Gloria Jones Ellis, M.A.
Managing Partner
Intervention Programs Coordinator
Gloria holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Vassar College and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hartford. She has spent over 20 years in classrooms, clinics, and special education settings working with students who struggle with learning. She also possesses extensive assessment training in the fields of education, psychology, and neuropsychology, and over a decade of experience and success with academic intervention. Gloria is the creator of the Lighthouse Reading Solution™.
Jamaica Thompson, M.S.
Managing Partner
School Services Coordinator
Jamaica holds bachelors’ degrees in Biological Anthropology and World Religions from UCSD and a Master of Science in Educational Psychology from Capella University. She has a diverse background teaching children of all ages in a variety of settings and brings a wealth of experience to her work from teaching Elementary and Special Education and substituting in the Ojai Valley School District. She is passionate about working with students in the areas of reading comprehension, fluency and mechanics.
Katie Luy, M.A.
Intervention Programs Instructor
Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s degree in Education from Harvard University. She started her teaching career in Thailand and spent time traveling around Asia before moving to California. Katie previously worked at Lighthouse Learning Solutions for two years as an intervention programs instructor, and was the head teacher for upper elementary students at a private school in Ventura. Having just completed her master’s studies, she is excited to rejoin the Lighthouse team this summer!
Kristen VanOrman, B.S.
Intervention Programs Instructor
Kristen holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy from Utah State University. She possesses over seven years of experience working with student in schools and other therapeutic settings as a paraeducator and music teacher. Kristen has also worked as a social skills interventionist and music therapist using the DIR/ Floortime model. Kristen loves finding creative ways to engage her students, helping them to build confidence and achieve their best!
SPACE
Mayra Diaz, B.S.
Intervention Programs Instructor
Born and raised in Ventura County, Mayra has a deep love of the sciences! She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from California Polytechnic State University. Her teaching experience includes work as a naturalist at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History as well as work as a restoration specialist with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. In these settings, she developed an appreciation for sharing her knowledge with the inquisitive minds of young people. She is excited to join the Lighthouse team and is looking forward to this new journey!
Laurel Mooney, B.A.
Intervention Programs Instructor
Laurel holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University and is currently completing her masters in Counseling Psychology at Cal Lutheran University. She has spent the last several years working in summer camps and youth ministry, teaching horseback riding lessons, and providing educational therapy as an instructor with Lighthouse Learning Solutions. Laurel uses her passion for education, and her understanding of how students develop problem solving skills and empathy, when working with students.
Emma Topolcsik, B.S. (in progress)
Intervention Programs Instructor
Emma is currently an undergraduate student at San Diego State University. She is in her third year and is working on completing her bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. Emma has 7 years of tutoring experience, ranging from elementary to high school students, and holds a special strength in helping students understand advanced math concepts. Putting her students first, Emma strives to bring the best aspects out of every individual she works with.
