About Us
We believe in supporting and guiding families as they raise strong, independent, confident kids who succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Our Philosophy
At The Chicago Family Tutor, we provide structure, routine, and support while encouraging students to move beyond their comfort zone so that they can see just how smart, powerful, and capable they truly are.
Research has shown that authoritative parenting, characterized by high demands and high responsiveness, is the most beneficial for kids. This is the approach that we take with our students. We have high expectations, but we provide the support, guidance, and praise necessary to sustain these expectations and to help students achieve them.
Get to Know Our Team of Experts
Meet the tutors who will be working with you.
Lindsay Zoeller
Owner & Founder
Over the last 25 years, Lindsay has worked with hundreds of children and their families through her work as a babysitter, nanny, family law practitioner, teacher, and tutor.
She graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor's degree in Psychology, and a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law.
While in law school, her desire to help families began to emerge, and she focused this interest by specializing in Family Law. Shortly after law school graduation, Lindsay embarked upon a period of soul searching and self-reflection. She realized that this desire was served better through education rather than litigation. Lindsay became an Illinois-certified educator in 2012, and she has been true to her calling ever since.
Betsy Gleinser
Executive Function Coach
Betsy Gleinser
Betsy is an Executive Function coach with a Masters in Education specializing in Adult Education.
Over the last 15 years, she has worked with children and adult learners as a music educator, English as a Second Language instructor, literacy instructor, and now with students and professionals as an Executive Function coach and Test Prep tutor.
In coaching, Betsy is passionate about giving clients a safe space to self-reflect and examine their practices and routines, finding the inspiration and knowledge they need to tackle the hard things and create new pathways to their goals and aspirations. It is her goal as a coach to support and guide individuals and families to go from a place of stress to a posture of resilience that brings joy and productivity to their life.
Betsy specializes in working with adults who want to optimize their time and energy in order to be more productive at work or at home. She takes a strengths-based approach and focuses on core practices that lower stress and engage the purpose, vision and motivation of each individual. She believes that Executive Function coaching is a unique, insightful lens for professionals and businesses as they consider improvements in their best practices and training to promote a more productive, balanced environment.
When working with students, Betsy enjoys helping students understand their unique brain type, the skills and habits that promote better, faster learning, and the practice of setting goals and incorporating strategies to achieve those goals. She believes that Executive Function work in students raises self-awareness and skills that support life-long success.
Outside of work, Betsy enjoys hiking and biking with her husband, going to the library and botanical gardens with her son, playing the piano and violin, writing music, reading, traveling and following the Kansas City Chiefs.
Stats and Facts
- B.A. in Applied Linguistics from Moody Bible Institute
- M.Ed in Instructional Leadership from University of Illinois at Chicago
- Graduate Certificate in Community-Based Literacy Development
- Traveled in India, Nepal, Japan, China, Brazil, Canada and counting
Megan Utne
Executive Function Coach
Megan Utne
Megan has been working in and around classrooms for over 18 years. She is an Illinois-Certified educator with a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University.
After graduation, she spent five years teaching 3rd - 5th grade in suburban Chicago school districts. When her son was born, Megan wanted to continue working with children and schools, but not full time. The role she found working for her local library afforded her that opportunity. Over the last 13 years, Megan has led many outreach programs with local school districts and has stayed up to date on the latest teaching philosophies and practices through various education conferences and seminars.
Megan's philosophy revolves around the understanding that every student learns differently, and having the flexibility to employ different tools & strategies helps every student fulfill their potential.
First and foremost, her goal is to listen intently to the families she works with. Understanding the unique needs of each student will drive success and build their confidence.
When she is not working with families, you’ll likely find Megan going to and from her children’s various sports and activities. In their free time, bike rides and exploring new parks/nature preserves are family favorites!
Stats and Facts
- Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign
- Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University
Eileen Nordmeyer
Academic and
Executive Function Coach
Eileen Nordmeyer
For 26 years, Eileen has enjoyed working with children, families, and adults as a Speech Language Pathologist. She is licensed and credentialed and has a bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Iowa.
Over the course of her career, Eileen has worked in a variety of settings and gained experience with individuals of all ages with executive function deficits. Eileen has the unique experience of understanding what it is like to provide services to others as a professional, while also implementing strategies in her own home. She knows how important it is for individuals and families to find workable solutions that fit their lifestyle, and uses her expertise and collaborative approach to promote success and create desired change.
Knowing the challenges that individuals may face has given Eileen valuable insight and allowed her to work as a strong advocate for children and families. She has created, led, and participated in numerous private and school-affiliated educational and support programs.
