Meet Our Educational Team

All of our educators have teaching credentials, nearly all with Master’s and/or Specialist degrees in Education, along with decades of teaching experience, a host of professional accolades, and scores of adoring student fans! 

Juli Bowman

Juli is an established Educational Therapist, Diagnostician, and Learning Specialist with a demonstrated history of excellence in assessment and diagnostics, curriculum design, and instructional interventions. She has over 27 years of experience in Special Education, academic coaching, structured literacy/dyslexia interventions, educational consulting, and teaching. Juli is a Nationally Board Certified Educational Therapist with the Association of Educational Therapists. She is certified in an array of psycho-educational assessment and intervention techniques across the educational spectrum, from remediation to gifted services and multisensory learning to Executive Functions. Juli serves as an appointed representative for the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD) and as a lead on the Public Policy Committee of the Association of Educational Therapists. She is an active member of the Council for Exceptional Children, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, and the Virginia Reading Association. Juli is currently a Doctoral candidate in Neuroeducation at Johns Hopkins University. She received her Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia, with an endorsement as a Structured Literacy Specialist (all grades, K-12). She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Special Education with a concentration in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Indiana University. She has teaching endorsements in Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, and Emotional Disturbances (all grades, PK-12). Juli is originally from the Pacific Northwest but considers Northern Virginia home, where she and her husband are raising three children (all attending Arlington Public Schools). She founded Prepped Learning as a group educational therapy practice after clients entreated her to build a team of therapists and educators who could offer educational solutions to reach more students! 

Amy Ruff

Amy earned Bachelor’s Degrees in both Elementary Education and Psychology from Clemson University. She taught all elementary school subjects for six years in both public school in South Carolina and private school in Washington DC.  During this time, she also worked as a tutor with students needing extra assistance with subject areas, executive functioning, or test preparation. While at home raising her three children, Amy began volunteer work and became the Head of Arlington Events and eventually the Membership Lead for the state of Virginia for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. This work quickly taught her how to organize volunteers, meet with elected officials, run large-scale public events, write powerful messaging and do a tiny bit of public speaking. In 2014, she went back to part-time paid work as the Assistant Director of Rock Spring Cooperative Preschool in Arlington where she returned to her roots, spending time with children and working collaboratively with teachers and organizing things (a personal favorite!). In 2017, Amy became interested in Dyslexia after experiencing a personal connection to the disorder. She completed Orton-Gillingham comprehensive training and then worked in Dyslexia intervention with students on a one-on-one basis. Amy is currently juggling the craziness of having a high-schooler, middle-schooler and elementary-schooler at home, which makes her all the more happy to put her multi-tasking skills to work for families with students of all ages, as the Office Manager for Prepped Learning!

Magdalena Keegan

Magdalena’s teaching career spans two continents. It began in Poland, her native country, where she graduated from a teacher preparation program with a degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. After moving to the United States, she received a Master’s of Education degree from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, where she was named Virginia Teacher of Promise. Magdalena holds a Virginia Teaching license (Pre-K-12) and has taught at elementary and middle schools in Fairfax and Arlington counties. After recently relocating to New York City, she obtained a New York State Teaching License and teaches at an elementary school in Queens while also teaching remotely with Prepped Learning. As an English Language Learner teacher, Magdalena has experience teaching the entire curriculum at every grade level. She works closely with classroom and special education teachers, as well as Reading and Math Specialists. She is also trained in a number of reading programs, including the Wilson Language Training and Wilson Reading Fundations. In her free time, Magdalena enjoys spending time with her daughter and exploring everything New York City has to offer. You might see her at an Orange Theory class or running through all 5 boroughs. 

