About Us | Uncommonly Awesome Learning

Our Awesome Team

Kristin Rourke, Director

Kristin (she/they) has been working in education with neurdivergent students and students who learn differently for nearly ten years. She was a special educator in Maryland public schools and California private schools, before starting her own tutoring company in 2020. She earned her MS in Education from Johns Hopkins University in 2015. Kristin also has a BFA and MA in Architectural History, and her favorite architectural style is Elizabethan Tudor (check out Hardwick Hall, it's fantastic!). When not teaching, Kristin is either writing novels, playing video games, traveling with their partner, or taking too many photos of their cats.

Michelle Daily, Assistant Director

Michelle (she/her) has spent nearly 15 years in education, primarily in Early Childhood Education. She taught Pre K for several years, where she designed an outdoor Art Yard, lead art classes inspired by the seasons, and created a large sensory garden with her students. Michelle most recently worked in management for a private Preschool, before moving back to the Bay Area in 2023. She is passionate about creating space for children to feel seen, heard, and appreciated as they are. Outside of school, Michelle lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where she enjoys the simplicity of mountain life & animal visitors. She has a tuxedo cat named Teddy, and spends her free time collecting vintage & antiques, making pottery & with her partner.

Olivia Robinson, Teacher

Olivia (she/her) is our math and science teacher. She loves the process of learning math and showing students how capable they really are!

She is a UC Santa Cruz graduate with Bachelor’s degrees in Astrophysics, Economics, and History of Art and Visual Culture. At UCSC, Olivia also conducted theoretical research on self interacting dark matter models and observational research on supernovae using Lick Observatory telescopes.

Outside of work, she loves tending to her houseplants, learning about geography, and doing arts and crafts like painting and cross-stitching!

Kiana Rodriguez, Assistant Teacher

Kiana spent nearly two years as a Registered Behavior Therapist, where she gained experience supporting students in unique and meaningful ways. She holds an AA in Psychology and Social & Behavioral Sciences, and has a natural passion for helping kids learn, grow, and discover their own interests.
Outside of work, Kiana is full of energy and fun. She loves spending time with her dog and hanging out with friends and family. She’s an avid reader, a lover of the outdoors, and believes there’s nothing better than a cozy soft blanket after a long day. Some of her favorite things include Halloween, Christmas, football season, and anything Nightmare Before Christmas or Harry Potter. She also enjoys trying new things, watching funny animal videos, and making everyday life a little more joyful.