MR. THOMAS STYLES Mr. Styles has his degrees in Elementary Education and Developmental Reading. He is certified in Elementary Education and 7-12 Mathematics. Mr. Styles has taught in public and private elementary schools for twelve years. He was recognized as one of the region's top educators by News Channel 13 in 2007. Mr. Styles is also a writer with multiple publications in local and regional magazines and papers. He writes on educational issues part time for a leading science and technology website, Brighthub. TSL is a company that Mr. Styles established after having run a highly successful summer arts and education program for two years in the Niskayuna area. His trusted colleagues worked with him to host a small school-aged summer program founded on the principles of cooperation and mutual respect. This later expanded to providing quality before and after school child care to school-aged children. Regardless of the program, a child's day at TSL will be highly structured, motivating, and adhere to the goals of the TSL mission statement. The heart and soul of TSL, and what makes it different than other programs is the education, experience, and commitment of its partners and staff. Mr. Styles, along with Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Brown-Johnson look forward to continued growth of TSL Adventures. LYNETTE SMITH Lynette Smith has been an educator for the City School District of Albany for over 12 years. She obtained a B.S. from the College of Saint Rose in Elementary Education/Mathematics, an M.S. from SUNY Albany in Literacy and a Certificate of Advanced Studies (C.A.S.) in Educational Administration. Having taught 1st, 2nd, and 6th grades, Lynette has gained a wealth of experience in the primary and intermediate grade levels. Her contagious passion and energy for teaching is evident during her instruction and delivery. During her undergraduate studies at the College of Saint Rose, Lynette and Shameka met Thomas Styles and an instant friendship was formed. Collaborating and exchanging ideas and best practices in education throughout the years, the trio has recently embarked on their latest endeavor, The TSL program. SHAMEKA BROWN-JOHNSON Shameka Brown-Johnson has been teaching for over twelve years. With such a wealth of teaching experience, she has developed the diverse and unique qualifications necessary to become a successful and effective educator. She has earned a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education, a Masters degree as a Literacy Specialist and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration. Shameka has always embraced education and knew early on that she had a passion for teaching. She is very good with the students.  She has an innate ability to quickly develop that special rapport needed to motivate them. Encouraging students to want to strive for excellence in every endeavor is what truly makes her special. Her greatest joy is the jubilant smiles on the students’ faces when they succeed. Shameka and Thomas have worked together for years.  They discovered in college that they shared the same passion to make learning fun and engaging for students. They have taught together on many projects and are lifelong friends. Today Shameka continues to look for new challenges and opportunities that would to empower and motivate students.  She currently teaches sixth grade in the public school system.   TESTIMONIALS: "Tom Styles has been teaching 5th Grade at St. Helen’s School for 4 years.  His classroom is full of excitement, energy and enthusiasm.  He brings out the best qualities in every student he teaches.  Tom clearly loves being a teacher.  He loves his job.  Last year, it was no surprise to his students and colleagues, that he was named a News Channel 13 Educator of the Week in the Capital Region.  His dedication for the school goes beyond the classroom.  Last year, he envisioned and put together a month-long Summer Arts and Education Program at St. Helen's School for children in 1st - 6th grade. Each week was devoted to a separate theme – Holidays of the Year – Children celebrated Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Easter, and Halloween Drama – The children put on a fun performance of The Shoemaker and the Elves. Water Fun – Everyone enjoyed water balloons, and sprinklers galore. Sports – Children had a chance to play all sorts of organized games. The program was met with a positive first-time success.  Enrollment was near the maximum 25 children per week.  He had Junior Helpers – older siblings of the enrolled children and past St. Helen’s Graduates.  The children were constantly on the go either doing a craft, singing a song, playing in the gym or engaging in organized games.  It was a month of pure fun and cooperative learning. This summer, Tom again brought children together for 4 weeks.  This year, the word had gotten out and the program filled up quickly.  Enrollment was at capacity each week and unfortunately some children were put on a waiting list!  Energy-filled activities revolved around these themes: Creepy Crawlers, Pirates, Seasons and Drama.  I know that Tom will put the same amount of energy and enthusiasm into establishing a Summer Program for you as he has done at St. Helen’s School."  ~ Parent & Local School Staff Member
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