Gregory Campbell

Mr. Gregory Campbell has been an educator for over thirty years. He currently teaches in Arlington County at Wakefield High School. Greg’s background is in secondary and middle school education. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree  in Special Education from Coppin State University in Baltimore. Greg is certified to teach English for Secondary Learners, History, Math, and Special Education (K-12). He specializes in executive functions, as well as math and science support for students with complex learning needs. He recently completed National Board Certification, the most respected professional certification available for educators. For the past twenty years, Greg has also coached the Wakefield High School swim team and has been a sponsor for the Best Buddies program.  Prior to teaching in Arlington County, he taught social studies at Ellicott Mills Middle School in Howard County and at Robert Poole Middle School in Baltimore City. Greg is  originally from Pittsburgh and is a big fan of higher education for all.

Beverly Ingram

Beverly is a licensed Virginia K-12 teacher with an ESOL endorsement. She graduated from the University of Paris, France, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs. She studied Teaching and Language Acquisition at the graduate level at the University of Virginia and at James Madison University. Beverly taught English Language Learners in the Albemarle County Public Schools (grades K-12) for 17 years and presently teaches at the University of Virginia and at Piedmont Community College. She is an accomplished Academic Coach and teaches reading, writing, and math skill building with Prepped Learning students. Beverly believes that learning should be an engaging, encouraging, and joyous experience for all students. When not teaching, you can usually find her backpacking through the mountains, kayaking a river, or seeking a new adventure wherever she is.

Kelsey Huesman

Kelsey earned her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education with a Minor in Psychology at the University of Cincinnati and her Master’s Degree  in Differentiated Instruction at Concordia University Chicago. She has over 12 years of tutoring experience and 6 years teaching in an Elementary classroom. While attending the University of Cincinnati, she tutored college-athletes in mathematics. During her time teaching in the classroom, she also served on the school’s technology committee and coached Girls on the Run. She is both knowledgeable and passionate in teaching elementary students in all subject areas, but especially enjoys helping students achieve the skills needed for the foundations of reading. Kelsey is a Certified Level 1 Google Educator and loves to integrate technology into her teaching. Through her experience and studies, Kelsey has grown her skills to facilitate learning for ALL students; no matter their abilities or needs. She believes in making learning fun and is motivated to help every type of learner succeed to their fullest potential. Kelsey is currently spending her days raising her two young sons and her evenings working with her students at Prepped Learning!

Samantha Bezemes

Samantha received both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a Master of Education Degree from the University of Salem State as well as an additional Master of Science Degree from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts.  She is a licensed educator with an SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) endorsement.  Samantha has been teaching for over 13 years in upper elementary grades.  Her focus has been on supporting English Language Learners as well as students whose trauma has impacted their learning.  Samantha is currently a fifth-grade teacher in Massachusetts.  She also enjoyed a successful first career in Human Resource Information Technology. Due to this experience, she is technologically savvy which enables her to incorporate today’s ed tech tools into her instruction. This allows for increased student engagement as well as multi-dimensional differentiation to better meet the needs of students. Samantha  views the field of education as providing not only intellectual stimulation and challenges but also the opportunity to be creative.  She infuses art into her instruction whenever possible. Samantha resides in Massachusetts with her beloved rescue dog, Missy.  In her spare time, she enjoys long walks/adventures with Missy and having Sunday dinners with her son, daughter, and brother.

Jasmyn Zeller

Jasmyn earned her teaching degrees in Idaho and Nevada after graduating Magna Cum Laude and obtaining the ETS Recognition of Excellence for a nearly perfect score on the Elementary content knowledge exam. Though endorsed to teach Math through 9^th grade, she craved the ability to teach every subject. Jasmyn taught Elementary Education in the Las Vegas area, at an at-risk Title 1 school, where the demands were high and resources low. She began her career at the transition to Common Core, and realizing the lack of engaging content, modified or designed the majority of her curriculum to fit the learning needs of her students. As a general education teacher, Jasmyn had the opportunity to work closely with specialists to create a variety of interventions, execute individualized education plans and provide after-school tutoring. Even after all the extra care and energy invested in these students, she felt like they needed more than she could offer. That extra care and attention has been accomplished by working with the Prepped Learning Team since 2018, where she has found her happy place with the ability to raise her three children while working with a talented team of individuals who seek to help build yours!

