Cherrelle Fancher
President
Math and Reading Tutor
Introduction: My affinity for Mathematics at all levels stems from understanding the genuine importance of learning new skills and being able to apply them to common situations. Though I frequently had to struggle to learn such concepts in school, I persevered and eventually came to love and appreciate the method behind the madness. I realize that math is often a subject that can be overwhelming and confusing for parents as well as students. I find that because of my previous struggles, I am able to relate to my students and help them overcome their hopelessness in a way that many tutoring services do not. When my assignments did not come easily to me, I researched and discovered new ways to learn and teach myself, which led to a greater understanding of the material that I was able to pass on to my classmates. I bring the same dedication and research to every student that I work for now and strive for excellence in each and every session, no matter the subject.
Background and Qualifications: The importance of translating school skills to life skills was brought home to me when I began working with intellectually, physically, and emotionally disabled adults. I came across people with a wide range of disabilities and abilities and always strove to help them master the skills they desired. At times it was as simple a desire as developing better motor skills so that they could write neater letters to family members. Other times it would be more complex, such as learning to add and multiply fractions when following or adapting recipes. These experiences inspired a passion in me to assist others in accomplishing their dreams, no matter how small or impossible it seems.
I have degrees in Business and Mathematics, training through Athens State University in Mathematics and in Education, through the Alabama State Department of Education in dyslexia, have certifications in Orton-Gillinham Multisensory Mathematics and Reading, am a Google Certified Educator, and graduated from Athens with a degree in Accounting and Professional Studies in December 2016. I worked with a nonprofit organization as a teacher in a center for adults with disabilities until I expanded to helping them learn life, social, and educational skills within their home setting. I have been a substitute teacher in multiple schools, working closely with both self-contained and inclusion special education facilitators and spending time in almost every grade. In my free time, you can find me volunteering with the Link of Cullman County, writing articles for Cullman Today, cheering on the Cullman Bearcats, riding my motorcycle, or (attempting to) perform renovations to my home and yard.
Background and Qualifications: The importance of translating school skills to life skills was brought home to me when I began working with intellectually, physically, and emotionally disabled adults. I came across people with a wide range of disabilities and abilities and always strove to help them master the skills they desired. At times it was as simple a desire as developing better motor skills so that they could write neater letters to family members. Other times it would be more complex, such as learning to add and multiply fractions when following or adapting recipes. These experiences inspired a passion in me to assist others in accomplishing their dreams, no matter how small or impossible it seems.
I have degrees in Business and Mathematics, training through Athens State University in Mathematics and in Education, through the Alabama State Department of Education in dyslexia, have certifications in Orton-Gillinham Multisensory Mathematics and Reading, am a Google Certified Educator, and graduated from Athens with a degree in Accounting and Professional Studies in December 2016. I worked with a nonprofit organization as a teacher in a center for adults with disabilities until I expanded to helping them learn life, social, and educational skills within their home setting. I have been a substitute teacher in multiple schools, working closely with both self-contained and inclusion special education facilitators and spending time in almost every grade. In my free time, you can find me volunteering with the Link of Cullman County, writing articles for Cullman Today, cheering on the Cullman Bearcats, riding my motorcycle, or (attempting to) perform renovations to my home and yard.
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Elizabeth Gervais
Mrs. Gervais has her Master of Education in Urban Teaching and a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. Most recently, she worked as the nursery and preschool coordinator at First United Methodist Church of Cullman, while also volunteering in their Children's Ministry program. As a student, she spent much of her time on Dean's lists and over 200 hours of practicum outside of student teaching, including 40 hours under an RTI specialist. As a classroom teacher in Illinois and Michigan, Mrs. Gervais pioneered and implemented many highly effective early literacy and mathematics programs. We are proud to have her as an addition to our early learners programs!
Jin Swafford
Mrs. Swafford doesn't just have a passion for art - she has the training to back it up, with a degree in oil painting and ceramics from South Alabama and the drive to learn new art forms for the love of art itself.
"I'm classically trained in realism, but do most of my own work as illustration. I'm beyond fabulous at realism and color theory. I know all the basics of charcoal, graphite, conte, ink, etc. I know how to stretch canvas and basic ceramic skill sets. I can throw a bowl or a coffee mug and pull a handle, I can make sculptures and vases and all that junk. I've also had experience making plaster molds for slip casting, so basically you can make anything out of clay.
"I'm classically trained in realism, but do most of my own work as illustration. I'm beyond fabulous at realism and color theory. I know all the basics of charcoal, graphite, conte, ink, etc. I know how to stretch canvas and basic ceramic skill sets. I can throw a bowl or a coffee mug and pull a handle, I can make sculptures and vases and all that junk. I've also had experience making plaster molds for slip casting, so basically you can make anything out of clay.