The Key Skills of Critical Thinking - Gifted Inspired Learning and Challenges

Welcome Aboard!

We offer unique, live sessions for learners ages 7-12 designed to develop foundational cognitive skills which we group under the 5 Cs:  
-Critical Thinking
-Collaboration
-Creativity
-Complex Problem Solving
-Connectivity

Studies show that these areas, sometimes called '21st Century Thinking Skills', will be increasingly needed for success in the world our kids will inherit from us. Our innovative curriculum de-emphasizes memorization and repetition and focuses instead on skill development and problem solving.
Our ongoing classes are perfect for learners: 
1)	who may not be fully challenged at school;
2)	in a homeschool environment looking to work on skills in a social setting; 
3)	identifying as neurodivergent and twice exceptional; and 
4)	experiencing social anxiety. 

In weekly sessions we explore a range of subjects like outer space, artificial intelligence, logical fallacies, the impact of social media and more. Our curriculum examines the subject from a range of angles working towards specific learning outcomes including analytical/systems analysis, logic & critical thinking, creativity/innovation, leadership & persuasion and communication skills. 

Our conductors excel at presenting these subjects in an age-appropriate and fun way.

All braintrain sessions use problem-based learning (PBL) and gamification/game-based learning. We emphasize teamwork, healthy competition, thinking outside the box, questioning of biases/assumptions and supported failure through an emphasis on small class sizes, fun content and excellent teachers. 

About our amazing teachers:

Melissa Muir, MAT (Head Teacher)
Melissa has had the privilege to teach in many settings, with learners spanning from preschool up until their final years of high school. Having enjoyed participating in gifted programs immensely herself, she seeks to create the same challenging air of discovery for each student. By making connections and enjoying each class, she hopes to foster a respectful, enjoyable, and captivating environment in class. She holds a Master's degree in the Art of Teaching, a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Linguistics, and a minor in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia.

Olivia Myers, MEd
Olivia is a passionate educator with experience online and in the classroom with a variety of ages. She loves getting students excited about learning by forming positive relationships and by challenging students in a fun, interactive way that makes them forget that they are even learning! Olivia is focused on making sure that learners feel comfortable and valued in the classroom. She holds a Master's of Education in School Counseling and Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Special Education and Psychology.

Melissa Peterson, B.Ed
Melissa has taught in a variety of classrooms including special education, virtual, ESL and general education and is currently pursuing a master's degree in education. She strives to bring her learners on an adventure that grows their own knowledge and pursuit of meaningful learning. When she’s not teaching, Melissa can be found out on the water in her kayak or training for half marathons with her blue-heeler, Cody

Keren Wright, MEd
Keren has experience in both the brick and mortar classroom and teaching online. She relishes the challenge of using technology to bring students the joy of learning and believes the heart of education is developing learners' ability to synthesize, evaluate and reason through new problems. Keren loves the challenge of helping learners deepen their thinking and rise to new challenges. She has a bachelor of science in teacher education and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Jeanna Smith, B.A.
Jeanna has worked in the educational field for more than five years. She believes that when students, of all ages, engage in critical thinking, they are able to gain the confidence they need to be self reliant and even help others. It is her priority as an educator to maintain high level expectations paired with the space to fail and try again.

Kristina Kitchen, MAT
Kristina holds a Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching. She is educator with over 12+ years of experience having taught in US elementary schools, instructed via online ESL tutoring, and currently within a local, homeschool co-op.
Kristina loves to teach in a joyful and encouraging way and believes this method of teaching causes students to smile and feel confident as they progress through learning, wrestle with big ideas, and share their challenges.

Irene Bolanos, M.A. 
Irene’s educational journey has been enriched by her membership in the Alpha Chi Honor Society, as well as experience teaching in both charter and private schools. In her family, she embraces a learning approach that emphasizes curiosity, commitment, and rigor; she believes that fostering a love for exploration and critical thinking is essential for lifelong learning. Additionally, her passion for travel complements her love for learning, allowing her to discover new cultures and ideas together.

Holley Boldin B.A.
Holley has been teaching for two years now, and she absolutely loves helping young minds grow. Her passion is creating a fun and engaging classroom where every student feels encouraged to explore, ask questions, and discover their unique skills. When she's not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her two adorable cats. She can’t wait to get to know each of you!

Tamara Bozovic, MEd
Tamara has a master's in teaching elementary-aged students. She has a passion for teaching and aims to share her knowledge in an engaging and meaningful way. She has rich experience working with students and adults from all over the world.

Eloise Robinson, B.A.
Eloise is a teacher and facilitator that has experience with many ages, ranging from 3 to 16 both online and in the classroom but something she brings, no matter the age, ability or environment, is her approachable demeanor. She builds confidence, creativity and curiosity in her students in turn allowing them to unleash their potential. Teaching gives her so much joy as she watches her students transform into the best versions of themselves.

Dorothy Staley, MO
Dorothy was a chef for 26 years, and now has been teaching English for the past 5 years. She has taught all ages from 5 to 18 (including adults up to 70 years of age). She is a teacher who inspires and motivates students, creating a learning environment that feels safe, engaging, and exciting. Her biggest goal is observing students on an individual level, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, and providing the right kind of support. She has taught in several countries, including the U.S., Mexico, and Thailand, and has gotten so much joy from enriching the minds of students.

Alison Follmer, B.Ed 
Alison is a dedicated public school educator with nine years of experience. She is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported. Her approach focuses on fostering meaningful relationships with both students and their families. She provides an environment for students to use flexible thinking, problem solving, creativity, and collaboration. Teaching brings her so much joy and she loves getting to see the growth and progress her students make!

Tatjana Bozovic, B.A.
Tatjana is a positive and patient teacher who welcomes a friendly and supportive learning environment. She loves giving students opportunities to execute their unique strengths in class and gain confidence when overcoming challenges. She aims to encourage every learner to take the skills they learn in class and apply them to their daily lives, building confidence and curiosity!

Joy Davis, MEd
Joy is a passionate educator with international teaching experience in the United States, Uganda, Ecuador and Costa Rica. She is focused on creating student-centered activities in her classes, where learners are fully engaged and encouraged to expand upon their ideas. She has a particular interest in neuroscience and what happens in the brain when we learn. She holds a Master’s of Education in Teaching and Learning and a Bachelor’s degree in English.

Jessica Mattson, MEd
Jessica is a dynamic educator who has taught early elementary up through adult learners in several different capacities and settings including the classroom, online, and in the professional workspaces. She believes in expanding learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom curriculum; developing skills in a safe, welcoming environment to better foster relationships, inspire creativity, and enhance critical thinking. Jessica holds a Master’s Degree in Gifted, Creative and Talented education, as well as a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education.

Danielle Summerfeldt, MAT
Danielle holds a Master's degree in teaching and has more than eight years of experience teaching children in both traditional and online settings. As an experienced educator, she has a deep understanding of how to engage and motivate learners in virtual learning environments and has honed her skills in creating dynamic and interactive classroom environments.

Rebecca Enderle, MEd
Rebecca is a third-generation master teacher who has been teaching elementary-aged students for more than 10 years. Most of her experience has been with younger language learners, but she enjoys providing a nurturing, organized, rigorous, and consistent learning environment for her students - no matter their age. Teaching brings her so much joy, and she recognizes the lasting impact it has on her students, community, and the world.