Hello, I am Toni, the founder of Wit & Whimsy Learning Studios. My journey in education has worn many hats: I am a Mom of two incredible kids, homeschool teacher, former Fairfax County Public School educator, and a lifelong learner with a Master of Education.

I’ve seen firsthand that when a child’s curiosity is sparked, there’s no limit to what they can achieve. In my own home, I have navigated the unique paths of both the public school system and homeschooling, giving me a deep appreciation for the fact that every child’s educational needs are distinct. I’ve sat on both sides of the IEP and 504 table - as both an educator and a parent - which has fueled my commitment to creating a neuro-affirming environment where every learner is celebrated.

As a professional educator, I have dedicated my career to working with exceptional students across the entire spectrum - from those requiring remediation and special education support to those craving high-level enrichment. I am a firm believer that every child is capable: our work begins by meeting them exactly where they are.

This philosophy is backed by academic research; I had the privilege of collaborating with my Graduate Professor on errors and misconceptions in mathematics. This experience allows me to look past a “wrong answer” to identify the root of a student’s misunderstanding, turning moments of frustration into a stronger, more confident foundation.

I founded my business to be a bridge between rigorous academic support and the creative spark that often gets lost in the shuffle. To provide that bridge, I draw on a diverse toolkit of neuro-affirming practices and professional certifications including:

• Academic Precision: Trained Intervention Specialist with expertise in Responsive Classroom and Virginia Literacy & Reading Assessments (VCLA / VRA).

• Scientific Wonder: Certified in Project WILD, Learning Tree, and Watershed Training, plus NASA Lunar Certification to bring world-class science to our labs.

• Civic & Historical Inquiry: B.A. in Political Science and trained in History Alive! to transform social studies into active, inquiry-based learning.

• Empowered Communication: B.A. in Speech Communications and specialized research in Women’s Studies to help students build confidence, find their voice, and learn the power of their own stories.

• Community Leadership: Served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader for three years (Daisies-Juniors). I specialized in streamlining complex badge requirements into immersive, hands-on workshops that fostered leadership, service, and a love for discovery while supporting a diverse troop of neurodivergent learners.

Whether I’m conducting educational evaluations or designing a new Learning Lab, my goal is always the same: to provide the tools, the structure, and the whimsy needed for students to truly thrive.

When I’m not in the Learning Studio, you can usually find me with a book in my hand or planning my next big creative project.