In her spare time, you can find her volunteering, cheering on the White Sox, reading a good book, or spending time with her family.
Stats and Facts
- Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Iowa
- IL State Licensure
- American Speech Hearing Language Association Certification
Maurice Wright
Executive Function Coach
Maurice Wright
Maurice has been an academic and standardized test prep tutor for more than 12 years. After graduating from Columbia University in 2009, he began providing his services throughout the Tri-State area to middle and high school students. Additionally, over the last eight years, Maurice has also accrued extensive experience designing websites and producing educational content.
His tutoring career started with in-person tutoring, providing one-on-one and group tutoring for ACT and SAT prep. Over the following years, he also authored three different ACT and SAT curricula and has provided one-on-one and group tutoring remotely. Maurice has also helped students prepare for the ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, GRE, and GMAT exams during this time, showing just how dedicated he is to helping his students succeed and how much his students trust his process.
Maurice’s dedication and discipline were instilled during his formative years while growing up in Chestnut Ridge, New York. As a result, he emphasizes the importance of reading, physical fitness, and organization to his students to keep them focused on the bigger picture, which has led to improved and more consistent study habits from his students.
When Maurice is not tutoring, you can find him running, swimming, or reading a book authored by Thomas Sowell or Milton Friedman.
Elizabeth Sorice
Executive Function Coach
Elizabeth Sorice
For over 15 years, Elizabeth has been working with youth to ensure they are on the path to academic success. Elizabeth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies at The College of Wooster and a Master’s Degree in Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.
Much of Elizabeth’s work has been centered on helping disadvantaged youth gain the necessary skills to thrive at school. This includes tutoring and providing opportunities for youth to learn their strengths, advocating for Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s), coaching Executive Function skills, and supporting the 8th grade and 12th grade transition. Elizabeth has hosted numerous workshops for teachers and social workers on how to best support students in the classroom. Additionally, Elizabeth oversaw vocational and post-secondary programming for youth and helped bridge the concepts and skills in the classroom to a career.
Elizabeth gets most excited when students who were not interested in school become engaged learners. Through listening and identifying their learning styles, Elizabeth helps students discover the best strategies that match their strengths so they can succeed in the classroom. And, ultimately take those tools and skills with them as they transition into adulthood. Becoming a lifelong learner is something that she hopes all of her students take with them after their sessions together.
In her spare time, you can find Elizabeth reading, baking, and running. She’s run six Chicago marathons!
Stats and Facts
- Bachelors in Women’s Studies at The College of Wooster
- Masters in Social Service Administration at The University of Chicago
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Joshua Shuster
Tutor,
Executive Function Coach
Joshua Shuster
My purpose is to help others succeed in life. Helping others, like myself, who have had little to no modeling or representation on how to navigate these tumultuous times is my true calling and pioneering the way for them is even more rewarding.
I have a background in Biology and Education-psychology, as well as training and being certified to coach educators and entrepreneurs. This has allowed me to coach and consult Educators on Classroom Management and Differentiated Instruction. I have work with students and their families, tutoring in certain subjects, teaching study skills, coping skills, and other learning techniques, and helping parents realize their role in their children’s success and viewing them through a more understanding and growing lense of achievement. I have worked on the board for several non-profits in reaching young minority leaders and teaching them how to best represent themselves. And most recently have been asked to be on the Miller Leadership Academy Advisory Board for Ball State University, which "is a scholarship and support program in the Miller College of Business that focuses on supporting underserved students financially, academically, and holistically."
My 18 years of working with youth and young adults, as well as entrepreneurs, has allowed me to meet people where they are and approach them with empathy.
I continue to look forward to the next family I can help and feel supported!
Ashley Dodson
Tutor, Educator,
Executive Function Coach
Ashley Dodson
Stats and Facts
- Bachelor's in Special Education from University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign
- English as a Second Language Endorsement from Olivet Nazarene University
Lauren Adejumo
Tutor, Educator,
Executive Function Coach
Lauren Adejumo
Stats and Facts
- B.A. in Communication from Denison University
- M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Nevada
- Illinois Professional Educator License
- Certified in Teaching English as a Second Language
- Spanish Language Proficiency: Intermediate Level
Prepared for Today's World
Hiring a professional to support you or your family in any capacity is an investment, so call us for a FREE consultation to see if we are a good fit.
Quick Hits
Invest in Your Child
Hiring a professional to support your family in any capacity is an investment, so let’s have a conversation to see if we are a good fit. In this free consultation we will determine how our collaboration can best serve your family.