Jill Rozenman

As a recently retired educator, having taught students with learning differences for 24 years, Jill knew she could not stay away for long. She has been teaching- or as she sees it- has been learning from her students for over 45 years. Every school year brings a new opportunity to create bonds and build relationships with children, some of whom may have experienced significant learning challenges and developed less than favorable ideas about school. Starting with the very youngest of learners and making her way into elementary and middle school classrooms, Jill believes that one of the most important goals is ensuring that a student wants to return to the classroom. She achieves this by introducing joy and humor into her classroom, and then lets students know that they are, in fact, capable of meeting their full potential. Jill is originally from Ohio, but has resided in Virginia for nearly 40 years. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and with professional development courses in continuing education from University of Virginia and Ohio State, including training in Orton-Gillingham methodology. Jill maintains that laughter is a key component in teaching. She has two amazing daughters of whom she could not be more proud!

Justin Rufa

Justin is a retired US Air Force officer, former high school math teacher, and college mathematics professor with subject matter experience in courses ranging from from Algebra I to Differential Equations. He pivoted to Academic Coaching to help students become more confident in their academic skills while also developing skills to become the “CEOs” of their own lives. Justin believes that all students have brilliant brains and beautiful hearts, possess unique talents, and have the potential to achieve whatever goals they set for themselves. He shares simple techniques that are rooted in discipline and grace that encourage students to get excited and get curious as they transform challenges into strengths. Justin continually cultivates his own intellectual curiosity through reading non-fiction, including biographies, history of the American West, and philosophies about healing anxiety through mindful presence. His hobbies include mountain biking, hiking, yoga, listening to podcasts and enjoying all that the Boulder, Colorado area has to offer with his wife, son, cat, (Charlie) and black lab pup (Emmi). Justin is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Michigan in Aerospace Engineering, along with two Master’s degrees. 

Andrea Green

Andrea holds a Master’s degree in Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Pomona College. Her roles in education range from being in the traditional classroom to providing tailored support for students with learning differences. She has also ventured into college-level instruction in neuroscience, a field that she is passionate about and tries to integrate into her teaching and educational pedagogy. For Andrea, the most important aspect of teaching and education is the connection she establishes with her students. She strives to infuse creativity and fun into learning and adapts her approach to suit individual needs. The importance of building strong relationships with students is what drew Andrea to opportunities in boarding schools, where she taught, coached, advised, and lived amongst students at two different independent schools in Princeton, NJ and Chatham, VA. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys snuggling and playing with her dog, Ollie. She also spends some time in the kitchen experimenting with gluten free baking (with mixed results). Andrea enjoys traveling to visit friends located all over the US and abroad whenever she gets the chance. One of Andrea’s most important values as an educator is that her practice remains rooted in humility. She strives to be a facilitator of knowledge and growth, inspired by the remarkable students she has had the privilege to guide.

Ashleigh Balsamo

Ashleigh is a licensed elementary educator with a passion for hands-on, differentiated learning experiences that align with state standards while also meeting the needs of each individual student in the process. After beginning her career in the journalism field, Ashleigh decided to go back to school to obtain her Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. While in grad school, she taught both Pre-K and Junior Kindergarten before transitioning to First Grade. For the last six years, Ashleigh has dedicated her professional development to ensuring that her students are supported both academically and social-emotionally through a holistic teaching approach, focused on all aspects of a child’s ability to learn. She has completed district trainings in structured literacy methods (OG and Wilson). She currently serves as her team’s Lead Mentor, school’s Yearbook Coordinator and was nominated for The Washington Post’s Teacher of the Year award. Through her teaching experience and studies, Ashleigh has developed relationships with countless students and families and looks forward to continuing these important partnerships with Prepped Learning students!

