Nova Scotia Team
Gloria Jones Ellis, M.A.
Managing Partner
Clinical Services 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 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 two decades of experience and success with academic intervention.
Christina Mills, B.Ed.
Intervention Programs Instructor
Christina holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. With a diverse teaching background spanning grades two through twelve, she brings a flexible and well-rounded approach to education. Christina is known for her ability to connect with students of all ages and learning styles, consistently helping them achieve their academic goals by thoughtfully assessing their individual needs and meeting them where they are.
Danika Ansems
Intervention Programs Instructor
Danika is an Educational Assistant with experience supporting elementary students in both classroom and one-to-one settings. She has worked as a reading and writing tutor, and she has experience implementing structured literacy approaches including University of Florida Learning Institute (UFLI) Foundations. Danika holds a Diploma in Recreation Therapy from Canadore College, and she is passionate about creating a supportive learning environment where students can build confidence and succeed.
Micaela Rose Ellis
Administrative Assistant
Micaela holds a Certificate in Creative Writing from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA Extension). She has spent years writing, and she has published two books about her childhood and adolescent years growing up with autism. She is also a public speaker who has presented to a wide range of audiences, including elementary and middle school students, parents, university students, teachers in training, therapists, educators, and school administrators. Along with her work as an author and autism advocate, Micaela enjoys supporting families and working with children.
California Team
Jamaica Thompson, M.S.
Managing Partner
Clinical 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. She is passionate about working with students in the areas of reading comprehension, fluency and mechanics.
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 students 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!
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 previous 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.
