Our People
Seth A. Stambaugh, M.Ed.
Founder and Owner
Seth A. Stambaugh grew up in Placitas, New Mexico riding his bike, going to school, and with a natural passion for learning. He always possessed a deep ability to concentrate, which aided him in his creative and educational endeavors. During his childhood, Seth attended both Montessori and traditional elementary schools before matriculating at Albuquerque Academy in 1998 for middle and high school. During his time there, he discovered that his passion for education had a deeper root than in simply learning; it extended to helping others learn as well.
In seventh grade, Seth began volunteering as a teacher’s assistant at local elementary schools. In high school, he tutored students who were inmates at the Camino Nuevo Youth Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During his senior year, he chose to complete his “Senior Project” by becoming an intern teacher’s assistant at Cottonwood Montessori in Corrales, New Mexico.
After graduating from the Academy with a cumulative 4.24 GPA in 2005, Seth decided to move to Portland, Oregon, to continue his educational pursuits at Lewis and Clark College. He studied English and Sociology before pursuing a graduate degree in education at Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. He received his Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.) with a 4.0 GPA and returned to New Mexico. Continuing his education, he enrolled in Montessori Elementary Teacher training at The Montessori Education Center of the Rockies in Boulder, Colorado, receiving his Montessori Teaching Certification from the American Montessori Society. He gained experience working in both public and private schools as a state certified teacher while also tutoring students one-on-one in his spare time.
​
After ten years working as a schoolteacher, Seth decided to create Piñon Tutoring. He believes one-on-one tutoring is the most effective way for students to gain knowledge, hone critical thinking skills, identify core values, and develop integrity. He embraces the idea that learning is not just about developing competence in subject areas, but also about developing confidence, life skills, and identity.
In his free time, Seth enjoys working on home projects, cooking, writing, and spending time with his dog and two cats.
Nyssa Arcos, M.S. Educational Media Design
Contract Tutor, K-6th All Subjects Expert
Nyssa is a passionate educator with over 20 years of experience providing experiential learning opportunities to underserved youth and girls in STEAM education. She began her career teaching bilingual elementary students in a rural town east of Austin, TX, and later moved into administration and STEAM education consulting.
Beyond the classroom, Nyssa is also a pioneer in deploying innovative EdTech solutions in schools across the globe. Some highlights of her work in EdTech include implementing one of the first K12 computer science curricula in the country, coaching teachers to deploy innovative classroom tech, and working with school leaders to create more innovative learning spaces.
In addition to education, Nyssa enjoys dabbling in the fine arts. She is an accomplished violinist, vocalist, and dancer. She started playing the violin at age 4 and continues to "fiddle" around with music when the spirit moves her. Nyssa had the pleasure of teaching elementary violin classes and adult barre fitness for a time as well.
Emily Botha, M.S. Community Health Education
Contract Tutor, K-8th ELA Expert, 6th-10th Math Expert, Science Expert
Emily was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a first generation college student and started her academic career at UNM before transferring to Juniata College in Pennsylvania where she obtained her B.S. in Public Health. Shortly after graduating Emily returned home and during the COVID-19 pandemic she entered a M.S. program in Community Health Education and graduated with a 4.1 GPA.
​
Teaching became a passion for Emily after she unexpectedly found herself in the role of a substitute teacher for grades K-8, leading to her roles as an elementary inclusion teacher and then a middle school science teacher. These experiences further solidified her love for the art of teaching, particularly in the areas of reading, writing, and science. Emily has worked in a variety of educational districts, including APS, RRPS, and charter systems around the Metropolitan area. These experiences have honed her ability to connect with students of all ages and backgrounds, fostering their growth and nurturing their curiosity. Emily is an advocate for the whole-child approach to education. She believes that children should be viewed holistically, as human beings with interconnected cognitive, physical, social, and emotional needs. Emily believes that nurturing all aspects of a child's development together leads to better academic outcomes.
​
Emily recently tied the knot with her husband, who works as a school counselor. They enjoy the great outdoors, and have discovered a fondness for the imaginative world of Dungeons and Dragons. Her musical talents have also taken her on a global journey, as she had the opportunity to perform in over 10 countries and 4 continents as a singer with her collegiate choir. Emily is excited to continue working with students.
Lisa Brown, B.S. Mathematics
Contract Tutor, K-College Math Expert, K-12th ELA Expert
Lisa Brown was born in Ohio and grew up in Northern California. As young parents, she and her husband moved to New Mexico where they have raised their children and spent much of their adult lives. Lisa graduated summa cum laude from University of New Mexico, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in English.
Lisa spent twenty years successfully homeschooling her three children who have all graduated college and are now grown adults living their best lives. She taught high school geometry and algebra II in the private school setting, and she has tutored mathematics at all levels, kindergarten through calculus. Lisa views mathematics as a language to share.
