Phyllissa began her teaching career in 2006 at a charter elementary school as a paraprofessional for three years when she was asked to create a Response to Intervention program for third through sixth graders. She continued teaching and building the program for the next three years. Simultaneously, she worked part-time as a trainer at a cognitive learning center helping clients with learning disabilities.

Since then, Phyllissa spent five years as a private learning coach, tutoring elementary to college level students while completing her bachelor of applied arts and science degree at the University of Texas at Tyler. There, she co-published a paper with a professor in the Department of Education validating an instrument to assess cognitive test anxiety in students, advocating the need for interventions for those scoring on the moderate to severe levels.

Over the last three years, Phyllissa worked with children on the autism spectrum at the Andrews Center Treatment and Learning Center as a registered behavior technician. Here, she trained clients as well as staff and interns.

Phyllissa loves to learn, loves kids, and has a heart to help children reach their full potential. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, making jewelry, and racing cars on racetracks.