Who We Are
We believe that making intentional, incremental adjustments can improve outcomes in your child’s academic and personal life. With our guidance, they can learn how to best navigate the challenges they face in and out of the classroom. We are in the business of meeting students just where they are and growing from there.
With decades of experience and advanced degrees in education, we are dedicated to improving
outcomes for students.
“Anchored Learning has given me the skills I need to stay organized, plan my work and study. I know I am ready to head off to college thanks to the
support they have given me.”
— Sophie E., Senior, Providence, RI
About us
Amy E. Simonsen, Ed.D.
Amy began her odyssey into the field of education after earning a solid foundation in the humanities. Amy then pursued a master’s degree in special education from The George Washington University (GWU) in order to have a direct impact on the lives of young people. She fell in love with teaching and taught at both the Kingsbury Day School and later the District of Columbia Public Schools. During this time she embarked on the journey to complete her doctorate in special education at GWU. After teaching for over 10 years and completing her doctorate, Amy began working in teacher preparation at GWU as a project director and advisor. She then became the academic advisor for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in education at American University. Amy and her family relocated to Providence, RI, where she took the opportunity to work one-on-one with students coaching them to reach their academic potential. Her vast experience in both the K-12 and university setting provides a unique lens that considers age appropriate development and transition planning. She specializes in tutoring and coaching in organizational and executive function strategies, all stages of the writing process, and study skills for students in grades 6 through college. She has a proven track record of increasing the academic performance of students by pinpointing challenges and providing students with skills to bolster their achievement.
Amy builds strong and compassionate relationships with students and families and she works diligently to equip students with the expertise they need to strengthen academic performance, reduce anxiety, and build a skill set for independence. In order to accomplish this, she readily collaborates with parents and the school to create a strong support system.
Amy now lives in Burlington, Vermont overlooking Lake Champlain with her husband, three daughters, and the omnipotent family cat.
Kirstin DeShaw, M.Ed.
After graduating from the University of Vermont with majors in Political Science and Sociology and a minor in Psychology, Kirstin attended Lesley College, earning a double masters degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. In Nashua, New Hampshire, Kirstin had the opportunity to teach in a public school district that was a federally funded inclusion site. It was during these years that she worked as an inclusion specialist; teaching students, implementing educational evaluations, training paraprofessionals, collaborating with teachers and parents, and navigating the state and federal special education requirements. Kirstin was ultimately appointed vice-principal of the New Searles Elementary School. After relocating to Providence, Kirstin began as a fifth grade teacher and soon fell in love with working one-on-one with students. For the last 20 years Kirstin has been focused on the needs of individual students from elementary through the college years.
Kirstin has come to understand that for students to thrive academically they must spend time identifying areas of improvement and learning strategies to increase performance. She works closely with families, teachers, administrators, and therapists, understanding that communication is key to student success.
A parent once stated that her superpower is that she is a mother in disguise, always there for her students, working with a caring heart and open mind. Kirstin understands that change happens incrementally, and as positive work habits develop, student confidence will flourish.
Kirstin lives in Providence, Rhode Island, with her husband, three children, and two energetic dogs.