Our Team

Elyse Dworin is the founder of Elevated Learning Solutions, a holistic academic support practice that helps students build confidence and independence by understanding how they learn best. With a strong background in math and dual degrees in Special Education and Exceptional Learners, she integrates subject-specific instruction with metacognition, executive functioning, social-emotional, and study strategies to support the whole child.

Her approach is shaped by her own journey with ADHD, anxiety, and health challenges, which deepened her awareness of the powerful connections between brain, body, environment, and daily habits. This perspective guides her teaching and allows her to design creative, individualized strategies that honor each student’s unique strengths.

Elyse holds a BA in Special Education from the University of Delaware and a Master’s in Special Education & Exceptional Learners from Johns Hopkins University. She lives in Germantown with her husband and two children.

Deborah has more than 15 years of experience in elementary education. She started teaching in 2007, taught first and second grade and then became a reading instructional specialist. Deborah has extensive experience in teaching struggling readers with advanced training in early childhood reading readiness and literacy collaborative methods. Deborah earned her Master's in Education from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.

Over the last few years Deborah has also become certified as a life coach and works teaching executive functioning skills to both adults and children as well as many other skills such as time management, stress management, and prioritization. Deborah has a passion for children and is excited to work with our youngest learners.

Nadia earned her Master’s Degree in Education in 2007 in her home country Slovakia, and has been working in education supporting children of all ages and abilities since then. Soon after her graduation she moved to England where she spent the following 13 years of her life. Her first position as a bilingual support teacher and cultural advisor in Cardiff, Wales, created an opportunity to expand her skill base in two directions: one within education, where she continued to grow her experience and expertise in learning disabilities and behaviour management and one within public services where she eventually landed a position as a police and court interpreter. In 2018, Nadia successfully completed her 500-hour yoga teacher training and earned her Diploma in Hatha Yoga. Nadia, her husband, who serves in the US Navy, and their children relocated to the USA in 2020 following her husband’s deployment to the National Defence University, Washington, DC. Soon after her arrival, Nadia joined the ELS team where she continues to support local children academically, helping them to reach their full learning potential.

Kat Stafford received her teaching certificate (K-12th) and M.Ed. in Second Language Instruction and Acquisition from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2016. As a teacher for MCPS, she works with a wide array of students representing various cultural backgrounds and learning abilities. Kat enjoys making creative and multi-modal lessons that support individual learners’ needs.

Adriana Krogh - Academic Coach, Spanish

Adriana is an educator with over 20 years of experience working with students with diverse learning differences. Throughout her career, she has specialized in supporting learners in building confidence, developing strategies for success, and fostering a love of learning. She thrives at guiding students in areas such as organization, time management, and self-regulation.  

Adriana holds a Masters degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, which has allowed her to combine her expertise in language education with inclusive, student-centered approaches. Her mission is to create engaging, supportive, and adaptive learning environments where every student can thrive.

Samuel Noel's journey from Division I athlete to certified special education teacher has equipped him with the experience and knowledge to guide students. He is a certified special education teacher in West Virginia and Maryland and a certified reading specialist in Maryland. He began his teaching career in 2004, during which time he has taught various subjects, including reading, writing, social skills, and math. His mastery of in-person and online teaching has helped his ability to help students find their spark.