Our Team
At Mind Over Matter kids, our tutors are here to meet the specific needs of your child. With years of experience and commitment to personalized learning, our tutors bring expertise and enthusiasm to every session. Come meet some of our tutors below!
Dr Kayla Steltenkamp
Kayla is the proud Owner of Mind Over Matter Kids, an organization dedicated to supporting children with learning differences. She works at Thomas More University, contributing her expertise in the Education Department. Kayla is Orton-Gillingham trained, equipping her with valuable skills and strategies to assist students with dyslexia. Additionally, she serves as a LETRS trainer, providing essential training and resources to fellow educators. Alongside this, she teaches several online courses at Georgetown College, further expanding her impact in the field of education. With a doctorate in education, Kayla is truly an incredible advocate for the world of dyslexia and ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive. She and her husband, Joe, happily reside in Northern Kentucky, and together they are raising their four amazing children.
Susan Black
Susan has been a dedicated member of the Mind Over Matter team since the very beginning of our journey. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, along with a reading endorsement, which she earned from Northern Kentucky University. With a wealth of experience teaching both kindergarten and elementary students, Susan recently transitioned from her role at St. Henry Catholic School, where she served diligently as an interventionist. At Mind Over Matter, you can often find Susan actively tutoring students ranging from grades K through 8, as well as performing important behind-the-scenes work as our primary administrator. One of Susan’s greatest passions is helping students discover their “lightbulb moment,” and she truly treasures being a part of the journey when they start to understand new concepts in the classroom. In addition to her work, Susan enjoys the simple pleasures of reading and cherishes every moment spent with her four children, who bring joy to her life.
Jodi Young
Jodi has been with Mind Over Matter since early 2024, contributing her expertise to the team. She holds an elementary education degree from both Cincinnati Christian University and Thomas More University, showcasing her dedication to education. Jodi has been happily married to her husband, Robert, since June 2024, and they enjoy supporting each other in their pursuits. In her free time, she loves to play soccer and pickleball, as well as travel to new places. Currently, she teaches first grade at RC Hinsdale, where she passionately engages with her students. Jodi also finds great joy in tutoring, as it allows her to witness the significant improvement that the kiddos make in such a short amount of time.
Beth kruer
Beth has been an incredibly valued member of the Mind Over Matter kids team for an impressive five years, contributing her knowledge and skills to enhance the learning environment. She holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from Ohio University, where she developed a strong foundation in teaching methodologies, and she has gained a wealth of diverse teaching experience at various schools throughout the greater Cincinnati area. In her important role at Mind Over Matter kids, Beth teaches students ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade, specializing in the crucial areas of reading and comprehension. She is deeply passionate about meeting every child’s individual needs, whether those involve phonics, tailored comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, or foundational reading skills. When she isn’t busy teaching and inspiring her students, Beth enjoys indulging in her deep love of reading, taking leisurely walks through her neighborhood, and spending quality time with her four wonderful children, which brings her immense joy.
Katie Eckell
Katie has been with Mind Over Matter since May of 2020, and her contributions have been invaluable! Over the years, she has taught first, second, and fifth grades for both the Diocese of Covington and Kenton County Schools, providing a rich educational experience to many students. Currently, she dedicates her time to homeschooling her two children; they are indeed very fortunate to have her as both their teacher and their mom. Katie attended Thomas More University to earn her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and went on to receive her Master's from Northern Kentucky University. She firmly believes that tutoring is essential because of the individualized, one-on-one attention it offers, which can effectively close learning gaps and significantly boost confidence for all learners. She believes wholeheartedly that every child is intelligent and every child can learn. In her free time, Katie enjoys reading a variety of books, listening to engaging podcasts, and driving her children to their many exciting activities. We truly appreciate Katie and her unwavering dedication to our Center. As Susan affectionately calls her, she is the "ultimate tutor"!
staci hoffman
Staci has accumulated nearly 16 years of diverse teaching experience across a range of different schools and grade levels. She has been a valued member of the Mind Over Matter kids team since 2022, where she passionately teaches reading and mathematics to both elementary and middle school students. Staci holds a bachelor’s degree in middle school education and a master’s degree in elementary education, which she uses to enhance her teaching practices. She firmly believes that students benefit greatly from having a teacher who genuinely cares about their individual growth and is dedicated to improving their skills through a variety of different learning methods and approaches. In her free time, Staci enjoys exploring antiques, hiking in nature, and homeschooling her sons, which allows her to spend quality time with her family while engaging in educational activities.
