special education since 2010. I started out working with children with visual impairment and multiple disabilities at the Royal National Institute for the Blind, London, England (RNIB-Sunshine House). I continued my education and added special education certification from Rio Solado College. I have been fortunate enough to pursue my passion, working with children with multiple disabilities in the ADPTS and self-contained program at Santan Junior High since 2012.

My Educational Philosophy

I believe in creating a learning environment where each students feel safe, special and motivated plus building a positive relationship among parents, student and teachers. An environment that is safe provides a sense of security and belonging, which encourages creative and critical thinking when tasks become challenging. An environment that makes a child feel special inspires confidence and a love for learning. An environment that is motivating builds perseverance and depth of knowledge. With that, goals can be accomplished. I also believe fostering independence and learning proper social skill is important. Together we can make a difference in your child.