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, 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 is an adjunct Professor of English at both Azusa Pacific University and California Baptist University.
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Additionally, 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 is obtained her Master of Library & Information Science at San Jose State University through their remote program, 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 Associates 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 at her current 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 tutor and lead teacher for the Classic Children's Literature course, guiding students through analytical perspectives of how the experience of childhood, growth of imagination, and human development are interwoven throughout children's literature.
Virginia Forest
Substitute & Tutor
B.A. in Human Development
Virginia is a certified substitute teacher with four years of teaching experience in the Pasadena Unified School District, as well as four 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.
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. Emily is our lead teacher for the Upper Elementary English Language Arts course as well as a tutor for elementary students. Her versatility in any classroom has proven her an effective, resourceful, and compassionate teacher.
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626-523-0761