In libris, veritatem.
Meet the Team
Sarah Shahan Polo
Owner & Lead Teacher
M.A. in Literature
M.A. in Tolkien Studies
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Sarah Shahan Polo, owner and lead teacher of Page Turners, graduated with her B.A. in English Teaching and M.A. in English Language and Literature with an emphasis in Medievalism from Azusa Pacific University. She also holds a minor degree in Old Testament studies. During 2018-2020, Sarah participated in Oxford University's SCIO Program, completing units in Tolkien Studies, Creative Writing, and Psychology and Literature. She has also been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Mallorn, The West Wind, and The Cambridge Tolkien Society Journal, and received the first annual Esselstrom Prize in Creative Writing. In 2020, Sarah received a Fulbright ETA Award to teach English in the Czech Republic. Currently, she is attending Signum University, pursuing a second Master's Degree in Tolkien Studies and has experience as an adjunct Professor of English at both
Azusa Pacific University and California Baptist University.
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Sarah has been working with students ages 3-23 for nearly a decade in a variety of subjects. She finds great joy in teaching and firmly believes that she learns just as much from her students as they do from her.
Amanda Galvez
Teacher & Tutor
M.A. in Library & Information Science
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Amanda Galvez obtained her Master of Library & Information Science at
San Jose State University, intersecting interests of special collections and rare books, academic instruction, and archives. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and a Minor in Sustainability from California State University-Northridge, and her Associate's degree in Journalism. She has previously worked with students of all kinds: in nature at forest school, teaching English literacy and arts enrichment, leading school field trips at a farm, and with prestigious academic researchers in an archivist role at the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California. She enjoys sitting at the local coffee shop, strolling through town, and is often outside hiking, running, gardening, and riding horses. At Page Turners, Amanda works as both a private tutor and as a literature and writing teacher, helping students excel in literary, creative, and critical skills.
Virginia Forest
Substitute & Tutor
B.A. in Human Development
Virginia is a certified substitute teacher with five years of teaching experience in the Pasadena Unified School District, as well as five years of experience as a private tutor. Her academic background and years of experience as a Developmental Interventionist give Virginia a wealth of insight into the needs of young learners. She has used her knowledge and patience to successfully help a variety of students gain confidence and improve their academic and study skills.
Lacey Diaz
Substitute & Tutor
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Lacey Diaz has been a teacher and tutor for several years.
Her degree is in Pastoral Care with a minor in Child Development, and she has spent the last 20 years in ministry serving various roles such as youth pastor, college pastor, community outreach coordinator, etc. Additionally, she has traveled to 5 continents and over 20 countries sharing her profession with the global community. Her primary passion, however, is being a part of bringing healing and wholeness to students who have experienced early childhood trauma as well as children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, especially within the foster care system.
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Lacey also has tremendous experience teaching and working in the classroom. For the last six years, she has taught 1st-5th grade general education as well as United States history, government, and speech and debate at the Junior High level. Additionally, she has over ten years of tutoring experience in history, English, and mathematics. Lacey can’t wait to work with your child as a student this year!
Emily Elias
Teacher & Tutor
M.A. in Education
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Emily is a certified substitute teacher in California and has over five years of experience working with students ages 3 and up. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Azusa Pacific University and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Education & California Teaching Credential from Western Governor's University. She has also taught elementary grade levels throughout the Glendora Unified School District. At Page Turners, Emily is a tutor for elementary students. Her versatility in any classroom has proven her an effective, resourceful, and compassionate teacher.
Call
626-523-0761