Chesapeake Tutoring

Mrs. Sarah Douglas

Operator

Sarah and her husband, James, are the proud owners and operators of GradePower Learning. Sarah moved to the States at age 4 from Saudia Arabia. Her family settled in Camden, NC, where she met her husband, and they have been happily married for 22 years. They are blessed with 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.

Mrs. Angela Turpin

Elementary Teacher/ Education Director

Angela is a Chesapeake native and a proud graduate of Hickory High School. She then went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from VCU. Angela has extensive training in Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and the Science of Reading. As a mother of three children, aged 13, 11, and 9, who also attend our Day School, Angela's personal experience with her children's Dyslexia diagnosis inspired her to pursue a career in helping children learn to read based on scientific research, which led her to our center.

Angela will be celebrating her second anniversary with GradePower Learning this June. During her time with us, she has positively impacted countless children by helping them discover their true potential, boosting their self-esteem, and teaching them how to read. Known for her infectious enthusiasm, whether through her fun theme outfits or lively personality, Angela brings a sense of joy and excitement to our center.

Outside of work, Angela also helps parents advocate for their children's educational needs. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, relaxing, and cheering on her three kids on the soccer field.

Mrs. Betsy Wood

Day Academy High School Teacher & Evening Tutor

Betsy was born in Jacksonville, NC, where her father, a career marine, served at Camp Lejeune. Like many military kids, she had the opportunity to live in various places such as Hawaii, California, and Arizona before her parents settled in Northern Virginia, where she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. She then attended the College of William and Mary in nearby Williamsburg, VA, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics while completing her secondary teacher certification requirements.

With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and tutor, Betsy brings a sense of calmness and structure to our center and the students. She has a way of winning over every student she works with, and her wealth of knowledge in math is a valuable asset.

Aside from her professional life, Betsy has raised three children, supported her husband during his 30 years of service as a Navy spouse, and moved her family a total of eleven times. Throughout their journey, they have lived in Oregon, Guam, Northern Virginia, Kansas, and Florida before settling in Chesapeake because they simply couldn't imagine not living near the beach.

In her free time, Betsy enjoys reading, making quilts, and participating in parish activities at St. Stephen Martyr Roman Catholic Church. She is eagerly looking forward to the new title of Grandma, which she will soon carry this summer.

Ms. Christina Perry

Day Academy Teacher Assistant

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!

Mrs. Rose Purewal

Day Academy Teacher Assistant

Rose is our newest member at GradePower Family Day Academy. She hails from London, Ontario, so yes, she's Canadian! She studied at the University of Western Ontario, earning her B.A. & 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 9, 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.

Charis Sileo was born in Pineville, NC, but has been a native of Virginia ever since. She was homeschooled from Pre-K all the way through to High School. After Graduation, she attended Tidewater Community College and then transferred to Regent University, where she earned her B. S. in Elementary Education. Her first teaching position brought her to Chesapeake, VA, where she has been teaching second and third grade in the Chesapeake Public School system for the last 8 years. She also tutored students privately in her home. Charis has a passion for educating all children, especially underprivileged children. Her love for teaching led her to GradePower Learning as an evening teacher, where she brings a great mix of stability, authority, and compassion to the center.

When she isn't teaching in the public school or at the center in the evenings, she enjoys being outside. Charis loves hiking, working in the garden, or simply putting on classical music and snuggling up next to her Husky, AJ.