​Lisa strongly believes that a child’s learning and development are fueled through confidence; in fact, she feels that learning and confidence are mutually dependent on one another. Therefore, she will make every attempt to foster a determination and fortitude in the children she works with. She will help them discover their strengths and build off of them. Lisa’s preparation, thoughtful strategies, and willingness to adapt in the moment have helped her reach students in a nurturing, rewarding way.
In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, family, and friends. She is an avid bicyclist and often hikes with her white German Shepherd Scout.
Angela Corelis, NBCT, B.S. Early Multicultural Education
Contract Tutor, K-5th ELA Expert, K-3rd Math Expert, TESOL Expert
Angela is an energetic, diverse educator with a background in Early Childhood Education and Teaching English as a Second Language. Her experience includes teaching for APS 17+ years, teaching English to students from other countries online, and currently teaching English to students K-5 at a Charter School in Albuquerque.
​
She is a lifelong learner, currently pursuing a reading endorsement. Angela received her National Board Certification in Literacy/Language Arts in 2013. “This was a huge milestone for me”, says Angela, as she recalls learning English as a second language when she was very young. Angela’s first language was Greek. She got to travel to Greece in 2021, where she met a lot of her extended family for the first time!
​In addition, she enjoys learning Spanish and visiting Mexico as often as possible, particularly the island of Cozumel where she loves to snorkel, go swimming, eat delicious Mexican cuisine and learn about the Mayan culture. Angela loves to spend time with her two dogs and go on hikes in the Sandia Mountains. She also enjoys biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and participating in martial arts based workouts at the gym.
​Angela believes a strong mind and body go hand in hand. She integrates songs and movement into her teaching as much as possible to make it fun and meaningful, particularly for the younger students. “I love when students make connections by remembering a song or rhyme.” You will often find her singing and dancing along!
Kelly Dunn, MAPL
Contract Tutor, 6th-College Spanish and Writing Expert
Kelly was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. At an early age he discovered his passion for language and writing and would later go on to study both Spanish language and Linguistics at the undergraduate level. It was here that he first began tutoring language and assisting with ongoing research into second language acquisition as well as language documentation at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. During this time, he also worked closely with the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland as a volunteer interpreter. Ultimately, these experiences would lead him to pursue further graduate study, focusing on the social aspects of language change and development.
​
Inspired by the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Southwest, Kelly moved to Albuquerque in 2018, where he completed his Master’s Degree in Linguistics at the University of New Mexico. While in the program, he had the opportunity to work as an instructor, teaching both beginning and advanced language levels in the department of Spanish and Portuguese. Looking to develop further as an educator, he also took on additional work as both a writing and language tutor and online learning assistant at the Center for Academic Program Support, receiving his tutor certification from the College Reading and Learning Association.
Having occupied a variety of roles within education, Kelly takes a holistic approach to language learning, placing equal emphasis on developing listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. He recognizes the difficulties and challenges that learners face when exposed to a foreign language for the first time and believes that a structured approach guided by compassion and flexibility is key to success. In many ways, he views tutoring as an ideal opportunity to meet learners at their level and help them to both develop and apply their skills beyond the instructional setting.
In his spare time, Kelly enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and caring for the fish he and his partner keep together.
Erik Foster, M.A. Special Education
Contract Tutor, 4th-12th All Subjects Expert, Special Education Expert
Erik is a dedicated and compassionate educator with over 15 years of experience. He received his undergraduate degree from California State University Fresno and holds a master’s degree in education from Brandman University.
Erik has spent the majority of his career working with middle school and high school students in special education. He has vast experience working with students who require support with attention and social-emotional learning needs. Over his career, Erik has served in a variety of roles including teacher, department chair, special education program specialist, and special education principal over social-emotional learning programs. Erik is an outside-of-the-box thinker who has a passion and desire to see all students succeed.
In his free time, Erik enjoys spending time with his family, riding motorcycles, and being outdoors.
Shayla Heavner, M.S. Education
Contract Tutor, K-College Math Expert
Shayla Heavner is a mathematics educator with over 15 years experience teaching students from second grade to upper-level college math. She began tutoring her peers in high school when she realized she had a knack for explaining difficult and complex topics in a fun and unique way. After earning an undergraduate degree and graduate certificate in mathematics and a graduate degree in education, Shayla worked as a professor of mathematics at Indiana University and with advanced learners at The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth where she was awarded the Sarah D. Barder fellowship for excellence in teaching.
Finding the traditional curriculum a bit too dry, Shayla shifted gears to become an instructional designer and curriculum expert working to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences. This led to authoring a series of fantastical books aimed at making math both fun and interesting while helping students realize how powerful numbers can be!
