Debbie Arena

Debbie was born and raised in New Orleans and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Louisiana State University. Debbie then moved to New York City where she earned her Master's Degree in Special Education and subsequently pursued an impressive teaching career, which included her winning the Teacher of the Year Award. She has extensive experience teaching in public schools across several states, including Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. In New Jersey, Debbie acted as Chairperson of the Bergen County Challenge Program for 15 years and worked on the Governor's State Level Planning Committee for the Special Education Curriculum. 

 

When moving to Maryland, she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children by helping them in a one-on-one setting at what is now known as Broder Tutoring Center where she has been a tutor, leader, and evaluator for over 20 years. 

 

She has completed extensive coursework in the area of phonemic awareness which is one of her areas of expertise. Debbie blends the Wilson Reading Program and Orton-Gillingham system to teach reading to students who are struggling or have been diagnosed with dyslexia. She also specializes in providing specialized placement testing for students who may have fallen behind. Debbie’s passion is helping students with the verbal portion of the SSAT, HSPT, ISEE, SAT, and ACT. She not only teaches the reading and writing material but stresses strategies that work for individual learners. Her students all thrive under her tutelage. Debbie is one of those teachers who a student would never forget!

 

Debbie’s grown children live in New York City and both work for Google. Her husband has spent his career as a videographer for Fox News and currently has his own business. Debbie’s love of her life was her dog Peaches. In her spare time, Debbie enjoys Pilates and reading.