Michael Howard
Center Director
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Michael Howard - Center Director
“The great thing about GradePower Learning is the transformation we see in children, and the positive impact on their families. We get to teach kids to learn how to learn! Nothing is more rewarding than to see that change taking place; to see that student reach his or her full potential.”
Michael is a native of the Treasure Valley and spent the first 20 years of his professional life in the business world. As the former president of an excavation company, he knows how to accomplish big goals.
In 2014, Michael left the construction world. He felt like it was an ideal time for a significant change. He was looking for a powerful opportunity to do what was truly important to him, to follow his passion: working with kids! GradePower Learning presented a partnership that sparked his interest. After intensive research of the “GradePower Learning difference” and how it compared to other organizations in the supplemental education industry, his choice was easy to join the GradePower Learning family. While training to open his own center in Idaho, he witnessed the true transformation in children’s lives while working in active centers. Since then, working with families serves as his guiding light and keeps him focused, productive, and accomplishing more of what is important to him every single day.
Michael is a proud father of four amazing children and adores his wonderful wife. He is an active outdoorsman and truly enjoys spending time with his family and being an active member of his church. He feels truly blessed to live and work in the great state of Idaho, and to serve his local community.
Michael is a firm believer in the philosophy “never stop learning”, and you can count on him to help your child achieve their highest potential.
Fun Fact: Michael has a dream to be the best fly fisherman EVER! (But he doesn’t practice enough…so….we’ll work on that.)
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Hailey Finnerty
Education Director
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"You don't understand anything until you learn it more than one way."
Hailey is a proud native of the Boise area, where she has lived her whole life. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Boise State University and plans to continue her education by earning a master's degree in Math Education upon graduation.
Hailey’s passion for math runs deep. She has been tutoring students in the subject since middle school, which has only fueled her love for teaching. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience working with students of all ages and skill levels, making learning math an engaging and approachable experience for them.
In addition to her work in mathematics, Hailey has also taught music lessons, sharing her expertise in the clarinet and saxophone. Her diverse teaching background highlights her versatility and commitment to helping others succeed in the classroom or beyond.
When she's not tutoring at GradePower Learning or immersed in her studies, Hailey enjoys a variety of hobbies and activities. She loves spending quality time with her husband and their pets, which always brings her joy and relaxation. Additionally, Hailey enjoys crocheting and crafting.
With her strong academic background, dedication to teaching, and a wide array of interests, Hailey is excited to continue making a positive impact on the lives of others while pursuing her own personal and professional goals.
Fun Fact: Hailey has been playing clarinet since she was 11 years old! She can also play saxophone and piano.
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Maren Sibbett
Beyond Tutoring Academic Coach
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“The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.” - Marjorie Hinckley
Maren is an eager learner who loves to ask questions. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL), Maren became a mother and now has two beautiful girls.
Maren still felt a need to pursue her passion for education and found her ideal job at GradePower Learning. She was drawn to the unique interactive coaching style at GradePower Learning, along with their outstanding core beliefs. Maren is a firm believer in teaching students to know themselves and the type of learner they are.
Fun Fact: Maren is a DIY and home renovation enthusiast who has never found a project she couldn’t conquer!
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Suzette Cook
Beyond Tutoring Academic Coach
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"Suzette loves working at GradePower Learning because she enjoys watching the growth the students make."
Suzette Cook was born in New York and moved to California on her own when she was 17. She married and raised her seven children there before moving to Boise 13 years ago. She loves the beauty of Idaho and the country atmosphere. She has been blessed with 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is a strong, happy woman who loves people and children. She has a positive attitude about life, always accompanied by a smile on her face. She is dependable, outgoing, patient, loving, honest, fun, and creative.
She holds an associate's and a bachelor's degree in psychology, communication, and human services, and is certified in early childhood education, behavior intervention, and special needs. Suzette is currently pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies and Ministry. She believes that every child can grow and learn, regardless of their needs, and she believes this can happen at GradePower Learning. She has worked in public and private schools in special education, owned many businesses, and is currently pursuing an online craft business.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing pickleball, walking, swimming, singing, fishing, playing board games, dancing, writing a book, crafting, and serving in outreach at the McDonald House.
Fun Fact: She used to create large wedding cakes with fountains underneath and staircases extending from the tiers.
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Ellie Crea
Beyond Tutoring and Advantage Academic Coach
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David Walker
Beyond Tutoring and Advantage Academic Coach
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