Mariah Smith
Mariah has been a dedicated member of the Mind Over Matter kids team for nearly two full years now. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, and during her time here, she has gained valuable experience while teaching a diverse range of students in second, third, and fifth grade levels. Mariah primarily focuses on tutoring elementary students across a wide variety of subjects, and she strongly believes that individualized tutoring is incredibly beneficial because it helps to develop and reinforce essential skills that students may be missing in the typical classroom environment. When she is not busy in the classroom inspiring her students, Mariah enjoys the great outdoors, particularly hiking, and she truly values spending quality time with her friends and family whenever possible.
McKenzie Jones
McKenzie has been with Mind Over Matter kids since January of 2023, where she has made a positive impact on many students. Recently, McKenzie just completed her student teaching experience at multiple local schools, gaining valuable insights and practical skills in the classroom. Currently, she is a senior at Thomas More University, diligently working towards earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. McKenzie started tutoring because she deeply understands that individualized learning is crucial for helping students reach their full potential and succeed academically. In her free time, McKenzie enjoys a variety of activities, such as kayaking on calm waters, exploring nature through hiking, experimenting with different recipes while baking, and cherishing moments with her beloved dog, Honey, who brings her endless joy.
Kelsey Hatton
Kelsey is entering her senior year of college, where she is majoring in middle school education. She has been proudly associated with Mind Over Matter kids since January of 2023 and specializes in the fascinating field of middle school mathematics. Recently, Kelsey completed her junior practicum, where she gained valuable teaching experience with two local middle school classes. Through this experience, she truly believes that tutoring offers students the invaluable opportunity to concentrate on important skills that might be forgotten or unintentionally overlooked in a typical classroom setting. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys playing a variety of card games, spending quality time with her family and friends, and she is also an enthusiastic supporter of UK football!
Virginia Smith
Virginia holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Northern Kentucky University. Over the course of 25 dedicated years, she has taught both first and second grades, nurturing countless young minds. Since 2006, she has proudly maintained her certification in Orton-Gillingham, a specialized approach to teaching students with reading difficulties. Virginia has been happily married to her Prince Charming, Bill Smith, for an impressive 35 years. Together, they have raised five wonderful adult children: Wesley, Anna, Aaron, Nicholas, and Lawson. Currently, she is a first-grade teacher at RC Hinsdale, where she finds great joy in tutoring. She believes that through tutoring, she can help her students discover new strategies for decoding written language, ultimately guiding them towards becoming fluent readers. In addition to her teaching, she enjoys performing as a vocalist for a local Big Band, blending her passion for music with her educational career. Virginia firmly states that reading has the incredible power to change lives!
Hannah Back
Hannah graduated from TMU in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, specifically focused on special education, as well as a certification for teaching social studies to students in grades 8 through 12. She is licensed to teach in both Ohio and Kentucky, which enhances her opportunities in the field. Hannah was actively involved with Mind Over Matter from 2021 to 2023 and has recently made a joyful return to the program. In her personal life, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and their two beloved family dogs. Additionally, she and her boyfriend share the joy of having a dog together. Currently, her full-time job involves teaching at a Catholic school in Ohio, where she has a genuine passion for guiding her students. Hannah loves to tutor to help her students learn and grow in a fun and relaxed environment that extends beyond the regular classroom setting
Taylor Schroeder
Taylor holds her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Kentucky University (NKU). She joined the Mind Over Matter team in the fall of 2024, bringing her passion for teaching to the organization. Currently, she resides at home with her husband, Jack, their cheerful red-eared slider named Craig, and their lively bearded dragon, Goose. In her free time, Taylor enjoys engaging in various activities such as cooking delicious meals, getting lost in a good book, and playing on the piano. She teaches third grade full-time at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) and truly loves working with her students every single day, aiming to create a fun and enriching learning experience for them. It is incredibly rewarding for her to witness the growth and development of each child in her classroom.
