The Learning and Support Team provides ongoing support and education for all students, faculty and parents. This specialized and highly trained team works collaboratively to reinforce the excellence of The Pegasus School so children can reach their full potential in a confident and guided manner. By teaching coping skills, sharpening student strengths, or helping children understand their opportunities for growth, the Learning and Support Team assures that all needs are met early, thoughtfully and effectively so that change and success is achieved.

 

Dr. Iriet Peshkess leads the Learning and Support Team. As a clinical psychologist with specialties in neuropsychology and family systems, she works with individual children, families, and teachers on a broad range of issues from social/emotional stressors to educational evaluations and developing strategies for learning. She collaborates with the primary and lower school directors to teach group dynamics and life skills classes for grades one through five. Dr. Peshkess and the Pegasus faculty conduct parenting workshops on a variety of topics.

 

In conjunction with the teachers Angela benchmarks students in reading. She then works with small groups on targeted skills. Angela also works with small groups in math. She is trained in the following math programs, Everyday Math, Rocket Math, MathScore, AAA Math, IXL, and the Learning Carpet. Angela has a Masters in Reading and Writing Curriculum Instruction from the University of Colorado and she is trained in the Wilson reading program Just Words. Angela has also used the following fluency and comprehension assessment tools DIBELS, ERBs, QRI-4, Read Naturally, and GATES. Angela is a member of the Learning and Support team and works with grades 3-5. As a member of the LST she is involved with assessment and intervention of students that need extra support or extra enrichment.

 

Rebecca Tufo supports grades five through eight collaborating closely with faculty, administration and parents to support a broad range of students in a variety of ways, spanning from content-area remediation to enrichment classes. Mrs. Tufo also works with students on study skills and organization in one-on-one, small group, and whole class settings. She is trained in a number of reading approaches and uses these techniques to meet student needs. Mrs. Tufo also works with the teachers to develop strategies for individual students to be used in the classroom. Differentiated instruction in brain based learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving techniques are an integral part of her program. Under the supervision of Dr. Peshkess, Mrs. Tufo administers diagnostic tests in various areas of achievement.

Ms. Michelle Carr has worked as the reading specialist since 1999. Prior to that, she was the technology assistant for two years and assisted in setting up our first computer lab. She enjoys teaching the bright and curious learners at Pegasus. She appreciates the mix of abilities that gives the school a richness of students. She loves working with unique and electrifying kids who will set the world on fire! Her credentials include a bachelor’s degree of science, with an emphasis in reading, from Pennsylvania State University. She received her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. She holds a Pennsylvania and California teaching credential in elementary, secondary and adult education. She also is a certified Educational Therapist and is a certificated California Reading Specialist. Ms. Carr is trained in all of the Lindamood Bell Reading Programs, Read Naturally, Open Court and has attended the Universal Design for Learning; Reaching All Learners at Harvard University. She is a member of the International and Orange County Reading Associations, as well as ASCD. Her personal interests include spending time with her three children, who have all attended Pegasus, exercising, reading, traveling, and enjoying the southern California weather.

Karen Hurst, R.N., is responsible for nursing care, nursing administration and health education at Pegasus. Nursing care includes the treatment of injuries and illnesses and the storage, maintenance and administration of medication. She is responsible for record keeping and state reporting. As an educator, Mrs. Hurst is involved with planning our student health education programs and providing health information to the faculty and staff.