Although she stays busy as a mom of 5 amazing children and a curriculum designer, her true passion is working directly with students, helping them to feel confident, master their skills, and most of all discover the joy in learning.
Alexander Morgan, B.S. Education
Contract Tutor, 5th-10th Math Expert
Alexander A. Morgan was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his parents Margaret and Roy, his older sister, Maria, and younger brother, Thomas. Alexander has had the privilege of growing up with an immigrant mother and a father who was a classic cowboy that instilled the ideas of hard work and the American dream. With a family of engineers, chemists, project managers for government programs, and teachers, Alexander was surrounded by a family willing to answer any question imaginable. This diverse upbringing taught Alexander the value of critical thinking, hard work, and education. He always enjoyed school through the public education system Albuquerque had to offer, but sought to provide the next generations with an education better than his own.
Alexander studied at the University of New Mexico. Alexander’s life goal was to make an impact on education in New Mexico. He thought education would be the key to shaping society to be a better place for everyone in the future. Alexander wanted to be a teacher ever since he started considering career options in high school and started lesson planning in high school.
Having taught 10 years in APS, Alexander has gained recognition from Governor Susana Martinez for exemplary standardized test improvements within his students. Creating a sense of self-worth, positive classroom environment, and lifelong learners are Alexander’s missions. Alexander is happy to share his skillset with Piñon Tutoring.
In his spare time, Alexander likes to read, do yard work, landscape, cook, study cryptocurrency, and be with his supporting wife.
Sheryl Peak, B.S. Education
Contract Tutor, K-8th All Subjects Expert, TESOL Expert
Sheryl is an enthusiastic, experienced educator who believes that all students can be successful. Her experience teaching for APS 20+ years and also in a private school for 2 years has allowed her the privilege of challenging students from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. She loves those awesome moments when the student lights up and says, "Oh, I get it!" Sheryl is excited to be working with students one-on-one, which is unique to private tutoring. Her love of science expanded when she worked at Sandia National Laboratories for many years, and she loves sharing her science knowledge with students as well!
Sheryl loves to be outdoors skiing, snowshoeing, biking, hiking, and just having new adventures. In summers she has explored Italy, Maine, Massachusetts, and Mexico and looks forward to more travel in the future.
Robert (Bob) McKinley, M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
Contract Tutor, 6th-College Math Expert
Bob McKinley grew up in South Florida with his dad, brother, and cats. With a wide range of academic interests, he earned an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction with a focus on math as well as an M.A. in philosophy before moving to Albuquerque. He is now pursuing a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of New Mexico, where he is currently writing his dissertation.
Bob has over eight years of experience tutoring middle and high school math and teaching critical thinking to undergraduates. Over this time, he has found joy in reaching students at all levels and making abstract concepts more intuitive. He is excited to focus on math again and help students along their educational journeys.
Bob loves the New Mexico wilderness and enjoys hiking and camping in his free time.
Erica Reyes, M.Ed.
Contract Tutor, K-10th All Subjects Expert, Writing and ELA Expert
Erica Reyes grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, as the proud daughter of Filipino immigrants. From a young age, she developed a passion for learning and helping others. Erica attended Oberlin College, where she double-majored in English and Latin Language & Literature. Erica has a Master’s degree in K-8 Education from the University of New Mexico, and she is a certified teacher qualified to teach elementary grades, as well as English/Language Arts and Social Studies for K-12 students. She is also eager to pursue endorsements in TESOL and Gifted Education to further her expertise.
Erica's passion for education began during her time at Oberlin, where she started as a reading tutor for first graders. Her involvement in various teaching opportunities on campus sparked a deep interest in the broader educational landscape, leading her to seek out diverse roles and training. In addition to her classroom experience, Erica is trained in youth crisis intervention and de-escalation, equipping her with the skills to support students both academically and emotionally.
As a tutor, Erica is known for her creativity and ability to connect with students. She enjoys designing lessons that are engaging and often incorporate the arts to bring subjects to life. Erica has a special talent for working with students who receive Special Education services, and her students typically demonstrate significant academic growth, with many advancing 2-3 years in the classroom.
Amy Romero, B.S. Math, M.B.A. Educational Leadership
Contract Tutor, K-College Math Expert, 3rd-10th ELA Expert, Executive Functioning Expert
Amy K Romero was born in California and raised in Belen, NM with her parents, two sisters, aunt, and grandparents. She has always loved to read, work on puzzles and garden. Her thrill for puzzles or mysteries led to a deep love of mathematics after being inspired by two high school math teachers.