Kaitlyn Gieske
Kaitlyn proudly holds her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Northern Kentucky University and successfully completed her student teaching semester as part of her educational journey. She has been a member of our team since January of 2025. In her free time, she enjoys engaging in rock climbing, playing both the violin and piano, and expressing her creativity through coloring. Kaitlyn has a deep appreciation for both English and Math. She is genuinely excited to take on the role of tutor because she loves the opportunity to work one-on-one with the children, witness their progress, and observe how they gain confidence in their learning. Her great passion for learning drives her and she cherishes the chance to share this enthusiasm with her students.
Katelyn White Eldelbroich
Katelyn has been with Mind Over Matter since January of 2024, and has become an essential part of the team. She teaches full time at Saint Mary’s in Alexandria, where she engages with her students in meaningful ways, and she currently resides in Northern Kentucky with her husband. Katelyn is a passionate educator who loves to work in small groups, as well as conduct one-on-one sessions at the center, where she can provide personalized attention and support. She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and truly enjoys her time spent helping young learners grow and succeed.at home, school and the center.
Tracy Campbell
Tracy has been a valued member of the Mind Over Matter team since December of 2024. She has a passion for traveling and particularly enjoys taking the time to visit her children, cherishing the moments they share together. Tracy works at RC Hinsdale as an instructional aide, where she takes great delight in watching the children as they discover and cultivate their love of learning. She resides here in Northern Kentucky with her husband, where they enjoy the community together. Tracy loves tutoring because it gives her the wonderful opportunity to work one-on-one with students, helping them gain both their love for education and their strength in learning.
Destiny Maurer
Destiny is a proud and accomplished graduate of Thomas More University. She holds both an elementary education degree and a special education degree, which equip her with the skills necessary to support a diverse range of learners. Currently, she teaches at R.C. Hinsdale Elementary School, where she makes a significant impact on her students' lives. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she has been tutoring at Mind Over Matter for several years, bringing invaluable experience to the role. Destiny is truly a ray of sunshine, and her talent shines through as she helps every student discover their individual path to success. Her mission is clear: to ensure that every child she encounters finds confidence and joy in their education.
Emili Riffe
Education and K-12 Special Education has been a significant part of Emili's professional journey, and she possesses valuable experience in teaching various grade levels. Emili has been a dedicated member of our team for over three years now. She holds degrees that focus on K-5 Elementary Education, which has equipped her with a strong foundation to teach students in both 5th and 1st grades effectively. Emili specializes in all elementary-level subjects and passionately believes that tutoring not only enhances academic performance but also plays a crucial role in helping students improve their confidence, resilience, and sense of accountability in their learning journey.
Izzy Whitis
IIzzy has been tutoring with us for approximately one year now. She is a dedicated special education teacher currently employed at Yealey Elementary School, and she holds impressive degrees in both elementary and special education. Her expertise lies in teaching students in grades K-5, where she utilizes her skills to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. In addition to her teaching accomplishments, Izzy played soccer at Thomas More University for four years, demonstrating her commitment to teamwork and perseverance. She truly strives to help all of her students achieve their full potential and succeed academically!
Jenni Epplen
Jenni graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Northern Kentucky University, also known as NKU. She has been a valued member of the Mind Over Matter team since the fall of 2021. Jenni resides in Fort Mitchell with her husband and their three wonderful children. In her free time, she enjoys cultivating beautiful flowers in her garden. Additionally, she works as a full-time special education teacher at Beechwood High School. Jenni has a passion for tutoring and finds great joy in working with her students one-on-one, helping them build their confidence in essential subjects such as reading, phonics, writing, and math.
Briana Cook
Bri holds a bachelor's degree in middle grades education from Morehead State University. She has proudly been part of the Mind Over Matter team since July of 2024. Bri has a deep affection for her two beloved dogs, spending quality time with them whenever she can. Her canine companions include Piper, her 9-year-old rottweiler, and Silay, her lively one-year-old dachshund. In addition to caring for her pets, she enjoys crocheting, spending cherished moments with her family, playing the popular game Animal Crossing on her Nintendo Switch, and embarking on magical adventures at Disney. In her professional life, she works full-time at Boone County High School, where she teaches Geometry and Algebra II. One of her favorite aspects of teaching is tutoring, as it provides her with the wonderful opportunity to connect with her students and serve as an enthusiastic cheerleader who supports their academic journeys. Bri finds immense joy in witnessing their confidence grow and develop over time.
