Team
Meet Our Caring Team
Meet the passionate educators behind Mama Bear’s Tutoring—a team dedicated to creating a supportive, personalized learning experience. With years of experience and a deep commitment to student growth, they provide focused, one-on-one support designed to help every child feel confident, capable, and proud of their progress.
Lynn McGuire
Hi! I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Lynn McGuire, and I’m a 5th grade teacher at Armstrong Elementary in Cottage Grove. I’ve been teaching for 28 years, and it continues to be one of the greatest joys of my life. I hold both a K–12 Reading License and a 1–6 Elementary Education License, and I also earned my Master’s degree in Education. Over the years, I’ve taught reading intervention and supported students of all abilities in building confidence and skills.
Outside the classroom, I’m a proud mom of three college kids. My husband, also a former teacher, recently transitioned into a new career in finance. Our home is always full of learning, laughter, and lots of love!
I started Mama Bear’s Tutoring three years ago after noticing a growing need in my own classroom. While I love teaching in the classroom, I’ve found that working one-on-one with students is truly where my passion lies. It allows me to give each child the individual attention they deserve, free from the distractions of a busy school day. I specialize in both reading and math, and nothing makes me happier than seeing those “aha!” moments when a student truly gets it.
I look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s learning journey!g and a strong work ethic.
Sara Bebeau
Sara Bebeau is an experienced educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. Throughout her career, she has taught kindergarten, second grade, and currently teaches fourth grade at Crestview Elementary. She earned her undergraduate teaching license from Winona State University and holds a master’s degree in Curriculum Development and Teacher Leadership from Moorhead State University. Sara lives in South St. Paul with her family. She and her husband, who works for Xcel Energy, have two daughters—Sophie (17) and Julia (15)—who are both active in softball and cross country. Outside the classroom, Sara enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is deeply passionate about inspiring students to develop a love for learning and a strong work ethic.
Kayla Segura
Kayla Segura is a dedicated fourth grade teacher at Middleton Elementary, where she has been teaching for the past six years. Before stepping into the classroom full-time, she spent three years as an intervention teacher, supporting students in reaching their academic goals. Kayla holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in elementary education, and she especially enjoys teaching math.
Outside of school, Kayla stays busy with her three children. Together, they love spending time outdoors—whether it’s hiking, relaxing at the cabin, or simply enjoying nature as a family.
Tom Ross
Tom Ross is a dedicated public school literacy coach with a strong passion for helping students become confident, capable readers. He holds a K–12 Reading License and is Orton-Gillingham Certified, specializing in structured literacy instruction tailored to meet the diverse needs of all learners. With a student-centered approach and a commitment to evidence-based practices, Tom strives to foster literacy success for every child he supports.
Jennifer Berling
Jennifer Berling is a seasoned educator with 20 years of teaching experience, currently teaching third grade at Armstrong Elementary. Over the course of her career, she has taught a range of grade levels including second through sixth grade, bringing a wealth of knowledge and versatility to the classroom. She earned her undergraduate teaching license from Winona State University and holds a master’s degree from St. Mary’s University.
Jennifer lives in Cottage Grove with her husband, Pete, and their two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is passionate about working with children and is dedicated to helping each student learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
Ellie Groskopf
Hi, I’m Ellie Groskopf! I have a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading Instruction from Winona State University. Right now, I work as an Intervention Teacher, helping K-5 students with reading and math. I’ve had the chance to work with lots of different students and I really enjoy finding ways to make learning fun and meaningful for each child. My goal is to build strong, supportive relationships with my students and make sure they feel confident in their abilities. I’m excited to work with your child and help them reach their academic goals!