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ABOUT US

Why should you choose Kairos?

The team at Kairos Learning Solutions is composed of talented and passionate educators whose main goal is to serve your student's academic and personal needs. 

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Specialized Attention

Our entire business model is designed to meet the individual needs of your child. We consider it an honor to determine a child's strengths and growth areas and help them to reach their full potential.   

 

Professional Tutors

Each and every one of our teachers and tutors has high levels of experience and proficiency in their respective subjects. On top of that, they are all outgoing, friendly, empathetic and interesting individuals.

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Goal-Oriented Mentorship

For students of all ages, we bring a unique blend of tutoring, group instruction, mentoring, and soft skills to each interaction. The Kairos family is honored to serve your student, to help facilitate their academic and personal growth, and to provide them with a safe space to have fun and learn!

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OUR EDUCATORS
About Us: About Us
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Jackie Scott

Owner, Teacher
Jackie has been an educator for over 30 years. Teaching everything from 3rd grade to high school, English to math, public to private and even homeschool, her background has prepared her for everything we do at Kairos. With an MA in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction, her passion is helping students fall in love with learning. Additionally, she loves being a mom to her three young-adult kids and volunteering in the community.

Venessa Gilbride

Director
Ms. Venessa is a proud mom of three energetic boys and spent the last decade raising them. She helped launch the first science fair at Washington Union School District, sparking her passion for education. Now, as Director at Kairos, she supports students and teachers with her skills in developing programs and partnerships. When not at Kairos, she’s cheering on her boys at the field, committed to expanding learning in Salinas.

Mendy Amaral

Wearer of all the hats!
Miss Mendy is a life-long Salinas resident from a many-generation Salinas family. She has spent the last 20+ years raising three wonderful children and volunteering extensively in the community. She brings countless skills and talent to Kairos, not the least of which is her ability to do anything and everything that needs to be done. We are so grateful to have her incredible talent, tenacious spirit, and joy-filled attitude as part of our Kairos staff.

Michelle Ball

Primary Teacher
Michelle Ball earned her Multiple Subject Credential with an emphasis in Child Development from CSU, Chico. She taught for 17 years with Spreckels School before being home with her three children. Teaching is a passion of hers. She loves connecting with her students, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Mrs. Ball is ecstatic to be a part of Kairos.

Ethan Berg

Tutor (Online)
Ethan has been a tutor with Kairos for a year, mentoring elementary through high school students in math and science. As a recent college graduate continuing in academia, he is eager to motivate students and help them build confidence in various subjects. Outside of tutoring, Ethan enjoys watching baseball and trying new recipes in the kitchen, blending his love for both relaxation and creativity beyond the classroom.

Lisa Bleicher

Primary Teacher/Tutor
Mrs. Bleicher is a gifted and celebrated kindergarten teacher in the community with 38 years of classroom teaching experience. Recently retired, she continues to share her passion for education by helping children and families learn and grow. She is thrilled to be part of Kairos, where she can stay connected to what she loves most—guiding young learners. Lisa is also a proud mom of two and a loving Nana to two grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and embracing the joy of lifelong learning.

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Lori Grainger

Teacher/Tutor
Mrs. Grainger is a retired teacher with 27 years of experience, most of which she spent teaching wonderful, creative, and feisty 2nd graders. She is thrilled to be part of the Kairos family and enjoys using her knowledge to support the many amazing students at Kairos. Mrs. Grainger is married to her husband Joe and is the proud mother of two daughters, as well as a loving Gramma to four beautiful grandchildren.

Crystal Heffington

Teacher/Tutor
Crystal is a lifelong Salinas native. After earning her BA from CSUMB, she worked for a local non-profit in social work. Following the birth of her first son, she returned to school and obtained her teaching credential in 2015. She taught in the Salinas City Elementary School District before moving to Spreckels Elementary, where her eldest attended school. After the birth of her youngest, she transitioned to homeschooling both her boys while also running a rental business and working part-time at Kairos. Crystal enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, reading, and being with her family.

Trisha Hill

Tutor
Ms. Hill has been teaching for 15 years and loves helping children become confident learners with a passion for knowledge. She teaches full-time at New Republic Elementary School in Salinas and was nominated for Monterey County Teacher of the Year in 2022. She contributed to New Republic's designation as a CA Distinguished School. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walks, drives, and traveling with her boys.

Saara Kriplani

Tutor (Online)
Saara holds a B.S. in Bioengineering: Bioinformatics from UC San Diego. She has been tutoring since middle school and has a passion for helping and teaching others. With experience across all levels of math, from preschool basics to advanced calculus, Saara brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her tutoring sessions, making her a valuable mentor to students at various stages of their academic journey.

Daryl Lyon

Writing Teacher/Tutor
Mrs. Lyon grew up in Southern Oregon and earned her degree in English Education from Southern Oregon University. She began her teaching career instructing junior high English for two years before stepping away to raise her two daughters. After moving to Salinas, she returned to the classroom, teaching junior high English at Sacred Heart School for two years. She then spent 24 years at Palma, where she primarily taught grades 11 and 12, focusing on writing and critical thinking. Since retiring, she has enjoyed assisting her grandchildren with their English studies, whether for remedial support or college-level work.

Colin McCardell

Tutor
Colin is a math tutor from San Luis Obispo and a current math major at California State University Monterey Bay. He tutors all math subjects up to Calculus 3, with a focus on applied mathematics. Colin was homeschooled for part of his education and struggled with math until he found a tutor who transformed his perspective. His goal is to provide the same guidance and support to students, helping them improve their skills and confidence. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing, hiking, disc golf, and surfing.

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Laura Palmer

Spanish Teacher/Tutor
Mrs. Palmer (Maestra Palmer) is a certified Bilingual Teacher with a BA in Spanish and 28 years of experience in education. Mrs. Palmer was formerly a Dual Immersion teacher and then a bilingual fine arts teacher of art, music, dance, and drama. Since 2009, Mrs. Palmer has taught Spanish classes to children of all ages and has done private tutoring for children and adults through Learn with Laura ~ Education for Enrichment.

Sue Reade

Teacher

Sue Reade has dedicated over 17 years to the teaching profession, currently inspiring eighth graders at Palma. With a passion for education, she fosters a dynamic learning environment that encourages her students to thrive. Outside of the classroom, Sue is a devoted wife and mother to three children, balancing her family life with her commitment to teaching. An outdoor enthusiast, she loves hiking and enjoys leisurely walks on the beach, taking advantage of nature's beauty. Sue's vibrant personality and dedication to both her students and family make her a cherished member of her community.

Jaime Torres

Primary Teacher
Mrs. Torres earned a BA in Elementary Education, a BA in Spanish Education, and a minor in English as a Second Language from Whitworth University. She holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. After 21 years teaching K-4 at Spreckels Elementary while raising her three daughters, she transitioned to Kairos in Fall 2021. Jaime now enjoys teaching K/1 classes and working with both day-time and tutoring students in this unique environment.

Craig Valdriz

Tutor
Born and raised in Salinas, Craig is a first-generation college graduate with a B.S. in Mathematics. He won a Capstone Award at CSUMB for his work in data visualization and cryptography. Craig is passionate about making math approachable for students of all levels. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, attending conventions, and spending time with his niece.

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