As parents ourselves of five great kids, high school through young adults, we believe in creating strong kids. The outside world is tough and seems to be getting more confusing every day, so we need to equip our children with the tools they need to succeed in whatever they are called to do.
But building strong kids is not just a matter of telling them how great we think they are; that’s important, but they need hard work and accomplishments to prove to themselves that they can do what needs doing.
That’s where Life Tools can help!
With over 30 years of teaching and tutoring experience, and a bit of parenting mixed in, we have the expertise and know-how to give your student(s) the assistance they need to accomplish their goals.
Our philosophy is “Back-to-the-Basics”; we utilize learning techniques and teaching principals that have been proven over the years, and we customize those to the uniqueness of your student. Call us today for a free assessment, and let us help you make a strong kid.
– Mike and Beth Voet
Meet our Tutors:
Sara B.:
Sara has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and a Master’s Degree in Education with a Reading 316 License from Viterbo University. She spent three years teaching first grade in the Ashwaubenon School District. Sara took a break from full time teaching after having kids, and she continues to tutor and substitute teach in classrooms ranging from 4-K through middle school. She enjoys creating lessons that challenge students and increase their understanding of a skill or subject. In her free time she loves reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Lyn B.:
Lyn received a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Secondary Education from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Arts in English from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She taught primarily French and Speech while living in lower Michigan, as well as freshman English at Western Michigan University. She also substitute taught in almost all subject areas and in all grade levels. She has been home educating her children for the past twelve years, customizing their curriculum to adapt to their individual academic abilities and interests. She also taught a variety of homeschool groups, primarily in Literature. Lyn loves spending time with her husband and family, her many sisters and mom, net sports, baking, reading, boating, and watching movies in their home theatre.
Linda S.:
Linda earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in mathematics, as well as her Master’s Degree and her Doctorate in Education. She has been teaching for over 30 years, specializing in math, reading, writing, and life skills development. During her years of experience, she has utilized a variety of teaching techniques and strategies to assist students with diverse learning challenges and learning deficiencies. Linda is an expert in her field, has a kind and welcoming personality, and is driven to help students succeed. When she is not tutoring, Linda enjoys traveling, learning, and spending time with her family.
Elizabeth J.:
Elizabeth hails from Green Bay, Wisconsin and she loves living in a smaller city on the intersection of a bay, a lake, and a river.
Elizabeth has a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Education with a minor in Psychology from UW-Stevens Point. She’s taught for 23 years in a variety of school settings, specializing in the classical model of education, specifically in language arts. She has also homeschooled her children for the past 12 years, assisting in all subjects including elementary, middle, and high school math and science. Her passion for learning and for teaching combined with her compassion and friendly personality allows the students she serves to thrive.
Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband and four teenagers, wrestling with words and calling it poetry, biking, and snowshoeing.
Bonnie S.:
Bonnie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies. She enjoys the opportunity to support children in developing habits that support life-long learning and to help create positive educational experiences for them. Bonnie has been professionally involved in the field of education for over 30 years, working as both a paraprofessional and after-school teacher at the elementary level. She has served as a volunteer tutor in the public schools and with the Winnebago County Literacy Council. She has also done private tutoring in math and language arts throughout her career.
Bonnie loves to read, write, walk, and bike, especially with her six grandchildren.
Emily L.:
Emily has her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University and a Master’s Degree in Education, with an English as a Second Language (ESL) License, from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Emily has her Lifetime Teaching License and has taught 3rd/4th grade for 6 years in the Appleton Area School District. She has tutored many 1st-6th grade students in all subjects for the past two years.
Emily is kind, smart, and passionate about helping students build their confidence as they master new skills. She is able to customize her approach to the unique needs of her students.
In Emily’s free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, trying new foods, singing/dancing/playing piano, and spending time with family and friends.
Bill O.:
Bill has Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mathematics Education. He taught for 34 years at the junior and senior high school levels. Since his retirement, he has tutored elementary and secondary students, as well as the occasional college student. He is easygoing, patient, and able to customize his approach to the needs of his students. He tries to capitalize on what the student does know and apply that to related topics. That way, the student doesn’t feel totally lost. When he is not tutoring, Bill enjoys making music with his wife, traveling, participating in and watching various sports, reading, and going to see his very athletic grandchildren participate in their sports.