During her last two years of secondary education, Amy's outlook on the world was changed and she endeavored to learn as much as possible about mathematics and science. Her focus led to a fully paid college education at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in biology and an emphasis in statistics.
While in Socorro, New Mexico, Amy discovered her deep love for working with children and teaching after tutoring and working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. It was after a particularly successful session of tutoring in College Algebra that she pursued education professionally--a tutee of hers suggested she become a teacher. Shortly thereafter, as a recent college graduate, she began working at Belen High School as a math teacher.
​
After a break from teaching to grow her family, and a stint at homeschooling, she went back to teaching in Albuquerque where she taught everything from 6th grade math to Calculus. During this time, the challenge of helping support students as they mastered challenging concepts became her focus. She went on to work as a mathematics specialist with grades K-8 and supported teachers and students while taking on other teaching or administrative roles as needed. Amy received the competitive Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to fully fund her pursuit of an MBA in educational leadership at the University of New Mexico.
​
After 16 years in education in various roles, Amy still believes that the individual connection created in a learning environment is foundational to helping students learn and become the best version of themselves.
Kristen Tanski, M.Ed.
Contract Tutor, K-5th All Subjects Expert, Special Education Expert
Kristen is a special education teacher with over 5 years of teaching experience. Kristen came to education through an unusual path. While growing up in Connecticut, Kristen fell in love with Kung Fu and began teaching kids classes at her dojo while still in high school. After starting her own school and almost ten years as a martial arts instructor, Kristen realized the highlight of her job was the teaching, not the business or Kung Fu, so she left martial arts to pursue teaching full time. While getting a master’s degree and teaching certification in elementary education and a teaching English as a Second Language certification from Fairfield University, Kristen worked in many positions in the Connecticut public schools, including as a substitute, educational assistant for special needs students, and an English as a Second Language tutor.
In 2018, Kristen moved to Honolulu, Hawaii for more sun, more beaches, and more education. Kristen received her Special Education certificate and learned the Orton-Gillingham phonics method as she focused her career on special education and literacy. She taught inclusion and spent three years as the teacher of a self-contained classroom for students in grades K-3. She focused on teaching students with behaviors and learning disabilities.
​
After the birth of her son, Kristen left her special education position, but couldn’t give up teaching altogether and began tutoring. In 2024, Kristen and her family moved to Albuquerque where she taught at the May Center as a literacy teacher with students with different learning disabilities like dyslexia and ADHD. Throughout her career, Kristen has lived by the philosophy she learned as a martial arts instructor that learning is not a one size fits all experience. It is a teacher’s job to understand each student as an individual and find ways to help them to be successful.
Sean Thurston, B.S. Secondary Education
Contract Tutor, 5th-College Math Expert
Sean is a dedicated and respected teacher with 25+ years of experience teaching mathematics to all levels of students. His first position was with Whitewater Public Schools where he taught grades 7-12 in a rural setting in Montana. He then taught at a Job Corps Center in Astoria, Oregon for a year, before accepting a position in Valdez, Alaska for 10 years where he was the math department chair.
While teaching at Valdez High School, he also worked at Prince William Sound Community College, where he taught trigonometry, calculus, and AP classes. After moving from Alaska, he moved to Santa Rosa and taught at Santa Rosa High School for five years.
Since that time, Sean has tutored math with Mathnasium in California and privately. He is now tutoring for Piñon Tutoring and looking forward to meeting new students. Sean is married, has one daughter, and a four-legged best friend. His hobbies include music, camping, and on-line chess.
Maggie Young, B.S. Basic Science, NM Alternative Teacher License
Contract Tutor, 5th-12th Math and Science Expert
Maggie (she/her) is a born and raised New Mexican having lived in Albuquerque, Los Lunas, and Socorro. Maggie graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology from New Mexico Tech in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic made her change her career plans and led her to becoming a teacher. Previously, Maggie has worked at UNM conducting research on stem cells and blood cancers, worked with preschool aged children, and worked on several undergraduate research programs during her time at NMT. She recently finished the Alternative Licensure Program at CNM this past May.
Maggie is beginning her third year teaching at Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School. She loves teaching math and sharing her love for math and science with others. She believes that all students deserve access to support their learning with their individual needs. Maggie loves creating engaging and diverse learning opportunities for students in the classroom. She strives to adapt the way traditional classrooms work to ensure learning is student-centered and accessible to all. Maggie has tutored privately for the past year and is excited to begin tutoring for Piñon Tutoring.
Maggie is married to her wife Samantha and has two dogs, Lupin and Atlas. She loves spending time at home with her family, as well as hanging out with her close friends. Maggie loves to crochet blankets, clothes, and plushies. She also loves doing makeup on herself and others as well as nail art. Maggie is also a music lover, she has played clarinet for almost 15 years.