Our Tutors

Jennifer Dannenfelser, M.Ed.
Founder
Jennifer was a Montessori elementary teacher for over a decade. She knew that each and every one of her students was learning in their own way, yet many could not show their knowledge or gain knowledge through the written word despite adequate instruction. Like most classroom teachers, she didn’t have the tools that one in five children need to master our language: systematic, multi-sensory direct instruction. In 2013, Jennifer took Orton-Gillingham training in with the intention to better serve these children in the classroom. She also studied different techniques to support children with specific learning disabilities in math to better inform math instruction. Her passion for helping these different learners turned into Mindguide Learning, and she has never looked back.
Mindguide now serves elementary and middle school students who attend all kinds of schools in person and online throughout the Portland metro area and beyond.

Anaïs Alexander
Math Tutor
For the last two decades Anaïs has worked as an educator. For twelve of those years, she taught grades 1-8 at a Waldorf school. In addition, she has also served communities and schools as a parent educator, a nutrition educator, educational consultant and teacher trainer for programs in the U.S., Mexico, and, as a Peace Corps Volunteer, in Southern Africa.
Curiosity has always been at the center of Anaïs relationship with students. She believes that each child has an innate desire to learn, and our task as educators is to find the key that enables them to find joy in learning. Creative and multisensory experiences have always been at the cornerstone of her teaching.
As a mother of a child with dyslexia, Anaïs has seen firsthand the tremendous impact that one on one, multisensory instruction can have on non-traditional learners. “It feels like such an incredible gift to be able to design and tailor lessons that truly meet him, allow him to understand all the ways he is smart and capitalize on his gifts.”

Denise Peppers, Ph.D.
Math Tutor

Bryan Black, B.A. English
Language Tutor
After graduating from the University of Oregon with a degree in English, I worked with children as an ice skating instructor and as a volunteer in my children’s schools. With over twenty years in production management positions, I decided to make a career change to a field that would appeal to my educational background and also make a direct and positive impact on the lives of young people learning to read. Last Summer, I completed the classroom educator series at the Blosser Center for Dyslexia Resources. Since then, I have been tutoring several students in Portland, while continuing my practicum and volunteer work.

Brittany Zurschmit, M.A.T.
Math Tutor
After completing a BA in Psychology, Brittany worked with puppies at a guide dog center. A fascination with behavior and development drove her to return to school and in 2015 she graduated with an M.A.T in Elementary Education. Since then, Brittany has gained experience working with children ages three through fourteen in a variety of environments including public schools, private schools, and outdoor education programs.

Samantha Pisano
Language Tutor