Dr. Becca John and Michael John
Franchisees and Owners
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Becca is a lifelong educator with over 20 years in education. She earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from ODU in 2019, and has extensive experience across multiple grade levels and currently works as a professor of education. Becca is passionate about empowering teachers and seeing students succeed and flourish. Michael, with his background in business and operations, is dedicated to ensuring that families receive the best possible experience at our center.
We are thrilled to be the proud owners of GradePower Learning Chesapeake! For the past 14 years, we have called Chesapeake home. We have four children (aged 13, 10, 6, and 1), so we understand the need for high-quality educational resources in this community.
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Mrs. Sarah Douglas
Center Director
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Sarah moved to the States at age four from Saudi Arabia. Her family settled in Camden, NC, where she met her husband. They have been happily married for 22 years and have one son, Micah, who is currently a Junior at the Day Academy.
After graduating from Camden High School, Sarah went on to Elizabeth City State University, where she earned a degree in Social Work, graduating with honors Magna Cum Laude. She worked at Currituck County Social Services for 6 years. She also worked with victims of domestic violence at a non-profit agency and served as a Guardian ad litem, working with families and children throughout NC.
In 2016, Sarah and her husband found GradePower Learning while looking for an alternative academic setting for their son. Impressed by the Day Academy's approach, they decided to enroll Micah. When they learned that the center owner was leaving in 2017, they decided to take over ownership themselves, based on the positive impact they had seen on their son and Sarah's passion for helping children and families.
With her background in social work and advocacy, Sarah is devoted to helping students succeed. She has witnessed firsthand how GradePower Learning can empower students from all backgrounds to develop a strong academic foundation. Sarah has worked hard to create a welcoming and supportive environment at GradePower Learning, where every student and parent feels like part of the family.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending quality time with her family, relaxing at the beach, and outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.
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Mrs. Angela Turpin
Elementary Teacher/ Education Director
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Angela is a native of Chesapeake and a graduate of Hickory High School. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. Angela possesses extensive training in Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and the Science of Reading. As a mother of three children, aged 15, 13, and 10, who also attend our Day School, her personal experience with her children's diagnoses of Dyslexia and her efforts to secure appropriate educational support inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to assisting children in developing reading skills based on scientific research. This passion ultimately led her to our center.
Angela will be celebrating her fifth anniversary with GradePower Learning this June. Throughout her time with us, she has made a significant positive impact on numerous children by helping them realize their potential, enhancing their self-esteem, and teaching them the skills necessary to decode and become fluent readers. Renowned for her contagious enthusiasm—whether expressed through her engaging themed outfits or lively personality—Angela brings a sense of joy and excitement to our center.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Angela dedicates her time to supporting parents in advocating for their children’s educational needs. In her leisure time, she enjoys shopping, relaxing, spending quality time with friends and family, and cheering for her children at their soccer games.
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Ms. Kiki Andrews
Elementary and Middle School Tutor
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Ms. Kiki Andrews has been working with children since 2002, teaching in classrooms that celebrate different cultures, languages, and abilities. She is trained as a special educator and has a background in Teaching English as a Second Language, with experience teaching both children and adults at all levels. Kiki believes that learning works best when it's flexible, creative, and full of curiosity.
In her classroom, laughter and discovery often go hand in hand—she loves sharing jokes and random facts that spark wonder and connection. Outside of teaching, Kiki enjoys crocheting, knitting, dance, and theatre, finding in the arts the same joy and creativity she hopes to inspire in her students.
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Ms. Stephanie Nixon
Elementary and Reading Tutor
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Stephanie Nixon is a Hampton Roads native and former Chesapeake Public Schools student. She has three adult children and one grandchild. She has extensive experience in childcare for over 15 years. She currently works in the Chesapeake Public School classrooms, supporting children's learning as a TA, and she is a critical part of GradePower Learning, working with many of our younger learners in their journey in literacy and math!
Stephanie is patient and positive when working with students. She enjoys being a part of children’s learning and growth.