Allison Hughes
Allison is currently a dedicated student in the education department, specializing in both Elementary Education and Special Education, at TMU. She is actively pursuing her degree with a strong commitment to her future career. Additionally, she has received training in the Orton-Gillingham approach, which equips her with effective teaching strategies. For the past two years, she has been a valuable member of the Mind Over Matter team, making a positive impact on the lives of many students. In her free time, Allison enjoys playing pickleball, a sport that she finds both fun and engaging. She takes great joy in working with students one-on-one, as it allows her to witness their progress and growth within a relatively short period.
Kelly Arkenau
Kelly has earned her bachelor of science degree in elementary education. She has been a valued member of Mind Over Matter since March of 2024. Kelly is a dedicated mother of three children: her daughter Nicole, who just graduated from TMU, her son Tyler, who is currently attending UC, and her youngest son Nathan, who is a senior at CCH this year. In her free time, she enjoys reading a variety of books and exploring nature through hiking. Additionally, she works as a full-time kindergarten teacher at Gloria Dei, where her passion lies in helping children become their best selves. It is truly wonderful to witness a child's face light up when they finally grasp a concept that they have been struggling with. Having experienced similar challenges with her own children, she understands the importance of having a supportive place for children to seek help. It is reassuring for parents to know there is a reliable resource available to turn to for assistance.
Carter Black
Carter has been a member of the Mind Over Matter team since the beginning of the summer season in 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and accounting from Morehead University. Currently, he is attending TMU to pursue a master's degree in Education, with a specific emphasis in the subject of mathematics. Carter resides in Edgewood, where he shares a home with his three siblings, his dog Bogey and parents. A fun fact about him is that he is the oldest son of Susan Black. During his time at Morehead University, he played Division 1 football, and he continues to enjoy watching football on television, as well as attending live games whenever he can. In addition to his studies, he works full-time at Saint Henry Catholic School as a fifth-grade math teacher. He finds great joy in tutoring students, particularly in one-on-one settings, as he loves to see the kids excel and thrive in their learning experiences.
Jane Miniard
Jane holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Cedarville University and went on to earn her Master's degree from Northern Kentucky University. She is proud to be a National Board Certified Teacher, with an impressive career that includes 23 years of dedicated teaching experience within the school system. After a fulfilling teaching career, she officially retired in June 2022. Jane has also completed Orton-Gillingham (OG) and Barton training, which has enhanced her teaching skills. She joined the Mind Over Matter team in August of 2024, where she continues to make a positive impact on students. Jane is a proud mother of three adult children and shares her home with a wonderful rescue dog named Millie. Excitingly, she is looking forward to becoming a grandmother in June of 2025! In her free time, Jane enjoys traveling, gardening, walking, and spending quality moments with her family. Additionally, she works part-time as a special education clerk for Boone County Schools. Jane finds tutoring exceptionally rewarding, as it allows her to witness students improve academically, build their self-confidence, and develop essential study skills that will serve them well throughout their learning.
Hannah Wynn
Hannah has her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE). She has been the lead preschool teacher for three wonderful years, where she passionately educates and nurtures young minds. Residing in Lakeside Park, she shares her home with her husband and their playful cat. Hannah has cultivated strong roots in the area, having grown up here and attended school locally, which has deepened her connection to the community. Currently, she is a dedicated full-time lead preschool teacher at Blessed Sacrament, where she inspires her students every day. In her free time, Hannah enjoys going to the gym to stay active and spending quality time with her family and friends. Her love for tutoring shines through as she provides personalized support that makes learning enjoyable and engaging for each student. Witnessing a student have an “aha” moment when a challenging concept finally clicks is an incredibly rewarding experience for her. Tutoring allows Hannah to make a meaningful impact, not just in their academic success, but also in fostering their overall confidence and love for learning.
