meet us
Welcome to the Lutz Learning Hub!
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We are Shira Nelson and Gillian Terranova, the owners and founders of Lutz Learning Hub. Both Shira and Gillian have worked in education for 16-20 years.
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Shira has 20 years of teaching experience in the public and private sector. Shira holds her reading endorsement, earned an M. Ed in Early Childhood Education, and is certified to teach PK-3rd grade.
Gillian has 16 years of teaching experience in public school. Gillian holds her reading endorsement, is ESOL certified, and is certified to teach PK-6th grade.
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Our focus is teaching rigorous lessons in a nurturing environment. We believe students thrive in a small group, with hands on lessons and engaging texts.
Shira Nelson
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Shira graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked in education for 20 years in both the public and private sector. Shira loved being a classroom teacher and also thrived in her role as a Literacy Specialist and Reading Coach for Hillsborough County.
Shira is extremely passionate about education. She believes that all children can and will learn to read when given the right tools. She believes that children learn best when engaged and thrive in a small group setting where instruction is tailored to their specific needs.
Shira was born and raised in Florida. She resides in Lutz with her husband, 2 children and 2 dogs. Shira enjoys working out, and hiking, traveling, and skiing with her family.
Shira is certified to teach birth-grade 3, reading endorsed, and ESOL certified.
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Gillian graduated from Colorado State University in 2005 and earned her Florida educator certificate in 2007. She has worked for Hillsborough County Public Schools for 16 years. She has experience teaching Head Start, kindergarten, and first grade while working with students with varying exceptionalities.
Gillian absolutely loves teaching and helping children learn to read, write, and solve problems. She holds an extensive track record of building relationships with children and families. She believes children establish a love for learning in a small group setting with engaging texts and hands-on lessons.
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Gillian grew up in the small town of Grafton, Massachusetts. She moved to Florida in 2006 and resides in Lutz with her husband. She has family here in Florida and in Colorado. She enjoys spending time making candles, gardening, fishing, and traveling with her husband.
She holds certifications in ages 3 through 3rd grade as well as Kindergarten through 6th grade. She is reading endorsed and ESOL certified.
gillian terranova