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Rebecca Anthony
Day Academy High School Teacher
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My name is Rebecca Anthony, and I am a Virginia Certified teacher with 30 years of teaching experience covering multiple grade levels, 27 of which were with a local Catholic school. I graduated from Virginia Wesleyan College with a degree in Theater/Communications, then returned after my first child was born to get my teaching certification. I have three children, ranging in ages from 17 to 31, a parrot named Quincy, a shorky (shiatzu and yorkie mix) named Buddy, and our newest member, Charlotte, a rescued kitten! Teaching is more than just a job; it is my mission to help all students create and obtain their goals in a nurturing and supportive environment.
I am thrilled to be part of the Grade Power Team and work together to inspire our students to strive for success and achieve their goals.
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Mrs. Rose Purewal
Day Academy Teacher
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Rose is a critical member of our GradePower Family Day Academy. She hails from London, Ontario, so yes, she's Canadian! She studied at Western University, earning her B.A. and M.A. in Library Sciences. With experience at both the university level and the private sector, she brings a wealth of knowledge to our team.
As a proud Navy wife and mother of two children, ages 16 and nine, Rose has supported her family through moves across Hawaii, California, North Carolina, and Virginia. Currently residing in Southern Virginia, she's been actively involved in her children's schools, fostering their educational growth.
Rose's presence at our Day Academy has been a true blessing. Her professionalism and fun-loving nature make her a hit with the students. Plus, she's our go-to for translating those Canadian terms in the GradePower curriculum books!
Outside of work, Rose can be found cheering on her son at soccer matches and rooting for her daughter in swim meets and water polo matches. An avid runner, she even boasts marathon status! And when she's not on the move, you'll likely find her cozied up with a hot cup of tea and a good book.
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Mr. Dennis Hansen
Day Academy HS Math Teacher
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I joined the GradePower Learning community as a math tutor at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Now, I will be the Algebra teacher for the high school students. Previously, my employment included work as a 6th Grade Math Teacher in Portsmouth, VA, an emergency management planner at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), an air conditioning & refrigeration mechanic at NNSY and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, and a math teacher at Waipahu High School in Honolulu, HI. I also served in the Navy, mostly as a reservist.
My college education includes a B.A. in Business Administration from Chaminade University, conferred in December 1982, a Professional Diploma in Secondary Math Education from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, conferred in August 1996, and an Associate in Applied Science from Honolulu Community College, conferred in December 2004.
My wife, Lynette, and I are well-adjusted empty nesters. Our marriage is in its 19th year. We are a blended family of six. Our children range in age from 29 to 39 years. The nearest child lives in South Carolina. The others live in Seattle, WA, San Diego, CA, and Aguni Island in Okinawa.
The Good Lord has blessed me with a renewed interest in swimming, which peaked in the fall of 2024 and has been sporadic this year. I am a member of Veterans For Peace and organize events under the 50501 Movement. My wife is a gifted crafter and supports a parish ministry. She also supports voter registration and Chesapeake elections office on Election Day.
Some of my thoughts about math and math education: Math is the language of science. Each of us is capable of learning math. What we tell ourselves is very important to our success. Some of us must work harder than others to get the same result. Whether one understands a concept as it is presented or struggles for days to understand the concept, achieving and demonstrating mastery of the concept is the goal. Confusion in the beginning is acceptable. It is NOT a reason to give up.
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Ms. Amber Goochee
Day Academy Teacher
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My name is Amber Goochee and I am excited to be a part of the GradePower Learning team! I have been married for 15 years and am the mother to four wonderful kids! I grew up in Virginia Beach, where my parents still reside. I graduated from Regent University with my BA in government and a MEd in Leadership and Character Education. For the last 10 years, I have been a stay-at-home mom, and now that my youngest is enrolled in kindergarten, I welcome the opportunity to work alongside this great team!
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Ms. Christina Perry
Day Academy Teacher Assistant
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Christina is a local North Carolina resident, happily living with her two boys. They both attend high school here at our Day Academy. Christina initially chose our school for its personalized academic approach and soon witnessed the positive impact it had on her children. Inspired by the changes she saw, she decided to join us in making a difference in students' lives. For the past five years, she has been a dedicated teaching assistant at our Day Academy. Whether it is making copies, grading binders, assisting students with binder work, or just spending time with the students, Christina is a huge asset to our center. The students and staff alike absolutely love Mrs. Christina!
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