David Goure

David was bitten by the teaching bug while living in Beijing improving his Mandarin Chinese.  After returning to the U.S. and finishing a Master’s of Arts degree in International Commerce and Policy, he returned to Shanghai to teach full-time, primarily focusing on Economics, Business, and History.  David also has multiple years of experience as a private tutor in the U.S. working with students of all ages, focusing on reading, writing and math, standardized test prep, college admissions counseling, organization, time management, and self-motivation. Working with Chinese students suddenly thrust into international-style programs stoked David’s passion for mentorship and personal growth.  He believes that cross-cultural awareness, creativity, and social-emotional skills are as fundamental to 21st century education as the traditional core subjects were for the 20th. When he’s not taking care of his baby or ten rescue animals, David enjoys books and movies, martial arts, and working on cars.

Kelsey Payne

Kelsey is a Special Education teacher with 15 years of extensive experience working with diverse learners across a spectrum of ability levels and ages. Kelsey earned a Master of Science in Education degree from Walden University, with a specialization in Special Education (K-12). She received her undergraduate degree from Montana State University Billings in Special Education (K-12) and in Art Education (K-12). Kelsey’s teaching journey began in Wyoming, and has since moved to Idaho, where she has embraced the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives. Her unwavering dedication to each student’s progress, well-being, and emotional development has earned her the admiration of colleagues, students, and parents alike. She is skilled in multisensory reading and math interventions (to include Wilson and Orton Gillingham approaches for reading), executive functioning, behavior management, and enhancing learning through technology. Outside of her teaching and tutoring endeavors, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her husband and friends, traveling, reading, watching movies, biking, and being in nature.

Christopher Gonzalez

Christopher is an educator of 14 years, with 11 of the 14 years spent in the field of Special Education. Christopher thrives in his role as a mentor and positive influence for young children and adolescents. He has experience with a broad range of students, including those with learning disabilities and other challenges. Christopher earned his Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at El Paso. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he pursued teaching licensure through an alternative certification program (grades K-8). Christopher is committed to education and is currently working on earning a Master’s degree in Psychology with certification in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). His goal is to become a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) and continue to make a lasting impact on student success.

Claudia Wood

Claudia is a retired mortgage credit risk modeling and analytics professional with 22 years of experience. Over her career as an economist, she spent numerous years managing and training staff and realized the lack of female role models who are confident in their arithmetic ability and who lack the instructional help necessary to excel in math. These experiences led her to pursue a second career in math education. Claudia currently holds a provisional Virginia teaching license with endorsements in Middle Education Math, Business and Information Technology, and Family and Consumer Sciences. She has experience teaching and tutoring students in elementary through high school. Claudia is a graduate of Lehigh University with a BA in Economics and an MBA in Finance. In addition, she earned a PhD in Consumer Economics and Housing from Cornell University with a concentration in financial economics and modeling. During graduate school and after, she taught microeconomics, macroeconomics and multifamily real estate valuation at various institutions of higher education. These experiences fueled her desire to pursue teaching, which she enjoys doing with students at Prepped Learning. When not reading, studying, and expanding her education, Claudia spends time with her friends knitting and traveling throughout the world on knitting adventures.

Angelica Pagan

Shannon Noteboom

Shannon is an Elementary and Special Education teacher, with 9 years of classroom experience with elementary-aged students. She additionally has 7 years of experience tutoring middle school-aged students and has served on a variety of committees to include: the Building Technology Committee, the District Technology Committee, and the Intervention and Supports Team Committee. Shannon is trained in Orton-Gillingham and S.P.I.R.E, both of which are research-based reading intervention programs. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education & Special Education at Westminster College in Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design & Technology from American College of Education in Indianapolis. Shannon loves working with students of all ages and loves building relationships and watching them grow academically. Her main goal is to help all of her students gain confidence, acquire new skills, and succeed at learning. Shannon currently devotes her time to raising her son and working with her students at Prepped Learning!

If you are a certified teacher, learning specialist, or educational therapist and are interested in joining our practice, please, send a cover letter and resume to admin@preppedlearning.com