Laura Cloher is a graduate of the University of Maryland where she received her undergraduate degree in Family Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and her Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She teaches elementary school in Silver Spring, MD and privately tutors students at the elementary and middle school levels in the Washington, DC area.
Teaching is a passion for Laura and she strives to meet students’ goals, both academically and socially. Because her students’ success is important to her, she creates a learning atmosphere that respects and enhances each individual’s diverse personality and learning styles. Since each learner is unique, her teaching strategies are constantly changing to match her pupil’s specific needs. Laura does an amazing job of building solid educational relationships with all of her students. She has had experiences working with students PreK to fifth grade with various learning disabilities including ADD/ADHD, Autism, speech impairments, and students who are developmentally delayed. Laura is the 2012 Marian Greenblatt award winner for Scholarly Excellence and Commitment to Students with Diverse Needs in Montgomery County Public Schools.
Always aware of good health and fitness, Laura established Girls On The Run (GOTR) at her school. In addition to her teaching, Laura is dedicated to running and has completed 17 marathons. She believes her training keeps her focused and motivated to continually try her best and excel at what she does. Laura takes this mentality into her teaching with the mantra “Never Give Up!”
In her spare time, Laura enjoys swimming, practicing yoga and reading.

Laura Togut graduated from Harvard University in 2008 with a degree in Economics. She currently works as a freelance food photographer and food tourism entrepreneur. Laura is also a regular contributor to the popular food blog Serious Eats.
Evelisse Mercado is a highly experienced and dedicated educator with over a decade of teaching expertise. Currently in her fifth year at the Valhalla Union Free School District, Evelisse has taught both first and second grade, and she presently serves as a second-grade teacher. Beyond the classroom, she is a Grade Level Leader responsible for planning curriculum, ensuring instructional alignment with the Next Generation Learning Standards, and supporting colleagues in delivering high-quality lessons. She also serves as her school’s ELA Data Analyst, where she drives instruction across the entire K–2 building by closely monitoring reading, foundational skills, and writing data to inform effective teaching practices.
Sara Levin is currently a